Best Arts and Culture Places in Towton

"Focused on modern and contemporary art, there’s still plenty which makes the Leeds Art Gallery family-friendly – this summer, for example, there were creative activity bags to take away, ideal for inspiring your kids. Another of the string of free places to visit in Leeds with kids, you’ll find exhibits to get everyone thinking – a Damien Hirst sculpture, as well as works by Anthony Gormley, between bright contemporary art and Victorian paintings. There are also regular temporary exhibitions, and don’t miss Artspace, a creative space in the heart of the gallery, which is designed to be family-friendly."

"Situated in the city centre, Leeds Art Gallery offers a fun-filled experience for all age groups. It has been described as “probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London”. Its exhibits include:"

"Set up in 1977 and dedicated to the appreciation of visual arts, the Henry Moore Institute has been long established as a world-leading institution to study sculpture. Why not take a seat in the research library before heading in to see the gallery's award-winning exhibitions that highlight the best in contemporary sculpture?. The Institute's programme of talks, conferences and lectures are open to all and are often free, to secure sculptor Henry Moore’s vision of engaging the public in sculpture."

"The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, 74 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AH. Founded by Henry Moore himself, who claimed “there wasn’t a single piece of sculpture in my home town” (Castleton) while “Leeds Art Gallery had nothing of any value”, today the institute boasts one of the strongest public collections of sculpture in Britain, and leads an ambitious programme of exhibitions and research designed to ‘make a significant impact on the future of art history’."

"A 20th century Art Deco building is the quintessential location to house an art space; high ceilings and streaming light make for the perfect exhibiting set-up. Formerly the Tetley Ale headquarters and now a protected heritage building, The Tetley opened its newly-renovated doors in late 2013. The venue is curated by Project Space Leeds, a charity which facilitates the space to couple the appreciation of the contemporary arts with learning."

"Founded in 1822, Tetley was once the biggest brewery in the North, and for a while, it was the largest producer of cask ale in the world. Its reign ended when the brewery was taken over by the Carlsberg Group, and the brewery closed in 2011, before being demolished a year later. Thankfully, out of its ashes, a new venue was born."

"The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ - Visit now. Housed in the 1931 art deco headquarters of the Joshua Tetley & Son brewery, The Tetley opened in 2013 and has sat at the very epicentre of the Leeds art scene ever since."

"If you like your coffee served in a hip hangout with cool decor and even cooler fellow drinkers, then Outlaw’s is sure to be your favourite spot in Leeds. Firmly welcoming freelancers, this is a welcoming and friendly space that encourages visitors to make themselves comfortable on the sofas and plug in their laptops. Own-blend espresso (roasted by North Star) and their very own pale ale (brewed by Northern Monk) accompany a menu based around healthy breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and tasty cheese platters."

"This one might just win the title of the most family-friendly bar in all of Leeds. A grown-up hangout where kids are warmly welcomed, Outlaws Yacht Club goes out of its way to make families feel at home. There’s a ramp for easy buggy access, vintage board games to get stuck into, children’s books for quieter relaxation, LEGO to construct and even a tiled wall to scribble on."

"They have a carefully chosen selection of publications on art, culture, politics, fashion and photography as well as special-edition novels. But it’s not just books – they also have an awesome collection of zines. In fact, it’s the only shop in the city where you can find such an eclectic mix of self-published zines from internationally-acclaimed and emerging artists."

"As well as an impressive collection of Old Masters, York Art Gallery possesses works by LS Lowry, Pablo Picasso, Grayson Perry, David Hockney, and the controversial York artist William Etty who, in the 1820s, was..."

"Leeds was embracing street art before it was cool – and if your kids love spotting murals and other imaginative creations, the city’s street art trail is another perfect way to explore Leeds with kids. Some is inspired by the city itself – one mural features the elephant armour from the Royal Armouries and the white rose of Yorkshire, another includes an owl, and even a deep-sea diver climbing out of a washing machine. With some tucked away down little alleys and others most visible from the water, it’s a good way to find works you might not otherwise stumble across – some are several storeys high, but the trail is a good reminder to always keep your eyes open."

"The art spills out onto the streets here in Leeds; abstract sculpture and historical figures are among numerous pieces that give Leeds a unique urban landscape; you can follow the self-guided Street Art Trail."

"Roland’s roof terrace is so well hidden, you’d never even know it was there. Follow the staircase from the courtyard and you’ll find yourself in a petite sun trap with room for just 30 people. Long benches and high stools line the walls with a few garden tables thrown in for good measure."

"When it comes to classic cocktails and cheesy slices, Roland's knows a thing or two. Head over to the cool Call Lane haunt for a winning trio of potent libations, speakeasy-esque interiors and a relaxed atmosphere."

"If you fancy a tipple whilst you browse, then the White Cloth Gallery should be at the top of your list. A versatile venue, it’s home to photography and film exhibitions, a café-come-bar, and an event space. The WCG Café-Bar serves food from lunch to dinner, and is a popular eatery for gallery visitors and punters from the street alike."

"The Yorkshire Museum chronicles millions of years of Yorkshire history, from the Jurassic period through to Viking and medieval times. Highlights of the eclectic collection include a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite that came crashing to Earth in 1881, the hair bun of a Roman teenager, and a Viking sword."

"Most of York's Roman archaeology is hidden beneath the medieval city, so the superb displays in the Yorkshire Museum are invaluable if you want to get an idea of what Eboracum Roman York was like."