Leeds Industrial Museum Printable Guide

The Great Yorkshire Day Out

Leeds Industrial Museum Printable Guide

Leeds Industrial Museum Printable Guide

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Visitor Guide to the Leeds Industrial Museum

Introduction

Leeds Industrial Museum is located at Armley Mills, a historic site showcasing Leeds' industrial heritage. Once the world’s largest woolen mill, the museum tells the story of Leeds’ industrial growth from textiles to engineering. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past with exhibits on wool, engineering, locomotives, and printing, among others.

Location and Opening Hours

  • Location: Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QF, UK

  • Opening Hours:

    • Monday – Closed

    • Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    • Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

How to Get There

  • By Bus: Several bus services from Leeds city centre stop near the museum. Check local bus timetables for routes 5, 14, or 72.

  • By Car: Limited free parking is available on-site. Armley Mills is just off the A58 and a short drive from the city centre.

  • By Foot: A pleasant 30-minute walk along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal will bring you to the museum.

Admission Prices

  • Adults: £5.50

  • Children (under 5): Free

  • Concessions: £4.50

  • Family ticket: £12.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children)

  • Leeds Card, Max Card, and other discounts are accepted.

Main Exhibits

  1. Textiles Gallery: The heart of the museum, this exhibit showcases the machinery and processes used in Leeds’ booming textile industry, from spinning and weaving to fulling and finishing wool. Visitors can see looms in action and learn how this trade shaped the city's economy.

  2. Engineering and Locomotives: A fascinating collection of engines and locomotives, reflecting the industrial and engineering advancements made in Leeds. Highlights include a range of steam engines, an 1812 built crane engine, and early locomotive designs from Leeds-based manufacturers.

  3. Film and Photography Gallery: Explore Leeds’ role in the history of film and photography. The museum houses several working models of early cinema projectors and film-making equipment, demonstrating how the city contributed to early media technology.

  4. Printing Gallery: The Printing Gallery displays a variety of historic presses and machinery that were integral to Leeds’ printing industry. Visitors can see the intricate machines used to produce newspapers, books, and labels that were exported around the world.

  5. Social History Displays: Learn about the daily lives of workers in Leeds during the Industrial Revolution. These exhibits tell personal stories of mill workers, engineers, and factory hands, offering a glimpse into their homes, education, and leisure time.

Special Events and Workshops

Throughout the year, Leeds Industrial Museum hosts a range of special events, from themed weekends, craft workshops, and living history demonstrations to school holiday activities for children. Be sure to check their events calendar for more details.

Facilities

  • Café: Enjoy refreshments in the museum café, offering light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

  • Gift Shop: Purchase locally made crafts, books on Leeds’ history, and souvenirs in the gift shop.

  • Toilets and Baby Changing: Facilities are available on-site, including accessible toilets.

  • Accessibility: The museum offers step-free access and lifts to all floors, though some areas may be difficult to navigate due to the nature of the historic building.

Things to Do Nearby

  • Kirkstall Abbey: Just a short drive or walk along the River Aire, this stunning medieval abbey is one of Leeds' most picturesque historic sites.

  • Leeds and Liverpool Canal: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the canal towpath, which runs adjacent to the museum, and take in the industrial architecture and scenery.

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is plenty to explore both inside and outside the museum.

  • Check the museum’s website or social media pages for the latest event information.

  • Bring a camera to capture the historic machinery and scenic surroundings.

Contact Information

  • Phone: +44 113 378 3173

  • Website: Leeds Industrial Museum Website

  • Email: armleymills@leeds.gov.uk

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Leeds Industrial Museum, helping visitors make the most of their experience. Whether you're fascinated by textiles, engineering, or social history, the museum offers something for everyone.