14 intriguing secrets hidden underground in Leeds from Headrow brickwork to abandoned subway
Underneath your Leeds lies a forgotten world.
Rumours about secret spaces under the streets of Leeds may easily be dismissed as far-fetched urban myths, but a hidden side to the city actually does exist. From air raid shelters and nuclear bunkers to abandoned subway systems, there are a startling number of mysterious underground areas which have long been forgotten.
1. Cardigan Road
The old bear pit on Cardigan Road in Headingley. It was opened in 1840 for the use of the zoological and botanical gardens.
2. City Square
City Square showing air raid shelters in April 1944. It was at the time the site of a public air raid shelter, this did not withstand the bombing and was significantly damaged.
3. Headrow
Construction work on The Headrow in 2019 exposed piles of loose bricks, tiled walls and old foundations from the thoroughfare's rich history. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Photo: Mark Stevenson
4. Inner Ring Road
The 1,200ft-long Westgate Tunnel section of the Leeds inner ring road was built to such a strength the ground above could be developed.