This year the Heritage Open Days Festival, England’s largest festival of history and culture, has chosen the theme of Everyday Histories, and events in South Leeds offer insights into religion, industry, sport and science.
Leeds Civic Trust has worked with organisations across the city to put on over 100 events for the festival which runs from Friday 11 – Sunday 20 September 2025.
We’ve picked out some local highlights, but you can find the full programme and booking details at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
Hunslet’s Rugby History
South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, LS11 5DJ
From Union to the 1895 Northern Union breakaway to Rugby League, explore the 143 year history of Hunslet RLFC. In the Phoenix bar at South Leeds Stadium, you will find old Minute books, artefacts and lots of pictures and information.
Learn about the triumphs of the first team to win All Four Cups, first team to have an American player, first team to have joint Lance Todd trophy winners. See the Hall of fame, Heritage Certificates and Timeline. Browse the extensive programme collection. Friday 18 September, 7:30-9pm
Middleton Railway – site of the first steam trains, an illustrated talk
Moor Road, Hunslet, LS10 2JQ
Middleton Railway was where the world’s very first proper steam engines ran. Starting in 1812, the Leeds locos hauled 90-100 tonnes of coal into the city, we even have a bit of track from 1812 to show you. Staff will give an illustrated talk 10am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm on each weekend of the festival. Although entry to the museum and the talk are free, you will need to buy a ticket if you want a ride on this, the world’s oldest continuously-operating railway.
Visits to DePuy Synthes
St Anthony’s Road, Beeston, LS11 8DT
An opportunity to visit a historical manufacturing site in Beeston. The site has been here since the 1950s as a Medical Devices Manufacturing Facility, supporting the pioneering manufacturing of Charnley Hip Stem which has led the way for standards in Orthopaedics Hip Implants that are used today worldwide. On Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 September 10am-12pm, booking essential.
Beeston – Rediscovered Heritage (walk)
Eileen Metcalfe can trace her family through several generations in Beeston and is keen to share her experiences of the area where she grew up and the stories passed on through her family. She is indebted to the wonderful publications of the Beeston Local History Society which have greatly added to her knowledge of the people and buildings of this ancient village.
Friday 18 September 10:30am from St Mary’s Church, Town Street, LS11 8PN booking essential.
William Gascoigne (1612-1644) or How a Spider put Leeds at the forefront of the Scientific Revolution
Join David Sellers for a talk about William Gascoigne, a pioneer of modern precision astronomy who lived in Middleton at around the time of the Royal Charter whose 400 year anniversary we celebrate this year.
Tuesday 15 September, 7:30pm, Belle Isle WMC, LS10 3PE.
Architecture and Faith Connections in Beeston – Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira
Catherine Grove, LS11 6LU
Visit this splendid Mosque, built in 2018, and discover more about the faith, customs and culture of Islam. The tour will explain the symbolism on the bronze doors and the five floors used for prayers which have sufficient space to accommodate 1,000 people each Friday. There will be an explanation of the five pillars of Islam, the importance of the Qur’an and how it was revealed to The Prophet and memorised and written down.
Visitors are asked to dress modestly, head covering preferred but not compulsory and shoes to be left on entry. Saturday 12 September 10am-12pm with tour at 10:30am. Timed to allow link with GNNSJ Gurudwara; both sites can be explored in the same morning.
Architecture and Faith Connections in Beeston – the GNNSJ Gurudwara
78 Lady Pit Lane, LS11 6DP
A warm welcome awaits at this imposing Gurudwara (Sikh Temple), beautifully converted from the former Ringtons Tea premises. You can find out about the Sikh faith, its traditions, customs and culture, including a tour and refreshments.
There will be a tour of the building and an opportunity to ask questions. Sharing and equality are important aspects of the faith and this extends to food. You will be invited into the kitchen/dining area to sample the hospitality.
Removal of shoes and a simple head covering will be required. This event is timed to allow an earlier visit to the nearby Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira (mosque) and so give the opportunity to explore two sites and two faiths in one morning. Saturday 12 September 11am-1pm with a tour at 11:30am.
For event details and bookings visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
Main photo: Minute books and memorabilia at Hunslet RLFC
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