Abbey House Museum

Abbey House Museum An interactive museum in Leeds. Explore the Victorian streets, reminisce in the childhood galleries and discover Leeds' social history.
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Monday: closed
Tuesday - Friday and Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 12 - 5pm

Wander the recreated Victorian streets of Leeds and feel like you have stepped back in time to the 1880s. Explore the Childhood Galleries and marvel at toys from the 1800s to the present day. Pop an old penny into our amazing collection of working penny slot machines. We have a huge range of family activities

Take a brea

k in the cafe and then step outside to use the children's play area or wander over to Kirkstall Abbey and explore the abbey grounds.

There are only a few days left to experience our Magic Faraway Tree Museum Adventure ✨Come along and explore different w...
27/08/2026

There are only a few days left to experience our Magic Faraway Tree Museum Adventure ✨

Come along and explore different worlds from the Magic Faraway Tree book and recent hit film, with fun drawing and writing activities, plus prompts designed to spark conversations about what you’ve encountered in the museum.

If you're stuck for what to do on with the last few days of the summer holidays, this is your sign to spend it at Abbey House Museum!

A free spotter trail from Kids in Museums and Blyton Books, celebrating Enid Blyton’s much loved children’s book series, The Magic Faraway Tree.

We are always pleased when people want to leave their drawings with us! Don't forget to tag Kids in Museums in your your...
18/08/2026

We are always pleased when people want to leave their drawings with us!

Don't forget to tag Kids in Museums in your your competition entry for the chance to win the four books in The Magic Faraway Tree series and a Double National Art Pass ✏️

14/08/2026

Step back in time and try your luck on our original Penny Slot Machines at Abbey House Museum! 🎰✨

These charming early‑20th‑century machines were once the stars of seaside arcades and fairground halls - and you can still play them today for just one old‑fashioned penny.

No screens or flashing lights - just mechanical magic, nostalgia and plenty of surprises.

Perfect for curious kids, retro‑loving grown‑ups and anyone who enjoys a bit of hands‑on fun.

You can also explore The Magic Faraway Tree trail, hunt for little storybook moments from favourite tales on the Victorian Streets, and dive into craft activities in the craft room on the first floor.

Lots to keep little ones entertained.

Book tickets online > https://bit.ly/4qe7cJs

✨ Magic Faraway Tree meets Stories on the Streets! 🌳A little book‑lover’s dream come true. 📖📚Set off on a mini adventure...
06/08/2026

✨ Magic Faraway Tree meets Stories on the Streets! 🌳

A little book‑lover’s dream come true. 📖📚

Set off on a mini adventure this summer with the free Magic Faraway Tree spotter trail. Hunt for magical lands like the Land of Topsy Turvy and the Land of Presents, try fun drawing and writing activities, and see how many surprises you can spot along the way. Head upstairs to see if you can find the Tree!

Keep your eyes peeled for storybook moments - Mad Hatter tea parties, Marvellous Medicine, towering beanstalks and more. Grab a tick sheet, explore every corner, and see if you can find them all.

Complete both trails and pick up your stickers at the end 🎉

Book your tickets: https://bit.ly/3TGOOwO

Did you know the Victorian laundry wringer at Abbey House Museum once belonged to a real Leeds household? Come explore o...
05/08/2026

Did you know the Victorian laundry wringer at Abbey House Museum once belonged to a real Leeds household? Come explore our Victorian Streets this summer and discover everyday life from over a century ago.

Add a bit of extra sparkle to your visit by picking up The Magic Faraway Tree trail with activities to complete as you go ✨🌳

Great turn out for Dr Steve Ward's talk this morning - a virtual walk around the Victorian circuses of Leeds from the co...
04/08/2026

Great turn out for Dr Steve Ward's talk this morning - a virtual walk around the Victorian circuses of Leeds from the comfort of your own seat ! Fascinating topic.

🎬 Calling all media, film and writing students - this one’s for you.Join award‑winning screenwriter Lisa Holdsworth at A...
31/07/2026

🎬 Calling all media, film and writing students - this one’s for you.

Join award‑winning screenwriter Lisa Holdsworth at Abbey House Museum on 2 September, 6:30pm–8pm, for an exclusive deep‑dive into how some of the UK’s biggest TV dramas are made.

Lisa has written for Call The Midwife, Midsomer Murders, All Creatures Great and Small and the acclaimed play Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile. She also created Dreamers for Channel 4 - a standout Leeds‑set drama that showcased her sharp storytelling and cemented her reputation as one of the region’s most exciting screenwriters.

In this special evening talk, Lisa will take you inside her creative process - from breaking into the industry to shaping beloved shows, sharing behind‑the‑scenes insights, career highs and the lessons learned along the way.

Enjoy a live Q&A and a complimentary alcoholic or non‑alcoholic drink.

This event links to our current exhibition Literature in Leeds: Prose, Poetry and Plays.

📍 Abbey House Museum
📅 2 September
⏰ 6:30pm–8pm
🎟️ Perfect for aspiring writers, media students and anyone who loves great storytelling.

Tickets £15: https://bit.ly/4vSPpsx

📷 Cast of Dreamers: Channel 4

Do you have a few minutes? We’d love to hear your memories 🫶Whether you visited as a child, brought your own little ones...
23/07/2026

Do you have a few minutes? We’d love to hear your memories 🫶

Whether you visited as a child, brought your own little ones recently, worked here, or simply have a special connection to the place, your stories mean the world to us.

As Abbey House Museum approaches its 100th birthday in 2027, we’re inviting our community to share their memories, big or small, to help us celebrate a century of nostalgia, play, discovery and Leeds history 💚

Here is the link to the short survey: https://bit.ly/4vHc0rV

Thank you :)

✨We’re excited to be hosting the Magic Faraway Tree Museum Adventure at Abbey House Museum this summer!✨Pick up a free s...
02/07/2026

✨We’re excited to be hosting the Magic Faraway Tree Museum Adventure at Abbey House Museum this summer!✨

Pick up a free spotter trail designed by and , inspired by the wonderful lands of the Magic Faraway Tree🌳

✔️ Free with admission
✔️ Family friendly, great for kids aged around 6+
✔️ Free sticker when you finish

ℹ️ Find out more: https://bit.ly/4oZz57G

The is run by in partnership with and .

Help us measure our impact for a chance to win!🏛️We're working with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to unders...
04/06/2026

Help us measure our impact for a chance to win!🏛️

We're working with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to understand the value that Abbey House Museum provides socially and economically.

Help us understand more about your visits by filling out this survey for the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Your contribution will also help shape new guidelines for valuing culture and heritage across the country.

The survey will take no more than 10 minutes to complete, we really appreciate your time. 🩷

Find the survey here https://bit.ly/LMGImpact

Address

Abbey Walk Kirkstall Leeds
Leeds
LS53EH

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