Leeds Waterfront Heritage Tour

Join local expert and passionate independent tour guide Mike on a guided tour exploring Leeds’ waterfront and industrial heritage.

Now a vibrant contemporary space, Leeds’ waterfront once played a vital role in Britain’s national industries. Pioneering the production of cloth and engineering technologies, Leeds was at the forefront of industrial revolution Britain.

On this tour, visit key locations. Including Marshall’s Mill (once Europe’s largest) with its beautifully designed Temple Mill building, Granary Wharf and its nearby iconic Italian Towers, Brewery Wharf that was once part of Tetley Brewery’s brewing empire and Leeds Dock an industrial inland dock that has become a beautiful contemporary space, plus lots more.

The route walks along the picturesque Leeds and Liverpool Canal and River Aire – waterways that connect Leeds with docks on the East and West coasts of England.

Throughout the tour, Mike will tell stories about the people, places and events that shaped the area, whilst showing old maps and images to help picture the history.

​The tour starts outside Marshall’s Mill near Leeds Train Station and finishes at Leeds Dock, where guests can then either explore the area which is home to Royal Armouries museum plus bars, cafes and restaurants, or take a water taxi ride back to the train station, or a ten-minute walk back into the centre of Leeds.

Your guide Mike is Leeds born and bred. He is an experienced tour guide and a member of both Leeds Civic Trust and Thoresby Society (Leeds’ historical society).