8 Sacred & Religious Sites in Leeds That You Shouldn't Miss

Uncover the history of one of the best preserved medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain. With its beautiful and iconic ruins, award-winning Park and interactive visitor centre Kirkstall Abbey is a place that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The ruins are a unique example of early Christian architecture. From the majesty of the church to the peace of the cloisters enjoy exploring this iconic Leeds landmark. The story of the abbey and its community is explored in the Visitor Centre. Founded over 800 years ago in 1152 discover more about what life was like for the Cistercian monks who lived here for nearly 400 years. Enjoy the abbey's parkland setting next to the River Aire. Take a walk along the river or enjoy a picnic in our spacious grounds. There is also a small playground near to the car park for the little ones to enjoy. The ruins of the abbey provide a breath-taking background to your wedding photography, blessings, vow renewals and baby naming ceremonies.

Welcome to the Leeds Minster - a place of worship and service for the fast-moving modern city of Leeds. Leeds Minster is one of England's best-loved Parish Churches and at our heart is a sacred choral tradition. Our origins date back to the greatest of the Victorian Vicars of Leeds, Dr Hook. It was during his 22-year incumbency that today's Minster Church of St Peter at Leeds was built - an astonishing building consecrated with great ceremony on 2 September 1841 in the presence of a vast congregation including the celebrated Florence Nightingale. In 2012 we were granted Minster status. Today you can visit the Minster for worship - whether for a few minutes of calm contemplation at a mid-week Choral Evensong or for the richness of a Sunday Choral Eucharist. We invite all to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of a building rich in history and heritage, light a votive candle, listen to the famous organ and round it all off with an enjoyable light lunch in our Refectory. If you do have not the time for an extended personal visit, but happen to pass the Minster on foot, by train, by bus, or in your car, do listen out for the Bells and do pray for us as we pray for you.

The church of St John the Evangelist is a rare church as few were built during the Carolian period (the reign of Charles I - Carolus being the Latin form of Charles). St John the Evangelist was founded by John Harrison, a wealthy wool merchant in 1634AD. Harrison was well known for his acts of philanthropy and his contribution to the civic development of Leeds. Amongst his acts of benevolence Harrison built twenty almshouses between 1628AD-1634AD, and he gave land and a new building for the Town Grammar School. John Harrison and other leading merchants petitioned Charles I for a new Borough Charter and this was granted in 1626 allowing Leeds its first town council. Leeds was increasing in size and population by the beginning of the seventeenth century, and it seems it was in reaction to the growing demand for another place of worship that the building of St John the Evangelist was embarked upon.