Armley Area Guide
History of Armley
At only a mile away from Leeds City Centre, Armley is a suburb that was established on industry, most predominantly mills, which included the largest woollen mill in Britain when it was built in 1788. This major contributor to the Leeds economy saw a massive expansion of mills in the area during the Industrial Revolution..
However, Armley has been established a lot longer than you might think, with an entrance in the Domesday Book of 1086 that tells us how ten villages made up part of the geographical footprint of Armley. Most of the buildings date back from the 1800s including schools, shops and churches but it was a devastating raid in the Leeds Blitz of 1941 which saw to the redevelopment of Armley after the town sustained serious damage. This programme was responsible for most of the modern housing we see today and started in the 1950s but wasn’t completed until the early 1970s.
Armley is located between the M621 motorway and the River Aire at Kirkstall Road making it great for transport links and some picturesque views of Leeds at certain vantage points.
Amenities in Armley
Armley Town Street hosts a variety of shops; charity shops for those on a budget and lots of independent retailers too. There are good provisions for the simple shopper with newsagents and smaller express stores or you can fill up your shopping basket at the local supermarket.
For those with families or dog lovers there are a number of green spaces. You can find Armley Park easily as it extends from Stanningley Road in Upper Armley, down to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. In the park you can enjoy a stroll alongside the canal, lose yourself in the dense forest or indulge in a spot of golf in the local public 18-hole golf course. Towards Stanningley Road at the top of the park, leisure facilities include: football pitches, tennis courts, basketball courts and a children’s playground.
If you’re feeling fit head over to Armley Leisure Centre. The main pool is an impressive 25 metres long or if hitting the gym is more your thing the large gym boasts a full range of machines which will have you fighting fit in no time.
Entertaining and eating out in Armley
There are a number of cafes, bars and pubs in Armley, many of which are more traditional and frequented by the locals.
There are various takeaways never more than a phone-call away if you don’t fancy slaving away in the kitchen.
One great plus for car drivers in Armley is its free off-road parking, available throughout the main town street areas all year round.
Housing in Armley
This popular Leeds suburb has a variety of accommodation on offer that will suit all types, from student properties to let in Leeds to investor properties. If you’re looking for character, then take a look at some of the red-brick Victorian back-to- back and terrace houses which stand nestled amongst the 1960s residential property.
There is still a number of options for those wanting a more reasonable budget, especially compared to properties for sale in Leeds City Centre.
Armley boasts a mixture of first time buyers, young professionals, families and student accommodation leading to a lively area where local and community events have an active calendar.
How to get to Armley
Buses: The major bus routes include the 16, 40 and 40A bus services which links Armley with Leeds City Centre, Bramley, Pudsey, Harehills, Seacroft and Gipton. Plenty of buses run regularly between Leeds and Armley every 5 to 10 minutes.
Rail: There is no train station situated at Armley, the nearest are Bramley to the west and Leeds City Centre.
Car: Situated next to the major routes of the M621 and Kirkstall Road (A65), Armley is a great location when you want to hop over to the neighbouring areas or jump straight on to the M1 for travelling further afield.
Summary
If you like City Centre living with a smaller price tag then Armley might be just what you’re looking for. For commuters, the transport links make this area an excellent bet. In Armley, Industrial history allows property for sale in Leeds to suit every budget and taste, with a friendly local area to back it up .
*Area guide images are from Wikipedia and can be used under the Creative Commons Licence.