10 best-kept secrets in Leeds - including hidden gems you never knew existed

Ssssh! Don't shout too loud about these hidden gems.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 23rd Sep 2023, 11:30 GMT

These are some of the best kept secrets your city has to offer. They range from the unexpected and surprising and cover the city centre as well as the suburbs. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

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.

1. Best-kept secrets

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

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.

2. Best-kept secrets

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

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?

3. Best-kept secrets

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 sign on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal reads: 'The Remains of a Wooden Icebreaker Lie Submerged' and is found near the Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills

4. Best-kept secrets

The sign on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal reads: 'The Remains of a Wooden Icebreaker Lie Submerged' and is found near the Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills Photo: YPN

Dating back to 1850, the Lifting Tower acts as a visible reminder of the city's rail heritage. It was one of a pair that stood either side of the old viaduct running into the Leeds Central railway station.

5. Best-kept secrets

Dating back to 1850, the Lifting Tower acts as a visible reminder of the city's rail heritage. It was one of a pair that stood either side of the old viaduct running into the Leeds Central railway station. Photo: YPN

This memorial of Queen Victoria was unveiled in November 1905, and originally stood outside Leeds Town Hall. It was moved to Woodhouse Moor in 1937 was designated as a Grade II listed building in August 1976.

6. Best-kept secrets

This memorial of Queen Victoria was unveiled in November 1905, and originally stood outside Leeds Town Hall. It was moved to Woodhouse Moor in 1937 was designated as a Grade II listed building in August 1976. Photo: James Hardisty