Hubs, Pubs, industry and conflict | Bramley Heritage Walk

Join renowned beer writer Simon Jenkins and event organiser Nicola Massen for a heritage walking tour exploring Bramley’s rich history, from its industrial past to the community spaces that continue to shape its future.

We’ll begin at Bramley Baths, our much-loved Edwardian building that has been part of the community since 1904. Over the years, it’s been a place for swimming, galas, dances and bringing people together. Through our #morethanapool project, we’re celebrating this rich history and looking ahead to the Baths’ future as a hub for the Bramley community.

From here, we’ll set off on a two-hour afternoon ramble, discovering the people, places and stories that have shaped Bramley and its surrounding landscape. Along the way, Simon and Nicola will share fascinating local history, uncover beautiful historic buildings and explore how industry, transport and social life have transformed the area over time.

The circular route takes in the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Whitecote House, the River Aire, Newlay Locks, Bramley Fall Park and Bramley Quarry. We’ll also delve into Bramley’s pub history, with a refreshment stop at The Abbey Inn and stories of some of the area’s many lost pubs and former social hubs.

From historic baths and bustling pubs to canals, quarries and community gathering places, this walk explores how the spaces around us shape local identity, belonging and everyday life.

It’s an opportunity to look at Bramley’s heritage in a new light and consider how places like Bramley Baths can continue to bring people together for generations to come.

Simon and Nicola run Leeds Heritage Pub and History Walks across the city, including walks in Leeds city centre and around the University of Leeds. Both share a passion for local history, and Nicola was recently appointed to Leeds Civic Trust’s Blue Plaque Review Panel.

The pair have been friends since 1986, when they worked as reporters on the Selby Times. Simon wrote the weekly beer and pub column Taverner for the Yorkshire Evening Post for almost 30 years and is a former British Beer Writer of the Year. Nicola went on to work in public relations, including as PR officer for Leeds famous Joshua Tetley & Son Brewery.

The circular walk finishes back at Bramley Baths.

Please note: This is a two-hour outdoor walk and you will need a reasonable level of fitness to take part. Please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather.

No refreshments at the stop are included in ticket price.