5 of The Best Leeds' Landmarks

There are loads of iconic landmarks in Leeds, but we've picked 5 of the best.

MS
Manning Stainton
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1) The Tetley Building

The Tetley Building is ingrained in Leeds culture and has been held close to the hearts of Leeds locals for over half a century. The once bustling brewery is now host to a contemporary art space, but will soon receive a restorative revamp, that'll see bars and eateries added to the site.

Marked by its unmistakable sign and flag on its roof, The Tetley is an iconic Leeds' landmark and the prospect of it catapulting back to the forefront of the City's consciousness with the proposed makeover, is one that's sure to excite many connected with Leeds and beyond.

2) Headingley Stadium

Sport is massive in Leeds. It's a big reason why so many recognisable athletes come from the area. Gold medal-winning boxer Nicola Adams was raised in Burmantofts, and Premier League and Champions League-winning footballer James Milner went to school in Horsforth. These are just two examples from the many, which is why it feels wrong to name just one sporting landmark, but Headingley Stadium just clinches it. Not only is it home to Leeds Rhinos Rugby and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, it also provides educational facilities for Leeds Beckett University. It's a cornerstone of local sport and has produced countless iconic sporting moments over the years in high-stake international matches - Ben Stokes' Ashes heroics in 2019 springs to mind!

3) Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey made our list for two reasons. Firstly, it looks stunning, with its ornate architecture and the backdrop of Kirkstall Valley, it's a sight to behold all year round. Secondly, it's old, dating back to the eleven hundreds, the ruined Cistercian monastery was built before the borough of Leeds even existed!

Today, the Abbey has a visitor centre that provides information and audio guides to fill you in on its rich history. A walk around the grounds, which make for a great picnic spot when it's warm enough, is well worth it.

4) The Corn Exchange

Testament to the uniqueness of the building, The Corn Exchange has become home to independents across the board. From cooks to creatives and collectors to craftspeople, the building is a hotbed of freethinking vendors and shopkeepers providing bespoke services to Leeds locals.

What makes The Corn Exchange even cooler is its past. A free market for corn trading for over 131 years, you'd be forgiven for thinking it might've struggled to move with the times, but the truth is the opposite. Within its Victorian walls, the contemporary collection of shops and food stalls make it ideal for a weekend browse. For new movers to the area, The Corn Exchange is a fantastic place to visit because it encapsulates what's so great about the city of Leeds. Vibrance and modernity are framed within a grand piece of history.

5) Temple Newsam

If you're a lover of natural beauty and fine art, Temple Newsam is a must-see. Take a tour of the house for a glimpse into luxury living, and experience some truly impressive decorative art exhibitions, before heading outside to roam the 1,500 acres of parkland including landscape gardens, woodlands, and a farm complete with sheep and pigs! It makes for a great day out, by yourself or with the family.