My trip to Leeds was decided in the same time that you take to read the weather forecast and decide whether the day would be rainy, sunny or it will use its discretion to act funny. I am a late sleeper and a late riser. Usually my mum’s voice is the alarm clock ; but for a change that day it was my father asking her whether to go to Leeds or not. My half -awake self became fully conscious of a brewing travel plan and I woke up in a jiffy to join in the conversation. The very word ‘travel’ makes me enthusiastic and I was ready for a full day trip to Leeds. My half backpack (half cause I use the same bag for my travels and my college) is always semi-packed with travel essentials. All I had to do was get up , have breakfast, take a bath and wait for my parents to get ready.
We booked a Megabus Travel Bus (https://uk.megabus.com/) for the to and fro trip. As Leeds is only an hour away from Manchester, there was no need to spend on trains. Also, megabus fares are really affordable with fares being as low as £3- £4 per person for a one way trip. Our bus was supposed to arrive at the Shudehill Bus Stop, Manchester City Centre (which is the standard bus station for Megabus Coaches) however it got delayed by half an hour due to an accident in the highway. Nevertheless, the coach arrived at 10 AM sharp and we departed for Leeds. It took us exactly one hour to reach the Leeds City Bus Station.
This was my first sunny day trip via the highways and I left no stones unturned to take some decent photographs from the bus windows.
After reaching Leeds we waited at the Bus Station to try to find out which buses take us to the Kirkstall Abbey which was our first destination. We figured out that the buses 33 and 757 takes us to our destination and hopped onto one. Unfortunately, we were not aware of the fact that the day had been chosen for the Leeds Marathon Run and thus there was increased traffic on the roads. Furthermore, some routes were diverted as well. As we waited for the bus to move, I took some photographs of the marathon runners.
After waiting for almost an hour the bus left us at a point from where the Abbey was a mere walk of five minutes. The Abbey and the Abbey (House) Museum are on opposite sides of the same footpath and each is a must visit when in Leeds. We decided to go to the Museum first and see the Abbey later. Both sides of the road were bound by beautiful parks and lawns where people were enjoying a sunny day to its fullest.
KIRKSTALL ABBEY MUSEUM
The Museum which opened in July 1927, is an award-winning museum located just outside the Leeds city centre. It is a ‘fun and family friendly’ museum which is ‘the perfect place to entertain all ages’.
The highlight of this museum are the three recreated 19th century Victorian era Streets. These streets had reconstructed shops and pubs on both sides. In fact, more than me describing the place, the photographs should give you a feel of the place.
The Childhood Galleries were probably my personal favourites. Toys ranging from 1850’s to 1976 were displayed here including a miniature Dalek (Doctor Who ) and a Jigglypuff (Pokemon).
Since it was almost 2pm, we decided to stop for a quick-lunch in the Museum shop. Trust me, it was the best food I had ever had outside. Amazing Chicken/Meat sandwiches with chocolate brownie cake. For more information on the Kirkstall Abbey Museum you can take a look at their website at leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallabbey . The Museum is closed on Mondays and open from Tues to Sun (Tues- Fri 10am – 5pm ; Sat- 12 pm – 5 pm). There is a nominal fee for entry to the museum.
KIRKSTALL ABBEY RUINS
After having our lunch, we decided to take a quick stroll around the Abbey ruins. The Kirkstall Abbey Ruins is one of the very few well-preserved Cistercian architectural marvels in modern times. Though today, it is nearly in ruins, but you can still get a feel of the place. In fact, it is very difficult to not get intimidated by the long walls of the church.
The Abbey is closed on Mondays and open from Tues to Sunday 10 AM to 4/4:30 PM . Entry is free of cost. There are lovely Abbey markets which are held on weekends every month. Since I went on a day which did not host the markets, I missed it . But I would recommend you to plan a trip keeping in mind the markets if possible and to enjoy them as well. Full details and dates for the markets are available at the website: leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallabbeymarket .
After having a quick scan of the Abbey grounds we took another bus to the Leeds City Bus Station. Our next destination was the Leeds Royal Armoury Museum which was at a walking distance from the station. As we were making our way to the Museum, I spotted this unusual sight of graves lying open in a park. This was something which I had never seen before and thus thought of capturing it through my lens.
LEEDS ROYAL ARMOURY MUSEUM
“The Royal Armouries was established in its present form by the National Heritage Act (1983) and is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.” It includes the sights of the Tower of London, The Leeds Royal Armouries Museum and The Fort Nelson near Portsmouth. The Museum in Leeds was the first of its kind armouries museum that I had visited.From battle formations, history of battles fought all over the world and Britain, weapons used, technologies used to lives of soldiers during the war; everything was depicted beautifully through its more than 75,000 exhibits.
Entry to the museum if free of cost. In fact , apart from Tower of London, the other two museums have given free access to its visitors. For more information you can check out their official website at: https://www.royalarmouries.org . It is open Mon-Sun from 10 am to 5 pm.
BIDDING ADIEU
We took another walk from the Museum to the station and waited for sometime for our coach to come. A one hour journey by coach, this time during dusk , brought us back to Manchester. I would not say I have seen a lot of things in Leeds but I would have to appreciate that making a plan in a jiffy and then visiting three sights on the same day is quite remarkable. However, I plan to be back with friends/ parents/alone and complete the rest of my sightseeing in Leeds.
by Subhadrika Sen 
I love the idea of just waking up one morning and saying, “Want to go on an adventure today?” Your day trip looks amazing, especially considering that it did not cost hundreds of Euros! I especially loved the photos of the Abbey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Yes, right now Im a student and funded by my parents. So I try to make these day trips as cheap as possible without spending too much . But the day I can afford, I would definitely like to make a two nights halt at least and visit everything on the list in Leeds.
LikeLike
I visited Leeds in the 80’s as a graduation present from College. It was one of my favorite stops in all of England. This brought back some wonderful memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh that is nice to hear. Has it changed from when you visited it ?
LikeLike
Very much the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the toys, love the whole article!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
Leeds seem just so interesting and I’ve always been into the countryside and all the Museums. I do think you’re starting to know a place when you know the region and the city a bit better as soon as you’re starting to know its history and why it was built there, according to the Historic buildings and also the Abbey involvement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Glad you liked it. 🙂
LikeLike
The arches in the walls of the Abbey are so massive! For some reason all the abbeys look very mysterious and the one in Leeds does also. Love the architecture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Abbeys have a different aura about themselves. It seems as if the walls holds several years of untols mysteries and pains. 🙂
LikeLike
My college roommate was from Leeds and have heard so many stories about it! I’d definitely love to visit there someday in my life! Your trip looks so much fun and I love reading about your traveling tales!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂 Im sure you will love spending some time in Leeds. It is a beautiful city.
LikeLike
It is so nice to have such quick and easy access to cool places like Leeds! And good for you for being so enthusiastic to travel near! Most people, I feel, would have never made it to the amazing place right next door.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have noticed it too. People always try to see beyond the horizons so that they miss out on the beauties in front of them.
LikeLike
You gotta love those spur of the moment type trips. Unplanned perfection….and what better way to see the countryside than by Megabus 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes 🙂
LikeLike
KIRKSTALL ABBEY LOOKS STUNNING! Leeds seems to be a perfect getaway for both history and nature lovers 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely !
LikeLike
Love the idea of using the Mega Bus with their cheap prices to explore locally.I have never been to Leeds and would like to visit the Abbey and the museums. Love the recreated streets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Yes the Megabus and the National Express are the most famous ones here. while NE is nice it is also bit expensive than Megabus.
LikeLike
I think we drove near Leeds on our trip to England in the summer but did not have time to stop. It’s nice to see what we missed-I think I would like to see the Abbey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah the abbey is a great place to have a nice little picnic. 🙂 Im sure you will love it.
LikeLike
I have so many people in UK but unfortunately haven’t made a trip yet. If I get a chance I will keep in mind a visit to Leeds. Came as a beautiful surprise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I think you must definitely make a trip to the UK. Its a beautiful place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leeds is a fabulous Victorian city, and I went to Leeds university; there is the corn exchange, the Victorian quarter and the canal area to discover, as well as the university area too……it’s a fabulous city with a vibrant night life, art galleries and museums, and I am proud to be associated with the city,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Leeds is a great city. I am a student myself but not of Leeds Uni.
LikeLike
What a quaint city…I absolutly adore the cathedral pictures, they just have the most amazing ones in England 😀 at least in my opinion^^ and your Day Plan is great..nicely planned out…plenty to keep one busy 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You. Glad you liked it 🙂
LikeLike
Sunny days are so rare in the UK that every time I woke up with the sun I used to go somewhere too. Despite that, I’ve never been to Leeds, I had a friend from there and he always told me that there was not much to see. He may have been right about quantity but not quality! The ruins of the abbey were my favourites in your post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You. you know i had just heard this from someone its a quote and it summarizes to the basic meaning that unless you go and explore a place for yourself you would never know how wrong were people in describing it. I have heard about a lot of places not supposed to be great but I still go because i think exploring is subjective and I may like something that others dont.
LikeLike
I lived in the UK for 2 years and am now sad I never got to Leeds! There is so much to explore there and it appears that I missed so much! thanks for sharing this! I have more reasons to return now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I hope you return one day soon and visit Leeds and many other places in the UK.
LikeLike
leeds comes to my mind and thoughts when i remember football but never knew of it to be this good as a place, i enjoyed reading this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leeds came to my mind only when the University of Leeds came up. So I basically went there with no clue as to what will greet me . 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds like a great day trip! And so affordable as well with the bus as an option. You were certainly able to pack a lot into one day having visited 3 sites. The Abbey ruins look lovely and I definitely want to see it for myself some day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. My day trips are usually quite hectic with 3-4 sites packed into one day. thats cause time is short, and I have lots of things to see. 🙂
LikeLike
The museums look capital but I hope you got a chance to see the city itself? Perhaps there’s an interesting downtown area, chock with shops and pubs? I hope so….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. The city centre is full of great pubs and restaurants that you can chill out in.
LikeLike
I loved the pics of ruins and museum display.
Lots to see in Leeds. I don’t know when I will get to that part of the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah theres lots to see in Leeds. Hope you get to see them soon enough. 🙂
LikeLike
the countryside reminds me of the scene from The Sound Of Music, and the kids are singing.. ah so lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah. You remind me of Austria now and how its been sitting on my list for ages.
LikeLike
Honestly, I didn’t know that Leeds had so much to explore…the characteristic British architecture, the churches, the museums, lovely countryside. Definitely need to add it to my list now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leeds has a lot to explore. I have probably missed out on a lot as well. But you can never really cover eveything on earth can you ? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow the Megabus fare is quite cheap! The smiley man is quite creeppy!! Great Trip 🙂
http://www.adventurefaktory.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe ! Yes while megabus is quite cheap, the disadvantage is that soemtimes you dont have early morning buses to some of the notable places in UK. also, from Manchester there are certain key places that Megabus does not ply to like Cambridge.
LikeLike
That was a really nice day trip for the family. Like many have said the Abbey Museum with the complete storefronts and more was really nice. I have never seen one set up that way. My favorite stop would have been the Abbey. For photographs, it would have given me the best results. All in all a good family outing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I agree. Its a great trip/day to spend time with your family.
LikeLike
I’ve really enjoyed this post! You’re account of the story about the trip is very amusing for me. But then, you’ve enjoyed the trip so it’s not a waste of your day. I’m glad about that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe. . .whats the fun of travelling if things do not go unplanned?
LikeLike
I have never heard of taking a megabus to go visit something like this. It sounds rather exciting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Megabuses are the cheapest mode of travelling in the UK and fits student budgets.
LikeLike
that is too cool. streets and shops inside a museum. Reminds me of the Alexander Keith Brewery Tour in Halifax. Very nice photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You 🙂
LikeLike
I feel like you got really lucky to have sunny weather at all! The bus is definitely the way to go in England – so much cheaper than the train, especially at last minute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I prefer buses anyday. Its cheap , fast, takes around the same time to reach a place as compared to train (+ 1 hour here and there at times ) . Also, because being a student that is the cheapest facility available and we travel on budget holidays. 🙂
LikeLike
That is actually so cool! What a great read, I love how they labelled the Dalek with #1! Major Doctor Who fans unite! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely beautiful! And 75,000 exhibits?! That’s amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I never thought that such a museum could even be conceptualised and the so many exhibits displayed; but if there can be dolls museum, story museum, hat museum then why not this kind of a museum.
LikeLike
What gorgeous photos! Looks like you’ve had an amazing day in Leeds. I am a sucker for ruins, so the Kirkstall Abbey Ruins would have probably been at the top of my lists. Hope to get to Leeds in the future and see it for myself, along with the surrounding countryside.
LikeLike
Wow.. That is quite a list. Did not know that Leeds had so much to do. I so regret not having gone here. Hopefully some day!!! Thanks for the virtual tour
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome. There are lots of other things that I missed out cause I went in only for a day. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so glad you featured Leeds as a place to visit – I used to work there, and I was also at the university of Leeds too, so the city is very close to my heart! A fab post about a vibrant northern city. Karen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thats amazing. Leeds is one of the best few places to study when in UK. 🙂
LikeLike
Leeds must have been a very different experience from the hustle of London city due to its laid back atmosphere. The facade and high walls of abbey looks amazing sad that some part of it is in ruins today. Would love to visit one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. its a great outing spot with kids. You can cover the Abbey Museum and the ruins on the same day. In fact best to visit on a Market Day then you’ll have the ideal outing. 🙂
LikeLike
I liked the photo that depicts a war in progress. I am so enamoured of all things history. What is Leeds famoys for, in historical terms? Hope to read about its rich past in one of your subsequent posts. A delightful post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well the history of Leeds is manifold. (1) during the Industrial Revolution, Leeds developed into a major mill town (2) Leeds is served by four universities (3) Leeds has the third busiest railway station and sixteenth busiest airport (4) Leeds Football team is also very rich and famous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had no idea there was so much to do in Leeds! I would love to visit the Abbey Museum. I’m a huge Sherlock Holmes nerd so I’d love seeing the Victorian recreations. –Stella
LikeLiked by 1 person
That just reminds me have you been to the Sherlock Museum in London. If you are a fan then I think you should visit it. Due to shortage of time, I couldnt go.
LikeLike
if you want to travel you should have more rest to gather your stamina. you may be quite busy for sleep and waking up late. Hehehehehhehe … but I saw a very pleasant trip to Leeds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun 🙂 I love spontaneous day trips too so totally know the feeling of excitement! The museum looks awesome, and the ruins too! I’ve heard a lot about Leeds but this is my first experience seeing pics 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh then i suppose you should make a quick trip to Leeds yourself to experience the beauty of this place first hand.
LikeLike
Before I read your post I knew nothing about Leeds. I would like to visit the Abbey ruins, they looks impressive. I have visited some ruins like that before, in Glastonbury, they were not as beautiful. It’s great that you had good weather and the lunch outside seems like the best option on a sunny day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I visited Leeds years ago but I missed these museums. The grounds of the Abbey looks so wonderful. I would love to go back and explore these places next time we are in Leeds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The trip must have given you an opportunity to view the famed English countryside and the museums are really very interesting. My special pick of the lot is the Armourymuseum, I really found it fascinating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Its interesting. there are so many different kinds of museums in UK- storytelling museum, hat museum, media museum, peace museum etc etc.
LikeLike
The museums seem to be interesting. It looks that you spent nice time in Leeds. I’ve never been there and it was nice to read something about new place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Yes the museums in the UK are really lovely and unique. I hope someday you go to Leeds and enjoy the experience yourself. 🙂
LikeLike
The battle scenes are always interesting! Also, for some reason I forget about Megabus when travelling in the UK. Thanks for the tip, I will try using Megabus when I return next month. It is so much cheaper than the train! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Even GoEuro buses are there. But I find Megabus the cheapest cause GoEuro is a bit expensive even though it has great services.
LikeLike
You captured great pictures! Waking up in a jiffy, was well worth it! Thanks for sharing!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. indeed it was all worth it. 🙂
LikeLike
Great pictures! Beautiful place. I love the way you wrote the whole experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
Subhadrika…I must say you captured the shots very well from the bus window. Lot of clarity! Like you, I loved your pictures from the childhood gallery. Something that I will look out for too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
I want to move to the English countryside! It’s so peaceful and green! I adore these little stone houses. I’ve seen only photos, but I think I belong there 🙂 I also loved the Kirkstall Abbey Museum! Thanks for the tour!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
Great photos, I wouldn’t mind visiting Leeds.
http://www.annanuttall.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
Great photos – you captured the atmosphere very well. And I enjoyed your narrative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂 Hope you like more of my posts. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And feel free to browse my site as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I did.:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Leeds, the photographs you have taken are really good. Great blog post, I look forward to reading more from you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot. 🙂 Have you been to Leeds? which places have you been to ?
LikeLike
I have been to Leeds, I studied at Univeristy of Sheffield and so we would often travel there for weekends away- mainly to party though admittedly haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh ! Thats nice. I am planning on another trip to cover some other sights of Yorkshire soon. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Make sure you visit the Peak District, I love Derwent Valley in particular
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah thats on my list. I have been to the Lake District now Peak District is left. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
AMAZING post !!! Really enjoyed that , have shared this with my British community ( well , not only but mainly brits) on FB. Very neat post , and your blog is amazing . Like your template and all very much , nothing to complain here.( joking )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot. Im so happy that you liked the post 🙂
LikeLike