Do not despair at the stairs – you can go around the side.
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4
Date of visit: July 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment and moving around.
I use or have experience of: hidden impairment, powerchair, walking aid
Overall Rating
Good
I am usually more interested in churches for their aesthetics and history rather than to take part in a service, so my timing was maybe not ideal when visiting Leeds Cathedral. I had passed by before and admired the beautiful facade. Being in my powerchair, I was discouraged by all of the steps leading up to the main entrance. When I came back with more time to look for an accessible entrance – and found it – it happened to be during mass. I tried my best to keep a low profile and not disturb the congregation, but that also meant that unfortunately I could not ask any questions about features such as toilets or hearing loops. The usher who welcomed me in was very friendly, though, and told me that I would be able to take communion in my chair, so I assume that the church has put some thought into accessibility and would be happy to answer any of your questions if you asked them in advance of attending mass.
Disabled Access In and Around
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals, Seating at regular intervals, Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
There is no dedicated parking or blue badge parking spaces at the cathedral. There is also not really any on-street parking in the area, but there is a paid multi-storey car park at The Light, which is next to the church, but on the side opposite the accessible entrance, so it will still be a little bit of a walk. If you have to travel by car and can be dropped off, there is an area on the corner of Cockridge Street and St Annes Street to stop. It is less than 50 metres from the main entrance (5 steps up) but more than 50 metres from the accessible entrance around the side. The closest bus stops are Victoria Square (14, 15, 19, 19A, 42, 49. 50, 50A, 55, 55C, 65, 72, 75, 508, X6, X10, X11), Albion Street (Headrow L, M for 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, X10) and Merrion Road, which are all about 200 metres away. If you are coming from Victoria Square via Cookridge Street, there are good wide lowered curbs crossing St Annes Street on the side of the cathedral with tactile markings on the near side only. It is about a 10-minute/0.4-mile walk or wheel from Leeds train station.
Accessible facilities: Drop-off or pick up point
