Discover the Top 5 Abandoned Places in Leeds: explore eerie, historic locations perfect for urbex enthusiasts and lovers of mystery.
Leeds, known for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene, also harbors several abandoned places that reveal a quieter, more mysterious side of the city. From forgotten factories and mills to historic hospitals and theaters, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into Leeds’ past. Here are 5 of the most captivating abandoned places in Leeds for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Temple Works
Once one of the most distinctive mills in Leeds, Temple Works was a flax mill built in the mid-19th century, designed with Egyptian-inspired architecture and a striking temple-like facade. The mill’s large halls and skylights were innovative for their time, as they provided optimal lighting for textile workers. Abandoned for decades, the crumbling yet majestic structure, with its unique columns and empty rooms, offers a haunting reminder of Leeds’ textile history.
2. The Leeds International Pool
The Leeds International Pool, opened in the 1960s, was an iconic piece of Brutalist architecture in the city. After closing in 2007 due to maintenance costs and structural issues, the empty pool and changing rooms became a decaying monument to a bygone era. Though partially demolished, sections of the pool area have been left abandoned, offering a nostalgic look into the past leisure activities of Leeds residents.
3. Kirkstall Power Station
Once an important energy provider for the city, Kirkstall Power Station was built in the early 20th century and operated until its closure in the 1970s. Now largely abandoned, the towering chimneys, rusting machinery, and empty generator halls evoke the power station’s industrial heyday. Although mostly fenced off, the site’s imposing architecture and industrial decay attract urban explorers fascinated by Leeds’ energy production history.
4. Cookridge Hospital (Abandoned Buildings)
Originally built as a tuberculosis hospital in the 19th century, Cookridge Hospital later became a cancer treatment center before closing in the 2000s. Although parts of the complex have been repurposed, several buildings remain abandoned, with empty wards, peeling paint, and broken windows. The hospital’s haunting atmosphere, combined with its history in healthcare, offers a fascinating if eerie glimpse into Leeds’ medical heritage.
5. Garnetts Paper Mill (Otley)
Located near Leeds in the town of Otley, Garnetts Paper Mill was once a thriving paper production facility on the banks of the River Wharfe. Abandoned in the 2000s, the mill’s empty rooms, rusting equipment, and overgrown surroundings make it a hauntingly beautiful site. The mill’s decaying machinery and riverside setting evoke a sense of nostalgia for the industrial past of both Otley and Leeds.
