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.placeholder image
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.

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

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 29th Jul 2023, 11:30 GMT

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

Leeds Town Hall houses a once used police station called the Bridewell. There are many cells underneath the grand building - some are even concealed under the front steps.

7. Hidden Leeds gems

Leeds Town Hall houses a once used police station called the Bridewell. There are many cells underneath the grand building - some are even concealed under the front steps. Photo: YPN

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Penny Pocket Park is an easily missable spot on Kirkgate. In 1912 part of the park became the responsibility of the Thomas Wade Trust, who since 1530 have worked to ensure the provision of open spaces to the people of Leeds. It's a great spot to sit back and enjoy the view of neighbouring Leeds Minster.

8. Hidden Leeds gems

Penny Pocket Park is an easily missable spot on Kirkgate. In 1912 part of the park became the responsibility of the Thomas Wade Trust, who since 1530 have worked to ensure the provision of open spaces to the people of Leeds. It's a great spot to sit back and enjoy the view of neighbouring Leeds Minster. Photo: James Hardisty

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Originally opened in 1987, Horsforth Hall Park's Japanese Garden uses features and materials to represent the mountains, woodland areas, waterfalls, lakes and open grasslands found in Japan. Restored in 2009.

9. Hidden Leeds gems

Originally opened in 1987, Horsforth Hall Park's Japanese Garden uses features and materials to represent the mountains, woodland areas, waterfalls, lakes and open grasslands found in Japan. Restored in 2009. Photo: Tony Johnson

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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.

10. Hidden Leeds gems

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

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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.

11. Hidden Leeds gems

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

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Woodhouse Moor is ideal for a walk, but the grounds do hide a rather less idyllic view just below the surface. The large mound on the moor actually hides an abandoned air raid shelter from World War Two.

12. Hidden Leeds gems

Woodhouse Moor is ideal for a walk, but the grounds do hide a rather less idyllic view just below the surface. The large mound on the moor actually hides an abandoned air raid shelter from World War Two. Photo: YPN

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