11 Fun Things to Do in Leeds

Sharing is caring!

We visited Leeds on the way up north to Edinburgh. As we were coming from Cambridge, we thought a stop in this northern city was a good idea and, boy, were we right. There are so many wonderful and fun things to do in Leeds. It’s a great blend of history, architecture, and fantastic museums. Plus, since we visited in December, the Christmas markets were excellent.

Whether you’re planning a UK road trip, or just want to visit an interesting city in the UK, Leeds is a pretty good shout. Its proximity to other cities like York, Newcastle, and Manchester makes it a great place to base yourself if you’re exploring the north of England. So, let’s talk about all the wonderful things to do in Leeds so you can add this city to your UK travel list.

Note: We visited Leeds at Christmas, hence why some of these images are a little festive!

What can you do in Leeds for free?

One of my favourite things about English cities is the amount of fantastic free attractions there are. It makes visiting cities like London and Cambridge a lot easier and more affordable. There are actually a surprising number of fun things to do in Leeds for free, so if you’re travelling on a budget, you could easily spend a day in the city and not spend a penny! In fact, many of the things on this list are free.

Some of the best free Leeds attractions include:

• Leeds Art Gallery
• The Tetley
• Leeds City Museum
• Kirkstall Abbey
• Leeds Waterfront
• Royal Armouries Leeds

Is Leeds good for a day trip?

Yes, I think Leeds makes a wonderful day trip, especially if you are travelling around the UK, or on a road trip from England to Scotland. Leeds city centre is pretty walkable, and there are also plenty of attractions just outside the city to tempt you. So, if you only wanted to see the main attractions, you could definitely manage this in a day.

Where to stay in Leeds

There are some great accommodations in Leeds, from small self-catering apartments to fancy hotel rooms. Here are some of the best places to stay in Leeds:

• £££ – The Chambers – This gorgeous block of hotel apartments is a great way to experience some luxury in Leeds. With just 58 rooms, this hotel has a more intimate feel, plus, the expertly restored historic building is completely charming.
• ££ – Park Plaza Leeds – A modern, centrally-located 4* hotel, opposite the Leeds Railway station. Featuring a fitness centre, and Pan-Asia restaurant, this hotel offers you extreme comfort for a great price.
• £ – Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre – A simple, yet conveniently located hotel in the centre of Leeds. It features spacious rooms, and comfy beds, and a continental breakfast is served in the restaurant.

11 fun things to do in Leeds

So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the best fun things to do in Leeds. 

1. Have a Picnic in Roundhay Park

While you might have expected me to head straight into the city centre, I thought I’d start this list of fun things to do in Leeds with a little trip to the English countryside. Roundhay Park is one of the largest and most popular public parks in the UK. Spanning over 700 acres, it offers a fantastic range of attractions, including beautiful lakes, woodlands, manicured gardens, and open green spaces. 

It’s a wonderful spot to spend a day – and you could easily make a day out of visiting the park. As well as natural attractions, there is also a zoo, tropical gardens, playground, sports facilities, and ruins of an ancient abbey (but we’ll get to that soon…).

2. Explore the Ruins of  Kirkstall Abbey

Actually, I lied! We’ll get to it immediately because Kirkstall Abbey is easily one of the best things to do in Leeds.

I love exploring places like this, that were once utterly stunning structures, but are now crumbling ruins – it’s like opening a window to the past and I cannot get enough of wandering around and picturing what it used to be like. 

Anyway, preamble aside, Kirkstall Abbey is a historic gem dating back to the 12th century. It’s a pretty well-preserved Cistercian monastery, with striking Gothic architecture. You can explore the elegant archways, towering stone walls, and even climb into little antichambers. It’s surrounded by the parkland and there are often events and exhibitions held there – so you might even get to see a little more than just the ruins. 

3. Visit the Royal Armouries Museum Leeds

Another of the best free things to do in Leeds, the Royal Armouries is a treasure trove for lovers of ancient history. This world-class museum is dedicated to the history and art of weaponry and armour. It houses a vast and impressive collection of over 75,000 objects, including arms and armour from various cultures and time periods, from medieval knights to modern military equipment.

The museum provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of weaponry and the role it has played in shaping history. With engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and live demonstrations, the Royal Armouries is a great place to go for all ages. 

While we were there, we watched a live display about sword fighting and some of the armour was just fantastic – I highly recommend finding the elephant armour, it’s super impressive.

4. See the Architecture at the Corn Exchange

Located in the heart of the old town of Leeds, the Corn Exchange is another historical masterpiece. Built in 1864, this striking circular building features a unique cast-iron and glass dome. When the sun is shining, light floods through the dome and illuminates the entire interior. It’s very pretty. 

The building was originally designed as a centre for the trade of corn (hence the name) but has undergone a variety of transformations over the years. Today, it houses a vibrant mix of independent boutiques, shops, and eateries, offering a diverse range of products, from artisanal crafts and vintage clothing to contemporary fashion and gourmet food.

5. Explore the Victoria Quarter

This is another place that I just loved in Leeds. Buildings like this (like those in Brussels and Milan) are places I just find stunning, and the architecture is beautiful. 

The Victoria Quarter is effectively a luxury shopping centre. However, the building dates back to the 19th century and features an ornate and beautifully restored Victorian design with intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, and a majestic glass roof.

It’s a very pretty place to explore and, if you’ve got the budget, a great place to snag some designer gear.

6. Visit the Grand Theatre

If you love historic performing arts venues, then you’ll love the Grant Theatre. Easily one of the most fun things to do in Leeds, the theatre has been entertaining audiences for over a century. Originally built in 1878, this majestic theatre features a beautiful Victorian design and a stunning red and gold interior. 

It hosts a range of performances including dramas, musicals, ballets, operas, and concerts – it’s a pretty big cultural hub in the city, offering a diverse range of entertainment. It’s great for a night out in the city.

7. Wander Around Kirkgate Market

If you enjoy fantastic food markets (like the ones in London or Cambridge), you’ll love the Kirkgate Market in Leeds. This fabulous venue is full of stalls selling everything from fresh food to handmade clothing. You can buy fresh meat, fish, trinkets, homeware, and international cuisine. Plus, all the sellers are authentic and many of them have been doing what they do for years. So, it’s a great place to pick up quality goods.

Both locals and tourists visit Kirkgate Market to shop for fresh ingredients, unique gifts, and a wide range of goods. As well as being a market, it’s also a cultural experience, reflecting the multicultural essence of Leeds and showcasing delicacies from all over the world.

8. Get Lost in the Leeds City Museum

If the Royal Armouries wasn’t enough for you, you’ve got to visit the Leeds City Museum. Offering a captivating journey through the city’s historic and diverse heritage, this museum is located in the heart of Leeds. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of exhibits including ancient artefacts, natural history specimens, and cultural artefacts.

A few highlights include the famous Leeds Tiger, several ancient Egyptian mummies, and displays showcasing the city’s industrial past. You’ll find interactive displays, making it a great place to visit with all the family and, once again, it’s free, so you don’t have to worry about cost.

9. Wander the Canals and Waterfront

When you’ve had enough of the museums and historical attractions in Leeds, it’s time to head to the waterfront for a little recoup. Leeds waterfront is a great place to simply wander around. Take in the views, get away from the bustle of the city centre and sit on one of the many benches with a bite to eat.

The waterfront has undergone a pretty hefty re-design in recent years too. Along part of the river, you’ll now find a modern cultural hub, with apartments, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

This means that as well as scenic walks along the canals of the River Aire, you can also enjoy riverside dining and even public art beside the waters. Plus, there are often festivals and events held along the waterfront, adding to its dynamic atmosphere.

10. Eat your Way Through Leeds

There are so many fantastic places to eat in the city and finding the best food spots can be one of the most fun things to do in Leeds. Sampling delicious starters, mouth-watering mains, and scrummy desserts is a great way to spend an evening and, I know from experience, that finding the best places to eat can make or break your experience in a city. Plus, with Leed’s ethnic and diverse background, you’ll find a thriving food scene with tastes to suit every palate. 

The city is known for its vibrant Asian food scene, and you can savour authentic dishes at places like My Thai or Teppanyaki. You can also try traditional Indian cuisine, particularly in areas like the “Curry Mile” on Kirkstall Road. Additionally, Leeds boasts a thriving craft beer and cocktail culture, with numerous bars, pubs, and breweries serving up locally brewed beverages. 

For a taste of British classics, head to Murgatroyds, or you can explore traditional pubs like the Town Hall Tavern which serves hearty and classic pub grub. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, street food, or anything in between, Leeds has a plethora of options to satisfy your culinary cravings.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.