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"Kirkstall Abbey is as the name suggest is located in Kirkstall a suburb of Leeds, West Yorkshire,it is located next to the River Aire. Kirkstall is a pleasant area of Leeds, around 2 miles out of the city centre.
The Abbey itself is full of history it was founded in the 12Th century by Cistercian monks. If your interested in the history of the Abbey the Abbey House Museum opposite the Abbey itself tells the story of the community and the town. Henry De Lacey, Baron of Pontefract, gave the land for the foundation of the Abbey, and Kirkstall has a few roads named in his memory. The Abbey house Museum prices are Adults : £3.50
Concessions : £2.50 (senior citizens/students)
Children : £1.50 (16 or under, under 5s free)
Family Ticket : £5.00 (2 adults and up to 3 children)
Opening times Closed Mondays except bank holidays
Open Tue- Fri 10am -5pm Sat 12noon-5 and Sun 10am - 5pm. Toilets and a cafe are located in Abbey house.
Firstly getting there, A bus stop is right outside the Abbey so public transport is an option buses regularly leave Leeds city centre but I would suggest checking times and bus numbers before departing you could call Metroline for up to date travel information on 0113 245 7676 . By car from Leeds City Centre follow the A65 (Kirkstall Road) for approximately 2 ½ miles you can miss the Abbey is huge then take the next right into the Abbey car park located across the road from the Abbey. Parking is free which is always a bonus. The Abbey House is located next to the car park. Also next to the car park is a delightful little play ground for the kids. There is an area for toddles with baby swings and smaller climbing frame and slide then for older kids larger swings and a huge climbing frame and slide so kids big and small will enjoy it.
The Abbey itself is across a the main road from the Car park I would suggest taking extra care when crossing with children as this is a very busy main road but there is a pedestrian crossing to use.
The Abbey is marvellous to look at even in its ruined state it is a pretty impressive building. All the attractions are clearly signed posted including the Kirkstall light railway and the beautiful river side walk.
At the moment the grounds are covered in beautiful daffodils and it looks wonderful even if it is a bit chilly for a picnic at the moment when the warmer water comes it is perfect for taking a packed lunch. The is plenty of benches to sit on so it perfect for anyone who can't manage to walk too far in one go.
The riverside walks are popular with dog owners and the river Aire is also attracts people for fishing.
Children need to be supervised at all time as climbing on the ruins is not permitted and beside it pretty dangerous it amazing how high even the smallest kids seem to be able to climb when your backs turned. But this is a lovely place to let your kids explore and learn at the same time too as the Abbey has lots information point around for children to learn about the Abbey and the monks. Fun for all the family I recommend a visit.
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