I always feel a bit fed up that Leeds generally charges a fairly considerable admission for its museums, while it’s much poorer relative Bradford does not. Yes, they are run by multiple different organisations, but I really do feel that anything small and local should be free admission, especially if they claim charitable status or run by local authorities? They can make their money with rip off parking and catering to shaft the middle classes coming from Harrogate etc, surely? Education should be free; cakes and coffee can raise funds by overcharging those daft enough to pay, I’ve no problem with that!
That said, this is decent value for money, there is plenty to see, and the star attraction, the Victorian streets, are very well done. Thinking about attractions of the same concept, this captures the zeitgeist of the time better than York museum (far dearer) but not a patch on Beamish (very long drive, expensive admission). The displays upstairs are interesting although not fascinating, and there seems to be a focus on health and toys.
They don’t claim otherwise on their website but I couldn’t find anything much relating to the Abbey over the road or its history? I suppose they don’t want to take visitors off the Abbey itself, but to be honest, with a name like Abbey House and being literally slap bang opposite, I think people could reasonably expect there to be something relating to it? Perhaps I have missed a room or something?
So overall, yes, well worth a visit. It’s not world class, but for a small local museum, the Victorian streets are an exceptional feature which make a change from the endless glass cabinets full of old tat which such establishments normally hold.