Leeds Waterfront Heritage Tour
On this guided tour, take a walk along Leeds' waterfront and explore it's fascinating industrial history and evolution into modern Leeds. Hear stories whilst examining heritage maps and old images to help bring history to life!
Free Cancellation - A full refund is available if cancelled one day before the tour, or exchange to a new date/12-month gift card up to the tour start time.
Low Price Guarantee - Purchase this tour direct with Tours of Leeds to avoid higher reseller pricing.
Description
Join local expert and passionate independent tour guide Mike on a guided tour exploring Leeds' waterfront and industrial heritage.
Now a vibrant contemporary space, Leeds' waterfront once played a vital role in Britain's national industries. Pioneering the production of cloth and engineering technologies, Leeds was at the forefront of industrial revolution Britain.
On this tour, visit key locations. Including Marshall's Mill (once Europe's largest) with its beautifully designed Temple Mill building, Granary Wharf and it's nearby iconic Italian Towers, Brewery Wharf once part of Tetley Brewery's brewing empire and Leeds Dock an industrial inland dock that has become a beautiful contemporary space, plus lots more.
The route walks along the the picturesque Leeds and Liverpool Canal and River Aire - waterways that connect Leeds with docks on the East and West coasts of England.
Throughout the tour, Mike will tell stories about the people, places and events that shaped the area, whilst showing old maps and images to help picture the history.
To test your knowledge, there's an optional fun multiple-choice quiz to enjoy throughout.
The tour starts outside Marshall's Mill near Leeds Train Station and finishes at Leeds Dock, where guests can then either explore the area which is home to Royal Armrouies museum plus bars, cafes and restaurants, or take a water taxi ride back to the train station, or a ten-minute walk back into the centre of Leeds.
Your guide Mike is Leeds born and bred. He is an experienced tour guide and a member of both Leeds Civic Trust and Thoresby Society (Leeds' historical society).
Important Information
Weather
This tour includes outdoor walking, so please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. In the event of very bad weather, the tour will be cancelled and either a full refund or an exchange to a different date/12 month gift card will be offered.
Timings
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please allow up to 2 hours to account for potential delays and plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time for check-in.
Code of Conduct
We have a code of conduct to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all participants. You can find the full code of conduct here.
Accessibility
Whilst designed to be step-free, some parts of the tour feature cobbled pavements. For specific accessibility needs, please contact us at hello@toursofleeds.co.uk.
Comfort Breaks
Toilet facilities are conveniently located along the tour route. Simply inform your guide if you require a comfort break.
Food and Drink
Guests are welcome to consume their own food and drink whilst walking around on the tour.
FAQ
For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ page.
Why Book with Tours of Leeds?
Tours of Leeds is a genuine Leeds local and independent operator, with all tours fully self-researched using archived materials including old maps and images, historical trades directories and the British Newspaper Archive.
Bookings and Gift Cards
To guarantee the tour's operation, a minimum of two guests is required for the first booking on any tour date. If you're a solo traveler, please check back for availability closer to the date or consider an alternative date.
If you would like to enquire about a private tour for a different day/time, please click here.