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Clarence Dock, Leeds

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Things to see in Leeds

Tourist information: 

Leeds Tourist Information Centre
Gateway Yorkshire, Leeds City Train Station
Tel: (0113) 242 5242.
Website: www.leedsliveitloveit.com

Passes: 

Available from Leeds City Council (tel: (0113) 222 4444; www.leeds.gov.uk), the LeedsCard entitles the bearer to discounts and special offers at some of the council's sport and leisure facilities, visitor attractions, museums and concert halls.

Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey

Built in 1152 by Cistercian monks on land that was originally bequeathed to Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Kirkstall Abbey has had many famous owners and inhabitants over the years including Henry VIII, who took it over in 1539. Today, the house and abbey form part of a living, breathing museum complex with plenty of interactive displays and exhibits.

Opening Times: Tue-Fri 1000-1700; Sat1200-1700; Sun 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 230 5492.
Website: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse
Harewood House and Gardens

The magnificent, 18th-century Harewood House is home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood, and provides visitors with a great mix of history, art, education and a fascinating ‘Below the Stairs' exhibition. In addition to learning about the history of the house and its various occupants through the years, there is also a great collection of modern art, a planetarium, a children's play area, a bird garden and several nature trails.

Opening Times: Daily 1030-1600 (April-Oct).
Admission Fees: Y
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Harewood, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 218 1010.
Website: http://www.harewood.org
Henry Moore Institute

Entered through a doorway in an imposing black granite wall, the Henry Moore Institute is dedicated to sculpture. Exhibits range from classical sculpture through to contemporary works and include pieces by Henry Moore, who was born in the nearby town of Castleford.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 74 The Headrow, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 246 7467.
Website: http://www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk
Leeds Art Gallery

Home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British Art outside London, the Leeds Art Gallery offers art lovers a great mix of works ranging from traditional prints and watercolours to paintings and sculptures.

Opening Times: Mon-Tues 1000-1700; Wed 1200 – 1700; Thurs-Sat 1000-1700; Sun 1300-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: The Headrow, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 247 8256.
Website: www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery
Royal Armouries Museum

Home to over 8,000 artefacts that span more than 3,000 years of military history, this free attraction houses the national collection of arms and armour. From Henry VIII's tournament armour to an armoured battle elephant, this fascinating collection aims to educate visitors about the causes and consequences of conflict. There are plenty of interactive displays and live battle re-enactments ensuring that is a great hit with younger visitors too. There's also an outdoor falconry display and jousting and horse shows from April to October.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Armouries Drive, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 220 1999.
Website: http://www.royalarmouries.org
Thackray Museum

This award-winning museum tells the story of the history of medicine through the use of interactive exhibits and displays. Learn about 19th-century amputation procedures, bedbugs and other common illnesses and ailments, about the developments in assisting childbirth since the Victorian era, about modern operating techniques, and much more.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Beckett Street, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 244 4343.
Website: http://www.thackraymuseum.org
Xscape Castleford

This fantastic entertainment complex includes a snow slope, ice climbing, rock climbing, aerial assault course, skate park, dodgems, cinema, bowling lanes and lazer zone. There is also a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants as well as conference facilities.

Opening Times: Daily 0800-midnight.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Colorado Way, Castleford, United Kingdom
Telephone: 0871 200 3221.
Website: http://www.xscape.co.uk
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