Best Things To Do in Leeds, United Kingdom

Are you looking for what to do in Leeds?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Temple Newsam : This is a Tudor- Jacobean fashioned structure that is set within 1500 acres of enticing parklands. The estate also houses rare breed farm and displays a rich history.
  • Thackeray museum : The museum is housed in one of Victorian buildings in Leeds. This medical museum is unique as it combines horror with science.
  • Kirkstall Abbey : Set in beautiful parkland situated along the banks of the River Aire, the Kirkstall Abbey is an example of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. 
  • Harewood house : Situated within “capability” Brown designed landscape, this historic Georgian property offers breathtaking views from its terraces.

THINGS TO DO

  • Shopping at Corn Exchange : Enjoy the pleasures of shopping at Corn exchange which has a part retail area, part food hub and fosters a community of beautiful shops and boutiques.
  • Watch a performance : There are a number of entertainment options for all in Leeds thanks to a flourishing community of actors, dancers, musicians and artists. Different shows can be found at the city’s many venues and stages such as Yorkshire Playhouse, Howard assembly rooms or Leeds Grand theatre.
  • Engage your kids : There are a plethora of activities available for your kids in Leeds: riding in the miniature steam trains at either Tropical World in Roundhay or Kirkstall Abbey, watching meerkats, exotic birds, butterflies and crocodiles in Tropical world or reimagining the past at Leeds City Museum, the Royal Armouries and Thackray Medical Museum.
  • Beer Drinking : Leeds was the home of the Tetley's brewery for almost 200 years (it was demolished in 2012) and has a long tradition of beer drinking. Try up drinking beer at various venues and bars in Leeds and color yourself in the culture of Leeds.

Below we have a list of things to do in Leeds and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Leeds getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Leeds with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Leeds

Here is the list of things to do in Leeds and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Royal Armouries Museum

    4.7 (514 Votes)
    Royal Armouries Museum

    Museum, History Museum, Educational Site, Exhibition

    The Royal Armouries is a purpose built museum which houses the national collection of arms and exhibits over 8500 objects throughout its six themed galleries. Located only a short distance from the centre of Leeds, the museum is a multi million pound built space which was opened to public in 1996. Of particular interest are its displays of royal armor of the Tudor and Stuart kings; arms and arm...Read more
  2. Oulton Hall

    4.3 (600 Votes)
    Oulton Hall

    Hotel, Historical Site

    Olton Hall is one of the best preserved structures of Leeds. Today, it is a Grade II listed building which had once served as the home of the Blayds/Calverley family. After a major fire in 1850 the Hall was restructured and today serves as a 4 star hotel in Leeds, part of the QHotels group. One of the ways to enjoy its historicity is through taking up a space over here durin...Read more
  3. National Coal Mining For England

    Museum, Outdoors, Mine, Specialty Museum

    This museum allows you to have a real time experience of coal mining as it takes you to the underground tour. The tour which is named as ‘Meet a Miner’ takes you to 140m underground to discover the harsh realities of coal mining through the centuries- from Victorian times where women and children worked underground alongside men, through to pit ponies and modern machinery. You shall...Read more
  4. Tropical World

    4.4 (323 Votes)
    Tropical World

    Outdoors, Garden, Park, Golf Course

    Kids are going to love this place! The Tropical World at Roundhay Park has become one of the most coveted family attractions in Leeds. Situated just three miles from the city centre, this terrain is great to take a trek through the rainforest, relax in the simulated environs of Australia and to take a quick excursion through the desert. This is one of the best ways to learn the tropical habitat...Read more
  5. Nostell Priory

    4.3 (290 Votes)
    Nostell Priory

    Garden, Park, Architecture , Heritage Building

    Nostell Priory is an 18th-century architecture that includes a Landscape Park and gardens as well. Serving as a home to the Winn family for 300 years, today the site offers its visitors 121 hectares (300 acres) of parkland with a range of walks and views. Strolling in its lakeside walks or a newly planted orchard and an adventure playground gives you an opportunity to enjoy the wonders of Briti...Read more
  6. Harewood House

    4.5 (349 Votes)
    Harewood House

    Art And Culture, Art Gallery, Outdoors, Garden

    Situated within “capability” Brown designed landscape, this historic Georgian property offers breathtaking views from its terraces. Inside the house, you can see rare Chippendale furniture and exquisite interior designs in the State Rooms. Also, do take out time to explore the corridors Below Stairs. Constructed during 1759 – 1772, the Harewood House is the seat of the Earl an...Read more
  7. Kirkstall Abbey

    4.6 (340 Votes)
    Kirkstall Abbey

    Outdoors, Historical Site, Archaeological Site

    Set in beautiful parkland situated along the banks of the River Aire, the Kirkstall Abbey is an example of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Restoring its historic architecture, the abbey also displays nature through its wildlife and greenery. The abbey was founded by Henry de Lacy, baron of Pontefract, who was one of the leading landholders in the North. If you look at the abbey&rsq...Read more
  8. Temple Newsam

    4.6 (156 Votes)
    Temple Newsam

    Art And Culture, Outdoors, Garden, Historical Site

    Structured in an impressive Tudor- Jacobean fashion, Temple Newsam mansion is set within 1500 acres of enticing parklands, housing rare breed farm and displaying a rich history through its 500 years old country mansion. As you enter inside the mansion, you will come across some of the finest decorative art treasures.The place is also famous as the birth place of Lord Darnley, the notorious husb...Read more
  9. Leeds City Museum

    4.3 (315 Votes)
    Leeds City Museum

    Art Museum, Museum, History Museum

    Leeds City Museum offers an interactive day out for the family. With its 6 galleries including ‘Africa’, ‘Ancient Worlds’ and ‘The Leeds Story’, the museum offers plenty of opportunities to be educated along with fun. Some of its popular displays include: The famous Leeds Tiger Fossils Art work History of Leeds Originally established in 1819, the museum was...Read more
  10. Leeds And Liverpool Canal

    Outdoors, Water Body, Walking Area

    Covering a distance of 127 miles from Leeds to Liverpool, this canal is the longest canal in northern England. Along with a vast distance, this attraction also spans through a vast history. In the 19th century, the canal served as an important and vital resource to trade, enabling the transport of coal, stone and other goods. Today, you can consider its banks as a great destination for outdoor ...Read more
  11. Leeds Corn Exchange

    Shopping Center

    This is one place where history and pleasure of shopping come together. Leeds Corn Exchange is a Victorian building that was designed by Cuthbert Brodrick in 1864. It is now just one of three Corn Exchanges in the country and works in its traditional capacity as a centre for trade. Even till today, this place functions as a centre for independent trade of all forms other tha...Read more
  12. West Yorkshire Playhouse

    4.5 (125 Votes)
    West Yorkshire Playhouse

    Entertainment, Performance, Play, Stage Show

    Begun in 1964, the West Yorkshire Playhouse has established a reputation both nationally and internationally as one of Britain’s most exciting producing theatres. Opened as a successor to earlier Leeds Playhouse, its structure has two auditoria and hosts a range of productions – from classical drama to modern European theatre and children’s shows. If you are looking forward to...Read more
  13. Thornton's Arcade

    Entertainment, Shopping Center

    Leeds’ famed shopping arcades are not just a place to stroll around and shop. They do represent the city’s cultural institution and have stood to represent the city’s growth as well. Thornton’s Arcade was opened in 1878, and is named after Charles Thornton, the proprietor of The Old White Swan Inn and the City Varieties. There are certain structural features that add to ...Read more
  14. O2 Academy Leeds

    4.3 (175 Votes)
    O2 Academy Leeds

    Art And Culture, Historical Site, Theatre, Concert

    Situated at the site of the former Town, O2 Academy Leeds is a mesmerizing building that was restored to its former glory as one of the City’s most historic music venues. Opened in 1885 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the building was designed by William Bakewell, following the Gothic style as it features an ornate stone frontage and a hall described as ‘one of the finest ...Read more
  15. Napolean's Casino

    4.4 (239 Votes)
    Napolean's Casino

    Bar, Food And Drinks, Casino, Entertainment

    Napoleon’s casino is one of the most famous traditional casinos in Leeds. The Casino offers roulette, blackjack, poker and punto banco with European restaurant and bar. Enter this venue to enjoy decent gambling along with great food and hospitality. The casino also offers a Bar Menu from 5 pm onwards everyday for people who would just like to grab a quick bite during their gaming sessions...Read more