Leeds Cathedral

The Grade II*-listed cathedral was designed by John Henty Eastwood in the Arts and Crafts Gothic Revival style and was opened only in 1904. It has been called one of the finest Catholic cathedrals in England.

Leeds is unique among large English cities in that it does not have an Anglican cathedral, although the Church of England’s Diocese of Leeds does maintain cathedrals in Bradford, Ripon and Wakefield. Although it is not a cathedral, Leeds Minster is the main Anglican church in the city and is considered a more impressive building than Leeds Cathedral.

What to see at Leeds Cathedral

Although Leeds Cathedral lacks the history of Leeds Minster or the grandeur of cathedrals elsewhere in the country, it is a lovely place to visit.

The cathedral features a reredos designed by Augustus Pugin in 1842 that was previously housed at the old cathedral, which was just a short distance away on the corner of The Headrow and Cookridge Street but was torn down at the end of the 19th century when The Headrow was widened.

It is not a place that attracts a lot of tourists and for this reason, visiting Leeds Cathedral is a more authentic experience than you get from a visit to other more famous churches elsewhere in the country.

Visiting Leeds Cathedral

Leeds Cathedral is located at the northern end of the city centre just a one-minute walk from Leeds City Museum and a 2–3-minute walk from the Henry Moore Institute and the Leeds Art Gallery.

It is open daily and there is no admission charge.

As there is not a lot to see in here, it doesn’t take long to visit and you can be in and out in just 15 minutes, although some people like to take some time to relax in the relative solitude.