University of Leeds 'Be Curious' Family Open Day

On Saturday 18 May from 10am – 4pm, the University will be open to the public for a day of free interactive and family-friendly activities on subjects ranging from Artificial Intelligence to fossils and medicine to volcanoes. 

Professor Hai-Sui Yu, University of Leeds Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “Be Curious is an annual highlight for our University when we throw open the doors to the public for a day. 

“Be Curious offers everyone a chance to learn more about the great teaching and research we do at the University of Leeds, while giving young people the chance to learn new skills and be creative. 

“We are committed to engaging with our communities across the city and region and hope to inspire the next generation of researchers.” 

Event Information

We want to make your visit to Be Curious a breeze! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, we’ve put together all the information you’ll need to make your day with us easy and enjoyable.

Tickets

The whole event is free and you can turn up at any time between 11am and 4pm.

We recommend booking tickets but there will be some available at the entrance on the day.

Tickets – Quiet hour

This year, we’ve introduced a new quiet hour for visitors who prefer a calmer environment. Between 10am and 11am, the number of visitors will be limited to allow you to move around campus at your own pace. 

If you want to come for the quiet hour, you’ll need to book a ticket. You can book before the event or on the day if we have any spaces.

Location of event

The entrance to Be Curious is outside the Parkinson Building, behind the parking guard booth at the main entrance to the University. What3words for the entrance to Be Curious ///land.parks.froze.

The address for the main entrance to the University of Leeds campus is University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT. 

At Be Curious, we’re committed to sustainability. That’s why we encourage everyone to take public transport or walk to the University if possible.

The University is a short walk from Leeds city centre. You can also catch a bus to the campus: the 1, 1B, 27, 56 or 8 all stop outside the University. Come by bike and visit Dr Bike, who can show you how to look after and fix your bike.

There is limited paid parking on site, which is on a first come, first served basis. There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces across the University for visitors with a Blue Badge.  

Food

Bringing a picnic? There’s lots of outdoor space across campus and a large grassy area outside the M&S Archive.  

The Parkinson Court cafe in the Parkinson Building will be selling hot drinks, sandwiches and snacks. The Refectory in the Leeds University Union building will also be providing hot meals.

Accessibility

We want Be Curious to be a fully accessible event, enjoyed by all. All our buildings have step-free access and accessible toilets. There are also baby changing facilities in the Parkinson Building and Leeds University Union.  

Quiet spaces will be shown on the event map and will be open throughout the day for you to use.

This year, we’re introducing a quiet hour for visitors who prefer a calmer environment. Between 10am and 11am, the number of visitors will be limited to allow you to move around campus at your own pace. You’ll need to book a ticket to enter the quiet hour. You can book before or book on the day if we have any spaces.   

Each year, we learn more about how we can make Be Curious more accessible. We recognise the social model of disability and understand that removing barriers creates equity, independence and control.  

This is why we value your contributions to making Be Curious an accessible event for everyone. If you have any questions or suggestions about how we can ensure you have an enjoyable time with us, please email the Be Curious team at BeCurious@leeds.ac.uk. 

Our information for disabled visitors page has more information on accessibility across the University.

Under 18s

All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are solely responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children they bring. Children shouldn’t be left unsupervised or with any member of staff.