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What's On at Kirkstall Abbey

Discover our scenic Artisan Markets, family friendly school holiday events and more.

Tours of Kirkstall Abbey

We run regular tours of the abbey, led by our knowledgeable volunteers. Please call us to find out when they are available on: 0113 535 2219

Events

  • The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I

    Presented by The Three Inch Fools
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Tue 17 Jun 19:00 - 21:00
    Elizabethan theatre is flourishing. But will a brand-new Tudor musical romp, in which Good Queen Bess takes to the stage herself, be the making of this heroine or spell the beginning of her downfall?More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Tue 17 Jun
    19:00 - 21:00
    Book now

  • Meditation Walks

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 18 Jun - Wed 27 Aug
    Join this meditative walk around the peaceful Kirkstall Abbey grounds with Brahma Kumaris.More…
    Wed 18 Jun
    -
    Wed 27 Aug
    Included in Admission

  • Kirkstall Abbey Markets

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 28 Jun and Sat 30 Aug
    Come along to browse a range of local producers and makers at our regular Kirkstall Abbey Markets.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 28 Jun
    and
    Sat 30 Aug
    Book now

  • Macbeth

    Hosted by The Duke's Theatre Company
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Thu 3 Jul and Fri 4 Jul
    The Duke's Theatre Company's production of Macbeth offers a dynamic reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Known for their bold and innovative interpretations, the company brings a contemporary edge to the dark tale of ambition, murder, and madness.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Thu 3 Jul
    and
    Fri 4 Jul
    Book now

  • Birds, Bees and Butterflies

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 23 Jul 10:00 - Sun 31 Aug 15:00
    Search Kirkstall Abbbey for animals that live here this summer!More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 23 Jul
    -
    Sun 31 Aug
    From 10:00
    Give What You Can

  • Arty in the Abbey

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Tue 5 Aug - Tue 26 Aug
    Explore our abbey ruins and get arty! Throughout August we're inviting families to try a new art activity whilst discovering Kirkstall Abbey.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Tue 5 Aug
    -
    Tue 26 Aug
    Give What You Can

  • Urban Nature: Building in Lego

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 6 Aug - Wed 27 Aug
    Test your creativity! What would Kirkstall Abbey look like if we left nature to it? Let nature take over in this lego workshop.More…
    Wed 6 Aug
    -
    Wed 27 Aug
    Book now

  • A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Presented by The Three Inch Fools
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 6 Aug 19:00 - 21:00
    It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling actors are preparing a theatrical extravaganza destined to impress. With shapeshifting trouble-maker Puck at the helm, the course of true love never did run smooth.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 6 Aug
    19:00 - 21:00
    Book now

  • Crafty in the Cloister

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Thu 7 Aug - Thu 28 Aug
    Join us for craft activities in the heart of the Abbey - the cloister, the central court of Kirkstall Abbey.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Thu 7 Aug
    -
    Thu 28 Aug
    Give What You Can

  • Much Ado About Nothing & Macbeth: A Comedy Shakespeare Double Bill at Kirkstall Abbey

    Hosted by Forty Four Theatre
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 9 Aug 19:00 - 21:45
    Four Forty Theatre return for a raucous retelling of Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth - The Comedy! Both performed in one night by only four actors in forty (ish!) minutes each! “This is an exceptionally special, hilarious, speedy tour of two of Shakespeare’s arguably greatest plays!”More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 9 Aug
    19:00 - 21:45
    Book now

  • Panto at the Abbey

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Fri 15 Aug - Tue 26 Aug
    TaleGate Theatre are BACK at Kirkstall Abbey this August! Get ready to cheer for the good and boo for the bad with this summer series of live outdoor performances.Packed with songs, slapstick and silliness, these traditional, family-friendly pantomimes are the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Fri 15 Aug
    -
    Tue 26 Aug
    Book now

  • Twelfth Night

    Hosted by Folksy Theatre
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 16 Aug 19:00 - 21:00
    Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Viola disguises herself as a man and becomes entwined in a hilarious love triangle. Serving Duke Orsino, who secretly loves Countess Olivia, Viola finds herself in a twist when Olivia falls for her in disguise!More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 16 Aug
    19:00 - 21:00
    Book now

  • OUTDOOR CINEMA, Frontier Sapiens Film Festival

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Thu 21 Aug 20:30 - 23:00
    A night of big screen adventure where it should be – in the great outdoors! Returning to Kirkstall Abbey this summer, the Frontier Sapiens Film Festival is the UK’s largest open-air adventure film tour and is bringing inspiration and adventure to the big screen OUTDOORS.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Thu 21 Aug
    20:30 - 23:00
    Book now

  • LEEDS OUTDOOR CINEMA - A Knight's Tale

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Fri 22 Aug 20:30 - 23:00
    Come along for a night under the stars watching A Knight's Tale inside the walls of the historic Kirkstall Abbey.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Fri 22 Aug
    20:30 - 23:00
    Book now

  • LEEDS OUTDOOR CINEMA - Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone

    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 23 Aug 20:30 - 23:00
    We're heading right back to the start - Come along for a night under the stars watching Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone inside the walls of the magical Kirkstall Abbey.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Sat 23 Aug
    20:30 - 23:00
    Book now

  • Robin Hood

    Hosted by Folksy Theatre
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 27 Aug 14:00 - 15:00
    Set against the enchanting backdrop of the eerie Sherwood Forest, this whimsical production sees King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham trying to thwart the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood.More…
    Kirkstall Abbey
    Wed 27 Aug
    14:00 - 15:00
    Book now
Zoom in
The Abbey & Visitor Centre
Kirkstall Abbey is a marvel to behold with its dramatic architecture and magnificent ruins. The abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain. As a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument it is a haven for historians, artists and visitors to Leeds.
Zoom in
The Abbey Park
The park at Kirkstall Abbey is a great space to play, enjoy a picnic and explore all year round. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds or along the river and keep an eye out for a wide variety of events being held throughout the year. There is a large playground for children to let off steam.
Aerial shot of kirkstall abbey and surrounding greenery

Tales 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.

Tales of Kirkstall Abbey Audio Guide

Two mugs,a magnet and a print with an image of Kirkstall Abbey on

Shop Kirkstall Abbey

Reflect on the history and architecture of Kirkstall Abbey with our collection of products inspired by the venue.

Shop now

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