The 12 Leeds hidden gems that even locals had forgotten are there

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 29th Jul 2023, 11:30 BST

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Your Leeds boasts a range of hidden gems and beautiful secrets.

It’s difficult to walk around your city without stumbling upon a hidden gem that you haven’t noticed before. These photos showcase hidden history and as as well as public murals and gardens which you might have forgotten. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Have you met Winifred yet? She's a huge mural from graffiti artist Russell Meeham, also known as Qubek. Located alongside the walkway from York Place to Park Place in Leeds city centre.

1. Hidden Leeds gems

Have you met Winifred yet? She's a huge mural from graffiti artist Russell Meeham, also known as Qubek. Located alongside the walkway from York Place to Park Place in Leeds city centre. Photo: Andrew Hutchinson

Leeds has an underground and its still possible to walk around in it, albeit with special permission from Network Rail and possibly the management of the Queens Hotel.

2. Hidden Leeds gems

Leeds has an underground and its still possible to walk around in it, albeit with special permission from Network Rail and possibly the management of the Queens Hotel. Photo: YPN

The Dark Arches date back to the 1860s and the construction of the New Station as it was then called (now City Station). They extend to some 80,000sq ft and are made up of about 18 million bricks.

3. Hidden Leeds gems

The Dark Arches date back to the 1860s and the construction of the New Station as it was then called (now City Station). They extend to some 80,000sq ft and are made up of about 18 million bricks. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

The Grey Heron is designed to be submerged and then reappear as the river level changes on the waterside by The Calls. Have you spotted it?

4. Hidden Leeds gems

The Grey Heron is designed to be submerged and then reappear as the river level changes on the waterside by The Calls. Have you spotted it? Photo: YPN

The Leeds Library was founded in 1768 it is the oldest surviving subscription library in Britain. Have you stumbled across the entrance on Commercial Street?

5. Hidden Leeds gems

The Leeds Library was founded in 1768 it is the oldest surviving subscription library in Britain. Have you stumbled across the entrance on Commercial Street? Photo: Steve Riding

This is Cornucopia, a landmark fresco by artist Graeme Willson and on public display near the Corn Exchange in the city centre. It was painted in 1990.

6. Hidden Leeds gems

This is Cornucopia, a landmark fresco by artist Graeme Willson and on public display near the Corn Exchange in the city centre. It was painted in 1990. Photo: YPN