As it's Halloween, we've been taking a look back at some of the spookiest spots in Leeds, and finding out how we can try our hands at ghost hunting, and turns out there's plenty of options to choose from.
Leeds is a city home to many historic buildings with haunted pasts - but there's perhaps no building more spooky than this.
The Armley building is thought to be the most haunted of them all.
The Armley building currently houses the popular Leeds Industrial Museum - which welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the year who come to awe at its incredible industrial collections from years gone by, but the museum building is actually part of the wider Armley Mills.
Armley Mills was once regarded as the world's largest woollen mill where hundreds of men, women, and children worked.
It's believed the spirits of those workers still remain in the building until this very day.
Armley Mills was once regarded as the world's largest woollen mill / Credit: Geograph | Wikimedia Commons
This is why it's said that paying a visit to Armley Mills after the sun's gone down is one of the spookiest things to do in Leeds, and probably the whole of Yorkshire, to be honest.
The earliest record of Armley Mills is as far back as the 16th century.
In 1788 ,the building was bought by a cloths merchant who expanded the premises, but unfortunately, the mills were destroyed by a fire in the early 1800s shortly after it was sold on, and it had to be rebuilt to the building it is today.
Due to its haunted reputation, there are ghost hunts held in the building throughout the year - but only for those that are brave enough.
Paying a visit to Armley Mills after the sun's gone down is one of the spookiest things to do in Leeds / Credit: Geograph (Ashley Dace)
Paranormal activities have been reported by those who have previously ventured into the mills after dark.
It's been claimed that scary shadows have been seen, footsteps have been heard when no one is there, and objects have been moved from one location to another.
It's even been said that many young children who used to work in the mill hundreds of years ago, are still present in spirit, and have been known to tug on people's clothing or chuck items around in way to gain attention.
People have also claimed to have encountered a little boy crying and a woman in a Victorian dress.
Fancy a tour of Armley Mills for yourself then? There are regular ghost hunts are run by local events company Haunted Happenings, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image - Wikimedia Commons
Leeds
Smash-hit West End musical Trainspotting is coming to Leeds later this year
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
The Hoot -
20th August 2021 
