Crossgates

Live

Crossgates has undergone somewhat of a subtle rebirth in recent years. With enhanced infrastructure, transport, housing, and local attractions, Crossgates is now said to be a promising area to watch in Leeds.

A bustling suburb four miles east of Leeds city centre, Crossgates sits between Seacroft and Swarcliffe and has evolved from a traditional manufacturing village with Victorian terraces to a now popular hub for those working in Leeds, York, and surrounding areas.

One of the biggest attractions of Crossgates is its location and transport links. New connectivity enhancements to the outer ring road have made Crossgates an even more appealing proposition for commuters.

With quick access to the M1 and M62, major bus routes, regular trains to Leeds city centre (just one stop), York, Selby and even major destination on the East Coast Mainline such as Edinburgh, this area is most definitely going up in demand.

Stay

The four-star Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa is the nearest accommodation to Crossgates. Its smart, contemporary facilities attract weekend guests for pamper packages, corporate event attendees, and employees on short business conferences.

Five miles away is the equally luxurious Oulton Hall Hotel & Spa. The lavish 18^th-century mansion is set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and offers a 27-hole golf course, spa, and AA Rosette award-winning restaurant.

Other affordable options nearby include chain hotels Travelodge, Premier Inn, Britannia, and Holiday Inn, while only 15 minutes away by car, city hotels cater for all budgets. Local guesthouses, apartments, and B&Bs are also aplenty.

Do

A growth in affordable housing estates and subsequent boom in local population led to the construction of Crossgates Indoor Shopping Centre in the late 1960s.

The Centre has since had several refurbishments and is often a hub for community activities; the adjoining Austhorpe Road is closed every year for the annual Christmas lights switch on, with a funfair and live broadcast by the local radio station.

Italian, Turkish, Greek and Indian food are all showcased in the area with the likes of La Cantina 44, Zorbas Bar & Grill, and Nawaz. All get great reviews and attract visitors from near and far.

For drinks, bars like Locus, Out Out  and The Assembly offer a range of cocktails and craft beers. This recent flurry of stylish restaurants and hipster drinking venues has enhanced the profile of Crossgates as a destination of choice.

Crossgates is a stone’s throw from splendid green space including Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam House & Gardens, the 500-year-old restored stately home. A five-minute drive from Crossgates, Temple Newsam is the location of a popular golf course, a fantastic playground for all ages, and the delightful child-friendly ‘Home Farm.’

Play

Primrose Valley and Manston are the two nearest local parks. Manston Park has benefitted from recent investment and now has fresh new tennis courts, rugby and football pitches, a bowling club, and outdoor gym equipment.

A five-minute drive will take you to John Smeaton Leisure Centre, one of the newer council sports facilities in Leeds. Enjoy a swim, gym session, or even matches on the indoor courts or outdoor sports pitches.

For youngsters, the nearest softplay centres are Monkey Maze, Kidzone Playcentre Ltd., and Little Bees Play and Party. For those a touch older, a Mecca Bingo is located just off the main roundabout!

The Springs is a welcome new addition to local retail too, opened in December 2018. The covered outdoor shopping complex has attracted massive brands including Odeon Deluxe, Pure Gym, Next, Boots, M&S, H&M, TKMaxx, Fat Face, Nando’s, and a Gino D’Acampo restaurant.

Did you know? 

The Crossgates Shopping Centre, opened in 1967, was the first indoor “American-style” shopping mall in England. It is home to over 60 stores, measures approximately 200,000 sq. ft. with a barrelled roof, and was built on an old coal and goods yards.

Crossgates has two memorials to commemorate one of the worst tragedies to ever happen in Leeds. In December 1916, 35 female workers were killed and many more injured after an explosion at the enormous Crossgates Barnbow Munitions Factory, Britain’s premier shell factory during the First World War.

Leeds City Council has developed a network of cycle routes in Leeds to improve conditions for cyclists and encourage cycling as a way of getting around. As a result, a signed cycle route has opened, running from neighbouring Garforth to the city centre. Cycle lanes, quiet roads, and tracks provide a direct route into the heart of the city.