Fearnville

Fearnville Leeds Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the vibrant east Leeds area of West Yorkshire, Fearnville is a unique destination that combines rich historical heritage with dynamic community recreation. Visitors will discover the story of Fearnville Hall, a Grade II listed 19th-century building, and the adjacent Fearnville Leisure Centre, a cornerstone for local health and wellbeing. As of 2025, the leisure centre is undergoing a major redevelopment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub. Fearnville’s location also places it within easy reach of other prominent Leeds attractions, such as the Tudor-Jacobean Temple Newsam estate and Roundhay Park.

This in-depth guide offers essential visiting hours, ticket details, travel tips, and accessibility information for Fearnville and nearby sites. To plan your visit, consult authorities like the Leeds City Council, Historic England, and the National Trust. Interactive tools such as the Audiala app provide further support for visitors.

Welcome to Fearnville: A Hidden Gem in Leeds
Fearnville Hall: History and Heritage
About Fearnville Hall
Visiting Information
Conservation and Future Plans
Fearnville Leisure Centre: Recreation and Community Hub
Facilities and Programs
Visiting Hours and Admission
Redevelopment Highlights
Getting to Fearnville
Nearby Attractions
Visuals and Virtual Tours
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visitor Recommendations and Summary
References and Official Links

Welcome to Fearnville: A Hidden Gem in Leeds

Fearnville, in east Leeds, offers a blend of historical architecture and vibrant community life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast exploring Fearnville Hall or a family seeking recreation at the leisure centre, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

Fearnville Hall: History and Heritage

About Fearnville Hall

Fearnville Hall (also known as Fearnville House) is an early 19th-century Grade II listed building, notable for its distinctive gritstone exterior, slate roof, and Doric-columned porch (Historic England). The hall has been home to notable residents, including Alderman Alfred John Knowles, and reflects the area’s historic gentrification.

Visiting Information

The hall is privately owned and not open to public tours due to its current derelict condition and ongoing conservation projects. However, visitors can admire the building’s exterior from Dib Lane, and learn about its history via local heritage tours and digital resources.

Conservation and Future Plans

Efforts are underway to restore and repurpose Fearnville Hall as residential townhouses, preserving its historical value. Updates on the restoration are available through Leeds City Council and heritage organizations.

Fearnville Leisure Centre: Recreation and Community Hub

Facilities and Programs

Since the 1980s, Fearnville Leisure Centre has offered swimming, gym workouts, football, and extensive community events (Leeds City Council). Its learn-to-swim program for local schools is the largest in Leeds.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (subject to change; check the official website)
Admission: Pay-as-you-go and membership options
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with disabled access and changing rooms

Redevelopment Highlights

From 2024, the centre is being redeveloped into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub at King George V Playing Fields. Features will include a 25-meter pool, large gym, sports pitches, spin studio, soft play, and family areas (BBC News). The redevelopment emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity.

Getting to Fearnville

By Car: Via A6120 Ring Road, with parking at the leisure centre and nearby shops
By Public Transport: Regular buses connect Fearnville with Leeds city centre
Walking/Cycling: Pedestrian-friendly, with nearby green spaces

View map and directions

Nearby Attractions

Temple Newsam: Historic Tudor-Jacobean mansion and parkland (National Trust)
Roundhay Park: One of Europe’s largest city parks
Oakwood Parade: Shopping and dining
Leeds City Centre: Museums, galleries, and historic sites

Visuals and Virtual Tours

Interactive maps and virtual tours are available via the Leeds City Council and local heritage platforms, with photos showcasing Fearnville Hall and community events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I tour inside Fearnville Hall?
A: No, the hall is not open for interior tours but can be viewed from public roads.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Local groups occasionally offer walking tours. Check event listings.

Q: Is the leisure centre suitable for children?
A: Yes, it features extensive child-friendly programs and facilities.

Q: Is there parking?
A: Yes, near the leisure centre and local shops.

Q: Is Fearnville accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Facilities include full accessibility and adapted amenities.

Fearnville Leisure Centre: In-Depth Guide

Historical Overview

Since opening in 1980, Fearnville Leisure Centre has been central to community recreation and wellbeing in east Leeds. It has provided accessible sports and wellness facilities for decades, and remains vital for the growing local population (Yorkshire Evening Post).

Community Significance

The centre addresses health disparities, supports local sports teams and groups, and unites people of all backgrounds, fostering a vibrant and resilient community.

Past and Future Developments

With periodic upgrades, the centre has catered to changing community needs. The current redevelopment, led by Leeds City Council, Active Leeds, and the Football Foundation, will transform it with:

25m Swimming Pool: For recreation and competition
Two-Floor Gym: 200 stations, one of the largest in the area
All-Weather Pitch: For football and team sports
Tennis Courts & Skate Park: Outdoor recreation
Adventure Playground & Wildlife Areas: Family-friendly and promoting biodiversity
Sustainability Initiatives: Energy-efficient features and landscaping for wildlife

Community Engagement

Public consultations have shaped the redevelopment, ensuring it meets local needs.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Sat 7:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sun 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (Active Leeds)
Admission: Day passes and memberships are available; discounts for children and LeedsCard holders
Booking: Online booking is recommended

Accessibility

The centre is fully accessible, with ramps, adapted facilities, and support for users with disabilities.

Travel Tips

Accessible by car, bus, and bicycle
Ample parking is available

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with a trip to Temple Newsam, Roundhay Park, or Leeds City Centre cultural sites.

Additional FAQs

Q: How can I purchase tickets or memberships?
A: Online via Active Leeds or at the centre.

Q: Are there community events and classes?
A: Yes, including sports leagues, fitness classes, and family events.

Temple Newsam: Leeds’ Historic Tudor-Jacobean Monument

Overview

Temple Newsam is a landmark Tudor-Jacobean mansion in 1,500 acres of parkland. It hosts art collections, gardens, and a working farm (National Trust).

Visiting Information

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; last admission at 4:00 PM; closed Christmas and Boxing Day
Tickets: Adults £15, Children (5-17) £7.50, Family £40, National Trust members free
Booking: Online or at the entrance
Getting There: Accessible by bus, car (free parking), and cycle paths

Events and Accessibility

Guided tours, seasonal festivals, and family workshops are held year-round. The estate provides accessible facilities, ramps, and adapted restrooms.

FAQs

Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome; others in outdoor areas only
Picnics: Permitted in designated areas
Children: Adventure playgrounds and a farm on site
Café: Refreshments available

Fearnville Leisure Centre: Practical Visitor Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Oakwood Lane, Gipton, Leeds (approx. 3 miles east of Leeds city centre)
Public Transport: Buses 42 and 49 from Leeds city centre
By Car: Via A64 with ample on-site parking

Opening Hours & Tickets

During redevelopment (June 2025), check Leeds City Council for facility availability and hours. Admission typically ranges from £4–£7 for adults, with discounts and family passes available.

Facilities

Main and learner pools
120-station gym
All-weather pitches
Tennis courts, skatepark, adventure play area
Community rooms and accessible amenities

Food & Drink

On-site café for light meals and refreshments. Nearby Oakwood and Harehills offer further dining options.

Booking & Membership

Book sessions online or by phone. Membership options include pay-as-you-go, unlimited access, family, and discount packages for LeedsCard holders.

Events & Community

Regular events, sports tournaments, and health workshops are scheduled throughout the year.

Visitor Tips

Bring swimwear, sportswear, towel, water bottle, and a lock
Family-friendly features and safety measures in place
Assistance dogs are welcome

Nearby Green Spaces

King George V Playing Fields are adjacent, ideal for picnics and informal sports.

Best Times to Visit

Peak: weekends, school holidays, evenings
Quieter: mornings, mid-afternoons

Saving Tips

LeedsCard for discounts
Family passes and off-peak deals
Free activities at parks and events

Visitor Recommendations and Summary

Fearnville is a vibrant convergence of history, community, and modern leisure. Fearnville Hall represents the area’s cultural legacy, while the redeveloped leisure centre meets evolving community needs with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Visitors can also explore Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park for a diverse itinerary of history, culture, and outdoor enjoyment.

For the best experience, use official channels for current information, book activities online, and consider digital resources like the Audiala app to enhance your visit.