Enter well-known galleries and exhibits to discover the inspiration they contain. Experience the thriving independent culinary sector, as well as the lively atmosphere of busy pubs and cocktail bars. or go shopping and pick up unique items and well-known brands. The vast outdoors comes next. The splendour of the Dales, expansive parks, and old estates. What comes next, then?
Tropical World
At Tropical World, families can enjoy a fun-filled and educational day out. Start your epic journey in the Butterfly House, where exotic butterflies fly freely through our swampy mangrove, fluttering their wings over pools swimming with Koi Carp, Terrapins and even our Morelet’s Crocodile. Wander through the Aquarium, where you will find fish of all different shapes, sizes and colours, from all over the world. Our Red-bellied Piranha is usually found in the waters of the Amazon Basin. The Red-Tailed Racer can grow to around 2.4m and live up to 20 years.
O2 Academy
The doors reopened in 2008 and the venue introduced itself to the city with a sell-out show from Kaiser Chiefs and DJ set in the Underground from Utah Saints. The monumental launch night was just the start and an exceptional list of acts followed the Kaiser Chiefs onto the stage with gigs from Foals, Last Shadow Puppets, Spiritualized and Elbow in the first month. O2 Academy Leeds continued to raise the bar with live shows from Biffy Clyro, The Killers, Kasabian, Courteeners, Hot Chip and Slash and has also built a reputation for club events, bringing international DJs Fatboy Slim and Deadmau5 to the stage and building residency Projekt into the biggest weekly event in the city.
Millennium Square
The facility is surrounded by some of the most famous structures in the city, including Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds Town Hall, The Carriageworks Theatre, and Leeds City Museum. It is located in the centre of the civic quarter. Accessible to all, the distinctive venue presents a year-round calendar of events that includes Leeds Food & Drink Festival, Christmas markets, Ice Cube ice rink, summer live music concerts, and the ITU World Triathlon Series. In addition, the plaza hosts a number of community and multicultural events, including Leeds Pride, Vaisakhi, and St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Leeds Grand Theatre
Leeds Grand Theatre, also lovingly referred to as the 'Grand Old Lady of Leeds', was constructed in 1878, supposedly in response to Prince Albert's impromptu comment that 'nothing was more calculated to promote culture and raise the tone of the people' in Leeds. She is the most magnificent of leading ladies. Stars like Julie Andrews, Ken Dodd, Bruce Forsyth, Elton John, Peter Kay, Morecambe and Wise, Laurence Olivier, Cliff Richard, and Tommy Steele are among many who have walked the renowned boards. The Grand has hosted Fern Britton, Dara O'Briain, Jake Bugg, Andrew Flintoff, Nigel Havers, Jane McDonald, and Sting in more recent years.
LaserZone
A spacecraft in disuse is headed straight for the centre of Leeds. A 3,500 square foot space filled with swirling fog, odd noises, flashing lights, and opponents can be found outside its airlock! Searching for activities to engage the children (and adults!) in? For a variety of events, including stag and hen nights, birthday parties, corporate entertainment, youth groups, and families, LaserZone is the perfect choice.
Junk Yard Golf
Make sure to visit The Light and head to Junk Yard Golf to enjoy an incredible amount of wild chaos. Savour three insane 9-hole golf courses with recycled vehicle parts, circus freaks, jungle bathtubs and trash yard slides. Brave and courageous, get ready to navigate the strange route. Junkyard Golf Club Leeds is known for its outrageous activities. It has four bars spread across its courses, which provide an extensive selection of amazing party beverages and cocktails, such as Hotline Ting, Porn in the USA, and Ribena Turner. These bars are adorned with party rings and fizzy laces.
Hyde Park Picture House
One of the most unique and historic movie theatres in the nation, The Picture House was established in 1914, during the heyday when single-screen picture palaces could be found in the centre of every town.With the help of a devoted and ever-expanding group of employees, volunteers, members, partners, and friends—including the occasional A-list Hollywood star—The Picture House has created a film programme devoted to presenting independent, documentarian, and vintage films from all over the world.
The Howard Assembly Room
Located in the heart of Leeds, the Howard Assembly Room is a compelling and inspirational performance venue. Renowned for its extensive and diverse programming encompassing music, film, words, and performance, the exquisitely renovated space has played host to renowned musicians, actors, and authors such as Brad Mehldau, The Unthanks, Lesley Garrett, Abdullah Ibrahim, Kneehigh Theatre, The Tallis Scholars, and Joanna MacGregor.
First Direct Arena
The arena has hosted major worldwide acts like Elton John, Stormzy, Cirque Du Soleil, Stereophonics, Dua Lipa, and Ed Sheeran since it opened in July 2013. With all seats facing the stage and top-notch acoustics to deliver the finest sound experience in the UK, the stadium's distinctive "super theatre" type layout is intended to improve the arena experience. Compared to the 13,000-seat venue, spectators and artists will experience a more personal setting with closer viewing angles.
City Varieties Music Hall
Originally built as a working-class pub above a room, the Varieties is a hidden gem in Leeds that holds the record for being the country's longest-running music hall, having opened in 1865. With the exception of a much-needed renovation from 2009 to 2011 and the epidemic from 2020 to 21, The Varieties has never closed. Even now, fans travel great distances to witness the biggest names in variety, pantomime, comedy, and music shine on her platform.
Carriageworks Theatre
At Carriageworks Theatre, the modern and the ancient collide. Constructed in 1848 as a carriage factory, the Victorian structure had a makeover and reopened as a city centre cultural centre in 2005. There's always room to have fun, laugh, learn, and create. The Carriageworks is home to some of Leeds' top cultural and artistic events each year, such as its wildly popular yearly pantomime and the Leeds Young Film Festival, INDIs Film Festival, and Leeds Lit Festival. It also sponsors the annual AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds and is a partner of the recently established Leeds in Motion street festival.
Middleton Railway Museum
Visit the Middleton Railway Museum to learn about the world's oldest operating railway, which dates back to 1758. Shovel coal and peat inside an antique boiler to learn how locomotive parts were created and get a taste of life in the days of steam locomotives. Once you've indulged your fantasy of being a train driver, explore the Display Room, which has an extensive collection of industrial steam and diesel railway locomotives. Intricate and rich in history, this museum is among the most engaging free activities in Leeds.
Abbey House Museum
Abbey House Museum is an enjoyable, interactive, and family-friendly place to spend a day with the whole family. Visit them for a stroll down memory lane with friends or join them for one of the numerous family sessions that are listed on the website. Go back in time and explore the charming homes, businesses, and streets to get a taste of Victorian living. For some classic retail therapy, head to Stephen Harding Gate on the ground level, which is the 19th century counterpart of a modern high street. Visit the Sunday School or the house of the woman who cleans windows in the back streets. See the Childhood and Community Galleries and the rotating show schedule on the first level.
The Henry Moore Institute
Everyone is welcome to visit the Henry Moore Institute's galleries, research library, and archive to learn about and appreciate global sculpture. The rotating schedule of historical, modern, and contemporary activities and exhibitions promotes contemplation on the nature of sculpture, its creation process, and the artists who create it. As a division of the Henry Moore Foundation, the institution serves as a centre for sculpture, tying together a worldwide community of scholars and artists, promoting ongoing study into the medium, and guaranteeing that sculpture is appreciated and understood by a broad audience.
Leeds Street Art Trail
Leeds is a lively, energetic city with more going on than meets the eye. The Welcome to Leeds Street Art route is a wild urban journey that will take you far and wide as you encounter vibrant murals, poignant tributes, and abstract sculptures. Along the way, you'll see some of the most amazing street art in the city. One of the most fascinating free things to do in Leeds is to explore hidden locations you might not have discovered by combining art and culture.
Go Ape!
Go Ape! Leeds is an adventure-activity chain venue where groups explore the forest canopy via a treetop rope course. Our course features a variety of platforms and crossings, from easy-access crossings to Tarzan swings and zip lines. Whether you're a first-time climber or a seasoned adventure-seeker, you're sure to have an exciting and memorable experience.
K-Cube
With 6 STUNNING PRIVATE ROOMS varying in capacity from 6 to 20 it offers a unique, exciting, entertaining space for you to throw caution to the wind and channel your inner Mariah Carey or Robbie Williams. In addition, the new first floor karaoke venue offers an extensive drinks menu and lite bites all delivered to your private booth so no need to break off from your private sing-a-long!
Leeds Discovery Centre
A fascinating day out is always had when visiting Leeds Discovery Centre. This cutting-edge storage facility, designed to hold the amazing collections of Leeds Museums & Galleries, is a special resource. More than a million items can be found there, ranging from plush penguins to viking log boats, and from meteorites to elephant bones. The center's friendly staff is more than happy to share their passions with you and answer any questions you may have. The options are unlimited. Although it's free to enter, reservations are required.
Thackray Museum of Science
Explore the innovative and captivating galleries of the Thackray, which cover everything from the development of healthcare to the history of medicine to the ways in which we care for one another and ourselves. Explore the streets of Victorian Leeds, witness surgical procedures in our 19th-century operating theatre, stop by a sexual health clinic reminiscent of the 1970s, track how effectively countries handle emergencies, and learn about the medical advancements that revolutionised society. It's a place to honour our health heroes and motivate the following generation of visionaries via formal education, play, creativity, conversations, experiences, and social gatherings.
Leeds City Museum
Explore the natural world in the Life on Earth exhibition, which features breathtaking specimens from all across the world along with fossils dating back hundreds of years. Even more odd items are kept in the Collector's Cabinet, which also traces their historical arrival in Leeds from the 1700s to the present. Within the World View collection, you can also delve into the civilizations of the world. This exhibition, which is currently showing Voices of Asia, examines the diversity of Asian groups in Leeds as well as the largest continent in the globe.
Leeds Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange is often the first landmark that springs to mind when people think of Leeds, and it makes sense. Cuthbert Brodrick's famous edifice, which was finished in 1864, continues to be a bustling centre of business, serving the same function as when it was first constructed. When you first come in today, you'll be greeted with the amazing domed roof, which is surrounded by rows of independent boutiques spanning two levels, including cafes, jewellers, record stores, and hair salons.
Royal Armouries
One of Leeds' top attractions is Royal Armouries. Amazing artefacts, curiosities, and treasures from the National Collection of Arms and Armour are packed within its five storeys. The history of battle and fighting is brought to life in front of your eyes by these displays, which include anything from a fully functional set of armour designed specifically for an elephant to the Danzig, one of the first handguns ever created. Not only does it regularly hold jousting competitions and weaponry displays, but admission is free!
Flight Club
Flight Club is the perfect place for all your nightlife needs. We offer a variety of delicious and creative cocktails alongside a unique twist on classic bar games. Our signature game is darts reinvented for the 21st century with fast-paced multi-player games that are perfect for groups of all sizes.
Kirkstall Abbey
There aren't many things in Leeds that are better than touring the magnificent Kirkstall Abbey. You may take a tour of the magnificent ruins of one of the best preserved mediaeval Cistercian abbeys in Britain, meandering through the run-down rooms where the monks used to live and pray. Although construction began in 1152, the majority of the current edifice was completed by 1182, and even after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it is still a magnificent building situated in a lovely park.
Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam, surrounded by 1,500 acres of parkland and rich in over 500 years of history, ought to be at the top of your itinerary when visiting Leeds. Before seeing one of the most significant collections of fine and decorative art in Britain, step inside the home and learn what it was like for the wealthy to live here. After that, go outside to explore the property's acres of forests and Capability Brown-designed gardens. The youngsters can even visit a farm to interact with sheep and piglets!
Roundhay Park
Would you like a relaxed day in the city? Head straight for Roundhay Park. With a vast 700 acres, it's the largest park in Leeds and among the biggest in Europe, providing plenty of space for enjoyment! On bright days, you may keep things easy by packing a picnic, taking the kids to the playground, or breaking out your tennis racquets on the court. Would you rather ramble? Take a stroll around the two lakes, visit Tropical World to see exotic animals, then have a beer at The Mansion.
Leeds Kirkgate Market
One of the top things to visit in Leeds is Kirkgate Market, a famous landmark that also happens to be the biggest covered market in Europe. The magnificent 19th-century façade is what draws the eye initially, but the real attraction is inside. Hundreds of traditional kiosks selling anything from loose tea, unusual spices, and award-winning pies to fresh fruit and vegetables may be strolled amongst. Get something to eat at the street food kitchen before you go; it's really tasty independent food.
Otley Chevin
Visit Otley Chevin to get a sense of why Yorkshire is referred to be God's Own County. For those who enjoy being outside, this vast area of untamed vegetation is a must-see. With trails running in all directions, it's a well-liked destination for cyclists, walkers, runners, and even horseback riders. Our best recommendation? Reach the summit by following the trail, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking, seemingly never-ending views of the surrounding area as you step out onto Surprise View.
Victoria Quarter
The sleek yet contemporary Victoria Gate has now joined the Victoria Quarter, which is Leeds's premier destination for fine fashion. This is the place to go for designer boutiques. It's not only about the shopping, though, with fashion favourites like Vivienne Westwood, Reiss, and Harvey Nichols. Looking up will reveal amazing architecture and the largest stained-glass roof in the UK, created by Brian Clarke, covering the major retail district.
Leeds Art Gallery
The Leeds Art Gallery's welcoming display of artistic flare is only hinted at by the presence of Henry Moore's Reclining Woman outside the entrance. One of the best collections of 20th-century British art in the UK can be found there, encompassing a wide range of mediums such as paintings, photography, sculpture, and multimedia. Works by Francis Bacon and Jacob Kramer are unique to Leeds, and Alison Wilding's iconic piece "Arena (2000)" is not to be missed.
Harewood House
Visit Harewood House, one of England's Treasure Houses, and you'll be in for a treat. This 18th-century estate is home to an impressive collection of modern art that has been gathered over two centuries, in addition to a constantly rotating schedule of shows. You can visit the house itself as well, but don't forget to walk outside, where you'll find a farm, an adventure playground, and more than a thousand acres of exquisite Capability Brown gardens.
Golden Acre Park
Visit Golden Acre Park for a sightseeing tour of Leeds during the day. With its expansive 55 hectares, you will have lots of room to go about, but what will you see when you get there? To really enjoy the experience, stick to the designated paths or venture off-road to explore the heather gardens, woodland gardens, wildfowl lakes, and cherry orchard. To add a little extra time to your day, the nature reserves of Adel Dam and Breary Marsh are also quite near by.
Leeds Minster
Built in 1841 on a sacred Christian location, this magnificent Victorian cathedral is one of the most identifiable structures in Leeds. Currently a Grade I-listed structure, it features contemporary panels by artists like David Evans and Sally Scott in addition to amazing 16th-century Flemish stained glass windows. Once inside, The Leeds Cross is also accessible. It's one of the oldest artefacts discovered from the city's past, having been around since the tenth century.
Trinity Leeds
Trinity is the first place that springs to mind when one thinks of shopping in Leeds, and for good reason. It was named after the nearby 18th-century Holy Trinity Church and opened its doors in 2013. Since then, it has been providing services to the good people of Leeds. Go shopping at department stores like Urban Outfitters and the Apple Store until you drop, unwind at the luxurious Everyman Cinema or have a drink at the hip rooftop bar Angelica. You have a plenty of options when it comes to food because Trinity Kitchen regularly hosts mouthwatering street food vendors.