Tours
Beyond the curtain
Step inside Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall to uncover the rich history woven into two of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Shaped by generations of performers and audiences, these remarkable venues have hosted stars, witnessed unforgettable moments, and helped define Leeds’ artistic life.
Guided by our expert team, you’ll discover hidden histories, fun facts, and the craftsmanship that brings our shows to life. Whether you’re nostalgic, curious, or simply eager to spot details you’d usually miss, this is your chance to explore two of the country’s most cherished venues.
Audiences above stage at Leeds Grand Theatre. Credit Ben Fletcher
Audience on stage at Leeds Grand Theatre. Credit Ben Fletcher
Audience backstage at Leeds Grand Theatre. Credit Ben Fletcher
About our tours
Tour price and duration
- Leeds Grand Theatre: £18. Tours last up to 2 hours
- City Varieties Music Hall: £15. Tours last up to 90 minutes
- Book for both venues for £30. Discount will automatically apply at checkout
Age Guidance
- For safety and comfort, our guided tours aren’t suitable for children under 10. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility
- Our general tours are not recommended for visitors with access needs, as they involve extensive walking and numerous steps, including some at height. Information on step-free tours can be found below. If you have any questions before booking, please call our dedicated access number: 0113 205 3899
Group Bookings
- For group bookings of 16 people or more, please email groupbookings@leedsheritagetheatres.com or call 0113 297 7040. We will do our best to accommodate your request but please note that both venues must be booked as a package as part of a group booking. School tours can be booked here
Step-free tours
To book
- Step-free tours are available to our Access Members only. For dates, availability, and to book, call our dedicated Access number: 0113 205 3899
- To become an Access Member, fill out this form. For more information about Access at our venues, click here
Tour price and duration
- Leeds Grand Theatre: £18. Tours last up to 2 hours
- City Varieties Music Hall: £15. Tours last up to 90 minutes
- Book for both venues for £30. Discount will automatically apply at checkout
- Companion tickets are free
Useful information
- Service and support animals are welcome. Please inform Box Office when booking
- We currently do not offer tours with audio description or BSL, but we hope to provide these in the future
- Accessible toilet facilities are available at both Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall
What to expect
On the day of your tour
- Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your tour is due to start. Tours begin promptly at the stated time; latecomers will not be permitted to join
- Your meeting point will be either the Leeds Grand Theatre Box Office or the City Varieties Box Office, depending on the tour you have booked
- We recommend you wear comfortable shoes!
During your tour
- Each guided tour is unique. While we aim to show you as much of our venues as possible, stage and backstage access can’t be guaranteed, but our guides will always make it an unforgettable visit
- Tour bookers get 10% off Leeds Heritage Theatres merchandise at the Box Office on the day – just show your tour ticket
- Photography is welcome (tag us at @grandtheatrels1 or @cityvarieties) but please avoid photographing onstage sets and be mindful of others, especially children
- Refreshments are not available to buy
General terms
- Cancelling a tour is always a last resort. As a precaution, please ensure you provide your contact details when booking so we can notify you if a tour cannot go ahead
- The same terms and conditions of entry and refunds that apply when attending a show also apply to our tours: Terms and conditions
- By purchasing tickets, you consent to you and your party being included in any photography or general filming in or about the venues
- Please remember that all our venues are strictly nut-free
The Grand
Find out more about Leeds Grand Theatre ahead of your visit.
Plan your visit
The Varieties
Find out more about City Varieties Music Hall ahead of your visit.
Plan your visit
Access
Find out more about our Access provision ahead of your visit.
Find out more
Leeds Heritage Theatres
Leeds Heritage Theatres is Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House. A registered charity, together we make a significant contribution to the Leeds arts and cultural landscape; providing heritage spaces for people to share experiences of live performances, screenings and events. To help us achieve our vision of advancing the arts in Leeds and inspiring the next generation to keep telling our stories, we rely on your generosity and thank you for your kind donation (which is fully invested in our buildings and projects)
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