Thackray Museum of Medicine

An interactive medical museum housed in a former workhouse, exploring the history of medicine and public health. Exhibits include a Victorian street scene, operating theatre demonstrations, and hands-on galleries covering everything from medieval remedies to modern surgery. It sits in Leeds's Harehills, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Leeds. Tickets cost £8 adult, £6 child, £24 family and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: discover how medicine evolved from medieval Skip if: You're squeamish about medical procedures or prefer traditional static museum displays Cost: £8 adult, £6 child, £24 family

You walk through a recreation of a 1840s Leeds slum complete with sounds and smells, then watch live surgery demonstrations using historical techniques. Interactive exhibits let you test your diagnostic skills and learn about medical breakthroughs through multimedia displays.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors and accessible toilets

Discover how medicine evolved from medieval bloodletting to modern surgery through engaging, hands-on exhibits. It is not the first thing you should see in Leeds, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.

Skip if: You're squeamish about medical procedures or prefer traditional static museum displays

• Check website for live demonstration times.
• Some exhibits are graphic - consider age appropriateness.
• Combined tickets available with other Leeds museums.

Insider tip: The museum shop sells unusual medical-themed gifts including vintage anatomy charts

Photography allowed in most areas, flash photography restricted near sensitive displays