Leeds Discovery Centre: Behind the Scenes of Leeds’ Rich Heritage
Explore Leeds’ vast hidden collections through exclusive tours at this state-of-the-art museum storage and conservation centre.
Leeds Discovery Centre is a state-of-the-art museum storage and conservation facility housing over 1.2 million objects from Leeds Museums’ collections. Located near Clarence Dock, it offers pre-booked guided tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, revealing fascinating artifacts from natural history, human history, and scientific collections. The centre is family-friendly, accessible, and invites visitors to explore Leeds’ cultural treasures beyond typical museum displays.
A brief summary to Leeds Discovery Centre
- Carlisle Rd, Leeds, LS10 1LB, GB
- +441133782100
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your guided tour in advance, especially for Wednesdays and Thursdays when tours are available.
- Admission is free, but donations are welcomed to support the Centre’s preservation work.
- The Centre is family-friendly and offers engaging experiences for children and adults alike.
- Accessible parking and facilities are available, including disabled bays and wheelchair access.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Royal Armouries Museum for a full day of cultural exploration.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Accessible Toilets
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes including the 110, 140, 141, 444, 446, 47A, and 47 stop on Hunslet Road, about a 10-15 minute walk from the Centre. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes from Leeds city centre, with regular service throughout the day. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4 one way.
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Train and Walk
Leeds Railway Station is approximately 1 mile from the Discovery Centre, roughly a 25-minute walk. Alternatively, take a short bus ride or taxi from the station to the Centre. Train services connect Leeds to many UK cities, making this an accessible option for regional visitors.
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Car
Free parking is available on-site, including disabled bays. Access the car park via Sayner Lane from Clarence Road. Parking is convenient but limited, so arriving early during busy periods is recommended.
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Bicycle
Bicycle racks are provided outside the Centre, making cycling a sustainable and healthy option. The area around Clarence Dock has safe cycling routes and is accessible from Leeds city centre.
Leeds Discovery Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Leeds Discovery Centre
A Hidden Treasure Trove of Leeds’ Cultural Heritage
Leeds Discovery Centre serves as the city’s purpose-built storage and conservation hub for over 1.2 million objects belonging to Leeds Museums. Far from a traditional museum, it safeguards an extraordinary range of artifacts, from taxidermy animals like toucans and hippos to meteorites, medieval log boats, mummy bandages, scientific specimens, and historical memorabilia. This unique facility offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of museum curation and preservation, showcasing items not usually on public display.Exclusive Guided Tours Unlock the Collections
Access to the Discovery Centre is by pre-booked guided tours, mainly held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. These tours last about an hour and provide an immersive, educational experience led by knowledgeable curators passionate about bringing the collections to life. Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of objects and hear fascinating stories about their origins, significance, and conservation. The tours are suitable for all ages, making it an engaging outing for families and educational groups.State-of-the-Art Facilities and Accessibility
The Centre is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring accessible parking, toilets, and baby changing facilities. It welcomes families, researchers, and community groups, offering object handling sessions and tailored workshops. Free parking, including disabled bays and bicycle racks, is available on-site. The Centre’s location near Clarence Dock places it close to Leeds city centre yet in a quieter, spacious environment conducive to focused exploration.Community Engagement and Educational Outreach
Beyond tours, Leeds Discovery Centre actively supports schools, researchers, and community groups by providing access to its collections for study and creative workshops. It hosts events such as still life drawing, copper embossing, lino printing, and knitting workshops inspired by the objects in its care. These initiatives promote cultural heritage appreciation and creative learning, strengthening the Centre’s role as a vibrant cultural resource.Planning Your Visit and Practical Information
The Centre operates primarily by appointment or special event, with tours requiring advance booking. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support ongoing preservation work. The Centre is reachable by several bus routes stopping nearby and is about a 25-minute walk from Leeds Railway Station. Its car park is accessed via Sayner Lane, separate from the postal address on Carlisle Road. Visitors are advised to book tours early, especially during school holidays, to secure a place.Preserving Leeds’ Past for Future Generations
Leeds Discovery Centre embodies the city’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage. By providing public access to its extensive collections through behind-the-scenes tours and educational programs, it offers a unique and enriching experience that connects people with Leeds’ history, science, and artistry in an intimate and inspiring setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Leeds Minster
0.8 km
Discover Leeds Minster, a magnificent neo-Gothic church with over 1,400 years of history, musical heritage, and community spirit in the heart of Leeds.
The Talbot Hounds Fountain
1.1 km
A majestic 19th-century fountain featuring four stone Talbot hounds, rescued from a lost Gothic mansion and now a cherished Leeds landmark.
Holy Trinity Church
1.2 km
Discover Leeds’ elegant 18th-century Holy Trinity Church, a Georgian architectural masterpiece and vibrant cultural hub in the city centre.
Statue of John Harrison
1.4 km
Honoring Leeds’ historic benefactor John Harrison, whose philanthropy and leadership shaped the city’s early growth and community spirit.
Temple Works
1.4 km
Discover Temple Works, Leeds’ iconic Egyptian Revival flax mill blending industrial heritage with architectural grandeur and future cultural renewal.
Leeds War Memorial
1.7 km
A solemn and historic tribute in Leeds city center honoring the bravery and sacrifice of World War I soldiers.
Tilly + Enzo
1.8 km
Discover tranquility at Tilly + Enzo, a serene shrine in Leeds offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Civic Hall
1.9 km
A majestic Grade II* listed municipal building in Leeds, famed for its golden owls and grand civic ceremonies.
Headingley Bear Pit
4.2 km
Discover the historical allure of Headingley Bear Pit, a captivating landmark in Leeds that showcases the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant community.
Hinsley Hall
4.2 km
Discover the serene comfort of Hinsley Hall in Headingley, Leeds - your ideal retreat for relaxation and exploration in a vibrant city.
Seven Arts
4.4 km
Discover the vibrant arts and culinary scene at Seven Arts, a premier performing arts theatre in Leeds with live music and delicious food.
Sparrow Park
4.4 km
Discover tranquility at Sparrow Park in Headingley, a picturesque green space perfect for relaxation, picnics, and community events in Leeds.
Chapel Allerton, Leeds
4.4 km
Explore the vibrant Chapel Allerton, Leeds, where local culture, unique shops, and diverse dining converge in a charming community atmosphere.
Woodhouse Ridge View point
4.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of Woodhouse Ridge Viewpoint, a scenic gem in Headingley, Leeds, perfect for stunning views and nature exploration.
Headingley Rectory
4.4 km
Explore the historical beauty of Headingley Rectory, a serene Gothic Revival church in Leeds, perfect for reflection and appreciation of architecture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Leeds Dock
0.1 km
Historic waterside hub where industrial heritage meets creative culture and world-class museums.
Royal Armouries Museum
0.3 km
Explore the UK’s national arms and armour collection at Leeds Dock’s dynamic and free Royal Armouries Museum.
Penny Pocket Park
0.8 km
A peaceful green oasis in Leeds city centre, blending historic roots with serene urban nature.
Leeds Corn Exchange
1.0 km
Discover Leeds’ iconic Victorian Corn Exchange, a vibrant hub of independent shops and historic charm in the city centre.
Janie Marie Swann Memorial Bench
1.1 km
A heartfelt memorial bench in Leeds city centre celebrating Janie Marie Swann’s legacy of community, hope, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Leeds Kirkgate Market
1.1 km
Discover Leeds Kirkgate Market, Europe’s largest indoor market blending historic charm with vibrant global flavors and bustling community spirit.
Time Ball Buildings
1.1 km
Historic Victorian landmark on Leeds’ Briggate, famed for its iconic time ball and architectural elegance.
Central Arcade
1.1 km
Leeds' vibrant three-storey shopping arcade: trendy boutiques, unique gifts, sushi spots, and creative workshops in a glass-roofed urban gem.
Victoria Leeds
1.2 km
Victoria Leeds blends historic elegance with modern luxury, offering premier shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Leeds city centre.
County Arcade
1.2 km
Explore County Arcade, a Victorian masterpiece in Leeds’ Victoria Quarter, where luxury shopping meets stunning stained-glass artistry and historic grandeur.
Trinity Leeds
1.3 km
Experience vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment beneath Trinity Leeds’ iconic glass dome in the heart of the city.
Queens Arcade
1.3 km
Discover Leeds’ Victorian charm and boutique shopping at Queens Arcade, a historic arcade blending heritage with unique retail experiences.
Jonny's Pitch
1.3 km
Jonny's Pitch in Leeds: A vibrant hub honoring the legacy of a passionate busker and the spirit of street performance.
Thornton's Arcade
1.4 km
Step into Leeds’ oldest shopping arcade, where Victorian elegance meets vibrant independent boutiques and a famous animated clock.
City Varieties Music Hall
1.4 km
Britain's longest-running music hall, where Victorian charm meets contemporary entertainment.
Essential places to dine
HOME
0.7 km
Experience innovative British and Modern European fine dining in Leeds’ vibrant Brewery Quarter at HOME, where creativity meets elegance.
Shears Yard
0.9 km
Historic charm meets modern European cuisine in Leeds’ Calls district, offering seasonal dishes in a stylish, inviting setting.
Eat Your Greens
0.9 km
Organic dining and natural wines in Leeds city centre, blending seasonal creativity with a relaxed, sustainable vibe.
Kendells Bistro
0.9 km
A warm, candlelit French bistro in Leeds with classic Gallic dishes, daily-changing chalkboard menus, and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere.
Brasserie Blanc
1.0 km
Classic French dining in a charming Victorian mill setting with seasonal menus and riverside terrace in the heart of Leeds.
Revolución de Cuba Leeds
1.0 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine and vibrant nightlife at Revolución de Cuba Leeds - where every visit feels like a festive getaway!
Chaophraya
1.1 km
Experience authentic and modern Thai cuisine in a vibrant city centre setting with elegant décor, inclusive menus, and a lively cocktail bar.
Bibis Restaurant
1.1 km
A vibrant blend of authentic Italian dining and live music entertainment in the heart of Leeds city centre since 1974.
The Botanist Trinity Leeds
1.2 km
A lush, botanical gastropub beneath Trinity Leeds, serving inventive cocktails, British classics, and live weekend music in a greenhouse-inspired space.
Angelica & Crafthouse
1.2 km
Sophisticated rooftop dining and cocktail bar in Leeds city centre with stunning views and modern British cuisine.
The Ivy Asia Leeds
1.2 km
Experience luxurious pan-Asian dining and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Leeds’ stylish Victoria Quarter.
The Cut & Craft Leeds
1.2 km
Historic charm meets premium steakhouse dining in the heart of Leeds with vibrant atmosphere and craft cocktails.
The Ivy Victoria Quarter Leeds
1.2 km
Elegant British brasserie in Leeds’ Victoria Quarter, blending Art Deco glamour with classic and contemporary cuisine for all-day dining.
The Man Behind The Curtain
1.2 km
A bold, artistic fine dining experience in Leeds where culinary innovation meets theatrical presentation and urban edge.
Tharavadu
1.2 km
A Michelin-recommended Kerala restaurant in Leeds serving vibrant, coconut-rich South Indian cuisine in a stylish, welcoming space.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Indie Makers
1.0 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and quirky treasures at Indie Makers, nestled within Leeds’ iconic Corn Exchange.
The Great Yorkshire Shop - Local gifts and souvenirs from Leeds & Yorkshire
1.0 km
Discover authentic Yorkshire gifts and souvenirs in a historic Victorian setting at The Great Yorkshire Shop in Leeds Corn Exchange.
Giant Kitten
1.0 km
A compact, colourful boutique in the Corn Exchange specialising in kawaii imports, indie tees, vinyl and quirky gifts from local makers.
Hidden Wardrobe
1.0 km
Discover curated cashmere, jewelry, and alternative fashion in the iconic Leeds Corn Exchange—a hidden gem for unique style and gifts.
Blue Rinse
1.0 km
Leeds’ oldest vintage shop offering curated, sustainable, and iconic retro fashion across multiple floors at 14 Call Lane.
Intrigue Fashion
1.1 km
Discover stylish ladies' clothing and accessories in the heart of Leeds Kirkgate Market at Intrigue Fashion.
BEST
1.1 km
Discover authentic vintage streetwear and sustainable fashion at BEST, a family-run boutique in the heart of Leeds city centre’s vibrant New Market Street.
Ryan Vintage
1.1 km
Leeds’ longest-running vintage shop packed with retro sportswear treasures and unbeatable bargains in the heart of the city.
The Allotment Store
1.1 km
Leeds’ leading boutique for avant-garde designer menswear and exclusive high-end fashion collections.
Tomorrow Store
1.1 km
Discover gender-neutral fashion and unique homewares at Leeds’ independent Tomorrow Store in the historic Central Arcade.
& Other Stories
1.1 km
Scandinavian-inspired fashion in Leeds' most architecturally celebrated shopping destination.
Yellow Sunrise
1.1 km
Discover Leeds’ vibrant metaphysical shop in Central Arcade, where colorful curiosities and spiritual treasures await every visitor.
John Lewis & Partners
1.1 km
Leeds’ largest John Lewis store located in the vibrant Victoria Gate, offering extensive shopping and expert services in a modern, accessible setting.
Anthropologie
1.2 km
Distinctive women’s fashion and homewares in Leeds’ elegant Victoria Gate shopping district.
Urban Outfitters
1.2 km
Discover quirky, unique fashion and creative homewares at Urban Outfitters Leeds in Trinity Shopping Centre, a vibrant hub for youthful style and culture.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roland's Leeds
1.0 km
A lively city centre bar with a welcoming rooftop terrace, exceptional craft drinks, and renowned pizzas in the heart of Leeds.
Cuckoo
1.0 km
A colorful, quirky cocktail bar in Leeds city centre with free pizzas, adventurous drinks, and vibrant party vibes until the early hours.
Tiki Hideaway
1.0 km
Escape to Leeds’ original tiki bar for tropical cocktails, vibrant vibes, and a 1950s Polynesian island party right in the city centre.
Jake's Bar & Still Room
1.0 km
Lively Leeds cocktail bar on Call Lane with expert drinks, intimate lighting, and a buzzing late-night atmosphere.
Farrands Bar
1.0 km
Discover Farrands Bar, a chic cocktail and wine venue blending urban charm with cosy sophistication in Leeds city centre.
The Maven
1.0 km
Step into The Maven, Leeds’ stylish 1920s speakeasy bar where expert cocktails and lively late-night parties create unforgettable nights.
Smokestack
1.1 km
A stylish Leeds cocktail bar and live music venue blending bluesy vibes with expertly crafted drinks and lively nights out.
The Shed Bar
1.1 km
Leeds’ iconic indie music bar beneath a railway arch, famed for cocktails, rare whiskies, and a vibrant live music scene.
Be At One - Boar Lane Leeds
1.2 km
Lively Leeds city centre cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, daily happy hours, plush booths, and a spacious outdoor terrace.
The Alchemist Trinity
1.2 km
Experience Leeds’ premier cocktail bar blending molecular mixology, stunning rooftop views, and vibrant dining at The Alchemist Trinity.
Whitelock's Ale House
1.2 km
Leeds' oldest ale house since 1715: Grade II*-listed Victorian splendor, real ales from Yorkshire taps, and hearty local grub in a hidden city yard.
Headrow House
1.3 km
Leeds' multi-floor gem in a historic mill: unpasteurized beers, grilled seasonal feasts, rooftop skyline views, and live music beats.
North Bar
1.4 km
Leeds’ original craft beer pioneer offering an eclectic selection of beers and cocktails in a quirky, cosy setting since 1997.
Mean-Eyed Cat Bar Leeds
1.4 km
Deep South dive bar shrine to Johnny Cash: free pizzas, dice-rolling free drinks, cocktails till 4am in Leeds' party heart.
MOJO
1.4 km
Leeds' rock 'n' roll dive bar: killer cocktails, guitar anthems, and late-night grit since '96. Arm yourself for unpretentious Northern Quarter revelry.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Educational
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
