Kirkstall

Kirkstall is one of the oldest settlements in what eventually became Leeds. This is in no small part due to the choice of the valley position and the swift flow of the River Aire there. Kirkstall is characterised by terraced housing rising up the valley sides on steep streets with names redolent of its history such as De Lacy this and Vesper that. It has a range of detached and semi detached properties at affordable prices as well as a good number of very large and opulent mini mansions built at the beginning of the last century. Some of these have recently been converted into flats and/or had small developments built in their gardens and the range of accommodation reflects that diversity.

Kirkstall Valley Retail Park is a busy shopping complex with a supermarket, Boots, Halfords, JJB Sports and Dunnes. The rugby training academy for the Rhinos and Tykes is adjacent to the Retail Park and for those in need of exercise, the Kirkstall Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, squash, badminton and gym facilities. Nearby Gotts Park (strictly speaking in Armley but only across the canal from Kirkstall) offers a Golf course. On the Leeds side of Kirkstall, down Kirkstall Road, the Warner Village complex can be found. There is also a Virgin Active gym, a bowling alley and Evolution. Within the complex and in the surrounding streets there are many different restaurants and a number of traditional pubs.

The Abbey has been recently partially restored with a Heritage grant and plays host to Shakespearian plays, Son et Lumiere events and fireworks. A network of paths surround the abbey and give access to the tow path walk along the Leeds and Liverpool canal that goes along the Kirkstall Valley trail in one direction and towards Rodley and beyond in the other. Kirkstall and its immediate surrounding suburbs have a host of traditional pubs and a selection of restaurants ranging from the up-market to small takeaways.