Leeds is located in West Yorkshire in the north of England and is well connected, with excellent transport links to the rest of the country.
It’s one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the UK, and there are plenty of things to see and do.
Leeds is surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales and moors, which are also worth exploring, and offer some of the best hiking and biking trails.
If you’re looking for a city that has it all, Leeds is the place for you.
From world-class shopping and dining, to interesting museums, to attractive parks and gardens, to a thriving nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Leeds.
Things To Do In Leeds
1. Leeds City Museum
Leeds City Museum is located on Millennium Square in Leeds city centre, it houses a wide range of collections that tell the story of Leeds’ rich history and culture.
The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that bring the past to life.
Visitors can explore the city’s Roman history, learn about its Victorian industrial heritage, and see how Leeds has changed over time.
Leeds City Museum is free to visit and has an on-site café serving coffee, cakes, sandwiches and more.
There is also a museum shop that sells locally made products, jewellery, books and special pieces which complement the exhibitions.
Address: Leeds City Museum, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BH
2. Hyde Park Picture House
The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building and a fully functioning cinema in Leeds.
It opened in 1914 and still features many original features, such as a decorative balcony.
The building itself has an ornate frontage with a central pedimented gable containing a roundel window.
The interior of the cinema has been little altered and retains its original plan and decoration.
The cinema has loads of charm and character, and is open daily for screenings, with a cafe and bar on site.
Address: Hyde Park Picture House, 73 Brudenell Rd, Leeds LS6 1JD
3. Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery is a world-renowned art museum that houses one of the finest art collections in Britain.
The gallery is home to a wide variety of artworks from different periods and cultures, and has outstanding collections of both historic and British contemporary art.
There are also many temporary exhibitions that showcase art from both emerging and established artists from Leeds, the UK and abroad.
One of the best art galleries to visit for anyone interested in a wide spectrum of different art and artists.
The gallery is open year round and admission is free.
Address: Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
4. Henry Moore Institute
The Henry Moore Institute is a world-renowned centre for the study of sculpture.
The Institute was founded in 1977 by the sculptor Henry Moore, and houses galleries and an extensive library and archive devoted to the history of sculpture.
The Henry Moore Institute is a vital resource for scholars and artists working in the field of sculpture.
Most exhibitions are free to visit and change periodically.
Address: 74 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AH
5. Tropical World
Tropical World is a unique attraction, popular with all the family, that brings the tropical world to Leeds.
The attraction is located in Roundhay Park, and features a variety of different habitats, each with its own plants and animals.
Tropical World has a rainforest area, which is home to exotic birds, reptiles, and mammals; a desert area, which is home to lizards, snakes, and scorpions; and a nocturnal area, which is home to bats and owls.
Visitors can also learn about the work of conservationists at the centre, and see how they are working to protect endangered species.
Open all year round Tropical World is a fun day out for adults and children.
Address: Tropical World, Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER
6. Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is one of the largest parks in Leeds, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The park covers 730 acres of land, and is home to a variety of different wildlife.
There are two lakes in the park, which are home to ducks, geese, and swans.
The park also has a variety of different trees and plants, which provide homes for many different species of birds and animals.
In addition to the wildlife, Roundhay Park also has a number of different features, including tennis courts, a children’s play area, a small skateboard park, a café, and a number of different walking trails.
Good for a relaxing visit, especially during the Summer months.
The park has free parking and there are five car park facilities for visitors.
Address: Mansion Ln, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HH
7. Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen is a unique venue that combines a music hall with a café.
The venue is located in Belgrave Square, and is home to a variety of different events.
Spread over three floors, it comprises of two bars, two kitchens, a large event space and a spectacular roof terrace.
The music hall hosts live music, comedy, and theatre, while the café and bars serve food and drink before and after the show.
Address: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
8. Royal Armouries Museum
A visit to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is a must for any history lover.
This world-famous museum houses an incredible collection of weapons and armour, spanning centuries of human history.
From suits of armour to swords and daggers, the Royal Armouries has it all.
And with knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions, so you’re sure to learn something new during your visit.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the museum is well worth a visit, so make sure you add it to your list of things to do in Leeds!
Address: Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT
9. Leeds Liverpool Canal
The Leeds Liverpool Canal is a man-made waterway that runs through the city of Leeds.
The canal was built in the eighteenth century, and is now used for leisure activities such as boating and fishing.
The canal is also home to a variety of different wildlife, including ducks, geese, and swans.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or take a stroll, then the Leeds Liverpool Canal is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Leeds Liverpool Canal, Leeds
10. Millennium Square Leeds
Millennium Square is Leeds’ premier events space, and has been the host to some of the city’s most popular events and attractions over the years.
The square first opened in 1999, and was designed to be a focal point for Leeds’ rapidly growing population.
It has since become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.
The Square hosts a variety of events, including live music concerts, sporting events and festivals, it’s also a lovely place to have a stroll and take in the sights.
Address: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
11. Leeds Corn Exchange
The Leeds Corn Exchange is a historic Victorian-era building in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
It operated from 1864 as a corn market and now houses a variety of independent retailers, shops, food traders and cafes.
The Corn Exchange was used as a corn market until the early 20th century when it was converted into a shopping centre.
This Grade 1 listed building has a distinctive architecture that draws people to visit, great to see if you are interested in unique buildings.
Address: Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Ln, Leeds, LS1 7BR
12. The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery
The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds is one of the UK’s leading university galleries, and home to an outstanding collection of fine art.
Located just minutes from Leeds city centre, the Gallery has an international reputation for exhibitions and showcases a programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
The collection includes stunning examples of paintings, sculpture, works on paper and photographs from European and British artists.
The Gallery also runs a programme of public events which include artist talks, discussions, and art workshops.
Admission to the Gallery is free and well worth a visit if you’re interested in art.
Address: Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, Parkinson Building, Woodhouse Ln, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT
13. Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam is one of the finest historic houses in West Yorkshire and has links to royalty.
The house is a Grade I listed building, and the estate is home to a number of different attractions, including a golf course, a farm park and an art gallery.
The house was built in the sixteenth century, and has been home to a number of different families over the years.
Visitors can explore over 40 rooms including one of the most important collections of decorative arts.
Good for the whole family, a visit to Home Farm is where you can see a variety of rare breed animals and there are child friendly crafts and activities.
The house and farm are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm and tickets can be bought online.
Address: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds, LS15 0AE
14. Harewood House
Harewood House is a historic house dating back to the 12th century, it was the home of the wealthy Lascelles family for centuries.
It is now a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument.
The house is set in 100 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, and is open to the public.
Tickets can be purchased online and give entry to the House, 120 acres of Gardens, the Adventure Playground, Woodland Wonderland and Bird Garden.
There is also the Farm Experience with daily activities such as penguin feeding and meet the farm animals.
Harewood House is a stunning stately home, and a brilliant place for a family day trip.
Address: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG
15. Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery.
This picturesque Grade I listed building was founded in 1152 and was the first Cistercian Abbey in the north of England.
The Abbey flourished until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII in 1539 when it was largely demolished.
The ruins of Kirkstall Abbey are located about 2 miles northwest of Leeds city centre on the south bank of the River Aire.
The Abbey also has a visitor centre which gives lots of information about the lives of the monks and shows unique images of the Abbey from the 18th century to the present day.
Visitors can also enjoy family activities and trails that run throughout the year in the parkland of Abbey.
Address: Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
16. Thackray Medical Museum
Located in the former Leeds Union Workhouse, the Thackray Medical Museum is dedicated to the history of medicine and health care.
The museum’s collections include medical instruments, paintings, photographs and prints.
Visitors can discover the medical innovations that changed the world, watch operations taking place in the 19th-century operating theatre and look at how the world responds to crisis.
The Thackray Medical Museum is open to the public daily from 10am–5pm.
Address: Thackray Medical Museum, 141 Beckett St, Harehills, Leeds LS9 7LN
FAQ
Is Leeds UK worth visiting?
Leeds is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and attracts millions of visitors each year.
It has an array of fun things to do, interesting museums and galleries, and other attractions throughout the Leeds area.
What is there to do in Leeds Victoria quarter?
Leeds Victoria Quarter is a shopping centre that is known as the premium shopping centre in West Yorkshire.
There are also a good selection of restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars and eateries.
Victoria Quarter is located at the centre of the Leeds shopping area, close to both bus and railway stations and city centre car park.
What is Kirkgate market Leeds known for?
Leeds Kirkgate Market has been at the centre of the Leeds retail scene since 1857.
One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate Market is full of independent retailers selling fresh food, drink and fashion, to flowers, hardware and haberdashery.
Where is the Leeds Country Way?
The Leeds Country Way is a 62 mile-long footpath that goes around Leeds.
It takes visitors through some of the most beautiful and varied countryside surrounding the city.
