Kirkstall Abbey

Happy New Year everyone! What better way to start the year than being included in this list of the 12 oldest buildings in Yorkshire! 😄

If you took part in any of the centenary events to mark World War One in 2014-2018, we would love to hear your thoughts and would be very grateful if you could spend a few minutes filling out the survey below.
Thankyou
Leeds Museums & Galleries.
... https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/24HKR/
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Winter may be here and the cold weather drawing in, but if it is cold you can stay inside our visitor centre for the final meditative events of the year. Tuesdays afternoons are the time for our Mindfulness At The Abbey regular drop in group with Steve Hart in the Colonel North Room, and on Wednesday mornings you can meet with Leeds Brahma Kumaris and Experience Meditation at Kirkstall Abbey, inside or out (weather dependent). Both are free, neither require booking, come for a taster or dip in and out – no commitment necessary. Click on the links below for more information on each.
https://www.facebook.com/events/121282782 139463/
https://www.facebook.com/events/582750795 493131/

Look whose on his way to our carols! It's the lovely Nigel, the donkey, superstar of last years nativity ❤❤❤
Join us 2-3pm this afternoon (sunday 9 December) to get in the festive mood with the Heritage Singers and the Abbeylands

There are places left on this unique free event Saturday afternoon, just ring or email to book on in advance https://www.facebook.com/events/296924554 477863/?ti=cl

It's our last Deli Market of the year tomorrow and Sunday, so we hope you can make it down. it's also the last chance to see our 'Faith In Peace And War' installation, which is also in the Abbey, so why not come and see both? You can pick up your free exhibition guide from our lovely staff in the Visitor Centre.

A chance to find out what you wanted to know about Mindfulness, with a free talk and led session by Steve Hart (Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre) and a chance to pick up leaflets from local organisations. Part of Kirkstall Abbey's Wellbeing Week, 12-17 March.

Confronting & Healing Demons in the use of the Phurba, or Demon Dagger.
Originating from shamanism and early Buddhst and Hindu Tantra, the "demon dagger" offers a deep symbolic fascination for many working with healing their own negative energies. Explore some history and accounts of using this ancient magical sacred technology.
This event is hosted by Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre, at Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre (Colonel North Room). Free, no booking required.

We now explore the life of a reviver of the tibetan buddhist tradition and explore his teachings on emptiness.
This is a free event, part of a series of talks and led practices hosted by Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre No booking required - please come to the visitor centre at Kirkstall Abbey (Colonel North Room).

Here we face an enigmatic yet deeply compassionate historical and mythical personage in the form of Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche - Afghani tantric master and "tamer of turbulence".
This is a free event brought to you by Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Centre. No booking required. Event takes place in the Colonel North Room, Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre.

What world views emerge from varying buddhist cosmologies and how they do connect with the universe of modern physics ?
This free event is presented by Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre. No booking is required. Event takes place in the Colonel North Room, Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre

What is the world tree - the "axis mundi" and what does this have to do with our growth and development ? Explore this central motif in many different faiths.
A free event hosted by Leeds MIndfulness & Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre. No booking required. Located in the Colonel North Room, Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre.

Being open to visualising the female Buddha of active compassion and resonating with her healing influence; an opportunity to be receptive to the sacred feminine.
This is a free event brought to you by Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre. No booking required.
Event takes place in the Colonel North Room (Visitor Centre, Kirkstall Abbey)

'The One Body of Life: Ethics, Interpendency and social engagement in Buddhism and other Faiths'.
Here we move closer to tasting a depper connectivity with the world and explore our gifts of positive qualities, helping heal our relationships with ourselves with ourselves and our world.
A free event in the Colonel North Room (Kirkstall Abbey visitor centre), no booking required. Hosted by Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Centre.

A dance performance with dervish and mindfulness resonances. With Lola Maury dance company.
This is a free event facilitated by Leeds Mindfulness and Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre. No booking required.
... The performance will take place in Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre (Colonel North Room)
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Deepening levels of happiness and wellbeing may be where meditation can take us - here we will be mapping higher states of consciousness in Buddhism and other traditions.
A free event, hosted by Leeds Mindfulness & Positive Emotion Enhancement Centre, at Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre (Colonel North Room). No booking required.

A drop-in hour long weekly mindfulness session run by Leeds Mindfulness facilitator Steve Hart, which takes part in the Visitor Centre of Kirkstall Abbey. For more details please see http://www.leeds-mindfulness.uk/mindfulne ss-groups-leeds/
Occasionally group pauses for school holidays.
To check with venue whether a session is runningn please contact 0113 3784079

There are some spaces left on this free event with Prof. Matt Cook and West Yorkshire Queer Stories, a week on Saturday in our Visitor Centre. Please ring or email to book your place (details in link).

Abbey House Museum gift appeal A large proportion of the local area in Kirkstall are retired older people, we know from our contacts that many of them live by themselves and could feel lonely and isolated – particularly at Christmas. We are putting on a Christmas event for them this year which will bring approximately 30 older isolated people from the local community to the museum to give them a chance to get out of the house and meet new friends. The whole day is free and... volunteer run. They will get a full Christmas dinner, a present from Santa, raffle, bingo, a Christmas choir so they can have a sing-a-long and also help and advice about looking after themselves in winter. We are seeking donations of gifts for presents, bingo prizes and raffle prizes and also donations of food for the meal itself. If you think you could help with donations of the above please contact Mark Kilvington at mark.kilvington@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 3784079.
Many thanks
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it is a brilliant market food is delicious and a lovely setting fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Highly recommend a visit.

What a fabulous event. Took my Daughter and Grandaughter. Grandaughter almost 3 years old. She had an amazing time. Singing with Elsa one of her favourites, we visited her at least 4 times. Tinkerbell got hugs from her, she loved the dancing lesson (although she pretty much did her own thing) but followed Tink everywhere, she was lovely with her, the magic dust was a really good end to the lesson. Lib sat as near to the stage as she could for the Peter Pan performance. Great acting. The Robin Hood Fox stayed in character the whole time even when said Grandaughter tried to distract him asking about his climbing. He was lovely with her though. The young lady who organised the fashion show also worked her socks off. I know we missed some of the performances but there was so much to see and do in 3 hours. Well done to all involved. Fabulous, looking forward to next year. Thankyou.

This is just the most magical place...friendly people, fabulously maintained and sitting at the heart of an amazing community

The kids loved it and the photos we got was great they was so much to do it was a fab day out will b doing it again lv the place

The abbey and grounds are one of my favourite places and so beautiful. I adore the deli / craft weekends and special events hosted here .

The Fairy Tale Kingdom at Kirkstall Abbey was magical, both our children loved it. I was a bit concerned my 4 year old Son would find it too girlie but he loved the Peter Pan/ Captain Hook Panto and found the holla hoops fun. Plus making a wand was a hit.

My Daughter who is 2 loved the dance lesson with Tinkerbell and meeting Elsa from Frozen, she was star struck.

We found it great value for money and would definitely go again. Even the big people enjoyed it, myself and Hubby loved seeing our kids have a great time and thought all the live actors were fab. Special mention to Tinkerbell as I just thought she captured the character amazingly well.

Only moan was food but understand that some suppliers failed to attend so not your fault.

Lovely place for a nice walk around, with a nice river to watch flowing. The abbey is amazing too and a nice piece of history.

Love this place! I come for a walk here with my little one most weeks, such a lovely walk, it's really baby friendly with a changing table and there's always somewhere to feed her. The deli Market is great, brilliant stalls, amazing food, great community atmosphere. The cinema events are fantastic. I just love it!

Had a great time here today with my 2 and 3 yr old. They loved all the dress up and old toys to play with. Plus the troll hunt was lots of fun

Free parking. Very interesting excellent for a few hours

Fabulous venue, great choice of stalls and a great atmosphere. I always look forward to visiting.

Fabulous day out with the family...well worth it!!

Brilliant hocus pocus event loved the location well organised perfect Halloween treat 🤡🎃👹👿👻

Both adults and children loved the experience, good value for money and magical!

Attended with family and friends..Kids entertained with various fun activities.

Throughly recommended

An excellent market, with friendly traders and lots of delicious food to try and buy.



I would heartily recommend the cheese stall!!



This is definitely one of the best little markets in Leeds.



The last Saturday and consecutive Sunday of the Month, 12 -3pm, March through to November, in the cloisters.

All I can say is get to the Caribbean tent for some really beautiful jerk chicken and a really pleasant couple creating the magic x

A fantastic little gem of a market. Stall holders are selling very fine quality goods. The street food is excellent. This market is set in the cloister of the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey Ruins and runs every month. The atmosphere is very nice. Children and Pets are also very welcome.

Very disappointed - by the food. I chose the Killa Dilla stall for the Mexican qeusilla. Wish I'd not bothered. Tasted of nothing at all. Waited 15 minutes at 1pm to be told they also had no cheese!! Maybe they should have plodded to the cheese stall - which was worth a visit! My friend chose the Polish Sausage stall again very poor. Stood in the cue for 15 mins yo be told there were no potatoes left, to come back when the bell rang, which she did - queued again for another 10 minutes and tasted bland. What a shame

it is a brilliant market food is delicious and a lovely setting fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Highly recommend a visit.

What a fabulous event. Took my Daughter and Grandaughter. Grandaughter almost 3 years old. She had an amazing time. Singing with Elsa one of her favourites, we visited her at least 4 times. Tinkerbell got hugs from her, she loved the dancing lesson (although she pretty much did her own thing) but followed Tink everywhere, she was lovely with her, the magic dust was a really good end to the lesson. Lib sat as near to the stage as she could for the Peter Pan performance. Great acting. The Robin Hood Fox stayed in character the whole time even when said Grandaughter tried to distract him asking about his climbing. He was lovely with her though. The young lady who organised the fashion show also worked her socks off. I know we missed some of the performances but there was so much to see and do in 3 hours. Well done to all involved. Fabulous, looking forward to next year. Thankyou.

This is just the most magical place...friendly people, fabulously maintained and sitting at the heart of an amazing community

The kids loved it and the photos we got was great they was so much to do it was a fab day out will b doing it again lv the place

The abbey and grounds are one of my favourite places and so beautiful. I adore the deli / craft weekends and special events hosted here .

The Fairy Tale Kingdom at Kirkstall Abbey was magical, both our children loved it. I was a bit concerned my 4 year old Son would find it too girlie but he loved the Peter Pan/ Captain Hook Panto and found the holla hoops fun. Plus making a wand was a hit.

My Daughter who is 2 loved the dance lesson with Tinkerbell and meeting Elsa from Frozen, she was star struck.

We found it great value for money and would definitely go again. Even the big people enjoyed it, myself and Hubby loved seeing our kids have a great time and thought all the live actors were fab. Special mention to Tinkerbell as I just thought she captured the character amazingly well.

Only moan was food but understand that some suppliers failed to attend so not your fault.

Lovely place for a nice walk around, with a nice river to watch flowing. The abbey is amazing too and a nice piece of history.

Love this place! I come for a walk here with my little one most weeks, such a lovely walk, it's really baby friendly with a changing table and there's always somewhere to feed her. The deli Market is great, brilliant stalls, amazing food, great community atmosphere. The cinema events are fantastic. I just love it!

Had a great time here today with my 2 and 3 yr old. They loved all the dress up and old toys to play with. Plus the troll hunt was lots of fun

Free parking. Very interesting excellent for a few hours

Fabulous venue, great choice of stalls and a great atmosphere. I always look forward to visiting.

Fabulous day out with the family...well worth it!!

Brilliant hocus pocus event loved the location well organised perfect Halloween treat 🤡🎃👹👿👻

Both adults and children loved the experience, good value for money and magical!

Attended with family and friends..Kids entertained with various fun activities.

Throughly recommended

An excellent market, with friendly traders and lots of delicious food to try and buy.



I would heartily recommend the cheese stall!!



This is definitely one of the best little markets in Leeds.



The last Saturday and consecutive Sunday of the Month, 12 -3pm, March through to November, in the cloisters.

All I can say is get to the Caribbean tent for some really beautiful jerk chicken and a really pleasant couple creating the magic x

A fantastic little gem of a market. Stall holders are selling very fine quality goods. The street food is excellent. This market is set in the cloister of the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey Ruins and runs every month. The atmosphere is very nice. Children and Pets are also very welcome.

Very disappointed - by the food. I chose the Killa Dilla stall for the Mexican qeusilla. Wish I'd not bothered. Tasted of nothing at all. Waited 15 minutes at 1pm to be told they also had no cheese!! Maybe they should have plodded to the cheese stall - which was worth a visit! My friend chose the Polish Sausage stall again very poor. Stood in the cue for 15 mins yo be told there were no potatoes left, to come back when the bell rang, which she did - queued again for another 10 minutes and tasted bland. What a shame

it is a brilliant market food is delicious and a lovely setting fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Highly recommend a visit.

What a fabulous event. Took my Daughter and Grandaughter. Grandaughter almost 3 years old. She had an amazing time. Singing with Elsa one of her favourites, we visited her at least 4 times. Tinkerbell got hugs from her, she loved the dancing lesson (although she pretty much did her own thing) but followed Tink everywhere, she was lovely with her, the magic dust was a really good end to the lesson. Lib sat as near to the stage as she could for the Peter Pan performance. Great acting. The Robin Hood Fox stayed in character the whole time even when said Grandaughter tried to distract him asking about his climbing. He was lovely with her though. The young lady who organised the fashion show also worked her socks off. I know we missed some of the performances but there was so much to see and do in 3 hours. Well done to all involved. Fabulous, looking forward to next year. Thankyou.

This is just the most magical place...friendly people, fabulously maintained and sitting at the heart of an amazing community

The kids loved it and the photos we got was great they was so much to do it was a fab day out will b doing it again lv the place

The abbey and grounds are one of my favourite places and so beautiful. I adore the deli / craft weekends and special events hosted here .

The Fairy Tale Kingdom at Kirkstall Abbey was magical, both our children loved it. I was a bit concerned my 4 year old Son would find it too girlie but he loved the Peter Pan/ Captain Hook Panto and found the holla hoops fun. Plus making a wand was a hit.

My Daughter who is 2 loved the dance lesson with Tinkerbell and meeting Elsa from Frozen, she was star struck.

We found it great value for money and would definitely go again. Even the big people enjoyed it, myself and Hubby loved seeing our kids have a great time and thought all the live actors were fab. Special mention to Tinkerbell as I just thought she captured the character amazingly well.

Only moan was food but understand that some suppliers failed to attend so not your fault.

Lovely place for a nice walk around, with a nice river to watch flowing. The abbey is amazing too and a nice piece of history.

Love this place! I come for a walk here with my little one most weeks, such a lovely walk, it's really baby friendly with a changing table and there's always somewhere to feed her. The deli Market is great, brilliant stalls, amazing food, great community atmosphere. The cinema events are fantastic. I just love it!

Had a great time here today with my 2 and 3 yr old. They loved all the dress up and old toys to play with. Plus the troll hunt was lots of fun

Free parking. Very interesting excellent for a few hours

Fabulous venue, great choice of stalls and a great atmosphere. I always look forward to visiting.

Fabulous day out with the family...well worth it!!

Brilliant hocus pocus event loved the location well organised perfect Halloween treat 🤡🎃👹👿👻

Both adults and children loved the experience, good value for money and magical!

Attended with family and friends..Kids entertained with various fun activities.

Throughly recommended

An excellent market, with friendly traders and lots of delicious food to try and buy.



I would heartily recommend the cheese stall!!



This is definitely one of the best little markets in Leeds.



The last Saturday and consecutive Sunday of the Month, 12 -3pm, March through to November, in the cloisters.

All I can say is get to the Caribbean tent for some really beautiful jerk chicken and a really pleasant couple creating the magic x

A fantastic little gem of a market. Stall holders are selling very fine quality goods. The street food is excellent. This market is set in the cloister of the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey Ruins and runs every month. The atmosphere is very nice. Children and Pets are also very welcome.

Very disappointed - by the food. I chose the Killa Dilla stall for the Mexican qeusilla. Wish I'd not bothered. Tasted of nothing at all. Waited 15 minutes at 1pm to be told they also had no cheese!! Maybe they should have plodded to the cheese stall - which was worth a visit! My friend chose the Polish Sausage stall again very poor. Stood in the cue for 15 mins yo be told there were no potatoes left, to come back when the bell rang, which she did - queued again for another 10 minutes and tasted bland. What a shame

it is a brilliant market food is delicious and a lovely setting fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Highly recommend a visit.

What a fabulous event. Took my Daughter and Grandaughter. Grandaughter almost 3 years old. She had an amazing time. Singing with Elsa one of her favourites, we visited her at least 4 times. Tinkerbell got hugs from her, she loved the dancing lesson (although she pretty much did her own thing) but followed Tink everywhere, she was lovely with her, the magic dust was a really good end to the lesson. Lib sat as near to the stage as she could for the Peter Pan performance. Great acting. The Robin Hood Fox stayed in character the whole time even when said Grandaughter tried to distract him asking about his climbing. He was lovely with her though. The young lady who organised the fashion show also worked her socks off. I know we missed some of the performances but there was so much to see and do in 3 hours. Well done to all involved. Fabulous, looking forward to next year. Thankyou.

This is just the most magical place...friendly people, fabulously maintained and sitting at the heart of an amazing community

The kids loved it and the photos we got was great they was so much to do it was a fab day out will b doing it again lv the place

The abbey and grounds are one of my favourite places and so beautiful. I adore the deli / craft weekends and special events hosted here .

The Fairy Tale Kingdom at Kirkstall Abbey was magical, both our children loved it. I was a bit concerned my 4 year old Son would find it too girlie but he loved the Peter Pan/ Captain Hook Panto and found the holla hoops fun. Plus making a wand was a hit.

My Daughter who is 2 loved the dance lesson with Tinkerbell and meeting Elsa from Frozen, she was star struck.

We found it great value for money and would definitely go again. Even the big people enjoyed it, myself and Hubby loved seeing our kids have a great time and thought all the live actors were fab. Special mention to Tinkerbell as I just thought she captured the character amazingly well.

Only moan was food but understand that some suppliers failed to attend so not your fault.

Lovely place for a nice walk around, with a nice river to watch flowing. The abbey is amazing too and a nice piece of history.

Love this place! I come for a walk here with my little one most weeks, such a lovely walk, it's really baby friendly with a changing table and there's always somewhere to feed her. The deli Market is great, brilliant stalls, amazing food, great community atmosphere. The cinema events are fantastic. I just love it!

Had a great time here today with my 2 and 3 yr old. They loved all the dress up and old toys to play with. Plus the troll hunt was lots of fun

Free parking. Very interesting excellent for a few hours

Fabulous venue, great choice of stalls and a great atmosphere. I always look forward to visiting.

Fabulous day out with the family...well worth it!!

Brilliant hocus pocus event loved the location well organised perfect Halloween treat 🤡🎃👹👿👻

Both adults and children loved the experience, good value for money and magical!

Attended with family and friends..Kids entertained with various fun activities.

Throughly recommended

An excellent market, with friendly traders and lots of delicious food to try and buy.



I would heartily recommend the cheese stall!!



This is definitely one of the best little markets in Leeds.



The last Saturday and consecutive Sunday of the Month, 12 -3pm, March through to November, in the cloisters.

All I can say is get to the Caribbean tent for some really beautiful jerk chicken and a really pleasant couple creating the magic x

A fantastic little gem of a market. Stall holders are selling very fine quality goods. The street food is excellent. This market is set in the cloister of the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey Ruins and runs every month. The atmosphere is very nice. Children and Pets are also very welcome.

Very disappointed - by the food. I chose the Killa Dilla stall for the Mexican qeusilla. Wish I'd not bothered. Tasted of nothing at all. Waited 15 minutes at 1pm to be told they also had no cheese!! Maybe they should have plodded to the cheese stall - which was worth a visit! My friend chose the Polish Sausage stall again very poor. Stood in the cue for 15 mins yo be told there were no potatoes left, to come back when the bell rang, which she did - queued again for another 10 minutes and tasted bland. What a shame