Heritage Open Day Tour
Celebrate Heritage Open Days with a behind-the-scenes tour of City Varieties Music Hall on Sun 13 September, followed by refreshments at Leeds Grand Theatre.
The Good Old Days may feel long ago, but The Varieties has truly stood the test of time. What began as a room above an inn in the 1700s grew into a home for some of the country’s greatest variety acts and now holds the Guinness World Record as the UK’s longest-running music hall. From Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin to Ken Dodd, countless stars have graced its stage.
Whether you’re a theatre lover, history enthusiast or simply curious to explore, this is a unique opportunity to discover Leeds’ oldest working theatre and experience parts of the venue usually hidden from view. After the tour, refreshments will be available to purchase at Leeds Grand Theatre.
What to expect
On the day
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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
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Your meeting point is the City Varieties Box Office
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We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes!
During your tour
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Tour bookers get 10% off Leeds Heritage Theatres merchandise at the Box Office on the day – show your tour ticket
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Photography is welcome (tag us at @grandtheatrels1 or @cityvarieties) but please avoid photographing onstage sets and be mindful of others, especially children
Accessibility
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Our Heritage Open Day 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 on our general tours page. If you have any questions before booking, please call our dedicated access number: 0113 205 3899
Event information
Duration: Up to 2 hours
Tours are free, but booking is essential and subject to availability
Age Guidance: 10+. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult
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
Please remember that all our venues are strictly nut-free
Memberships
Gold Member
- Advance notice
- Priority Booking
- Ticket/restaurant/parking discounts
£45 per year (renews annually unless cancelled)
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Silver Member
- Advance notice
- Priority Booking
- Ticket discounts
£30 per year (renews annually unless cancelled)
Add now
Priority Pass
- Advance notice
- Priority Booking
£15 per year (renews annually unless cancelled)
Add now
Additional information
Plan your visit
Everything you need to know prior to your visit, including refreshments, Access information, how to find us, parking, public transport and FAQs.
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FAQs
Head to our FAQs page for more information about our venues, opening times, shows, recruitment, Learning and Engagement and so much more.
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Join and support
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Venue hire
Combining beautiful heritage features with 21st-century tech and facilities, our venues bring an additional wow factor to your guests or audience.
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