Kirkstall Abbey recently announced the controversial decision to start charging non-Leeds residents. Visitors without a Leeds postcode will be required to pay for entry into the 870-year-old monastery.
Upon arrival at the Abbey reception, you will be required to show a proof of address that you are a Leeds resident, this means either a driving licence or utility bill. Leeds residents will then receive a Kirkstall Abbey annual pass which lasts 12 months from the date it is registered.
Visitors are then required to input their name, email address and postcode into the system which will register their card. A confirmation email will be sent to you, proving this has been done.
Read More: Families vow to boycott Leeds' Kirkstall Abbey after it introduces new controversial £5 entry fee
But what about non-Leeds residents? If you do not live in the area you will have to pay for a non-Leeds annual pass. It is only one charge for the year.
For adults it is £5, children are £2.50 and children under five can enter for free. The new charges have sparked some debate with residents falling on both sides.
Speaking with some residents at the Abbey, they said if asked to pay a fiver for entry they would refuse, having visited the Abbey hundreds of times. However, they did agree that to maintain the structure which has lasted centuries, they agree that non-Leeds residents should pay.
Some families have even vowed to boycott the Abbey due to the costs. With the rising cost of living, one resident named Lynne Green said: “Is it really a good time to introduce a fee? Everyone is struggling enough right now with the high cost of living. We'll be charged for visiting the local park next.”
Other residents have spoken out about the costs saying it's only fair that non-Leeds taxpayers foot the bill. Some have also said that despite being a resident, they never visit the Abbey.
For more information visit the Kirkstall Abbey website to view a full breakdown of the costs and entry requirements.
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