Be transported back to the 19th century and stroll the Victorian streets of Leeds at the Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall.
Have you ever wanted to live the life of a Victorian for a day? To explore the social history of 19th century Leeds?
Well you don't have to jump in a time machine to do so as The Abbey House Museum provides all this and more.
Established in 1927, you will find this fascinating museum opposite the famous Kirkstall Abbey.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Boasting an incredible history itself, it was originally a dwelling house for the abbey before it was operated as a farm house, and then was the home of the Butler family, the owners of Kirkstall Forge, before being purchased by Leeds City Council in 1926.
Today it offers visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of 19th century Leeds by exploring life-like cobbled streets complete with shops, pubs and houses.
You'll be handed a booklet on arrival which provides bundles of fascinating information to guide you through the streets. From the live expectancy rates of nearby towns to pay rates of millworkers through the years - one things for sure you'll definitely learn a whole lot on your trip to the Abbey House Museum.
Pop into Popplewell the grocers before stopping for a pint at the Hark to Rover pub, each recreated building is filled with original objects dating back over 100 years from the museum's extensive collection.
Upstairs you will find the museum's Childhood Galleries which exhibit their incredible growing collection of toys, 19th century dolls, memorabilia and nostalgia.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's plenty of comfortable spots for you to play and relax with their huge selection of toys and books, making it the perfect place to while away the afternoon.
The first floor of the museum is home to an annually-changing special exhibition, each one as interesting as the next. In 2022 the museum showcased a menagerie of Victorian animals in an exhibit named Curious Creatures:Victorian attitudes to animals.
Entry for an adult costs just £6, and a child aged 5-18 only £3. Family admission of up to 2 adults and 3 children is just £13.50, making it the perfect family trip out over the school holidays or on the weekend.
To find out more about this wonderful museum, take a look at their website.
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Clementine Hall -
8th February 2023 
