What Fearnville is
Fearnville, in east Leeds, West Yorkshire, brings together historical architecture and community recreation. Fearnville Hall, also known as Fearnville House, is a Grade II listed building, while Fearnville Leisure Centre has served as a local sports and wellbeing hub. As of 2025, the centre is undergoing a major redevelopment at King George V Playing Fields.
Fearnville is within reach of Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park, as well as Leeds city centre. For visitor information, consult Leeds City Council, Historic England, and the National Trust.
History
Fearnville Hall
Fearnville Hall is an early 19th-century Grade II listed building with a gritstone exterior, slate roof, and Doric-columned porch (Historic England). It has been home to notable residents, including Alderman Alfred John Knowles, and reflects the area’s historic gentrification.
The hall is privately owned and is currently derelict. Conservation work is under way, with plans to restore and repurpose it as residential townhouses. Updates are available through Leeds City Council and heritage organizations.
Fearnville Leisure Centre
Fearnville Leisure Centre opened in 1980 and has been central to community recreation and wellbeing in east Leeds since the 1980s. It has offered swimming, gym workouts, football, and community events. Its learn-to-swim program for local schools is the largest in Leeds. The centre supports local sports teams and groups, addresses health disparities, and brings together people of different backgrounds.
What to see and do
Fearnville Hall and local heritage
The hall is not open for public tours, but visitors can view its exterior from Dib Lane. Local heritage tours and digital resources offer ways to learn about its history. Local groups occasionally offer walking tours; check event listings.
Interactive maps and virtual tours are available through Leeds City Council and local heritage platforms, with photographs of Fearnville Hall and community events.
Fearnville Leisure Centre
The centre has offered swimming, gym activities, football, sports leagues, fitness classes, family events, and health workshops. Facilities listed for the centre include main and learner pools, a 120-station gym, all-weather pitches, tennis courts, a skatepark, an adventure play area, community rooms, and accessible amenities. An on-site café serves light meals and refreshments.
The redevelopment, led by Leeds City Council, Active Leeds, and the Football Foundation, has been under way from 2024. It is intended to create a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity. Public consultations have helped shape the plans. Planned features include:
- A 25-meter swimming pool for recreation and competition
- A two-floor gym with 200 stations, described as one of the largest in the area
- Sports pitches, including an all-weather pitch for football and team sports
- Tennis courts and a skate park
- A spin studio, soft play, and family areas
- An adventure playground and wildlife areas
- Energy-efficient features and landscaping for wildlife
The redevelopment details are covered by Leeds City Council, BBC News, and the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Practical visiting information
Fearnville Leisure Centre
- Address Oakwood Lane, Gipton, Leeds, approximately 3 miles east of Leeds city centre
- During redevelopment In June 2025, check Leeds City Council for facility availability and opening hours.
- Opening hours One listed schedule is Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM–9:00 PM, subject to change. Another is Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (Active Leeds).
- Admission Pay-as-you-go options and memberships are available. Adult admission is typically £4–£7; day passes and family passes are also available, with discounts for children and LeedsCard holders.
- Booking Online booking is recommended. Sessions can be booked online or by phone; tickets and memberships can also be purchased at the centre or online via Active Leeds.
- Accessibility The centre is described as fully accessible, with disabled access, ramps, adapted facilities, changing rooms, and support for users with disabilities.
- Food and drink An on-site café offers light meals and refreshments. Oakwood and Harehills have further dining options.
- Parking Ample on-site parking is available, as well as parking near local shops.
Getting to Fearnville
- By car Routes include the A6120 Ring Road and the A64. Parking is available at the leisure centre and nearby shops.
- By public transport Regular buses connect Fearnville with Leeds city centre; buses 42 and 49 run from the city centre.
- Walking and cycling The area is described as pedestrian-friendly, with nearby green spaces and cycle access.
Tips
- Bring swimwear, sportswear, a towel, a water bottle, and a lock.
- The centre has family-friendly features and safety measures; assistance dogs are welcome.
- Weekends, school holidays, and evenings are listed as peak times; mornings and mid-afternoons are quieter.
- LeedsCard discounts, family passes, and off-peak deals are available. Parks and events also offer free activities.
- The adjacent King George V Playing Fields are suitable for picnics and informal sports.
- Digital resources, including the Audiala app, provide further support for visitors.
Nearby places
Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam is a Tudor-Jacobean mansion set in 1,500 acres of parkland, with art collections, gardens, and a working farm (National Trust).
- Opening hours Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; last admission at 4:00 PM. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Tickets Adults £15; children aged 5–17 £7.50; family £40; National Trust members free.
- Booking Online or at the entrance.
- Getting there Accessible by bus, car, and cycle paths; free parking is available.
- Events and accessibility Guided tours, seasonal festivals, and family workshops are held year-round. The estate has accessible facilities, ramps, and adapted restrooms.
Other nearby attractions
- Roundhay Park One of Europe’s largest city parks.
- Oakwood Parade Shopping and dining.
- Leeds city centre Museums, galleries, and historic sites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Fearnville
Can I tour inside Fearnville Hall?
No. The hall is not open for interior tours, but its exterior can be viewed from public roads.
Are there guided tours?
Local groups occasionally offer walking tours. Check event listings.
Is the leisure centre suitable for children?
Yes. It offers child-friendly programs and facilities, including family events.
Is there parking?
Yes. Parking is available near the leisure centre and local shops, with ample on-site parking noted.
Is Fearnville accessible for visitors with disabilities?
The leisure centre has accessible facilities and adapted amenities, including ramps and changing rooms.
How can I purchase tickets or memberships?
Online via Active Leeds or at the centre.
Are there community events and classes?
Yes. These include sports leagues, fitness classes, and family events.
Temple Newsam
Are dogs allowed?
Assistance dogs are welcome; other dogs are allowed in outdoor areas only.
Are picnics permitted?
Yes, in designated areas.
Is there anything for children?
The estate has adventure playgrounds and a farm.
Is there a café?
Refreshments are available.
