The Archive will be closed from Monday 16 December, re-opening on Monday 6 January 2025.
Bring your group for a fascinating visit
Our free group offer includes:
- A choice of expert talks with free self-service tea and coffee
- Our self-guided exhibition tour
- Optional self-guided M&S Heritage Trail that guides you from the Archive through the wonderful city of Leeds to the historic Kirkgate Market.
You can tailor your visit to best suit your group, here are the options to choose from. Feel free to select one, two or all three options.
Self-guided exhibition tour
Allow 40-60 minutes. Large-text guides are available free of charge.
Expert Talk
Enjoy a fascinating talk on the history of M&S in the comfortable surroundings of our Seminar Room. Free self-service tea and coffee will be available for your group during the talk.
Choose from:
- M&S and the War Effort
- Looking Good: A short history of window display at M&S
- Dressed in Time: A history of fashion at M&S
Self-guided M&S Heritage Trail
Pick up a leaflet and walk from the Archive to Kirkgate Market, visiting sites of interest on the way. Finish your tour at the M&S Heritage Stall, close to the site of the very first Penny Bazaar, allow 60-90 minutes approx. Alternatively take your coach into the city centre and use the Heritage Trail leaflet to discover the history of M&S in Leeds (45 minutes approx.) The full trail is a walking tour that involves up to 90 minutes of walking, and so may not be suitable for all visitors.
To book, or if you have any questions about arranging a group visit, please get in touch.
“A great big thank you for making us so very welcome yesterday. Everyone commented how much they had enjoyed their trip to the Archives… (The Archive team is) very knowledgeable and made the morning so easy and pleasurable.”
Clitheroe U3A 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
Group size
The minimum requirement for a group booking is 12 people, and the maximum is 50 people.
Coach and Car Parking
We have a coach parking space adjacent to the Archive for advance booking only – a £10 University of Leeds parking charge applies (sat nav LS2 9LJ). There are two Blue Badge car parking spaces outside the Archive, but no other car parking is available on site. For more information about nearby car parking please see our Plan Your Visit page.
Accessibility
Both the Archive and Kirkgate Market are fully wheelchair accessible with level access and seating throughout, accessible toilet and baby change and large-print guides. Assistance dogs are very welcome. For more accessibility details please see our Plan Your Visit page.
For Coach Drivers
Free hot drink at the Archive. Kirkgate Market offers a food voucher for drivers, available from the Market Information Centre.
What does it cost?
Great news! Our group visits are free, unless you need to park a coach at the Archive in which case there is a £10 University of Leeds parking charge.
Can my group visit on a Saturday?
We welcome advance group bookings as part of our ‘Sparky Saturdays’ public events that run on the second Saturday of every month. Please note expert talks are not available with a Saturday group booking, but your group will be welcome to join other visitors for free refreshments, a hands-on activity and to explore the exhibition. To book, or if you have any questions about arranging a group visit, please get in touch.
