Leeds residents could be charged to enter Kirkstall Abbey ruins

By John Baron

Leeds residents could be charged to enter Kirkstall Abbey ruins under new proposals by cash-strapped Leeds City Council.

Two years ago the council changed its admission model to charge non-Leeds residents an entrance fee for 12 months’ access to the main Abbey ruins. 

The local authority is now proposing to implement an admission charge for everyone, including Leeds residents, to visit the main Abbey ruins.

Entry to the rest of the grounds will remain free.

Latest figures show the council needs to save £106.4m during 2025/26 to avoid having it declare itself bankrupt, due to rising costs and reduced contributions from central government.

A public consultation on the proposals to give Leeds residents a say on the issue has now been launched.

The consultation states: “We’ve already cut costs where we can – for example, through a freeze where possible on recruitment and non-essential spend. But this isn’t enough.”

The Abbey is considered one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, with over 850 years of history. The consultation adds: “It is essential we allow public access to this important monument and preserve it for future generations. To allow this to happen it must become more financially sustainable.”

The consultation process an adult paying £6.30 for 12 months’ access to the Abbey ruins, £3.10 for a child. Leeds Card holders would get 20% discount.

The consultation can be found here.

Abbey House Museum

As reported yesterday, the council have launched a public consultation into the future of Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall, which is facing closure in a bid to save £160,000 a year.

The consultation into the proposed closure can be found here. You can have your say until 23 January 2025.

Last year the Gatehouse cafe at the museum was closed due to budget cuts.