Things to do in Leeds

Leeds, nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste. History enthusiasts can explore the impressive Leeds Cathedral, steeped in centuries of history, or wander through the ruins of the medieval Kirkstall Abbey.

Art aficionados will delight in the city's vibrant cultural scene, with must-visit spots like the Leeds Art Gallery showcasing both contemporary and historic artwork. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, and breathtaking scenic views. Foodies will relish the eclectic culinary scene, from traditional Yorkshire pubs serving hearty meals to trendy cafes offering artisanal treats.

And no visit to Leeds would be complete without experiencing its renowned music scene; catch a live gig at iconic venues like the First Direct Arena or the Brudenell Social Club. Whether exploring its rich history, enjoying the great outdoors, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing oneself in its vibrant music culture, Leeds promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Fun Activities

There’s loads of kid-friendly things to do in Leeds that will keep the adults entertained too. A day at Roundhay Park will be well spent, with the Tropical World, skateboard park and play areas. They’ll also be fascinated by the gritty and grizly world of the Thackray Medical Museum, which doesn’t pull any punches with its exploration of surgical and medical history throughout the years, and you can take part in various hands-on workshops. 

As well as the above there is a huge list of activities and days out for all over Leeds, which include Escape Rooms, Skate Parks, Go Karting, Paintball, and much more.

Eating Out

The hilariously named Friends of Ham is a must for meat-eaters – you’ll be served a carnivore’s dream of continental charcuterie and cheeses to go with your wine and craft beer. If you want more of a proper sit-down meal, Salvo’s has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over 40 years and has multiple awards under its belt. For something a bit quirkier head to the Cat’s Pyjamas, a creative and colourful food hall serving Indian street food.

Culture Vulture

At the last count there were 16 museums and galleries in Leeds, but if you want culture on a budget, get yourself down to the Holbeck Underground Ballroom. You can enjoy some real avant-garde theatre with your free coffee, and the best bit is they only ask you to pay what you think the performance is worth. 

Game of Thrones fans will find the Royal Armouries Museum fascinating, with its vast collection of weaponry from over 3000 years of violent history, including some they could no longer fit in the in Tower of London.

After Dark

Leeds has four universities and one of the biggest student populations in the UK, so you’d better believe there’s no shortage of nightlife! Dominos Jazz Bar is hidden away behind a barbers shop called Lord's Barbering, and you can enjoy free live music pretty much every night while you sip on a tasty cocktail. 

Dedicated clubbers will want to experience super Club Mission, where resident DJs and international visitors alike take turns on the decks in the ‘home of house’.

Something a bit different…

Guided tours are a great way to see the city, but if you prefer to explore on your own terms, how about a Treasure Hunt? The Leeds Treasure Hunt trail is a great group activity and takes you on a loop through the city’s historic sights, status and sculptures, searching for and solving clues along the way. Leeds might be the next European Capital of Culture (it’s preparing a bid for 2023), so get your visit in now before it gets too full of tourists!

You can also download one of the many self guided walks from Curious About, so that you can make the most of your time exploring Leeds. We hope that you have enjoyed our article about Things to do in Leeds, and hopefully we’ve given you some great ideas on how to spend your time.