Left Bank is an old church on Cardigan Road that has recently been put to use as an incredible…read morevenue for events, arts, performance and gigs. The space is pretty breathtaking, with beautifully-shaped archways and a very high ornately carved ceiling which provides brilliant acoustics and a magical atmosphere. The available space is quite huge and could accommodate up to 400 seated and I would imagine up to 1000 standing. Columns and archways provide neat sections that can easily be screened off to create some more intimate spaces off the central area. There is also a vestry that can be used as a back stage area. On the 21st November 2009 The Ladybird Project rented the venue for a day of craft, circus skills and live music. As day became evening, visuals were projected onto the ceiling as live harp playing filled the vast cavernous space and the audience fell quiet, hypnotised by the moving lights high above among the arches...enchanting! The space has huge potential for all kinds of events and anyone looking for a venue with character would frankly be foolish not to take a look at Left Bank!

I realise that by default, a church is a gorgeous space, but I think it would be unfair to say that…read moreLeft Bank Leeds is purely 5 stars based on the beauty of its structure. Indeed, it's as much about the kinds of events, the range, and the creativity that go toward my fondness for this arts space. So, the basics are covered-it's a gorgeous old church, that now plays host to a range of local events. The building inside is a marvel, the space is gargantuan and the people who run it are just lovely. In recent times I've been back for quite the range of happenings, from Ladybird's fundraiser where Biscuit Head and the Biscuit Badgers played, to the fabulous End of Summer Fashion Show, to the inimitable Steampunk Market, to Sneaky Experience and all events have been a total blast. It's the perfect setting for a market event, being as the space can hold up to at least 25 stall holders, and it truly comes alive when you're in the company of Victoriana wearing, goggle sporting, tea drinking cavorters -there'll be another one in 6 months, so don't miss out. Equally, the building lends itself beautifully to the screening of spooky (and probably any) films, although heating the room can be somewhat of a tricky affair. Nonetheless, folks piled n for a Sneaky Experience (if you've not heard of them, check them out) and a wonderful time was had by all. Catwalks never looked so stunning as being paraded under the gothic architecture, and sermons of a devlishly artful nature were never more engaging than from the pulpit by a man dressed in leather with a beard as old as time. Of course, live music is tricky in such a space, given the acoustics of the building - but that is very much dependent on a few things. One, the nature of the music: choirs, live violins, and even a hand wound melodian, will bounce from the ceiling and fill your ears with awe. With other full bands, the sound is a lot trickier to get right, but it can work if set up right. One has to face the speakers, of course, and I can't imagine a heavier band giving much clarity of sound -it becomes muffled by reverb -but it'd still be an experience I'm sure. All in all, you must keep an eye on their programme. As the months move onward, you can expect more from this exciting space, and you mustn't miss out. Regardless of the style of the event, given their high quality programming, I am sure what ever is booked for the future will have you enthralled equally by the beauty of the building, the passion of those that run it, and the very nature of the creatives that envelope the building. It's another gem that keeps the Leeds arts and alternative scene abuzz with wonder.

Lots to do for the children. It's only a small building, but there's plenty to do for a couple of…read morehours & they have regular activities & sessions for children in the holidays.

I think it's great that Wakefield has a museum, as there is so much history in the area. It is…read moresmall, but it has a good exhibit on Sandal castle, which helped me a lot with my history GCSE project! For a small museum, there is quite a lot there, and the downstairs exhibits change quite regularly. It is on two levels but there's a lift, and it's very child-friendly. It's free too, although I think donations are accepted and should be considered to keep this worthwhile museum running.Worth a look just to find out about some local history. I would recommend allowing about two hours for a visit.

What with being let down once again by Virgin Media, I had to seek solace on such a rainy day as…read moreyesterday, with coffee and wifi. There's a number of spots about town in which to laze the day away with a supply of reasonable coffee, but since The Bowery is so close and it's been so long, I decided to set up here for lunch and respite from the rains. As far as I can tell, the place has gone from strength to strength, providing in-numerous excellent artistic courses for folks to partake of, alongside their range of fresh lunchables and gift-shop-cum-gallery. The programme of lessons looks fantastic, offering up everything from jewellery making to knitting, and browsing the hand crafted gifts about the cafe reveals a wealth of local talent and passion. I hadn't intended to purchase anything (one never does) but couldn't help be drawn in by some of the kitsch and quirky little items. The staff, as ever, are mega friendly, which makes a visit all the nicer. I decided to try the spinach and ricotta quiche, which comes with a sizeable plate of salad on the side. I have to say, whilst the quiche didn't make my mouth sing, the accompanying salad more than made up for this in flavour - the dressing was mouth watering, and the mix of sultanas, sesame seeds and such made this a healthy taste sensation. You can grab a decent sized latte for about £2, a pot of tea which yielded a few cups for the same, and of course the wifi is free. It's not coffee comparable to the likes of Bottega or Laynes, but the space more than makes up for this -and I'm not complaining, it was a good cup of Joe. The atmosphere defines relaxed, and with the array of art and crafts on the walls and in the cabinets, you're not short on excellent things to look at and ponder. The gallery and classroom space is upstairs, and whilst I didn't have an opportunity to wander around, I'll have to come back soon for a peek. I read also that the classroom space is available for hire for most art-related activities, for as little as £5 an hour I believe, which is fantastic for the local community. It's also worth noting that the toilet even has a mini seat that you can pull down, should you have kidlets in your company, which is a lovely touch. Overall, I'm a big fan of this place, and hope that Headingley continues to support independents like this. More of this, please Headingley. Get your senses open and your art head on.

The Bowery is more than just a cafe. Here you can also find art exhibition space, a classroom for…read moreworkshops and an impressive selection of cards and gifts. It's split across two floors and, while the upper floor is light and airy the lower floor feels a little cramped. Possibly because the lower floor contains the cafe and the gift shop but it does seem to work. Naturally, the gallery space is a little quieter but it's a lovely space and I really enjoyed wandering around and looking at the exhibits. It looks like the workshops room is really well used. A group was finishing a crafting workshop as we arrived and the website advertises further workshops as well as a series of short courses that starts in September and a variety of other events. We didn't stay for food but they're certainly popular, which has to be a good sign, and the cakes look great. I'd be tempted to return for a coffee and some treats but even if these turn out to be less than the best in the area The Bowery is doing a great job of pulling together a creative community in Headingley. They describe themselves as The Home of Creativity and I think that that suits them very well.

We visited funsters for the first time last week. wow! its fab. very easy to find and the staff…read morewere lovely and friendly. great for children of all ages. Very safe, very clean and reasonably priced, £3 each but they do get a free slice of toast and a drink if you go before 10.30am. food was very nice too - cooked properly, not stodgy or stale like some places and very generous portions great choice for both adults and children, homemade too. We will definately be going back.

Hard to find, in an old warhouse type place but on first impressions it seems clean…read more It is quite costly to get in and there is more for older children than the younger ones but ok just to pass the time. There is too many sweets and other things for children to nag for which gets quite annoying. They sell home made food which is tasty and ok priced. They provide other services as well like parties and the staff are friendly. The price is more during half terms but as I say it passes the time.

Art Room 4 resides in the White Rose Centre, in one of their stalls/displays lettings. Essentially,…read moreArt Room 4 consists of the work of two artists, Carol Cheyne and Ryan Larkin, and this work takes the form of canvas art in a variety of sizes and prices, with the acrylic on canvas style of abstract, landscapes, and tonal object-non-specific pieces. The pieces start off at a very reasonable £50 and go to a maximum of £200. There are some cracking pieces on display, and if you see something in one size on display, it doesn't matter, it can be made larger, smaller, size permitting into a double set or trio piece, depending on the design and your budget. Personally I think they're excellent prices, as I've paid almost £50 for a simple icon print on canvas before now. For me it was Carol's Moody Blue piece that sucked me in, it's stunning. If you want to put something in the way of art on your walls that doesn't include prints in a frame, or one of Ikea's roses, then seriously check out Art Room 4.

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery is not very well known in Leeds. I have never before heard my…read morearty friends talk about it, or seen any promotion for it, and I am often taking short cuts through the University Campus. I heard about the gallery whilst doing data entry for an arts company, I was inputting data from a survey to decide why it wasn't very well attended. Since then I vowed that I would go and have a look, as everyone in the survey spoke very highly of it in their comments. You can find the gallery in The Parkinson Building of the University, just to the left of reception through some glass sliding doors. The exhibits I saw today were beautiful. The gallery used to consist of three rooms which have now been converted into one large space displaying the Universities permanent collection. It includes various bronze works, a display of Yorkshire pottery, a suite of glass cases displaying drawn works, and some really beautiful paintings. There is also another room which is used for temporary exhibitions. Today I saw 'Obsession: Contemporary Art from the Lodeveans Collection' which is running until the 28th November (2009). My favorite in this collection were some porcelain models of crushed cans (like coke cans) hand painted with blue flowers, as if they were an old china set. They have a variety of different pieces, from abstract to portrait paintings, sculptures, video, audio, and drawings, so if you are an art lover there will most likely be something for you. It is quite small, but it's free and also not far from the gallery in the city centre if you feel the need for more.

A very modern gallery, compared to other museums/galleries that I have visited this isn't the…read morebiggest but it is so modern and chic. There is a room which shows art and often switches it up

A very good public library, located in the heart of the town centre. There is an art gallery on the…read moretop floors of the building. The library, as you expect, has a lot of books covering a range of subjects, but still - could have a bit more. If you cannot find what you are looking for you might be interested in getting a cheap membership to the University Library. The public library provides you with magazines, and free internet access which has to be booked in advance. You can also borrow CDs and DVDs from the audio visual department located in the ground floor (for a small fee).

A bit of a joke really.It gets smaller every year -different rooms ben closed off.Have a security…read moreguard but I've absolutely no idea why.Check in constantly (it's above the library which is as good as this place is bad) but never changes.Considering Huddersfield puts on the Contempary Music Festival every year this place is a real disappointment.I don't even have a favourite piece and don't even think of seeing something you could possibly have heard of.

Very lovely presentation of local history and geology. Lots of details if that's your interest…read morewith the interactive displays or get a good overview if you prefer that. Really enjoyed seeing the Shakespeare First Folio and the story of how this book came to be in the museum. Many of the original artifacts from the 1800's and 1900's are in good condition and conveniently displayed. Well worth the visit.

As a historic castle and market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton's a popular…read moretourist spot. When you grow up there, though, and spend your teenage years just weaving around slow-moving coach parties, it's easy to forget that the area holds so much in the way of interest - and hippos. That's where the Craven Museum plays such an important role. The museum is essentially just one sizeable room. Visitors start at the prehistoric Leeds hippo skull (no, really) and move forward in time by - appropriately - going around the room clockwise. As you'd expect, many of the artefacts on display are industrial and agricultural, but the museum's crowning exhibit sits in the middle of the Early Modern period in a special booth all of its own: a genuine original First Folio of Shakespeare's plays. True to my name, I am something of a fawning fan of the Bard's, and I've come here more than once simply to stand in something approaching awed reverence in front of the tome. There are some informative notices explaining its journey of ownership, ending with its donation to the museum, and it's worth visiting just for the Folio. But there are other highlights on display, too, such as some beautiful dresses and an old lead ingot engine. Someone has designed some neat little activities for kids, as well. There's a colouring table and a play-archaeology dig, and at the moment they're running a crowd-sourcing project to identify a mystery artefact found in the area. It's something a little like a five-pronged shoe-horn and there are some great ideas from children on the Post-It note suggestions. You'd struggle to entertain a class-load of children here for long on a school trip, as much for the reason of limited space as anything else, but if you've got a small family then it should keep the young ones entertained for a little while. It could stand to be more interactive, but given the size of the place and the fact that it's entirely volunteer-run, it's an amazing and fascinating addition to the town and to the area as a whole.