Kirky, to give it its local title, is a smart move for students. It’s well-handy for the unis and Leeds centre, but still has a nice leafy, relaxed kind of vibe. And it’s not quite so dosh-demanding as some places…
No worries, getting to Kirkstall, to the unis and Leeds centre is easy-peasy.
Kirkstall Forge Train Station – to Leeds centre
Confusingly, Headingley Station is in Kirkstall – someone should tell them
Buses: 33, 33a, 34, 508, 757
M621, M62, M1, A1M, A64M – all easily accessed
Handy for Leeds Bradford airport
All the regular daily and mainstream things catered for, and big name stores line up at the retail park. Explore a little further and you’ll find plenty of independents too.
Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park – JD, Puregym, Tanning Shop, Trespass, Home Bargains, M&S Food, Holland & Barrett, Costa
Matalan
Morrisons
SpecSavers
Halfords
Carphone Warehouse
Kirkstall Abbey’s the big attraction, next to the River Aire. It’s a beautiful ruined abbey space to chill in, and there are some pretty cool events held there too.
Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve – natural oasis
Vue Cinema – slightly further down the road
Kirkstall Leisure Centre – swimming, squash and a mixed use sports hall
Blueberry Hill Studios – if you have a band, here’s where you practice
Riverside walks – and you can run/walk/cycle into the city on the canal towpath
St Stephen’s Churchyard – Gothicky kind of peaceful/spooky vibe
Goals – 5-a-side footie
Kirkstall Festival – 8 performance areas, comedy, rock, classical, jazz and folk sets
Abbey House Museum – check the history, and ghostly occurrences, like the piano playing by itself…
The New George – lively pub with fortnightly open mic on Wednesdays
Kirkstall Bridge Inn – independent community pub, fab roast dinners
West End House – villagey kind of pub, good food and ales
Number 55 – mega tasty vegan fast food
Gallery 41 – classic Italian dishes
Dos Amigos – relaxed tapas bar
Kirkstall Fisheries – proper fried in lard Yorkshire fish & chips