Bowling Hall is a large museum in a medieval building, it is set in a leafy garden with a large…read morepark across the road. It was a stronghold in the 'siege of Bradford' and where a ghost requested that we 'pity poor Bradford'! The exhibits are quite 'traditional', but this doesn't detract from the charm of the museum, in fact quite often you can be the only people in the attraction which gives it a certain atmosphere, especially when you are wandering around the haunted rooms! The museum is large enough to while away an hour, but not too big that it would be boring for younger visitors. The promise of a play in the park and an icecream should keep them quiet and on their best behaviour too - the park opposite the museum is large and well kept and has something for everyone.

This is a lovely old house situated in the Bradford 4 area…read more The ground floor where you enter is slighlty darker than the rest and can frighten some younger children. There is many things on show, that can teach young children and older children about how people used is to live. This place is said to be haunted and appeared on most haunted. It has different events happening through out the years and is a good place to vist.

We stayed nearby on a work trip, and I brought the kids here. It was a nice, little museum with a…read moresizeable gift shop. The things on display were fun and interactive. The place smelled old, so that was cool. This place is a little gem, especially for tourists! The staff was nice and accomodating.

Keeping on with the iconic buildings of Leeds theme that I've got going on, I suddenly realised I'd…read morenot penned (or typed) my thoughts for this fabulous building. Certainly, it's not necessarily a cutting edge piece of architecture, but its structure is actually one of my favourites in Leeds. The huge steps out the front are a great spot to eat you sandwiches, and guaranteed much freer and more picturesque to pause at than the Parkinson steps, and with so many places near by to grab refreshment the location is certainly a handy one. Whilst I've only been around the inner workings a few times it's always been a fun browse. They have a few rotating/changing displays - one of which I remember featuring this 'crazy scientist' type character and all in all it offers a good deal of info-tainment for the kids, as it were. Their other staples, as mentioned in previous reviews, also offer a good afternoon's browsing and is certainly worthwhile whether you're a resident or a visitor. They're not adverse to other events being held in the space either, indeed an opening night to an Irish festival, celebrating the Irish cultural heritage in Leeds, was held in the main room which was fantastic too. If you've not been, you've overlooked another gem of the city!

So I'm a bit of a cultural kick. Oh yes, it had to happen. Knowledge is power folks, so feed me…read moresome information. What better place than somewhere called the Discovery Centre? It's a modern day high tech storage facility with a host of things to gawp and gaze at. You'll see masses of stuff stacked up and you can even have a look more closely in the special observation area. What I really like is how helpful and super knowledgeable the staff are. It really does put me to shame. In fact, maybe I'll go back to school and pay attention in science classes this time. Throw in a learning zone, special events and loads of regular talks and it's a different day out and a welcome option to have on our door steps.

The Discovery Centre is a specialised facility as well as a museum. It has been designed to enable…read morespecimens and collectables to be stored and displayed in conditions optimum for their preservation. Bugs, animals, clothes and sculptures are stored here. You can wander around or pre-arrange a guided tour to get the most from your experience. There is a diverse range of collectables that so most people can find something that intrigues them be it natural history, human history or culture.

A truly amazing museum. Lots of exhibits, demonstrations, and re-enactments for all ages. The…read moreartifacts displayed go from primitive times to modern day. The gift shop stocks tons of books, toys, and of course, tee/ sweatshirts. We are museum nerds so we needed two days to explore the Royal Armouries. Most people can probably do it in one. It's a don't miss when in Leeds.

This is a huge exhibit so be prepared to have information overload, and maybe sore feet! The way…read morethey present the Armouries from all over the world is incredible! Pieces of art work in themselves! The collection is beyond extensive and beautifully displayed. I highly recommend attending the daily scheduled talks, they are engaging and informative, with a chance to ask questions and handle relevant items. During the weekday is less busy with general public, but can get busy and a bit loud with school visits, but we actually took advantage of this and listened to the teachers giving talks to the children! This is a free exhibition that does welcome donations. There is plenty of bathroom facilities, lifts as well as stairs for moving throughout the floors. Also, there Is a cafe on the ground floor. They do like you to book in advanced even though it's free, that way they have an idea of numbers.

We went to a Thomas event last weekend. I wouldn't recommend this in the cold as they have a bouncy…read morecastle which our daughter didn't want to get off so myself, hubby and the baby were stood freezing while she had a little bounce lol. The train ride was cold too but we all still enjoyed it, we didn;t get off at the other end though we stayed on to go back to the cafe for hot chocolate. The machine had run out so we ended up with warm milk. The staff were great and sorted the machine and gave us fresh cups. I was surprised they only charged a pound for it too because so many places now charge £3 for the same thing. We didn't try the food but it didn't smell or look very nice. They do have a lovely picnic area with a play park next to it so I would take a picnic if the weather is fine. It cost £8.50 for adults and £7.50 for over 2's. It was worth it because the children got a card each that let them do 6 other activities for free such as ride the miniture railway round the pond, get a free balloon, make badges and ride on Thomas himself (there were other things I just can't remember them off the top of my head right now).

This is a little steam railway near Huddersfield, which takes you on a 40-minute return journey…read morethrough the countryside. i have only been on 'Thomas the Tank Engine' special events, which have always been very well organised. You get a steam ride on one of the famous engines from Sodor, take part in the activities at the other side, then ride back for further activities (e.g. face painting, further train rides, balloons, etc.) The downside is the food in the cafe, which isn't great, but there are Thomas activities in the cafe, to keep the kids entertained.

A fascinating perspective on the contributions by the people of the Manchester area to major…read moreinnovations in science and industry throughout history. Numerous displays and examples of equipment and machinery large and small. Steam engines to electron microscopes on display, with emphasis on Manchester's relationship with the cotton industry, both good and bad. Something for everyone here, young and old. Free to enter, donations appreciated. Reservations will make sure that you don't need to wait for entry. A must-see if you are in the area.

Fantastic place for families with children! Adults can enjoy the many exhibits while young ones can…read moreenjoy the hands on displays. We liked watching the textile demonstration in the Textile area. This place has so much to see and do. And it's free! Contributions are gladly accepted to keep this fabulous museum operational.

Interesting museum showing history of Leyland trucks and commercial vehicles.read more

Excelent museum run by enthusiasts and retired truckers with stories galore. There is a good…read morearchive and many exhibits from the earliest days to modern commercial vehicles. Well worth a visit. Parking is free outside, and there are many cafes, supermkts,shops etc. in Leyland town centre next to it.

This is an hidden gem of bradford as not many people remember this is here. There never was much…read moreadvertising when this opened either. The museum goes back centuries with the history of england and shows clothing, food, machinery, etc over the years. The main theme though obviously is peace and it covers all the great wars and is interesting. It shows the weapons used, the ways we lived, etc. There are a good selection of drawings and paintings all about war and peace which are interesting too. the building is an old church and they have kept some of the original features which in itself is worth going for. There is an eating area to eat your own food too. The place is nice and clean. The staff are very friendly. If i remember right there was no entrance fee but they do ask for donations.

The Henry Moore is a huge square grey marble building right next to the fantastic Light shopping…read morecentre. It is very modern but don't let the cold square exterior put you off. It is very welcoming inside and just like the art gallery right next door it is free. Situated on the headrow, less than 30 seconds from the bus stop and 10 minutes walk from the bus and train stations, this is a very accessible museum of all things sculpture. It does have a great mix of modern and tradtional art in a variety of physical media which is excellent and though no touching is allowed I would still say that this is a good place to bring slightly older and well behaved children with an interest or appreciation for sculpture and design. I enjoyed my visit there and there is a good hour's worth of things to see, so coupled with the art gallery and the little shop there's an afternoon's entertainment for free - which can't be bad. Again the staff here are lovely and very willing to help with any queries you might have. I love this place and I think it's worth anyone's free time- as it's free itself.

The Henry Moore Institute, named after the great man himself who comes from Yorkshire, is a…read moresculpture gallery located on the Headrow in the centre of Leeds right next door to the Leeds City Art gallery. It is an impressive black marble fronted building and like the Art Gallery is absolutely free to enter. It has a great deal of traditional sculptures in bronze, clay and wood, and lots of modern sculptures too in all manner of mediums - the sky seems to be the limit! Set yourself an hour aside to have a look round, it has disabled and buggy access, and a little cafe too. Absolutely worth a look.