Woodhouse Area Guide
History of Meanwood
Woodhouse is a largely residential area just north of the city centre of Leeds and home to the University of Leeds.
The original Woodhouse area of Leeds extended in a wide horseshoe arc travelling north from Burley Road.
During World War II the Institution Street area (now Holborn Approach) was accidentally bombed by the German Luftwaffe during night-time blackout air-raid attempts to destroy a nearby industrial target. Several buildings were hit and as a result 3 people at the bottom end of the street were killed.
Once described as a “large and handsome village” in 1853, it has undergone extensive development and seen a large and diverse population moving in the area, as well as a large number of students renting in Woodhouse due to its convenient location between City Centre and the universities.
Amenities
Woodhouse Moor, opposite the University of Leeds backs on to a large woodland known as the Woodhouse Ridge is popular with walkers.
Further south, Woodhouse Square and Hanover Square are two leafy enclosed spaces where you’re greeted by examples of fine Georgian and Victorian-era housing and views of the city’s skyline.
With two universities right on top of each other, and a number of further education colleges, you are never far from a student-friendly bank, corner shop, off licence or late-night supermarket.
One date for your diary is Unity Day, held on a summer weekend every year. Unity Day is a major community event held in Woodhouse Moor to help bring the people of Woodhouse and neighbouring Hyde Park together. You’ll find live music, street food and fundraising stalls.
Entertaining and eating out
Woodhouse is blessed with a number of old-style and student bars, many of which form part of the Otley Run, a pub crawl well known in Leeds. Starting all the way up in Far Headingley, the Otley Run reaches its climax right in Woodhouse. The final stretch takes in The Dry Dock, an old boat that has been converted into a pub!
Both the Eldon and Pack Horse pubs (both part of the Otley Run) are two of the best venues in Woodhouse for live music, while The Library is as student-friendly as pubs come, with DJ sets all part of its offering.
There is a popular Fish & Chip shop situated on Johnston Street called Arkwrights Fish & Chips Parlour which is always great when you’ve worked up an appetite.
Housing in Woodhouse
Older residences are largely redbrick back-to-back and 'through' terraced housing. There are also 1960s concrete houses in the Holborn Estate as well as a mixture of more modern buildings, including student accommodation.
The popular Halls of Residence of Leeds University, St. Marks Residences, has recently undergone extensive regeneration projects including an area specifically for post-graduate students. For student lets in Leeds there are plenty of options in Woodhouse, alongside more family friendly options.
Woodhouse has good transport links to the centre of Leeds so is a great option for students who want houses to rent in Leeds without having to pay Leeds City Centre apartment prices.
How to get there
Buses: For the Burley Road area near Leeds City College, the 49, 50/50A and 19/19A get you to Leeds City Centre in around five minutes. Nearer Woodhouse Moor, the 1, 6, 28 and 56 take you towards the centre of Leeds and to Headingley/Hyde Park.
Train: Leeds Rail Station is just under a mile away from the northern part of Woodhouse and, as such, is the closest to the area.
Car: The M62, M6 and M1 are within easy reach of this Leeds district.
Summary
Located just a five minute walk from the city campuses of Leeds University and Leeds Met, Woodhouse is a great value alternative to adjacent Hyde Park and has long been a popular student stomping ground whilst professional residents have been drawn to its proximity to the city centre.
Good value and an envious location for the city and universities and local eating and drinking spots.
*Area guide images are from Wikipedia and can be used under the Creative Commons Licence.