One of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, founded over 800 years ago.

Holiday opening times: 

Christmas eve – close 1pm
Christmas day and Boxing day – closed
27 – 30 Dec – open as usual
New Years eve – close 4pm
New Years day and Monday 1 Jan – closed
Tuesday 2 Jan – open as usual

Arial view of Kirkstall Abbey

Tales of Kirkstall Abbey is our informal audio guide, which takes visitors on a journey through some key areas of the abbey ruins.

Through short conversations with curators and members of the Kirkstall Abbey team visitors can discover the history of the abbey and the people who called it home.

Using your smartphone or tablet, you will find 10 points across the ruins to scan a QR code or follow a short bit.ly link which will take you to our website and the audio trail.