If you're a neighbour of the museum, this one's for you.
From what was once the Leeds Union Workhouse which housed the poor and homeless of the city, to now being an award-winning museum of modern medicine.
And if you live or work in the area, entry is completely free of charge.
Every Monday, the Thackray Museum of Medicine opens its doors free of charge to locals. All you need to do is book a time slot online in advance, and show something with your address on - be it a letter addressed to you, driving licence or a St James’s Hospital pass.
Thackray Museum of Medicine says "We want everyone to feel like they can come to the museum and enjoy the story of medicine, after all, it affects every one of us! As part of that commitment, every Monday we offer free entry to anyone who either works and/or lives in Harehills."
As the biggest medical museum in the UK, there's so much to explore across the two floors.
The building is packed with history too. Having first opened in 1861 as the Leeds Union Workhouse, it later incorporated an infirmary for the sick before then later becoming a fully-fledged hospital in 1925.
In the 1990s it was deemed to be no longer fit for modern medicine and converted into a museum by Paul Thackray, grandson of Charles Thackray who had grown a small family-run chemist shop on Great George Street during the 1900s into a major medical supply firm, supplying drugs and medical instruments and equipment across the world.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Today, the Thackray Medical Museum provides visitors with a fascinating account of the history of medicine and healthcare through its huge programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, and objects selected from the collection of 47,000 items of historical medical equipment that it holds.
Following a £4.1million redevelopment to the museum in 2021, the 11 new galleries reveal the medical innovations that have changed our lives.
Whether you want your little ones to learn all about the NHS or you want to find out more about sports injuries yourself, it's well worth hopping on a bus to Harehills to visit.
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
Sophie Smith -
27th September 2023 
