Fun things to do in Leeds

The unofficial foodie capital of the North

At the heart of Leeds is a thriving food scene, renowned for its diversity, energy and innovation.

From the street food stalls and fresh food vendors of Kirkgate Market to the abundance of independent restaurants and cafes across the city centre, it’s the passion and pride of the people that make the food and drink scene what it is. Casual dining includes places like Manjits Kitchen, Mans Market, Empire Café, Fint, and Eat Your Greens. And for special occasions there are plenty of unique fine dining experiences by award-winning chefs like Ox Club, The Collective, Vice & Virtue and Home.

For warmer weather you’ll find a lively pavement café culture and an abundance of rooftop bars. In colder months (or rainy days) the city is full of cosy pubs complete with hearty menus. The city is also home to a number of breweries, coffee makers and even a rum distillery. And if you’re not sure where to start, you can dive in with Leeds Food Tours offering insights and dishes from up to eight different foodie spots in the city.

More food & drink in Leeds

Culture around every corner in Leeds

Leeds is a city that is proud of its culture, with a vibrant arts scene that embraces innovation, new ideas and entertainment in a way that is accessible to everyone. 

It’s home to not one but two of the few national touring organisations outside of London – Opera North and Northern Ballet, as well as an abundance of theatres including three national stalwarts – Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall (the longest running music hall in the UK). In Leeds you’ll also find the Royal Armouries which houses the largest collection of weapons on display in the country. 

In the city, alongside more traditional art galleries like Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute, you’ll also find some of the best street art in the UK, with new works being created all the time. There is a wealth of artist’s studios housed in period properties and industrial heritage buildings, places like Sunny Bank Mills, a former mill now home to artist studios, a gallery and a live music venue. Following Leeds Year of Culture in 2023, the city has a beautiful and colourful new public artwork – Hibiscus Rising is a striking 31 feet tall sculpture by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, in memorial to David Oluwale, and proudly reflects the cultural diversity of the city.

Discover arts & culture in Leeds

Historic buildings and grand estates

Leeds has more listed buildings than any other city outside London. 

The built heritage here is one to marvel at and enjoy when strolling through the centre; you’ll come across the iconic Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Corn Exchange with its awe-inspiring domed roof, Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds Central Library, a gothic masterpiece with spectacular staircases and archways and mosaic tiling. Just a short bike ride, walk or bus ride from the city centre you’ll find Kirkstall Abbey, one of the UK’s best-preserved monasteries and home to a number of events throughout the year, including outdoor cinema, theatre performances, live music and beer festivals. Here you’ll also find the fantastic Abbey House Museum, exploring Victorian life in the city.

Further afield the city is home to several historic houses and gardens. Temple Newsam is a great country house surrounded by beautiful parkland which includes a working rare breeds farm. Famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, notorious husband of Mary Queen of Scots, Temple Newsam House is a truly impressive Tudor-Jacobean mansion. Described as one of the best in Britain and beautifully restored to its former glory, it is now home to one of the most important collections of decorative arts in Britain. Outside, visitors can make friends with a variety of rare breed animals at Herd Farm, wander around the beautiful gardens, enjoy some leisure time or even a round of golf.

Harewood, one of the Treasure Houses of England, is another heritage estate filled with art, culture and heritage. Enjoy the remarkable views from its award-winning terraces or head inside and explore the well-trodden corridors of Below Stairs, a place where young kitchen hands can dress up and discover life as a servant. In the Capability Brown designed grounds, visitors will find an adventure playground, penguins, flamingos and parrots, so there is no shortage of adventure for any visitor.

Lotherton is a charming Edwardian country estate once home to the Gascoigne family. Animal lovers should also plan a visit to Lotherton’s incredible Wildlife World, home to hundreds of animals from across the globe. Make friends with flamingos, penguins and meerkats as well as dozens of other wildlife.

More places to see in Leeds

Pamper and rejuvenate in Leeds

Leeds is home to several notable spa hotels, perfect for a spa-break with no compromise on access to the attractions of the city. 

Oulton Hall Country Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing spa break – a historic house nestled within landscaped gardens. This stunning hotel has a spa, health club, swimming pool and golf club what’s more, it prides itself on being family-friendly with kids under four staying free and special family swim times.

Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel, home to an award-winning spa, pool and restaurant. All within a ten to fifteen-minute drive from the city centre.

Within the city centre, there are also options to pamper yourself and rejuvenate in between your sightseeing, shopping and other activities. Rosa Thai is a firm favourite offering individual and couples massages at venues across the city, including one at Oxford Place. Dragonfly Skin Day Spa based in the Central Arcade (one of the many shopping arcades in the city centre) is more than a spa – it is an experience – offering message therapy, floatation, facials and body sculpting.

Unwind with a spa experience in Leeds

Great outdoor adventures on the doorstep

Leeds is a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, including two national parks – the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors – where you can find plenty of outdoor adventures. Within the city too, you can find action and adventure.

At Leeds Dock, you can experience Paddle-boarding with Leeds Dock paddle-boarding for all abilities. At Temple Newsam, you can Go Ape! exploring a forest canopy, and at Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre you can experience power-boating, dinghy sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. 

Explore the outdoors in Leeds

Shopping heaven in Leeds

Leeds is one of the UK’s best shopping destinations; you’ll find all your favourite high-street names and luxury brands here, but it’s the independent shopping and markets that really sets Leeds apart.

Combining the Victoria Quarter’s elegant Grade II listed Victorian arcades and the glamorous, modern Victoria Gate, Victoria Leeds is one of the country’s most beautiful shopping destinations. This award-winning centre houses over 80 of the most desirable and exclusive shops, including Harvey Nichols, John Lewis & Partners, Vivienne Westwood, Gant and many more, as well as stylish restaurants and bars.

And there are still more Victorian stunning arcades, each with their own original features and unique charm. Explore Thornton’s Arcade, Queens Arcade, Grand Arcade and Central Arcade all within easy walking distance of each other. Equally jaw-dropping is the stunning Trinity Leeds centre with 120 shops, eateries and an Everyman cinema.

Just when you think there can’t possibly be more, there is! Next door to Victoria Gate is the Kirkgate Quarter home of Leeds Corn Exchange, with its awe-inspiring domed roof and Kirkgate Market, Europe’s largest indoor market, which is an amazing heritage shopping attraction. Don’t miss the replica of the Penny Bazaar, as Leeds is, of course, the home of Marks and Spencer. Find out more at the M&S Company Archive. For all those essentials, be sure to call into the Merrion Centre or St Johns Shopping Centre.

Find more shopping spots in Leeds