Kirkstall Abbey Entry Fee

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Consultation has concluded

This consultation is on a proposal to introduce a new entrance fee for non-Leeds residents visiting Kirkstall Abbey.

As a key tourist attraction in the city, and a fantastic site that all Leeds residents can enjoy, now more than ever Leeds City Council needs to make sure this wonderful heritage site is resilient, stable and sustainable for the future.

The proposal has been put forward as part of the council’s annual budget for 2022/23 and, if adopted, would contribute to the estimated £65.4million which the authority needs to save in the next financial year.

The proposed charge will be £8 for those not registered as Leeds council tax-payers. Entry would remain free for Leeds residents, with proof of address required on entry.

Under this proposal, the admission fee would be charged for access to the abbey ruins. Access to the surrounding park and green space would remain free. If the proposal goes forward then there will be reduced rates for children and certain concessions.

Some income received from the charges will be reinvested in improvements at the site, including a renovated public café and new audio tours of the abbey.

The online public survey is now open. Submit a survey here. This Survey will close on Monday 20 February at 5pm.


You do not have to register to take part in this survey, but by registering you can follow this project and we can share the results of this consultation with you.


The Financial Challenge


Since 2010, the council has saved over £655m and protected frontline services as much as possible. But, like many councils across the UK, we continue to face enormous financial challenges due to reductions in government funding, rising costs and growing demand for services, especially those that support some of the city’s most vulnerable people. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also continue to affect our income and costs.

Find out more about Leeds City Council Budget Consultation 2022/23 and the Financial Challenge here.


Who is eligible for free entry?


Entry will continue to be free to all Leeds Residents. This is defined as anyone who is registered as a Leeds council tax-payer, including those who receive council tax support, discounts or exemption from Leeds Council.


Facts about Kirkstall Abbey


  • Monks began building Kirkstall Abbey in 1152 on land gifted to them by wealthy nobleman Henry de Lacy.
  • They flourished in their new home until the Dissolution of the Monasteries when, on November 22, 1539, Abbot John Ripley surrendered the abbey to King Henry VIII’s agents.
  • In the late 1800s the abbey buildings were bought by Colonel John North, who donated the grounds to the Leeds Corporation in 1890.
  • Today, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the country’s most well-preserved monasteries.

This consultation is on a proposal to introduce a new entrance fee for non-Leeds residents visiting Kirkstall Abbey.

As a key tourist attraction in the city, and a fantastic site that all Leeds residents can enjoy, now more than ever Leeds City Council needs to make sure this wonderful heritage site is resilient, stable and sustainable for the future.

The proposal has been put forward as part of the council’s annual budget for 2022/23 and, if adopted, would contribute to the estimated £65.4million which the authority needs to save in the next financial year.

The proposed charge will be £8 for those not registered as Leeds council tax-payers. Entry would remain free for Leeds residents, with proof of address required on entry.

Under this proposal, the admission fee would be charged for access to the abbey ruins. Access to the surrounding park and green space would remain free. If the proposal goes forward then there will be reduced rates for children and certain concessions.

Some income received from the charges will be reinvested in improvements at the site, including a renovated public café and new audio tours of the abbey.

The online public survey is now open. Submit a survey here. This Survey will close on Monday 20 February at 5pm.


You do not have to register to take part in this survey, but by registering you can follow this project and we can share the results of this consultation with you.


The Financial Challenge


Since 2010, the council has saved over £655m and protected frontline services as much as possible. But, like many councils across the UK, we continue to face enormous financial challenges due to reductions in government funding, rising costs and growing demand for services, especially those that support some of the city’s most vulnerable people. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also continue to affect our income and costs.

Find out more about Leeds City Council Budget Consultation 2022/23 and the Financial Challenge here.


Who is eligible for free entry?


Entry will continue to be free to all Leeds Residents. This is defined as anyone who is registered as a Leeds council tax-payer, including those who receive council tax support, discounts or exemption from Leeds Council.


Facts about Kirkstall Abbey


  • Monks began building Kirkstall Abbey in 1152 on land gifted to them by wealthy nobleman Henry de Lacy.
  • They flourished in their new home until the Dissolution of the Monasteries when, on November 22, 1539, Abbot John Ripley surrendered the abbey to King Henry VIII’s agents.
  • In the late 1800s the abbey buildings were bought by Colonel John North, who donated the grounds to the Leeds Corporation in 1890.
  • Today, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the country’s most well-preserved monasteries.