tourist attractions leeds city centre

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Leeds, West Yorkshire

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley visited Northern England in the spring of 2022 and explored Yorkshire, including the city of Leeds .

This pleasant university city on the River Aire in West Yorkshire offers great shopping and sightseeing in its historic downtown area, and has a number of interesting museums and art galleries among its attractions. Leeds also has a long-established tradition of industry, especially textiles, and its primary importance is as West Yorkshire's commercial and financial center.

The city is also the cultural hub of the area and boasts numerous fun things to do. Highlights include annual events such as the Leeds Festival in Bramham Park; the Leeds International Concert Season , a year-long celebration of music featuring more than 200 concerts; and the Leeds International Film Festival , England's second-largest festival dedicated to cinema.

The city's many attractive parks and gardens are ideal for relaxing walks. Must-visits include the 700-acre Roundhay Park , one of the country's largest city parks, and Golden Acre Park .

The surrounding Yorkshire Dales and moors are also worth exploring and offer some of the country's best hiking and biking trails. Particularly popular is the Meanwood Valley Trail , site of an annual footrace that draws participants from across Britain, along with famous Ilkley Moor.

To learn more about why Leeds is fast becoming one of the most popular places to visit in England, be sure to read through our list of the top tourist attractions in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

See also: Where to Stay in Leeds

1. Civic Quarter & Leeds Civic Hall

2. the headrow & leeds town hall, 3. briggate, 4. the victoria quarter, 5. the royal armouries museum, leeds, 6. st. john the evangelist's church, 7. leeds corn exchange, 8. harewood house, harewood, 9. leeds industrial museum at armley mills, armley, 10. leeds art gallery, 11. temple newsam house, 12. thackray medical museum, 13. leeds grand theatre & opera house, 14. lotherton hall, aberford, 15. abbey house and museum, kirkstall, 16. the cathedral city of wakefield, 17. the national coal mining museum for england, overton, 18. harrogate: britain's floral resort, where to stay in leeds for sightseeing.

The hub of Leeds' Civic Quarter is the pedestrian area known as City Square . It is famous for its numerous statues, including figures of the Black Prince and inventor James Watt, and is a popular public space for locals and visitors alike to spend time.

A variety of the city's most important cultural attractions are also located within the Civic Quarter. The top places to visit for a dose of culture include the excellent Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute, and the interesting Craft Centre and Design Gallery that features works by local and national artisans (many of them for sale).

Another important city structure is Leeds Civic Hall with its owl-decorated towers, the heraldic emblem of the city. Free tours and exhibits are held frequently.

Finally, be sure to visit Millennium Square, a focal point for theatrical performances and concerts. The square is also the location of Leeds City Museum, with its excellent departments of geology, zoology, ethnology, and archaeology.

The Headrow is a pedestrian-friendly half-mile-long avenue where many of the city's premier shopping, civic, and cultural attractions are found.

Perhaps the most notable building here is Leeds Town Hall, which served as the template for countless civic buildings across Britain and its empire. It was consecrated in 1858 by Queen Victoria. A lovely Corinthian colonnade adorns its front, dominated by a 200-foot-tall clock tower. Its ornate Victoria Hall is used frequently for concerts. Note that the building is currently undergoing a massive refurbishment and is closed to the public until 2024.

Headrow leads into Westgate, Eastgate, and Quarry Hill, which also host important cultural attractions. These include the West Yorkshire Playhouse , the biggest production theater outside London, and the Grade-II-listed Leeds City Varieties , the oldest music hall in the world.

Another theatrical landmark is the Grand Theatre . This "grand" old opera house serves as home to Opera North.

Address: The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: www.leedstownhall.co.uk

The pedestrianized Briggate area is famous for its historic shopping arcades , many of them of architectural significance. Those to explore include Grand Arcade, built in 1897 and home to a number of small boutique shops, and Thorntons Arcade , which was completed in 1878 and notable for its clock with four life-size figures.

Also worth visiting is Queens Arcade. Opened in 1889, it's home to a variety of high-end designer and novelty shops. A more modern affair, Trinity Leeds is a vast indoor shopping and entertainment complex where it's easy to spend a few hours exploring.

The Victoria Quarter is another great destination in Leeds city center for shopping enthusiasts. The jewel in the crown here is undoubtedly Queen Victoria Street . Although only arcaded in 1990, it's the largest expanse of stained glass in Europe and worth visiting if only for a stroll.

The neighboring County Arcade in the Victoria Quarter was completed in 1903 and is also fun to explore. Highlights include its magnificent marble floors, intricate stonework, and elegant iron domes.

Address: Queen Victoria St., Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: www.victorialeeds.co.uk

Located in the city's dock area, the Royal Armouries Museum is home to Britain's national collection of arms and armor. Boasting more than 8,500 objects on display in six impressive galleries, the museum covers some 3,000 years of armor and weaponry from across the globe.

Highlights include the Tournament Gallery, showcasing the splendor (and brutality) of medieval jousting tournaments, and this is also where you'll find the full-body armor worn by Henry VIII. Also worth seeing is the impressive Oriental Gallery with its many fine examples of arms and armor from Africa and Asia.

There's even a collection of weapons and swords used in the hit movie, The Lord of the Rings . Add live demonstrations and stunning re-enactments to the mix, and this museum is a must-see.

A café and shop are located on the premises.

Address: Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: www.royalarmouries.org/visit-us/leeds

The finest of Leeds' many lovely churches, and also the city's oldest, is St. John's in New Briggate. Built in 1634, its interior is notable for having two naves, as well as an original Renaissance rood screen, pulpit, and stalls.

Other religious sites worth visiting in Leeds include St. Anne's Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral in Cookridge Street (built 1904), and the Georgian Church of Holy Trinity on the riverbank in Boar Lane (1727).

Also check out the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds. Perhaps better known as Leeds Minster, this medieval church was rebuilt in 1841 and is the city's oldest parish church.

Address: 23 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/st-john-leeds.html

One of only three such structures surviving in the UK, the Grade I listed Leeds Corn Exchange is considered one of England's finest Victorian-era buildings. Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick and completed in 1864, the building is now home to an eclectic variety of independent boutique shops, galleries, and cafés.

The Corn Exchange is also a popular venue for everything from markets and fairs to boxing events and concerts.

Location: Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: http://leedscornexchange.co.uk/

Harewood House, seat of the Earl of Harewood, is a magnificent Georgian country house that took 30 years to build and was completed in 1771. Just eight miles north of Leeds, this spectacular home has interiors designed by Robert Adam and includes fine wall and ceiling paintings by Angelika Kauffmann and furniture by renowned English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale .

As well as an outstanding collection of porcelain, it has a large number of valuable works by the likes of Reynolds, Gainsborough, and El Greco. Outside, the grounds include a beautiful landscape designed by Capability Brown, with a 32-acre lake, a bird garden, and the remains of a 12th-century castle.

For a truly memorable stay, book into one of the estate's self-catering cottages, all within easy walking distance of the main house.

Address: Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: www.harewood.org

Just two miles west of Leeds city center on Canal Road is the former Armley Mills. Once the world's largest woolen mills, this huge building is now home to the excellent Leeds Industrial Museum.

The museum presents the fascinating history of wool production in Yorkshire from the 18th century onwards, as well as exhibits concerning the manufacturing of textiles and clothing, printing, engineering, and locomotives.

While there, spend a little time exploring the nearby Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which links these two important industrial cities. Stretching 127 miles and even crossing the Pennines, this remarkable feat of engineering encompasses some 91 locks on its main line. The Thwaite Mill , a carefully restored watermill in nearby Stourton , is also worth visiting.

Address: Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-industrial-museum/

Set in Victoria Square near the old Town Hall, a visit to Leeds Art Gallery is a must for art lovers. Its superb collection of works by British artists include 750 paintings by J.S. Cotman (1782-1842), as well as works by Constable and Gainsborough.

Other highlights include works by Italian and French masters such as Courbet, Renoir, and Signac. The neighboring Henry Moore Institute features sculpture galleries containing works by the artist and his contemporaries Jacob Epstein and Barbara Hepworth.

Official site: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-art-gallery/

Temple Newsam House, a magnificent 40-room Tudor-Jacobean mansion, is a must-see when in Leeds. Set in a sprawling 900-acre park on the city's outskirts, it's famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots.

Interior highlights include a variety of Old Master paintings, as well as furniture by Thomas Chippendale and collections of Leeds creamware and silver. Exterior highlights include the beautifully manicured grounds with their marvelous rose bushes and rhododendrons, as well as one of the largest working rare breeds farms in Europe.

A café serving afternoon tea and other offerings is located on-site.

Address: Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam/

The interesting and recently renovated Thackray Medical Museum is well worth checking out. Located next to St. James's University Hospital, this fascinating museum has a collection of 20,000 medical artifacts, and displays the development of medicine through the ages.

Displays include an authentic reproduction of a slum area of Leeds during Victorian times, including the sights, sounds, and even smells that would have permeated such neighborhoods. Other exhibits deal with areas of healthcare and surgery, as well as childbirth. A café and shop are located on the premises.

Address: 141 Beckett Street, Harehills, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: https://thackraymuseum.co.uk

The most important of three historic venues owned and operated by the city of Leeds, the Grand Theatre was built in 1878 and can host up to 1,500 patrons. Centrally located in the city's Briggate district, this attractive red brick building is a focal point for theatre-goers and music lovers thanks to its eclectic program of shows.

In addition to featuring the latest West End theater productions and musicals, pop groups and musicians make it a stop on their cross-country touring schedules. It's also home to Opera North, one of the country's leading operatic companies, which is renown for featuring world premieres of new operas as well as the classics.

Fun workshops and behind-the-scenes tours are also available.

Address: 46 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: https://leedsheritagetheatres.com

Edwardian era Lotherton Hall was built before WWI for the Gascoigne family, avid collectors of antiquities and art. Particularly good are the Oriental Gallery, which has items dating back to the 19th century, and the Nightingale Gallery displaying the work of local artists.

The house is surrounded by a formal Edwardian garden and a bird garden that's home to over 200 species. There are also a number of superb walking trails on-site, as well as an adventure playground for the kids. A picnic area and café are also available for visitors to use.

Location: Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/lotherton/

Located about four miles west of Leeds in Aire Valley, Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall is in a magnificent Cistercian house built in 1152. The picturesque remains include a roofless church with a narrow choir and a ruined tower, an almost completely preserved chapterhouse, as well as a refectory, kitchen, and various other buildings.

The gatehouse is now part of the Abbey House Museum with its reproduction houses, shops, and workshops illustrating life in Yorkshire through the centuries. If visiting near Christmas, check the attraction's website for details of special events and programs for the kids.

Address: Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Official site: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/abbey-house-museum/

The cathedral city of Wakefield, an easy 30-minute drive south of Leeds, contains an interesting open-air sculpture gallery and is the birthplace of English author George Gissing (1857-1903). The Wakefield Theatre hosts performing arts events, as well as a city museum.

Other notable attractions include the ruins of Sandal Castle, Wakefield Cathedral, the and Wakefield Art Gallery. Also worth visiting is Nostell Priory , built on the site of a medieval priory in the 18th century. The house contains a collection of Chippendale furniture, paintings, and Chinese wallpapers.

Another popular destination that's popular for tourists is the National Coal Mining Museum for England. Located at the former Caphouse Colliery in Overton, just a short drive from Wakefield, this first-rate attraction showcases the often hard life of the miners at one of the country's oldest coal mines, as it dates as far back as the 1770s.

Highlights include guided underground tours and a visitor center with exhibits relating to the colliery's long history. For the kids, be sure to catch the fun ride on one of the "paddy" trains used to haul workers around the vast site.

Address: Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, West Yorshire

Official site: www.ncm.org.uk

Harrogate is a pretty spa town that owes its fame to the medicinal springs discovered here in the 16th century. Today, it's primarily a holiday resort known for its parks and flowers , earning it the title of Britain's Floral Resort.

One of its most popular attractions is RHS Garden Harlow Carr . In addition to its diverse garden types, there's a museum of gardening, a model village, and guided tours of the 68-acre site. Harrogate also enjoys a reputation for great shopping on account of its elegant boutiques and antique shops.

For culture vultures, the year-round Harrogate International Festivals consist of a series of excellent festivals. Considered to be among the best such events in the UK, they feature everything from opera to drama performances, as well as cabaret, street theater, and literary events.

Address: 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Official site: www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

We recommend these centrally located hotels near the top attractions in Leeds:

• The Chambers Park Place : This 4-star hotel features luxury apartments in a turn-of-the-century building, individually decorated suites, a library, and underground parking.
• Dakota Leeds : A great choice of mid-range hotel, the Dakota offers stylish décor, subtle lighting, high-quality linens, and rainfall showers in its rooms and suites.
• Roomzzz Aparthotel Leeds City : Popular for its affordable rates, trendy décor, and mix of studios and apartments with kitchens, this hotel also offers a free grab-and-go breakfast.
• Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) : This budget hotel is set in a convenient location and features modern décor and clean rooms.

More on England

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Leeds City Centre

Top things to do in leeds city centre.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Leeds City Centre
• Quarry Hill
• Clarence Dock
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. City Varieties Music Hall

2. Trinity Leeds

3. Escape Hunt Leeds

4. County Arcade

5. The Great Escape Game Leeds

6. Leeds Town Hall

7. Thornton's Arcade

8. Leeds Art Gallery

9. The Turk's Head

10. Tick Tock Unlock

11. Park Square

12. Leeds Central Library

13. Carriageworks Theatre

14. Be At One Leeds Millennium Square

15. Leeds Waterfront

16. Be At One Leeds Boar Lane

17. Millennium Square

18. Queens Arcade

19. Pixel Bar

20. Leeds Civic Hall

21. Everyman Cinema Leeds

22. Henry Moore Institute

23. The Light

24. Mill Hill Chapel

25. City Square

26. The Decanter

27. The Electric Press Building

28. Holy Trinity Church

29. Leeds Railway Station

30. Lush Leeds Spa

What travellers are saying

THE 10 BEST Landmarks in Leeds City Centre

Sights in leeds city centre.

• Architectural Buildings
• Monuments & Statues
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Government Buildings
• Historic Sites
• Historic Walking Areas
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Leeds City Centre
• Quarry Hill
• Clarence Dock
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. County Arcade

2. Leeds Town Hall

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (13)

3. Thornton's Arcade

4. The Turk's Head

5. Park Square

6. Leeds Waterfront

7. Millennium Square

8. Leeds Civic Hall

9. Mill Hill Chapel

10. City Square

11. The Electric Press Building

12. Holy Trinity Church

13. Leeds Railway Station

14. Millenium Square Leeds

15. Reclining Woman (Elbow)

16. Briggate

17. The Queens Hotel Building

18. The Ivanhoe Clock

19. Edward, The Black Prince Statue

20. Time Ball Buildings

21. LEEDS POST OFFICE (1896)

22. Angel Inn Yard

23. Boar Lane

24. The Observatory Building

25. Albion Place

26. Thoresby House

27. Blue Police Telephone Box

28. Legs Walking Statue

29. The Headrow

30. The Majestic Building

What travellers are saying.

67 Things to Do in Leeds City Centre

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Leeds is a wonderful city. It’s the 3rd biggest city in the UK, yet it feels welcoming and homely. It’s easy to get to being just two hours from London and Edinburgh, 20 minutes from York and an hour from Manchester by train, and with it’s own airport.

It’s full of history, culture, food and shopping and the people are oh-so-friendly! Whatever your interests, and whether you live in the Leeds, are visiting for the day or travelling for a longer trip, there are so many things to do in Leeds without even leaving the city centre.

So here is my list of 67 things to do in Leeds city centre, with a warning that the food and drink section is by far the largest (if you’re familiar with my blog this won’t come as any surprise to you).

Museums & Galleries

• Food & Drink
• Fun & Games
• Everything Else!

Before we get stuck in, can I quickly tell you about my ebook, Leeds Feeds? It’s the ultimate guide to independent food & drink in Leeds, including a huge directory of places to eat, PLUS recipes, stories and more from some of the best chefs in the city.

Find out more about the Leeds Feeds ebook here .

Visit Leeds City Museum , located at Millennium Square right in the heart of the city. There are six galleries to explore with displays such as the famous Leeds tiger, the mummy of Nesyammun and changing community displays reflecting people’s lives in the city today.

Visit the Royal Armouries at Leeds Dock to explore arms and armour from across the world over five floors of displays.

Learn about the history of medicine at Thackeray Medical Museum . I’m not sure if this strictly counts as Leeds city centre but it’s close enough, and this former Leeds Union workhouse is definitely worth a visit.

Admire modern and contemporary British art at Leeds City Art Gallery before stopping for a cup of tea in the beautiful tiled hall cafe, and it’s free (entry to the gallery, not the cup of tea!)

Celebrate sculpture at The Henry Moore Institute. Their changing programme showcases historical, modern and contemporary sculptures from all over the world.

Head to Leeds Gallery and Cafe 164 at Munro House  to browse photography, illustration and fine art at this independent commercial art gallery.

Combine contemporary art and great beer at The Tetley . They have changing exhibitions, various workshops and a great food menu too.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Culture

Get lost in Leeds Central Library . Even if you’re not that into books, its worth a visit just to look at the stunning interior of the grade II listed building.

Take a tour of the Town Hall to admire views of the city from the clock tower and descend into the dark prison cells. The tours aren’t running at the moment due to refurbishments of the roof, but as soon as they are this is a must do in Leeds!

Book onto the Leeds Kirkgate Market heritage tour . I love Leeds Market (I’ve written a blog post about it), so I couldn’t leave this off my list of things to do in Leeds city centre. Attend a free tour and learn about the history of the market, the stories of the traders and even visit the first floor balcony for a unique perspective. You’ll need to book in advance which you can do here .

Take a walking tour of the city. Whilst we’re on the subject of tours, the best way to learn about the city is definitely a walking tour and there are loads on offer. Tales of a City Tours offer pay-as-you-feel tours led by refugees, or Leeds City Walking Tours have a huge range of historical and cultural tours.

Find some peace in Leeds Minster . You can wander around for free, or book onto a tour for £7.50 and explore the treasures of the 19th Century building in the company of a Minster guide.

Admire the UK’s tallest mural ‘Athena Rising’, which is apparently taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York! The mural can be seen from the station and depicts an owl alongside the moon and a crown.

Venture along Leeds Welcome Art Trail . Starting at the train station, the trail takes you through the city centre past the work of local artists, illustrators and sculptors in the direction of Mabgate. Leeds List have written a brilliant guide to the trail which you can read here .

Walk the Waterfront Art Trail . Another art trail for you, this time along (you guessed it!) Leeds’ waterfront from Holbeck to Leeds Dock. Again Leeds List have covered this in detail so have a read here .

Search for owls on the Leeds Owl Trail . Pick up a map for £1 at the Leeds Visitor Centre and discover the 25 owl statues around the city centre to understand a part of Leeds’ rich history.

Have a night at the theatre . There’s plenty of choice in Leeds when it comes to theatres, so there’s bound to be something on whenever you choose to go. Try Leeds Grand Theatre , Howard Assembly Room, Leeds Playhouse , Carriageworks , Leeds City Varieties or the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre.

Listen to live music at a venue of your choice. For bigger artists head to First Direct Arena, for indie music try O2 Academy and for smaller bands head to Belgrave Music Hall , The Wardrobe or Sela Bar to name just a few.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Food & Drink

Eat, drink and learn with on a food tour with Leeds Food Tours . The signature Local Leeds tour takes you to six different venues around the city and provides you with food at each venues, a load of foodie history and a few drinks along the way – making it one of the ultimate things to do in Leeds city centre. Have a read of this blog post to find out more about Leeds Food Tours.

Pair beer with Baos at North Brewing Co. This city centre tap room brings together 24 taps of some of Leeds’ best craft beer and the fluffiest Baos from Little Bao Boy.

Learn to cook the perfect steak at Blackhouse Steak School . Learn not only a whole host of knowledge about beef, but also how to pair it with wines from Australia, Argentina, Spain and Ireland.

Embark on a Gin Journey . Gin Journey run regular gin tours which include 5 samples of gin, 5 gin cocktails, a chauffeur to take you to 5 different venues, and a whole load of new gin knowledge – the best of things to do in Leeds city centre for gin lovers!

Try tea tasting at Le Chalet . Spend an hour tasting various blends of tea and learning about their origin before enjoying your favourite with a warm scone, clotted cream and jam. The only thing you need to worry about is which goes first, the jam or the cream?! Click here to book.

Learn how to make the perfect coffee. North Star offer a 3 hour home barista course where you can learn about the key principles of using coffee, sensory skills, coffee supply chain, latte art and much, much more. No prior experience is needed, just a love of coffee! Similarly, 200 Degrees offer a variety of courses such as Basic Barista, Home Brew and Latte Art.

Try some new wines with a Yorkshire Wine School wine tasting . They hold loads of different tastings on an evening at Radisson Blu hotel, but if that doesn’t suit you I’d highly recommend a tasting flight at Veeno as well.

Enrol in the School of Chocolate at Hotel Chocolat’s Roast and Conch. Try a bean to bar experience (I’ve done this and it was excellent), a chocolate lock-in or a tasting experience and learn everything you need to know and more about chocolate.

Compete in a food challenge . This is one of the things to do in Leeds city centre that I haven’t partaken in, mainly because I wouldn’t want to embarrass everyone else participating with my incredible eating skills. If you want to give it a go you could try Tapped’s Challenge Pizza (named ‘a furious disc of agony’ and topped with a sauce containing drops of a secret ingredient measuring almost 7 million units on the Scoville scale); Mojo’s Mad Dog food challenge (eat 5 extremely spicy chicken wings without leaving the table, taking a drink or wiping your face); or MEATliquor’s Triple Chilli Challenge (a burger, a hotdog and fries all covered in Jalapeños and eaten in under 10 minutes).

Take a brewery tour . Brewtown Tours are your best bet for covering a variety of bases as they’ll pick you up outside The Queen’s Hotel right in the city centre and take you to three different breweries (Quirky Ales, Northern Monk and North Brewing Co.).

Crawl around Leeds’ historic pubs whilst learning about the history of beer in Leeds. The Leeds Heritage Beer Tour is run by Mike, who is incredibly passionate and knowledgable about everything beer-related, and will take you to five venues dating back to the Victorian era. And yes, you get to sample the beer along the way.

Understand whisky at The Whisky Lounge . It describes itself as “a place in which EVERYONE is encouraged to develop and nurture their interest and passion in the Water of Life” and holds whisky tastings, blending workshops and more in the city centre throughout the year.

Find a secret supper club . Not the easiest to find or book onto because they’re somewhat secret, but if you can get into one of these pop up dining experiences you’re guaranteed to have a great night! As they’re a secret I won’t disclose my favourites here, but send me a message if you’d like more information.

Learn to cook at one of the many cooking classes in Leeds. Hansa’s and Chaophraya hold regular cooking classes in the city centre, or if you’re happy to venture just outside of the city you must try Leeds Cookery School , and you can read my blog post about it here.

Indulge in Leeds’ street food scene . If you like your street food vendors in one place then visit Assembly Underground, Trinity Kitchen or Leeds Kirkgate Market. If you want to read more about Leeds’s street food have a read of my blog post, or you could book onto a food tour with Leeds Food Tours .

Eat as much as you wish at one of Leeds’ all-you-can-eat restaurants. My favourites are Crown Buffet for Chinese, Fazenda for meat, Blue Sakura (you can click that link for a blog post all about it!) for sushi, Gaucho for brunch on a Saturday and the Wellington Pizza Pub for (unsurprisingly) pizza. If it’s a Sunday you have even more choice with Hansa’s, Thai Edge, Sukothai, Aagrah and more offering an all-you-can-eat menu.

Splash out on a tasting menu . If all you-can eat isn’t your scene, why not go high end with a tasting menu? Great options in Leeds are Man Behind the Curtain , Vice and Virtue and Home but you’ll need to book well in advance.

Play with some pussy at the Kitty cafe . The food and drink isn’t anything special here and service can be slow, but it doesn’t matter when you’re surrounded by the cutest kittens who just want to play!

Enjoy one of Leeds’ rooftop beer gardens . There are some lovely rooftop bars in Leeds including Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall, East 59th, Issho, Angelica, Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Cafe, Sky Lounge, Everyman Cinema, Victoria Gate Casino, East Parade Social.

Looking for more places to eat in Leeds? Have a read of these blog posts:

• The Best Restaurants in Leeds City Centre
• The 12 Best Coffee Shops in Leeds City Centre
• Where to Find the Best Sushi in Leeds
• How to Eat Like a Local in Leeds
• Blue Sakura: The Best Sushi in Leeds
• Workshop: Leeds Most Creative Café

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Outdoors

Take a ride on the water taxi which runs between Granary Wharf and Leeds Dock. It’s a little touristy but it’s a lot of fun and a great way to see Leeds for just £1. You can also track where the boats are, which is pretty cool.

Go for a waterfront walk along the Leeds Liverpool canal . You have a choice of which direction you head in from the city centre, starting at Granary Wharf and heading along the Leeds Liverpool canal towards Kirkstall and Armley or starting at Leeds dock and heading along the Aire & Calder Navigation towards Thwaite Mills.

Hire the Kirkstall Flyboat! If there’s a big group of you and you can plan in advance, hiring the ‘party boat’ is a really fun day or night out. The boat is complete with tables and chairs and, most importantly, a bar and they have a range of catering options including afternoon tea and curry nights.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Shopping

Explore Leeds’ many arcades . Browse every type of shop and admire the architecture in the Victoria Quarter, Thornton’s Arcade, Queen’s Arcade, Grand Arcade and County Arcade.

Shop at beautiful, independent retailers in Leeds’ Corn Exchange . Not only is this building steeped with history, it’s also home to some fantastic shops including my favourite, the Great Yorkshire Shop. I have a whole blog post on shopping in the Corn Exchange for you to read!

Shop high street fashion at Leeds Trinity . This is where you’ll find all your favourite high street shops such as Topshop, Mango, Primark and New Look. There’s also a floor of restaurants to choose from and even a rooftop bar.

Wander around Victoria Gate , Leeds’ newest shopping centre. Featuring a John Lewis and some excellent restaurants, this shopping centre shouldn’t be missed.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Fun & Games

Play some seriously crazy golf at Junkyard Golf with three themed indoor courses and plenty of cocktails. If you’re going at a busy time make sure to book ahead.

Get your pong on with beer pong at Roxy Ball Room . As well as beer pong tables they have ping pong, pool tables, crazy golf and shuffleboard, not forgetting the food and drink!

Drink and bowl at Roxy Lanes , where you can book a full size ten pin bowling lane right in the city centre.

Play shuffle board at Brew Dog , whilst drinking award winning craft beers such as Punk IPA, Elvis Juice or one of their collaborations such as All Roads (Lead North) with North Brewing Co.

Get your geek on with retro arcade games, Pokemon card games, board games and American candy at Geek Retreat . You can buy a whole host of geek culture merchandise such as comic, posters, figures and memorabilia to encourage you to “stop in and geek out”.

Play a game of giant chess . Head to Victoria Gardens in front of Leeds City Art Gallery for a game of giant chess in the sunshine (because it’s always sunny up north up right?).

Play petanque! Visit the petanque court in Bond Square and play for free – there’s even a statue of a Frenchman to demonstrate for you.

Try one of the Leeds’ many Escape rooms . Like most cities, there are several to choose from such as Escape Hunt, The Great Escape Game and Tick Tock Unlock.

Shout out Bingo ! This is one of my favourites things to do in Leeds, although I’m yet to win anything. Mecca is the best place for Bingo in the city centre, and if you go on a Monday you can play for free.

Take your chances at Victoria Gate Casino , the ‘super casino of the North’. With 140 slots, a 100 seat poker area and 80 electronic gaming terminals as well as food, drink, live sports and comedy nights, it’s pretty hard to get bored in there!

All the Other Things to do in Leeds City Centre

Embark on a treasure hunt around the city centre. There are a few companies offering treasure hunts such as Treasure Trails , Hunt Fun and Scavenger Hunt . Let me know if you try one!

Scare yourself silly on a ghost hunt . I haven’t done any of these but I’m desperate to at some point… any volunteers to go with me? Armley Mills or Leeds Old Workhouse (now Thackeray Medical Museum) are both good locations for an overnight hunt!

Investigate your friends at a murder mystery event. In researching this I’ve just a found an Abba themed murder mystery event (take a chance on murder)… it’s already happened but here’s hoping it happens again because that sounds amazing! Aside from that, there seem to be a variety of companies offer murder mystery evenings at different venues in Leeds so have a Google or send me a message if you need help finding one.

Get creative on an evening city photography tour . There are a few companies offering this, but the best that I’ve found looks to be this one. I’ll give it a go soon and let you know!

Learn a new craft at Fabric-ation , with craft workshops such as bookbinding, jewellery and metalwork, leatherwork and textiles. Have a look on their website and find something to suit you!

Scream “HOLY SH*T”at underground pro wrestling . It’s not to everyone’s taste, but I’ve been a couple of times now and it’s one of the things to do in Leeds city centre that I’d recommend trying at least one, I promise it’s really fun. Click the link above to read my blog post all about it if you’re not yet convinced!

Relax at at spa . Very much the opposite to the above, if relaxation is your thing then there are a few options in the city centre. Lush is INCREDIBLE but very pricey, I also love RMUK and Millie’s for a wide range of treatments.

Learn the art of Burlesque . Leeds Burlesque offer a variety of classes, courses and workshops for beginners through to experts so why not give it a go and learn something new?

Take Salsa lessons at Casa Columbiana. They offer weekly Bachata, Salsa and Kizomba classes and serve authentic latin food, cocktails and coffee.

Have a laugh at a comedy club . There are a few venues offering comedy in Leeds, and where you need to go will depend on the day of the week. Try HIFI, Wardrobe, Leeds City Varieties and, of course, Leeds Comedy Club.

Uncover your family’s history with a genealogy workshop at Leeds Central Library . As well as a huge collection of over 18,000 books, local newspaper archive, journals, directories, maps, photographs, electoral registers, playbills and parish records, they offer family history workshops and drop-in sessions.

Develop (see what I did there?) your photography and printing skills at Aire Street dark rooms. You can become a member and book onto a printing session to use their facilities, or book onto a 5 week beginners course to learn the basics of dark room photo development.

Belt out your favourite tunes at Mix Karaoke ! Maybe this should have gone in food and drink category as I’m not sure anyone does karaoke sober (correct me if I’m wrong), but either way it’s a highly entertaining way to spend an evening.

Looking for Somewhere to Stay in Leeds?

*If all those things to do in Leeds have gotten you excited but you need somewhere to stay, here are a few hotel recommendations for you:

• The Met Hotel
• The Marriott
• The Queen’s Hotel
• Quebec Hotel
• Doubletree by Hilton

Or if book an Air BnB! If you haven’t used * Air BnB before, sign up using this link and you’ll save £34.

Heading Further Afield in Yorkshire?

If you’re in Yorkshire but want to head a little further afield than Leeds, you might also enjoy these posts:

• Things to do in Helmsely, North Yorkshire
• Dalby Forest: Things to Do & Where to Stay
• Where to Stay in Helmsley: The Black Swan Hotel
• A Yorkshire Day Out at White Scar Caves
• The Luxurious Pheasant Hotel
• All Killer, No Filler: The Star Inn at Harome

So, with all of those incredible things to do in Leeds city centre, which one will you be doing next? This post will be kept up to date with new things that I discover, and if there’s anything you think I should add please let me know. Oh, and if this has been useful please use the icons at the bottom of the post to share on social media!

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 25 Best Things to Do in Leeds (England)

25 Best Things to Do in Leeds (England)

Leeds is situated within Yorkshire, in England . Considered to be one of the gems of the north, it has an array of Victorian buildings and modern architecture, providing the perfect contrast that most travellers don’t get the chance to see in one place. Attracting millions of tourists and students every year it’s not shocking that many people find themselves wanting to travel to Leeds while they’re in the north of England.

You’ll get the opportunity in this list of the best things to do in Leeds to see just how many fun things there are for you to experience, and just how much of a family friendly city it is. Many of the attractions focus their attentions to also catering to a younger audience, making it perfect for both solo travellers and families alike.

1. Roundhay Park

Within the cities of England, it’s often hard to find beautiful green locations, although they are plentiful outside of the cities. At just three miles north of Leeds City Centre you can find a whole 700 acres of rolling parkland, two clear lakes and woodland as far as the eye can see. Alongside the natural beauty of nature there are several formal gardens, and two playgrounds to keep your travelling children entertained. So to escape the busy style of the city while you travel, you can easily catch one of the buses that runs regularly from Leeds City Centre and have yourselves a beautiful family outing.

2. Tropical World

Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing. Step inside the building to see a butterfly house that houses up to forty different varieties of butterflies from around the world. Go from the rainforest to the Australian outback before venturing across the desert. Not only will you get your money’s worth just based on that, there are also a number of rare birds, reptiles and bats. But the star of the show involves the cheekiest family you’ll meet in Leeds, the meerkats!

3. Murgatroyds

No matter where you go in the world chances are you’ll meet people who naturally think of fish and chips when they think of English people. It’s a stereotype that we can happily live up to, and a tradition that you should certainly dive into head first while you travel here. Murgatroyds is quite possibly the best fish and chip restaurant in England, with a reputation that means you could be queueing for a little while if you don’t make a reservation. Although it is a little more expensive than a normal fish and chip shop, with a haddock fillet and chips costing £9.95, it’s more than worth it for the fresh quality of food that you’re provided with. For people who may be travelling you who don’t like fish and chips, they also serve things like chicken breasts, lasagne and cheese and tomato pizza. So there’s something that will satisfy your taste buds.

4. The Royal Armouries

Do you like history? If so, The Royal Armouries in Leeds is the place for you. With 8,500 objects across six themed galleries, there is certainly a lot to be seen in the free admission attraction. You can see pieces that are focused on hunting, peace, war, tournaments, self-defence and even oriental pieces. The collection was deliberately created for visitors to view, and its origins lie all the way back in the middle ages. The rest of The Royal Armouries items lay in The Tower of London. Something within the national museum of arms and armour will captivate your attention and your imagination.

5. Trinity Shopping Centre

It wouldn’t be an English city without a shopping centre that you should definitely visit while you’re on your trip. For many people who live in Leeds, and many tourists who visit, the Trinity Shopping Centre leaves an impression on them. It houses retail, dining and leisure options, as well as providing entertainment. But if you find yourself in Leeds over the Winter you’ll get to see the beautiful Christmas decorations that seem to appear overnight, with Christmas trees and lights that make it appear to be a wonderland. So treat yourself to something new, or go grab a bite to eat at the Chicago Rib Shack, you’ll enjoy yourselves under the roof of the Trinity Shopping Centre.

6. Leeds Corn Exchange

Unlike most modern day shopping centres, this one is situated in one of the finest Victorian buildings standing in the north of England. Proving itself to be an architectural masterpiece and one of the cultural icons that makes Leeds the city that it is today. If you prefer independent retail enterprises to large chain shops, this is where you belong. With everything from independent music shops to some beautiful hand crafted jewellery shops you’ll get to satisfy your curiosity getting lost in there. Hunt through Twit-Woo Vintage, sit and have a coffee in Vanilla one of sit and eat in Humpit, one of the first hummus and pita bars in Leeds.

7. Jackrabbits Pottery

If you’re parents, you’ll surely know just how hard it can be to keep your children entertained when they’re in a café. Luckily Jackrabbits provides the perfect one step solution to that, they’re a pottery café. So you can sit and eat cake and sandwiches while choosing from a wide range of pottery items to paint. Now they do vary in price, ranging from £1 to £30, and there’s a £5 fee per painter, but that fee doesn’t change if you paint more than one item. Let your imagination run wild while painting anything from mugs to animals. The only thing with this is that you should make sure you visit at the start of your trip, as each item takes 7 days to glaze, so you have to leave it in the café for a week!

8. Grand Theatre

If theatres are more your cup of tea, which is a very typical expression you’ll hear throughout Leeds, then you should pay a visit to the Grand Theatre. It was built with a rather comedic intent, as a backlash to the tradition of lowering the tone of entertainment with the sort of comedy presented in your typical pub-based establishment. It did the job perfectly, and with architecture coming from a variety of influences, from gothic to Romanesque, it’s a sight to behold for many travellers. Have a look at what’s on, usually it can be anything from stand- up comedy to ballet, or even family shows.

9. The Alchemist

Have you ever noticed how fun it is to watch a mixologist create something that looks as though they must be secret alchemists? That’s what The Alchemist is all about, situated on the second floor of Trinity Shopping Centre you can witness stunning views of Leeds City Centre at night, or you could even go drink coffee during the day. The drinks that they describe as molecular madness include names like Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and White Chocolate and Raspberry Martini. But they also have simple handcrafted cocktails, with a rustic appeal to them, such as a Surprise Strawberry Daiquiri and a Strawberry Cup. Their fantastic service will leave you wanting to watch them mix more and more drinks.

10. Thackray Medical Museum

Now be warned dear travellers that some exhibits, although suitable for children, may be distressing for exceptionally young children. But in true Yorkshire style the staff are friendly and will help you with any questions you may have about which exhibits to avoid if you are travelling with younger children. Residents and tourists alike travel to the museum on a regular basis, as it provides entertainment and knowledge. You can learn about the grimy streets of Leeds back in the 1800s, or you can learn about how scientific breakthroughs affect our lives. For younger visitors they have the Life Zone, providing a fun and interactive learning environment where they can work their way through the body. Looking at their teeth and learning just how high they can jump will provide them with a wave of entertainment.

11. Kirkstall Abbey

If you want to experience the type of history that can capture your imagination with just how far back it dates, then Kirkstall Abbey is the perfect place for you. It’s one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today. It also offers a picnic area, and play area for children, but don’t panic if you forget to bring something to eat. There’s a café on site too. Most people prefer to venture to the abbey in summer, when the weather is pleasant as it’s situated along the side of the River Aire. You can find plenty of planned walking routes along its banks, or if you check in advance, you may even be able to witness one of the live Shakespeare plays in the ruins during the Summer!

12. City Varieties Music Hall

What would you say if you were told you could walk on the same boards as people as brilliant as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harry Houdini? Well, you can. The City Varieties Music Hall has existed across three centuries, surviving virtually unchanged. Considering that most Victorian structures have long since passed into history you won’t get many opportunities to see a hall as beautiful as this. Most famous for its pantomimes, it provides a little, quirky space that most travellers enjoy. But one of the things most people notice is that you have plenty of leg room in the building, don’t fear tall travellers!

13. Abbey House Museum

Are you looking for a day out that suits all of the family? As this attraction was once short-listed for the Museum Family Friendly Award you can expect just that from it. It contains crafted sets, made to look like the enchanting streets, shops and houses that you would have seen during the Victorian era. You can interact with all of the actors in traditional Victorian costumes, or even sneak into a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house if you’re in need of a little rest. Children will love the displays that show you some of the toys that were common during the 19th century, although they may start questioning what they did for fun given the toys modern day children have access to!

14. Leeds Kirkgate Market

Seeing Leeds Kirkgate Market for the first time is quite a unique experience. When people think of markets they often don’t think of them on quite this scale, and it’s the scale of the market that attracts thousands of travellers each month. You can find hundreds of stalls that contain everything from good quality, fresh food to jewellery, electronics to fishmongers. What makes it a nice experience is that each person selling their product actually knows about their product, with many doing it for decades. But the structure of the building will fascinate you, with its Victorian era glass roof really standing out to you. Spend an hour or so there while travelling through the centre of Leeds, you won’t regret it.

15. Middleton Railway

Do you want a relaxing day where you get to see the city and the countryside? Middleton Railway could be the place for you, after being in operation for over two centuries it is among the oldest working railways in the world. For children, it’s best to visit in the Winter when they run a very special Santa service, allowing the children to meet him while they’re on the train, which many of them seem to love. Experiencing the English countryside during the Winter, when snow usually coats the fields, tends to bring out the happiness of a lot of young children. This attraction is certainly not to be missed.

16. Town Hall Tavern

Classic pub food is one of the many things that English people love, and if you haven’t had traditional Yorkshire pub food then you just might be missing out. Make a stop off at the Town Hall Tavern, one of the best rated taverns in Yorkshire to experience this for yourself. With a variety of options, all using food sourced from local suppliers you’ll be able to get a real feel for what home cooked Yorkshire food actually consists of. So take yourself in, you don’t need a reservation, and take the time to relax and enjoy a family friendly meal in a cosy pub.

17. Harewood House

Are you looking to view an estate house with both a history and a twist? That’s exactly what Harewood House has to offer to you, while constantly striving to stay relevant it also manages to keep a firm grip on the past, with some of the finest art collections in England. The short trip out of the city centre shouldn’t put you off, buses run directly to and from Leeds City Centre every 15 minutes, and you’ll even get the chance to see penguins, flamingos and parrots. The house is famed for its renowned Bird Garden. Take the time to relax, strolling through the formal gardens, see the beauty of the art, culture and heritage in the building. Or watch your children run around in what must be one of the biggest playgrounds in Yorkshire.

18. Victoria Quarter

As a tourist you’ll notice that Leeds seems to have a perfect mixture of the old and the new, with modern day buildings and traditional architecture. If you go through the city centre to the Victoria Quarter you’ll get to see this mixture for what it truly is, from the outside the Victoria Quarter looks quite modern. But as soon as you turn your detective eyes to it you’ll see that it’s far from that, as a Victorian arcade once you’re inside you’ll want a camera for the beautiful medley of steel and marble that decorates the Quarter. A typical Victorian glass ceiling lets light flood in from above. Even if you don’t intend on shopping, you should make sure you look around this beautiful building.

19. My Thai Leeds

Sometimes it can be hard to find eating establishments that you want to try while you’re abroad. You don’t always know what to expect, or whether you can trust an establishment while looking at it. My Thai Leeds is one of the most intimate restaurants you could go to, seating around 25 people. You’ll be given a warm welcome and offered traditional Thai food, but it is best to place a reservation before going. In Leeds it’s hard to find authentic Thai cuisine, but you’ll find exactly that here, in a delicious way that may leave you eating more than you intended to!

20. Leeds City Museum

We all love museums that charge nothing to enter them, don’t we? This one is fantastic for adults with a childlike side and children, focusing on a younger audience. They actually have a Toddler Town within the museum, where children can have fun and perform craft activities, or they can go up to the Life on Earth Gallery and have a go at digging for fossils. Chances are, you’ll want to dig for fossils just as much as they will, so who knows what you might find in Leeds City Museum?

21. Hyde Park Picture House

During WWI not very many new buildings came to life. Which is what makes the Hyde Park Picture House such a unique visit for many people, it was built and opened in 1914. While the newspapers focused on the war, a small advert announced it’s opening, calling it “The Cosiest in Leeds”, it still aims to live up to that today. With many of its original features, including an ornate balcony, classic red chairs and the original gas lighting. It also has rare, fully operational 35mm projectors. Go watch a classic film, or something from the award winning cinema scene around the world. If you want to experience it, but are travelling with people younger than the shown films would be suitable for, they show family films every Saturday at 12pm!

22. Teppanyaki

Do you like Japanese food? If the answer is yes, you need to go and experience Teppanyaki. One of the best Japanese restaurants in Leeds, you get to experience an atmosphere similar to one you will have experienced if you have ever eaten in Japan. Watch as your skilled chefs cook your food in front of your own eyes to the best of standards, feel your jaw drop as they juggle and flip your food, throwing a dash of fire into the mixture. It’s advisable to make a reservation, as this highly successful restaurant is sought after by many people. A lot of people try to avoid Japanese restaurants if they’re quite fussy, but Teppanyaki offer to cater for everyone from the fussy to the adventurous. You won’t have a bad experience there.

23. Angelica

Imagine, you’re sat up at the top of the Trinity Centre in a room surrounded by glass windows at night, with a cocktail in your hand and a beautiful panoramic view of the whole city. That’s what you’ll find in Angelica. Mixing modern day architecture and a pewter bar with a bright and airy design they act as one of the best cocktail destinations in Leeds. With their skilled mixologists working the bar, and their chefs working away behind the scenes you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the city lights.

25 Best Things to Do in Leeds (England):

• Roundhay Park
• Tropical World
• Murgatroyds
• The Royal Armouries
• Trinity Shopping Centre
• Leeds Corn Exchange
• Jackrabbits Pottery
• Grand Theatre
• The Alchemist
• Thackray Medical Museum
• Kirkstall Abbey
• City Varieties Music Hall
• Abbey House Museum
• Leeds Kirkgate Market
• Middleton Railway
• Town Hall Tavern
• Harewood House
• Victoria Quarter
• My Thai Leeds
• Leeds City Museum
• Hyde Park Picture House

• Story ideas

The Ultimate City Break: 48 Hours in Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city full of culture and creativity including new music venues, contemporary art galleries, great shopping, street art and innovative and award-winning foodie treats. We’ve curated the ultimate city-break guide to Leeds, including suggestions on where to stay, where to dine, and most importantly, all the best experiences and adventures for a great value break.  

How to get there

Leeds is a great city break destination with all the main attractions in the city centre within easy walking distance. The city has easy access by train, car, coach and air to national and international hubs. London is 2.5 hours, Manchester 50 minutes and York 30 minutes by train to the centre of the city. Leeds Bradford Airport (European Destinations) is 30 Minutes by train, Manchester airport is 1 hour by road and 1.5 hours by train and London City airport 3 hours by train. 

Instagrammable spots and shots : Victorian Quarter, Thorntons Arcade, Whitelocks, Headrow House rooftop, Corn Exchange, Kirkgate Market (near M&S), Belgrave, Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute next door, Town Hall, Tiled Hall Café, Dark Arches and Granary Wharf, Yellow Water Taxis, the Waterfront. The unique bright yellow water taxis  take visitors down the River Aire to  Leeds Dock  and see the city from a different angle. 

Where to stay

Leeds offers a diverse range of options that cater to various budgets including upmarket contemporary city centre hotels, funky artist designed hostels, boutique hotels, Airbnbs, Spa and country house hotels. The Queens Hotel is the flagship Art Deco hotel of Leeds situated in the heart of the city overlooking City Square with contemporary design and features throughout. The Grand Pacific bar welcomes visitors with opulent interiors which are redolent of the golden age of high society and features cocktails and dishes inspired by travels with a unique British twist all its own. The Art Hostel is a unique hospitality experience and the first of its kind in the UK, providing affordable and original accommodation created by artists, with proceeds benefiting the neighbouring East Street Arts organisation. Each room is designed by a different artist on a different theme using predominantly recycled materials. The hostel has individually decorated private rooms in addition to creatively decorated dormitories. The boutique and lavish Malmaison  has an urban loft vibe and is situated in a grand building which was once the Leeds tramways office. The Chez Mal brasserie and bar provides an elegant setting for cocktails and contemporary, stylish dining. The city also features the Country House Oulton Hall Spa and Golf resort with pampering packages, treatments and spa facilities including a pool. The city also has hotels by Hilton and Marriott and a full range of self-catering accommodation for a home away from home including penthouse apartments, cottages, serviced apartments and houses.

Where to eat

The city is known as the foodie capital of the North celebrated for its diversity, energy, welcome and innovation. The Leeds Food Tour with engaging guide and owner Ellen visits some of the gastronomic hot spots tasting food and drink across the city in iconic locations, at food markets, pubs, cafes and restaurants and meeting some of the welcoming and engaging characterful suppliers along the way. Kirkgate Market is must on any city visit as major social destination and a shopper’s paradise and one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. It’s the perfect place to try new cuisine, meet friends and watch live entertainment. The Market has an impressive fresh food hall and street food stalls serving cuisine from around the globe with outstanding food outlets that include: Manjit’s Kitchen for delicious and renowned Indian street food, Hayes Seafood (specialising in oysters), colourful, fresh Tunisian Meze plates at Sweet Saeeda , vegan Burgers at Fat Annies and the Yorkshire Wrap Company that combines a Yorkshire speciality with a range juicy fillings. Kirkgate also has local stalls selling fresh food, fashion and haberdashery, and it is the birthplace of Marks & Spencer. Kirkgate Market is steeped in the history of Leeds while representing the diversity of Leeds today. For an alternative dining experience Iberica offers delicious sophisticated Spanish tapas in elegant, vaulted ceiling dining room in a converted auction house. Eat your Greens offers Farm to Fork dining, using seasonal local organic produce where possible, with a strong sustainable ethos supporting local farmers. The café serves up delicious food set in a light and bright contemporary interior, sells products from local designers and hosts fun music, tasting, chess and pop-up events throughout the year. Tables are hard to come by at the small but mighty Empire Café which serves up Yorkshire hospitality and the best of produce from Kirkgate market, and are well worth booking in advance to secure a spot. Other top food recommendations include: Tharavadu a high end Keralan Indian restaurant; Ox Club an award-winning contemporary British restaurant showcasing the best of Yorkshire produce at Headrow House in Leeds, a multi-use venue housed within an imposing textile mill; Vice & Virtue with fine dining tasting menus paired with wines in a stylish setting. Brewery tours are available also at the Kirkstall and Northern Monk run by engaging and knowledgeable guides.

Follow the Street Art Trail to experience the decorative backdrop of the city including specially curated murals and an ever-growing web of distinctive pieces that tell the story of Leeds. Take a scenic walk along the river, making sure to catch some of our most famous street art on the  waterfront art trail . Located in the stunning art deco headquarters of the former brewery, The Tetley   is a centre for contemporary art, centred around creativity, innovation and experimentation. Leeds Art Gallery has a colourful new wall painting and houses an impressive collection of 20th century British art. The Henry Moore Institute is dedicated to celebrating sculpture and is housed in an iconic building hosting a year-round changing programme of modern, contemporary and historical exhibitions. Leeds City Museum offers exciting, fun and interactive displays across six galleries. Alternatively explore the Royal Armouries which has one of the largest collections of historic arms and armour in the world. Visitors can take a Hidden Gems of Leeds Self-Guided Tour and Treasure Hunt to explore the city further.  The city hosts fantastic and diverse events including the vibrant carnival , music and ideas festivals and international sporting events.

The Leeds Corn Exchange is one of the city’s most iconic and striking buildings housing a wide range of independent and quirky retailers and tasty eateries. The impressive and photogenic Victoria Leeds arcades are packed with hidden gems and boutiques selling arts, crafts and fashions and have a rich history dating back over 100 years. The Victoria Gate , is the city’s newest retail addition, an elegant arcade with upmarket brands and a breath-taking stained-glass roof that runs the full length of Queen Victoria Street making it the largest in Britain.

Entertainment

When the night falls over the city, then it’s time to experience the legendary  nightlife  on Call Lane, catch a show at one of the amazing theatrical or music venues. The Belgrave Music Hall  has a great street art decorated interior, roof terrace overlooking the city, live music, DJs, drinks, cocktails, pizza and burger bar with a lively vibe and big sharing tables. The Brudenell Social Club is a lively and fun venue that hosts events covering a wide spectrum of music, spoken word and performance genres. The Brudenell has hosted secret gigs for bands like Franz Ferdinand and the Kaiser Chiefs in the past, has put on sets by Yard Act and Chumbawumba and continues to feature up and coming and established acts. Project House  is a brand new (opened in July 2023) multi-use events space, that hosts concerts, markets, exhibitions and parties. The Pixel Bar is a gaming Cocktail Bar named as best games bar in Leeds with buzzing Neon and street art décor, retro games consoles and signature themed cocktails.

Notes to editors:

For the most up to date guide or details of what’s new in Britain check out the VisitBritain Media Centre .

Supporting assets can be found on the VisitBritain image library. Please register to get access. Once registered  accompanying images can be found here .

For further information contact the Visit Britain press team at [email protected]      

For more information contact:

VisitBritain Media Team

Location tags

THE 10 BEST Landmarks in Leeds City Centre

Sights in leeds city centre.

• Architectural Buildings
• Monuments & Statues
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Government Buildings
• Historic Sites
• Historic Walking Areas
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Leeds City Centre
• Quarry Hill
• Clarence Dock
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. County Arcade

2. Leeds Town Hall

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (13)

3. Thornton's Arcade

4. The Turk's Head

5. Park Square

6. Leeds Waterfront

7. Millennium Square

8. Leeds Civic Hall

9. Mill Hill Chapel

10. City Square

11. The Electric Press Building

12. Holy Trinity Church

13. Leeds Railway Station

14. Millenium Square Leeds

15. Reclining Woman (Elbow)

16. Briggate

17. The Queens Hotel Building

18. The Ivanhoe Clock

19. Edward, The Black Prince Statue

20. Time Ball Buildings

21. LEEDS POST OFFICE (1896)

22. Angel Inn Yard

23. Boar Lane

24. The Observatory Building

25. Albion Place

26. Thoresby House

27. Blue Police Telephone Box

28. Legs Walking Statue

29. The Headrow

30. The Majestic Building

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25 Things To Do In Leeds

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It is all in Leeds

Living in a new city for your studies like Leeds can get a bit boring if you are not up and about exploring the city. If you want to explore the lovely city, but don't know where to start, let us help you with that! Let us tell you about a few places to visit and things to do in Leeds as well! Without wasting more time, let us take a dive into the things to do in Leeds.

Tourist Attractions in Leeds

In the United Kingdom , Leeds is a city filled with various iconic landmarks and historic monuments that make the many tourist attractions in the city! The list includes streets filled with various things to do to the city centre filled with life. There are many places to visit in Leeds.

1. Civic Quarter 

Price: Free of cost. Timings: Open 24 hours.

The Leeds Civic Quarter is also the city centre which is a place to visit in Leeds. The place is decorated with statues of people like James Watt, the inventor, and the famous Black Prince statue. The place is also where many tourists and locals relax, and it is where you will be able to experience the culture of Leeds. Here you can visit the Leeds Civic Hall, which is adorned with owl-decorated towers. Many other attractions are close to the Civic Quarter, allowing you to roam easily around the city! Plus, there are plenty of concerts held here as well.

2. Leeds Corn Exchange

Price: Free of cost (It will cost you when you are inside). Timings: 10:00 am - 06:00 pm Location: Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BR.

The Leeds Corn Exchange is probably among the craziest places to go in Leeds. This fine Victorian-era building is home to various independent boutiques, cafes, shops and galleries. The building is one of the three Grade I listed buildings in the UK. The Leeds Corn Exchange also hosts various markets, concerts and even boxing, making it one of the best places to visit in Leeds. 

3. St. John’s Church

Price: Free of cost. Timings: It would be best to visit the official website for timings. Location: 23 New Briggate, Leeds LS2 8JD.

St. John's Church is the oldest in Leeds; it was built in 1634, and the church's beauty lies in its interior. Each carving will make you go 'wow!' of how intricate each carving is, including twisting vines, hearts, flowers, and heads of humans and animals (it is a bit grotesque and weird). If you look up, you can see brightly painted angels playing instruments. Royalist John Harrison funded the construction of the church, hence the name St. John! Visiting this church should be one of the things to do in Leeds! 

4. Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House

Price: £15- £60 (Depends on the show). Timings: This also depends on the time of the show. Location:  Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU.

If you are a fan of theatre and music, the Grand Theatre is one of the top places to visit in Leeds! This red brick building was built in 1878 and can hold up to 1,500 people. The theatre regularly hosts various musicals like the Great Gatsby! It is also home to Opera North, which is known for featuring premieres of new operas as well as classics.

5. Kirkstall Abbey

Price: £5.00 per adult. Timings: You can visit on Tuesdays to Sundays anytime between  10:00 am to 4:30 pm . Remember that they are closed on Mondays! Location: Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH.

Kirkstall Abbey is a lovely historical site and is one of the most popular places to go in Leeds. It is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall, northwest of Leeds, making it easy to visit during the weekends. The site also has a museum, and the ruins are situated on lovely grounds. You can explore the ruins, discover the abbey's history, and take in the tranquil surroundings. Kirkstall Abbey surely has to be on the list of places to visit in Leeds! 

Museums and Galleries in Leeds

The beautiful city of Leeds also is home to many museums and galleries! If you are a history nerd or a lover of art, there is no lack of either place to visit in Leeds. You can visit the Leeds Art Gallery or the City Museum. Time will fly by once you are engrossed in art or history! 

1. Leeds Art Gallery

Price: Free of cost. Timings: You can visit from Tuesdays to Saturdays anytime between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm , while on Sundays anytime between 11:00 am to 3:00 pm . Location: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA.

If you are a lover of art, the Leeds Art Gallery needs to be on your itinerary of places to go in Leeds. The gallery is home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British art outside London. There are various sculptures, paintings, and more! They also host an exhibitions programme which includes the prestigious Northern Art Prize. The gallery has two floors, with the art being divided into the early collection and contemporary collections!

2. Leeds City Museum

Price: Free of cost. Timings: You can visit from Tuesdays to Fridays anytime between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm , while on Saturdays and Sundays anytime between 11:00 am to 5:00 pm .  Location: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH.

For all our history lovers, you need to visit the Leeds City Museum. The museum is divided into six galleries over four floors! Collections include Life on Earth which talks about how amazing the natural world was, and The Collectors Cabinet, which shows the story of collecting in Leeds from 1700! There is also the Voices of Asia which shows the links between Leeds and the vast continent. You should also visit the Ancient Worlds exhibit, where you will be able to visit the 3000-year-old Leeds Mummy called Nesyamun! Visiting the City Museum has to be one of the craziest things to do in Leeds.

3. Leeds Discovery Centre

Price: Free of cost.  Timings: You can visit anytime on Mondays to Fridays, but you will need to book in advance for a slot!  Location: Carlisle Rd, Leeds LS10 1LB.

Leeds Discovery Centre is the city's purpose-built museum storage and conservation facility, and it is home to a million wonders. It gives people access to collections and is a great tool for researchers, educational institutions, and schools. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from toucans, telephones, meteorites, and masks, among other things.

4. Royal Armories Museum

Price: Free of cost, you can pre-book tickets (it is preferred). Timings: You can visit anytime between 10 am to 5 pm every day during the school holidays. Location: Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT.

You need to visit the Royal Armories Museum since it is the home of the UK's national collection of arms and armour! The museum is spread over five floors and has over 4,500 objects on display ranging from armour from 1514 to the 'pulse rife' from the 1986 movie Aliens! The best time to visit the museum would be after 2:00 pm since it is usually quieter, making it one of the best places to visit in Leeds.

Travelling around in the UK is actually pretty simple, and you can travel to so many of these places. If you are curious about how you can use transportation in the UK , let us help you.

5. Thackray Museum of Medicine

Price: £11.95 per adult. Timings: They are open daily between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm . Location: 141 Beckett St, Harehills, Leeds LS9 7LN.

The Thackray Museum of Medicine is one of the craziest places to visit in Leeds since it is very cool! Here you will be able to explore the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch grotesque operations taking place in the 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic and discover the various medical innovations that changed the world! 

Tours and Experiences in Leeds

The best way to explore and enjoy the city of Leeds is through various tours and experiences. There are plenty of tours to choose from and various things to experience. These tours and experiences listed down are among the things to do in Leeds when you move here to familiarise yourself with the city.

1. Leeds Walking Tour

Price: £10 per person. Timings: The tour starts at 11:00 am at Black Prince Statue every Saturday.

This 2-hour-long tour will make you explore the city of Leeds, its history and what makes the city so exciting! You will time travel through 800 years of history by looking at old and new buildings. Explore one of the largest covered markets in all of Europe and the alleys of the city! When you are new here, this tour is probably among the best things to do in Leeds.

2. Leeds Food Tour

Price: £60 Timings: The tour starts around 11:45 am 

On this tour of six unique city centre eateries, one of the tastiest things to do in Leeds is to take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Leeds. Learn about each meal's origins and culture as you eat through regional specialities, from freshly baked bread to locally made beer. Eat at eateries serving cutting-edge Yorkshire cuisine while taking in the living heritage of Leeds Kirkgate Market for around 4 hours! 

3. Spiced Rum Creation Session

Price: £89.95 onwards. Timings: The timings depend on the day of your booking; it would be best if you booked through their website .

Take an interactive tour through rum and the science of taste when you join the Liquor Studio for the only Spiced Rum Creation Experience! Learn rum's history and various styles and end with finding your taste. With your taste, use the various tools at your disposal to create your own blend that you would take home in a 50cl bottle that has a personalised label which makes it one of the craziest things to do in Leeds.

4. 2-Hour Leeds Highlights Walking Tour

Price: £10.42 Timings: You have to check the availability.

On this group tour, roam the city of Leeds and learn everything there is about the city from its history. You'll visit various attractions, from the Leeds Town Hall to some of the northern city's many shopping arcades, making it one of the best things to do in Leeds if you want to burn 2-hours.

5. Urban Axe Throwing 

Price: £50 Timings: You need to book in advance! 

Let's take a dive into one of the craziest things to do in Leeds; axe throwing! If you are worried that you will lose a hand or leg or something, don't worry because you will be expertly hosted by the leading authority on axe throwing in the UK (you are in safe hands). You will compete in a tournament after gaining some experience and end up doing some trick shots and a beer!

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Pubs and Bars in Leeds

After roaming around the entire day, you might want to unwind a bit, and the best way would be by having a few drinks and talking to your mates! If you are looking for a few pubs and bars, don't worry because the city is filled with various pubs and bars that you can visit even after a long day at college to grab a drink or catch a football match! 

1. Salon Privé

Price: ££-£££ Timings: They are open from Thursdays to Sundays. On Thursdays, they are open between 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm . On Fridays and Saturdays, you can visit anytime between 12:00 pm to 1:00 am ; on Sundays, they are open between 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm . Location: : 8 Russell St, Leeds LS1 5RN.

On the first floor of Dakota Leeds lies Salon Privé, the best-kept secret in the city. Step inside to take your night out to a surprising new level with a glass-covered rooftop terrace overlooking Greek Street and Leeds's largest gin collection. Salon Privé presents incredible talent on Friday and Saturday nights with live music, including soul, jazz, and funk. They have a full-scale cocktail bar and stage for live music and an outdoor heated terrace space. Salon Privé is a place to visit in Leeds for sure! 

2. The Adelphi

Price: ££ - £££   Timings: On Sundays to Fridays, they are open between 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm . On Saturdays, they are open between 10:00 am to 10:00 pm . Location: 1-3 Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ.

The Adelphi is a historic bar in Leeds that has been serving since the mid-19th century. Its stained glass windows and wooden-panelled bar give it a traditional look, and it still has that look after renovations. The Adelphi is a place loved by locals and tourists due to its great selection of beers and spirits, a cosy atmosphere, and live music events. Adelphi is among the best places to visit in Leeds if you are close to the city centre. 

Must-Try: You should try the local beers and ciders, fish and chips, and homemade pies.

Price: ££ - £££ Timings: They are open from Thursdays to Sundays between 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm . They are also open on Wednesdays between 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm . Location: Crispin House, New York Rd, Leeds LS2 7PF.

BrewDog is a craft beer bar in Leeds that offers a variety of craft beers, ales, stouts and porters. They also offer wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages for all our non-alcoholic friends! While enjoying a drink, you can also order some food like burgers, salads and wings; there are also vegan options! There is a casual and fun atmosphere that makes visiting here one of the best things to do in Leeds. 

Must-Try: You have to try their craft beers, headliner series, burgers, wings, and loaded fries.

4. Woodies Craft Ale House

Price: £ Timings: They are open daily. From Mondays to Fridays, between 11:00 am to 11:00 pm . Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm . Sundays from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm .     Location:  104 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS16 5JG.

With a great selection of craft beers, ales, and ciders and a great atmosphere, Woodies Craft Ale House is one of the top places to go in Leeds. Here you will find a rotating selection of 20 craft beers from the tap! The entire place is decorated with vintage signs that create a cosy atmosphere. You will also find a selection of wines and spirits; you can also order some grub while drinking, like burgers and sandwiches!

Must-Try: You must try their craft beers, ciders, loaded fries, and burgers.

5. The Alchemist

Price: ££ - £££ Timings: They are open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm . Trinity Branch :   Level 1, Trinity, Leeds LS1 6HW. Greek Street Branch: Yorkshire House, Greek St, Leeds LS1 5SH. 

The Alchemist is a bar in Leeds that features a modern and creative cocktail menu! The place is known for their inventive and inventive cocktails that are served with fire and smoke! They have a selection of beers, wines and spirits that you can order if you are not in the mood for some cocktails. The Alchemist's interiors are sleek and go along with the vibe of the menu and food like Korean fried chicken and beef and bone marrow burgers, which makes it one of the craziest places to visit in Leeds. They also have various vegan food options!

Must-Try: You must try their cocktails, gin and tonic, Korean fried chicken, and beef and bone marrow burgers.

Spending so much money eating and partying out can leave you with a hole in your pocket. Let us help you save some money with various student discounts that you can use in the UK.

Unique Attractions

There are a few unique attractions and experiences that are different and don't fit into any of the categories above. These are a few places to visit in Leeds.

1. Elland Road

Price: £32- £52 Timings: Depends on the matchdays Location: Elland Rd, Beeston, Leeds LS11 0ES.

Elland Road, the home of Leeds United FC. If you are a football fan, then Elland is a must-visit in Leeds! You will be able to see the team fight various English teams as they fight over a variety of trophies throughout the year! You will be able to hear the roaring of the fans supporting their team and utter madness on the field. Watching a game at Elland road is one of the things to do in Leeds.

2. Rodley Nature Reserve

Price: Free of cost. Timings: They are open on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and most Bank Holidays: March to October between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and November to February between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm . Location: Moss Bridge Rd, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP.

Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve on the floodplains of Kirkstall Valley. The place is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can connect with nature here and even do some bird watching (not the one from Back To The Future). At this beautiful and relaxing wildlife and lagoon, you will spend quality time for sure, making it one of the best places to go in Leeds.

3. Street Art Trail

Price: Free of cost. Timings: It is everywhere in the city; you can visit anytime!

A walk in Leeds, where you will be able to look at some great murals and street art that cover many of the city's streets. You might visit a new place and even gain some appreciation for the amount of street art that is present in the city. Plus, if you are a football fan, you will spot plenty of Leeds United murals in the city! Looking at the street art while getting to explore the city is among the best things to do in Leeds. 

4. Temple Newsam House

Price: There are two types of tickets, a house ticket and a farm ticket. It is recommended to look at their website to book your tickets. Timings: The House is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30 am to 5:00 pm , and the farm is open from Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm . Location: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE. 

This Tudor-Jacobean mansion with a scenic landscape and grounds is a place to go in Leeds if you are interested in history and want to connect with nature. Explore this historic mansion that is littered with treasures or meet various rare animals on the farm and take a calm walk in the garden that is filled with rose bushes and floral displays. 

5. Harewood House

Price: £14–£18 Timings: The place is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 18 March 2023 between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Location: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG.

This beautiful 18th-century house sits over 100 acres on the outskirts of Leeds and is the best place to visit in Leeds if you want to explore rooms with decorations that will blow your mind, see great art collections or look at some cute Humboldt penguins! You can even look at the decimated ruins of Harewood Castle near the steep north-facing slope! 

Now that you have been through the list of things to do in Leeds, you might not be bored anymore! While travelling and eating and spending money on tickets could leave you with a hole in your pocket, you might want to take a look into the cost of Living in Leeds before you make plans. You can even explore the best Italian restaurants in Leeds to get some grub after a long day! We hope our things to do in Leeds list helped you and contributed to a fun trip! 

Frequently Asked Questions

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Leeds City Centre

Top things to do in leeds city centre.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Leeds City Centre
• Quarry Hill
• Clarence Dock
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. City Varieties Music Hall

2. Trinity Leeds

3. Escape Hunt Leeds

4. County Arcade

5. The Great Escape Game Leeds

6. Leeds Town Hall

7. Thornton's Arcade

8. Leeds Art Gallery

9. The Turk's Head

10. Tick Tock Unlock

11. Park Square

12. Leeds Central Library

13. Carriageworks Theatre

14. Be At One Leeds Millennium Square

15. Leeds Waterfront

16. Be At One Leeds Boar Lane

17. Millennium Square

18. Queens Arcade

19. Pixel Bar

20. Leeds Civic Hall

21. Everyman Cinema Leeds

22. Henry Moore Institute

23. The Light

24. Mill Hill Chapel

25. City Square

26. The Decanter

27. The Electric Press Building

28. Holy Trinity Church

29. Leeds Railway Station

30. Lush Leeds Spa

What travellers are saying

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Visit Leeds Discovery Centre

Visit information

Admission to Leeds Discovery Centre is free – please book in advance to visit us.

Opening times

Monday to Friday: visits by appointment

Please email [email protected] or call us to arrange a free store tour.

Leeds Discovery Centre Off Carlisle Road Leeds LS10 1LB Get directions with Google Maps

Baby change

• Conference facilities
• Meeting rooms
• Education facilities
• Free parking

Phone: 0113 378 2100 (10am – 4pm, Mon – Fri)

Email: [email protected]

Access information

We aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors and the widest possible access to our building, exhibitions and collections.

What3Words is a location app which provides exact location points based on 3 metre squares. Every 3 metre square of the world has been given a unique combination of three words which can be shared with friends and family, emergency services and more to pinpoint locations easily.

We have provided What3Words locations for key areas of our attractions to help you navigate your visit.

How to find and enter Leeds Discovery Centre

Located 1.5 miles from Leeds city centre, Leeds Discovery Centre is close to the Royal Armouries Museum by Leeds Dock.

Pedestrian access to Leeds Discovery Centre is via Carlisle Road, which is flat and accessible. The entrance door is automatic, with a wide clearing space.

Leeds Discovery Centre: ///start.weep.spill

Accessible parking

There are two designated accessible parking spaces in the free car park at Leeds Discovery Centre. Access from the car park to the entrance is up a long and gradual ramp. An accessible ramp at the back of the museum can be used for evacuation in emergencies.

Accessible toilets

There are accessible toilets on both floors of Leeds Discovery Centre and facilities in the accessible toilets include emergency alarms and fire alarm with a flashing light. These toilets are not RADAR key operated.

Baby change facilities are available in the accessible toilets on both floors.

Assistance dogs

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome and we can provide dog bowls on request.​

Wheelchair access

A wheelchair is available to borrow for visits. Unfortunately we cannot provide assistance around the museum for wheelchair users. Please contact us in advance of your visit to ensure the chair is available.

The education spaces and store are all situated on the ground floor of Leeds Discovery Centre and are fully accessible. We have a lift to the second-floor meeting room and offices.​

Induction loops

Induction loops are in place in the entrance foyer, the meeting room and education room.

Special Educational Needs and Access

Please visit our dedicated Special Educational Needs and Access page for more information about how we try to make Leeds Discovery Centre inclusive and accessible for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Leeds Discovery Centre is a member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS). The VAQAS is a scheme which ensures high quality experiences at tourist attractions, including a commitment to respect the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 by making reasonable adjustments to improve service for disabled people.

If you would like more information on access before your visit, please contact us:

0113 378 2100 (10am - 4pm, Mon - Fri)

[email protected]

Leeds Discovery Centre Carlisle Road Leeds LS10 1LB

How to get here

Bus number 29 runs between Albion Street and Leeds Dock. The Stourton Park and Ride bus, PR3, runs between Boar Lane and Hunslet Road. Both are a short walk from Leeds Discovery Centre.    

Leeds Discovery Centre is a one mile walk from Leeds Train Station.

Free car parking is available at Leeds Discovery Centre, including two disabled bays and bicycle parking. The car park is accessible from Sayner Lane, via Clarence Road. Bicycle racks are available outside Leeds Discovery Centre.

Get directions with Google Maps

Assistance videos

Orientation film.

Question setting

Answer setting

ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

Opening Hours

Mon: closed Tues – Fri: 10am – 5pm Sat: 12 – 5pm Sun: 10am – 5pm Last admission: 4.30pm

Plan your visit

Abbey Walk Kirkstall Leeds LS5 3EH

Ticket Provider

Stay connected. Sign up to receive email updates on our exhibitions, events, and more.

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LEEDS ART GALLERY

Mon: Closed Tues -Sat: 10am – 5pm Sun: 11am – 3pm

The Headrow Leeds LS1 3AA

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LEEDS CITY MUSEUM

Mon: closed (11am – 5pm on bank holidays) Tues – Fri: 10am – 5pm Sat & Sun: 11am – 5pm

Leeds City Museum Millennium Square Leeds LS2 8BH

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LEEDS DISCOVERY CENTRE

Visits by appointment/special event only.

Free public store tours are now available by booking in advance. Please call or email us.

Leeds Discovery Centre Off Carlisle Road Leeds LS10 1LB

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LEEDS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM

Mon: Closed (10am – 5pm on bank holiday Mondays )

Tues – Fri: 10am – 5pm

Sat – Sun: 12 – 5pm

Last admission one hour before closing.

Canal Road Leeds LS12 2QF

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KIRKSTALL ABBEY

Mon: closed (10am – 4pm on bank holidays) Tues – Sun: 10am – 4.30pm Last admission: 4pm

Abbey Road Kirkstall Leeds LS5 3EH

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Estate opens: 7.30am Hall: Open (Downstairs only) 10am-5pm Wildlife World: 10am – 5pm Estate closes: 7pm Last entry 45 mins before estate closing time

Lotherton Lane Aberford Leeds LS25 3EB

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TEMPLE NEWSAM

House: Tues – Sun: 10.30am – 5pm Home Farm: Tues – Sun: 10am – 5pm Last entry 45 minutes before

Temple Newsam Road Leeds LS15 0AE

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THWAITE WATERMILL

Thwaite Lane Stourton Leeds LS10 1RP

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Hyatt House Leeds

Trinity shopping centre leeds.

27 Albion St, Leeds

Home to some of the biggest shopping brands and food outlets, Trinity Leec Distance: 0.2 miles

Events & Attractions

Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate, Leeds

44, Victoria Gate, Vicar Ln, Leeds

Victoria Leeds is a stunning Victorian shopping centre, with glass ceilings and designer outlets for that high end shopping experience. Plenty of opportunities for retail therapy and some real photo spots to showcase your purchases on social media. Driving Distance: 0.4 miles

Leeds Art Gallery

The Headrow, Leeds

Leeds art gallery presents a number of contemporary exhibitions throughout the year and boasts a significant collection of works from a number of artists and styles. Driving Distance: 0.5 miles

Leeds Grand Theatre

Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds

A wonderfully historic grand theatre and opera house located in Leeds. This special venue has regular productions and shows throughout the year. A must visit for any guests who love their theatre in an amazing setting. Driving Distance: 0.5 miles

Leeds Playhouse

Quarry Hill, Leeds

For over fifty years the playhouse has been a key venue for theatre and productions in the city. New productions and pioneering theatre make the playhouse a key place to visit and an important part of the local community. Driving Distance: 0.6

First Direct Arena

Arena Way, Leeds

A purpose built indoor entertainment arena in Leeds. Home to some of the biggest concerts and artists touring the UK. Driving Distance: 0.8 miles

Top Things to Do in Leeds, West Yorkshire - Leeds Must-See Attractions

Things to do in leeds, explore popular experiences, tours in and around leeds.

2 Hour Leeds Highlights Walking Tour

Emmerdale Classic Locations Bus Tour from Leeds

1 Hour Private Otley Ghost Tour

3-Hour Indian Food Tasting around Leeds

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Leeds with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Leeds 'Hidden Gems' Food Tour

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The Yorkshire Dales of All Creatures Great & Small

Fun & games.

Top Attractions in Leeds

Other Top Attractions around Leeds

Walking Tours

Self-guided Tours

Historical tours.

Cultural Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

What travellers are saying.

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