Plan Your Visit
360-degree virtual tour
As part of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture, a 360 degree tour of City Varieties Music Hall was commissioned and can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
This virtual tour provides an excellent glimpse into Leeds’ oldest theatre and the Guinness World Record holder for the longest running music hall from the comfort of your home. It also allows first-time visitors, or audience members with access needs, a chance to familiarise yourself with the venue ahead of your visit. Come on in.
Getting here and parking
City Varieties is located on Swan Street, a pedestrianised, cobbled alley linking Briggate with Lands Lane in Leeds city centre.
Parking
Parking is available at several city centre car parks near the venue. There is no vehicle access to the building for customers.
- Q-Park St Johns
- Q-Park The Light
- NCP The Core
- Q-Park Albion Street
- Templar and Edward Street
- Victoria Gate Multi Storey
*Enjoy 20% discount when pre-booking at any Q-Park with the code GT20
Public Transport
City Varieties is around a 10 minutes’ walk from Leeds bus station and 15 minutes’ walk from Leeds train station.
Buses to the centre also stop nearby on The Headrow, Vicar Lane and Boar Lane, all of which are within 5-10 minutes’ walk of the venue.
Blue Badge Parking
All the car parks listed above have provision for Blue Badge holders. In addition, there are on-street parking bays for Blue Badge holders across Leeds city centre.
For all Blue Badge parking in Leeds go to: City Centre Blue Badge Parking Map.
Access
We are working to make all Leeds Heritage Theatres’ venues as accessible as possible. If you have questions about accessing City Varieties Music Hall, or would like to arrange a visit, please contact us. You can also view our seating plan here or more information can be found on our Access page.
Steps and seating
All seating areas have lift or step access as City Varieties Music Hall is built over a pub; the lift goes to all levels of the auditorium.
The stairs in the building are very steep in places and the Circle and Upper Circle levels have steps down to the front rows.
Wheelchair spaces are available in the Stalls and Circle areas. If you are an Access member you can book wheelchair spaces online by logging into your account, or you can call our Box Office on 0113 243 0808. Please inform Box Office if you would prefer to transfer from a wheelchair into a seat as space to store wheelchairs is limited.
Hearing loop
An Audio Induction Loop is installed but reception is limited in some seating areas. Following tests with Leeds Hard of Hearing Forum, we recommend the following areas:
- Stalls: Rows G – T (the middle seats are the best reception)
- Circle: Rows D – G
The Upper Circle, Side Stalls and Boxes do not provide a good experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Access Membership Scheme
Join our free Access Membership Scheme so we can ensure you have the best experience possible.
If you wish to claim associated concessions we will ask for proof of eligibility.
Eating and drinking
- Our bars open one hour before the performance, serving a good selection of draught and bottled beer, spirits, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and snacks. Drinks can be taken into the auditorium to enjoy during the performance but must be decanted into plastic cups.
- City Varieties Music Hall does not serve food but The White Swan (located next door) serves a wide range of hot and cold food throughout the day. Patrons receive 20% off food pre- and post-show (T&Cs apply).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out some of our most frequently asked questions.