Best things to do in Leeds
With its inspiring concoction of culture, museums and galleries, and a wealth of adventures to entertain the whole family, holidays to Leeds really do have it all.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Holbeck Cemetery: Macabre it may be, but the viewing platform to the rear of the cemetery offers a marvellous panorama of the city and surrounding countryside.
Headrow House Bar: Sip an Aperol Spritz and savour a splendid view of Leeds’ fine Victorian cityscape from Headrow House, a rocking rooftop bar.
Museums and galleries
Leeds Art Gallery: Where else can you take in John Atkinson Grimshaw's stunning Victorian landscapes and then turn around to find yourself face to face with a Damien Hirst sheep preserved in formaldehyde? The answer is here at the superb Leeds Art Gallery.
Leeds City Museum: Leeds’ storied history, both social and industrial, can be uncovered at Leeds City Museum, which has a compelling collection that spans everything from Ancient Egypt to the history of the city itself.
The best districts
Headingley: Student central with legendary pubs, eateries and charity shops – and if you’re a sports nut, then there’s the world-famous Headingley cricket ground.
Chapel Allerton: Under conservation since the 1970s, Chapel Allerton rates stacks of character thanks to its special blend of independent cafés, boutiques and gallery spaces.
Parks and gardens
Roundhay Park: One of Europe’s largest city parks (700 acres, no less), Roundhay Rolling serves up a cornucopia of outstanding natural features – parkland, lakes and woodland – not to mention an abundance of wildlife.
The Hollies: These magical woodland gardens harbour towering oak and beech trees and brilliant birdlife, including kingfishers and warblers.
Historical monuments
Kirkstall Abbey: One of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in the country, the visitor centre has the lowdown on its 800-year history.
Leeds Corn Exchange: Part colosseum, part pantheon, Victorian architect Cuthbert Broderick’s most famous building houses an eclectic mix of independent boutiques and eateries.
Temple Newsam: Tudor-Jacobean stately pile with grounds landscaped by Capability Brown and a rare breed farm.
Day trips in the area
York: York Minster is the pièce de résistance, but the impeccably preserved medieval Shambles deserve an honourable mention.
Harrogate: When in Harrogate, do as the Victorians (did) with a visit to the fully restored original Turkish Baths or promenade in the Valley Gardens, which link to the gorgeous RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
Haworth: There’s a reason this area is called Brontë Country – Brontë Parsonage Museum, Brontë Church and Brontë Waterfall are three highlights.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSL): Set on the grounds of Bretton Hall in Wakefield, YSL's outdoor space features over 100 sculptures and installations by British and international artists.
Saltaire Village: Built by philanthropist textile magnate Sir Titus Salt for his workers, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill 19th-century workers’ cottages – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Activities for families in Leeds
Leeds isn’t just for grown-up city breaks; green space and immersive museums and activities entertain the kids.
Parks and gardens: Golden Acre Park doesn’t have a children’s playground. But, it has mature woodlands, an ever-changing demonstration garden, a scenic pond that attracts local wildlife, a tearoom and summertime live band performances.
Interactive museums: With more arms and armour than you can shake a stick at, the Royal Armouries Museum runs regular handling sessions of historical and replica objects and stages theatrical live combat demonstrations. The Thackray Medical Museum is similarly niche, presenting interactive displays that explain the human body and the history of medicine.
Aquariums and zoos: Tropical World, next to Roundhay Park, simulates a rainforest environment and is home to various exotic animals, from meerkats to tropical birds.
Theme parks and adventure: A 24km drive from Leeds, all-weather Stockeld Park offers a magical adventure forest, an enchanted maze and go-karting, plus seasonal events like winter ice skating and a summer adventure camp.
Free things to do in Leeds
There are many free things to do, from galleries and museums to events and festivals, so even if your Leeds holidays are on a shoestring, you can have a jam-packed itinerary.
Free events: Every September, the city stages Heritage Open Days, a 10-day series of events and activities covering local history, architecture and culture. The theme for 2024 is ‘Routes, Networks, and Connections’.
Annual festivals: The long-running Leeds West Indian Carnival brings vibrant costumes and live music to the streets each August.
Museums: Most Leeds Museums and galleries charge admission; Leeds City Museum (local history, ancient world cultures, natural history, archaeology, and fine and decorative arts) and Leeds Art Gallery (modern and contemporary art and sculpture) are welcome exceptions.
Free guided tours: Workers Lunchtimes run heritage tours of Leeds Kirkgate Market.
Nature and outdoor activities in Leeds
Cycling: For an easy pedal, the traffic-free 25km long Aire Valley Towpath (part of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal) links Leeds to Bingley.
Long-distance walks: Looping around the city’s outskirts, the 100km Leeds Country Way divides into four 25km sections, with each quarter subdivided into three shorter walks. The nominal start point is Golden Acre Park, but it can be picked up at any stage and walked in either direction.
Orienteering: Map reading and running at Otley Chevin Forest Park, a 20-minute drive from the city centre. On the Danefield side, there are two permanent orienteering courses: a starter course for kids and a more challenging one for experienced orienteers.
Wildlife watching: Roughly 16km from Leeds, the RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife spotters: 400 hectares of mixed habitat riddled with pathways and hides.
Zipline: Tree-to-tree zips and a stomach-churning 12m plummet, 6km from the city centre at Temple Newsam.
