Leeds’ most charming Victorian market offers even more for group days out
Famous for its architecture and shopping, Leeds is a fantastic city for day trips.
From designer names in the Victorian Grand Arcade, to the cool high street brands of Trinity Leeds, and the jaw-droppingly modern Victoria Gate, home to John Lewis, few cities in Europe can beat Leeds for shopping.
There’s also some excellent historic attractions on offer for groups. The Royal Armouries Museum is home to Britain’s national collection of arms and armour, with six galleries and free entry. Leeds City Museum is possibly one of the best regional museums in the country, and again, entry is free – along with Leeds Art Gallery, a short walk away, which reopens in October after refurbishment.
Kirkgate’s history
Shopping and history are combined at Leeds Kirkgate Market, one of the quirkiest and most attractive spots in the city, and one of the largest indoor markets in Europe.
It’s home to 170 independent traders, offering an array of fashion, jewellery, flowers, hardware, haberdashery and fresh food in its ornate carved interior.
It opened in 1857, designed by Crystal Palace architect Joseph Paxton to provide an innovative cooled area for fishmongers to keep their wares fresh, as well as overhead cover for its shoppers. It’s the birthplace of Marks & Spencer, and now home to Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, where cookery classes are offered for as little as £4.
A recent £12m refurbishment has seen the historic market brought up to the present and ready to provide several more generations with a unique place to sell and shop.
Part of the remit of the upgrade has been to bring a new social life to Kirkgate, and as of 2016 there is now a multifunctional events space: A 10x10m pavilion stage, an 8m LED screen, bench tables, free wi-fi, and street food vendors.
A packed, year-long programme of events means there’s always something happening. Kirkgate warmly welcomes groups, so see what’s on and call 0113 378 1950 for more information.
Special events:
- Yorkshire Day: 1 August
- Light Night (in the 1976 Hall): 5-6 October
- Oliver Twist (by Frontroom Productions): 20-21 October; 23-27 October
- A Christmas Carol (by Frontroom Productions): 27-30 November; 1-2 December
- 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (free performances): 2 December; 9 December; 16 December; 23 December
- Christmas Craft Market (in the 1976 Hall): 9 December; 11-16 December; 18-23 December.
Regular events:
- Advintageous Vintage Fair (40+ traders selling vintage goods, with lindy hop music and dancing): 3 June; 1 July; 5 August; 2 September; 7 October; 4 November; 2 December
- Farmers' and Craft Market (on Briggate): 4 June; 18 June; 2 July; 16 July; 6 August; 20 August; 3 September; 17 September; 1 October; 15 October; 5 November; 19 November; 3 December; 17 December
- Indoor Farmers' Market (in the 1976 Hall): 8 June; 22 June; 13 July; 20 July; 10 August; 24 August; 14 September; 28 September; 12 October; 26 October; 9 November; 23 November
- Heritage Tour: 10 June; 8 July; 12 August; 9 September; 14 October; 11 November; 9 December
- Teenage Market (in the 1976 Hall): 17 June; 9 September; 9 December
- Arts and Craft Market (in the 1976 Hall): 24 June; 22 July; 19 August; 18 November
- Students from Leeds College of Music perform in the events space: 10 June; 8 July; 12 August; 9 September
- World Feast (on Briggate): 23 July; 27 August; 24 September; 22 October; 26 November.
