Leeds Discovery Centre: Behind-the-Scenes Museum Treasure Trove
Explore Leeds’ hidden museum gem with exclusive tours revealing over a million fascinating artifacts behind the scenes.
Leeds Discovery Centre is a unique museum storage and conservation facility in Leeds housing over 1.2 million objects. Access is by pre-booked guided tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, revealing fascinating collections ranging from taxidermy animals and meteorites to historical artifacts and artworks. This family-friendly, accessible venue offers a rare glimpse into the hidden side of Leeds' cultural heritage with expert curators bringing the collections to life.
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, as access is by pre-booked tours only, typically on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Donations are welcome to support the centre, but admission is free.
- Wear comfortable shoes and allow about an hour for the guided tour to fully appreciate the collections.
- The centre is fully accessible with parking, toilets, and facilities suitable for families and wheelchair users.
- Check the centre’s event calendar for workshops and special sessions that offer hands-on creative experiences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Accessible Toilets
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Parking
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area near Leeds Discovery Centre, including the 110, 140, 141, 444, 446, 47A, and 47. Travel times from central Leeds vary between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the route. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for evenings and weekends.
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Rail and Walk
Leeds Railway Station is approximately 1 mile from the centre, about a 25-minute walk along accessible urban paths. This is a convenient option for visitors arriving by train who enjoy a pleasant city walk.
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Car
Free parking is available on-site, including designated disabled bays. Access to the car park is via Sayner Lane off Clarence Road. Bicycle parking is also provided. Note that parking spaces may be limited during special events.
Leeds Discovery Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Leeds Discovery Centre
A Hidden Vault of Leeds' Rich Heritage
Leeds Discovery Centre serves as the city's state-of-the-art storage and conservation hub for over 1.2 million museum objects. Unlike traditional museums, it is not open for casual drop-in visits but offers exclusive, pre-booked guided tours that allow visitors to explore a vast array of artifacts not usually on public display. From the curious to the extraordinary, the collection includes everything from taxidermy animals such as hippos and toucans to meteorites, medieval log boats, mummy bandages, and intricate artworks.Engaging Tours and Educational Experiences
Tours are typically held on Wednesdays and Thursdays and last around an hour, providing an in-depth and manageable exploration of the collections. Expert curators lead these behind-the-scenes journeys, sharing fascinating stories and insights that animate the objects and their histories. The centre also hosts workshops and handling sessions, making it an excellent resource for schools, researchers, and families eager to engage with Leeds' cultural and natural heritage.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Leeds Discovery Centre is fully accessible, featuring accessible car parking, toilets, and baby changing facilities. Free parking, including disabled bays and bicycle racks, is available on-site. The venue is child-friendly and welcoming to families, offering a safe and stimulating environment for visitors of all ages. Donations are encouraged to support the centre, though admission is free.Community Engagement and Creative Workshops
Beyond tours, the centre actively collaborates with community groups and offers creative workshops such as still life drawing, copper embossing, lino printing, and knitting. These sessions use the centre's collections as inspiration, fostering creativity and deeper connections with Leeds’ cultural assets. The centre also supports researchers with dedicated spaces and expert staff for object handling and conservation inquiries.Location and Surroundings
Situated off Carlisle Road near Clarence Dock, the centre is about a mile from Leeds Railway Station. It is well-served by multiple bus routes and offers easy access for visitors arriving by car or bicycle. The industrial surroundings underscore its role as a working storage and conservation facility rather than a conventional museum, adding to the unique behind-the-scenes atmosphere.A Unique Cultural Experience Worth Planning For
Leeds Discovery Centre offers a rare opportunity to delve into the depth and breadth of Leeds’ museum collections in a way few other venues can. Its focus on preservation, education, and community engagement makes it a distinctive cultural asset. Visitors should plan ahead to book tours and workshops, ensuring a rewarding and memorable visit to this treasure trove of history and science.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Leeds Minster
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The Talbot Hounds Fountain
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Holy Trinity Church
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Statue of John Harrison
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Temple Works
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Discover Temple Works, Leeds’ iconic Egyptian Revival flax mill blending industrial heritage with architectural grandeur and future cultural renewal.
Leeds War Memorial
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Tilly + Enzo
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Discover tranquility at Tilly + Enzo, a serene shrine in Leeds offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Civic Hall
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A majestic Grade II* listed municipal building in Leeds, famed for its golden owls and grand civic ceremonies.
Headingley Bear Pit
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Hinsley Hall
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Seven Arts
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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
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Discover tranquility at Sparrow Park in Headingley, a picturesque green space perfect for relaxation, picnics, and community events in Leeds.
Chapel Allerton, Leeds
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Explore the vibrant Chapel Allerton, Leeds, where local culture, unique shops, and diverse dining converge in a charming community atmosphere.
Woodhouse Ridge View point
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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
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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
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Urban Outfitters
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roland's Leeds
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Cuckoo
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Tiki Hideaway
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Jake's Bar & Still Room
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Farrands Bar
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The Maven
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Smokestack
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The Shed Bar
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Be At One - Boar Lane Leeds
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The Alchemist Trinity
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Whitelock's Ale House
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Headrow House
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North Bar
1.4 km
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Mean-Eyed Cat Bar Leeds
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Deep South dive bar shrine to Johnny Cash: free pizzas, dice-rolling free drinks, cocktails till 4am in Leeds' party heart.
MOJO
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rejuvenation
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Ignite your night in Hunslet's pulsating nightclub, where thunderous beats and vivid lights fuel Leeds' premier party haven.
SAFARI AFRIQUE
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A compact, high‑energy late‑night club on Assembly Street serving bass‑driven nights and lively weekend crowds.
The Backroom
1.0 km
A chic speakeasy-style nightclub in Leeds with handcrafted cocktails, eclectic music, and vibrant weekend nightlife beneath a historic railway bridge.
Baracoa Luxe Bar
1.0 km
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Quadrophenia Night
1.0 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Wire
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A compact, music-first basement club on Call Lane where tight crowds and a punchy sound system make late-night electronic parties feel immediate and intense.
The HiFi Club
1.1 km
Leeds' underground gem for live music, comedy stardom, and late-night grooves—independent vibes since 2000.
The Space
1.1 km
Dive into Leeds' basement beats at The Space, where funky house and urban rhythms fuel non-stop dancing till dawn in a sleek underground haven.
ULTRA
1.1 km
Experience Leeds’ vibrant nightlife at ULTRA, where electrifying beats and dynamic dance floors create unforgettable late-night memories.
Disco Stu's
1.3 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
1.4 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Home Nightclub Leeds
1.6 km
Leeds' £2.5M superclub: VOID sound, pyrotechnic spectacles, multi-room vibes from house anthems to urban grooves—pure festival energy underground.
The Key Club
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PRYZM
1.6 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
Arabian Night Lounge
1.7 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Educational
- Tranquil
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Landmarks
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
- Educational
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
