Why Leeds is great if you love architecture

Old architecture in Leeds

Do you appreciate architecture? Whether you’re into spooky historic buildings or shiny modern structures, Leeds has it all. What’s even more exciting is that many of Leeds’ most impressive buildings belong to Leeds Beckett, meaning that if you study here, you get to spend your time in them every single day. Just remember when you're walking around the city to look up! You'd be surprised about how beautiful the Leeds scenery is at the top of the city structures. 

James Graham - Headingley Campus

First on our list, we simply have to talk about the beautiful architecture of our Headingley Campus. Taking pride of place at the centre of Headingley Campus is the James Graham building. This stunning Grade II listed building presides over three acres of lush green parkland. It is home to our library, as well as other cool facilities such as acoustic labs and lecture theatres. The James Graham building has a rich history, for example, it was used as a military hospital during both world wars. During World War One alone, 57,000 sick and injured soldiers were admitted here to recuperate following injury in battle. If only the walls could talk, we’re sure they would tell some interesting stories…

Kirkstall Abbey

We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built. Entry is free, and it’s great to visit both in the day and night – it looks spooky after dark! There’s often events like movie screenings, food fairs and gigs here too. 

Harewood House

This place is genuinely spectacular, with lots of history to discover. It was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy plantation owner Edwin Lascelles. Since then, it’s not lost any of its splendour, with members of the Royal Family even living here in years gone by. The mansion is a Grade I listed building, and the surrounding gardens span for over 100 acres, meaning there’s plenty to explore if you go to visit.  

Leeds Town Hall

Leeds Town Hall was built between 1853 and 1858, and it’s located on The Headrow in Leeds city centre.  The Grade I listed building was opened by Queen Victoria, and built to be a public hall and law court. For 108 years it was the tallest building in Leeds, and it’s still noticeable on the skyline now. The building nowadays is host to a number of gigs, comedy shows and theatrical performances. It was also the location of this year’s graduation ceremonies, making for a very impressive setting. 

Kirkgate Market

Kirkgate Market is a favourite with our students due to its tasty food and low prices, but its architecture is something to be admired too. Built in 1857, it’s the largest covered market in Europe. It is the birthplace of Marks & Spencer, who opened a penny bazaar in the market in 1884. In 1904, an ornate new hall was built to house the traders, and it’s still as beautiful today as it was then. The building has plenty of history to be discovered if you take a look – during the World War Two, bomb shelters were built for market traders, and the building was damaged during an air raid. We recommend exploring it with your camera late one afternoon, when the shoppers have started to disperse. 

Leeds Corn Exchange 

This beautiful Victorian building was built in 1862, and is currently home to a number of independent shops and food outlets. It’s a Grade I listed building, and it was originally built (as the name suggests) as a building where traders could exchange corn. It’s one of only three corn exchanges left in the UK. The design of the building was by Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect of the Town Hall. Cuthbert modelled the building on the Halle au Blé in Paris, but our building is more impressive in our opinion! It really is just as magnificent to view now as it was then, and well worth a visit – just don’t forget to look up! 

Hyde Park Picture House 

The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed cinema which opened over 100 years ago in 1914. Located in Hyde Park, one of Leeds’ student areas, it stands out from miles away.  It still has many original features, and it’s the UK’s only remaining gas lit cinema. It opened just as World War One was beginning, and at first it played only silent movies. Even the ornate gas lamp that’s outside the cinema is Grade II listed, which is pretty cool.

Leeds Civic Hall 

Officially opened in 1933 by King George V, Leeds Civic Hall is a truly stunning building made from pristine white Portland stone. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Leeds, not only for being beautiful, but for what it stands for. It’s one of a number of buildings which was commissioned to meet the needs of Leeds as it was developing from a poor town to a blossoming city. One of the most impressive parts of the building is the two 6ft gold owls which guard the entrance facing Millennium Square. Owls feature on Leeds’ coat of arms, and you’ll see them dotted around in lots of places in the city centre.

Thornton’s Arcade 

Leeds has several different shopping arcades which are steeped in history, and Thornton’s Arcade is the oldest. Built in 1878, it connects Leeds’ main shopping street, Briggate, with the street behind. The impressive arcade features neo-gothic architecture, and an adorable Potts’ clock which strikes every 15 minutes.