Perched within the North of England, within the coronary heart of Yorkshire; Leeds is an unbelievable metropolis to go to. Now, I do know it may not be the primary metropolis you’ll take into consideration when visiting England, particularly if visiting from exterior the UK. That being mentioned, it shouldn’t be missed for a day journey whist exploring Yorkshire. Actually, there are such a lot of of one of the best issues to do in Leeds that it’s even nice for a weekend journey.
Now, Leeds is a reasonably vibrant and younger metropolis in a lot of methods. It’s received heaps of music venues, loads of bars and eating places and is an all-round enjoyable place to spend an evening.
That being mentioned, Leeds can be a lot greater than that. You’ve received some fairly epic museums, ruins simply exterior the town and exquisite arcades.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to, I’ve jotted down my favorite locations in Leeds that I believe you’ll love. Have an incredible time visiting Leeds and exploring the remainder of Yorkshire.
1.) Kirkstall Abbey
Perched on the northwest fringes of Leeds, visiting Kirkstall Abbey is among the greatest issues to do in Leeds if you wish to discover the historical past of the area.
You see, Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Christian monastery that was plundered and ruined many centuries in the past. At the moment, you may pop contained in the ruins and discover the 800 years of historical past It’s properly price a go to for an hour or two.
Approach again when, 1152 to be precise, Kirkstall Abbey was based and immediately you may nonetheless study in regards to the website, its ruins and the lifetime of a Cistercian monk in medieval instances.
You do pay a small charge to enter the location, which I believe is price it to take a look round. Additionally, it’s best to get to Kirkstall Abbey by automotive. So, plan your go to as you’re leaving Leeds and pop in for a bit of cease.
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2.) Leeds Theatres
Based in 1990, the Leeds Playhouse is fairly epic to go to for a present. You see, this can be a good spot to catch so many theatre-worthy reveals which might be on regional roadshows.
All year long, they present all the pieces from Pantomines, Rocky Horror round Halloween and standup comedy which might be unbelievable. Simply make sure to e book your tickets earlier than visiting Leeds. This fashion, you’ll assure a seat.
Alternatively, head over to the Grand Theatre in Leeds. This theatre which is positioned proper inside the coronary heart of Leeds It began its reveals in late 1878 and since then, this theatre has hosted quite a few reveals from all the pieces from opera, and ballet to sing-a-long reveals.
3.) Leeds Corn Trade
An iconic spot within the metropolis, the Corn Trade is among the greatest issues to do in Leeds as you stroll the town centre. Constructed again within the 1800s, the Leeds Corn Trade was created by architect Cuthbert Brodrick and nonetheless stands proudly to this present day.
As soon as inside, you’ll discover heaps of native retailers, unbiased espresso retailers and artists that make the house so pretty. It’s the right little cease to see and, dare I say it, one of the well-known buildings within the metropolis.
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4.) Leeds Cathedral
Leeds Cathedral (St. Anne’s) is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Leeds that you simply actually can’t miss in the event you’re serious about spiritual historical past.
Actually, Leeds Cathedral is among the most well-known cathedrals within the metropolis that dates again to 1878. As soon as right here, you’ll get to discover the Neo-Gothic structure that’s so spectacular. Now, it’s a lot smaller than the likes of York Cathedral or Westminster Abbey because of the measurement of the land. This implies it’s lacking some ‘wings’ that you simply sometimes see in bigger metropolis cathedrals.
Not solely that, Additionally it is a five-minute stroll from the Leeds prepare station; making it simple to pop in in the event you’re travelling by prepare.
5.) Leeds Music Venues
Leeds actually is among the UK’s premier music cities and never simply due to bands like; the Kaiser Chiefs, The Mekons and Softcell that decision it dwelling. Sure, in a lot of methods Leeds competes with the close by metropolis of Sheffield for its music prowess which makes for some tongue-in-cheek rivalry between the cities.
So, to get probably the most out of the Leeds music scene; make sure that to e book some gigs or concert events at a number of the greater, and smaller, venues which might be dotted throughout the town.
Now, for worldwide occasions, you might have the Leeds Area. This sometimes attracts world acts and nationally well-known comedians who fill out the world. That being mentioned, there are additionally smaller, and no much less good, music venues in Leeds which might be properly price seeing.
Ensure that to take a look at the O2 Academy in Leeds affords performances. Belief me, this can be a good spot to benefit from the nightlife in Leeds, the selection of bands is nice but in addition observe that it’s extra of a standing live performance (if that is smart).
Alternatively, head over to indie venues like Brudenell Social Membership or The Refectory that’s on the college campus.
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6.) Leeds Arcades
What I really like about Leeds metropolis centre is the Victorian purchasing arcades which might be properly price a go to. I’d even go so far as saying visiting is among the greatest issues to do in Leeds for an actual really feel of a metropolis that grew quickly in Victorian instances.
At the moment, the likes of the Victoria Quarter, the Grand Arcade and the Central Arcade are properly price strolling round while within the centre of Leeds.
Actually, you may spend a great few hours looking the shops, stopping for a gelato at Amorino Gelato, too. Their chocolate gelato is so good.
Additionally, don’t neglect to maintain your eyes peeled for the Ivanhoe Clock that’s on the archways of Thornton’s Arcade. You see, it has figures of Richard Coeur-de-Lion and likewise a determine of Friar Tuck.
These each transfer and strike on the hour. Although don’t fear in the event you don’t get right here for that strike, you may see Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd transfer across the quarters on the clock. It’s so kitsch and quaint to see.
Lastly, in the event you’re on the lookout for extra excessive avenue and world shops, head over to the Trinity Buying Centre. Right here, you’ll discover the worldwide names and it’s received all the pieces you may think about.
7.) Roundhay Park
On the fringes of Leeds is among the largest public parks this aspect of Yorkshire. It’s known as Roundhay Park and visiting is among the greatest issues to do in Leeds in the event you’re fancying a extra relaxed day within the metropolis.
After arriving, make sure to stroll round Waterloo Lake (which is beautiful on a sunny day) and spot Roundhay Fortress. The latter is one thing of a folly and was recreated by Victorians through the growth of Leeds within the 1800s.
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8.) Leeds Kirkgate Market
Leeds Kirkgate Market is among the largest indoor markets within the UK and all throughout Europe. It’s enormous and properly price heading inside to discover a number of the stalls. There are anyplace between 800-900 stalls current at anybody time.
As soon as inside, you’ll be capable of discover all the pieces from groceries, freshly-cut flowers, jewelry, artwork; you title it, the market has it. Simply make sure to give your self sufficient time to wander round. Oh, and arrive hungry, I assure you’ll be shopping for some treats.
To make issues simpler, e book this 2-hour strolling tour of Leeds. It’s an effective way to see the primary sights within the metropolis, with none of the effort of discovering them. Simply make sure to e book on-line earlier than arriving in Leeds; areas can replenish at peak instances.
9.) Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries Museum is among the metropolis’s prestigious museums that’s proper within the Leeds Dock space of the town. Based in 1983, it’s among the best issues to do in Leeds in the event you’re serious about army historical past.
You see, there are 5 themed galleries on Battle, Self-Protection, Match, Arms and Armor of the Orient, and likewise looking. It takes hours to totally discover all the pieces, nevertheless it’s an effective way to spend the day in Leeds as it’s simply accessible, too.
Entry into the museum is free and also you’ll even get to see Henry VIII’s historic armour as soon as inside.
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10.) The Otley Run
Leeds has turn out to be well-known, particularly with its youthful crowds and college students for The Otley Run. Now, let me clarify, that is one thing of a pub-visiting ‘run’ the place you’ll get to cease off at pubs alongside a really loosely outlined route from round Headingley and Hyde Park and the town centre.
You’ll begin off on the likes of Woodies Ale Home within the Headingley space of Leeds and make your means in the direction of the town centre. Alongside the way in which, you’ll cease off at 15 (generally much less or extra) bars and eating places to have a tipple alongside your route.
Now, don’t really feel obliged to drink alcohol in every spot; the truth is, I’d recommend in opposition to it! Seize a espresso, a soda or perhaps a pub lunch as you make your means.
11.) Leeds Galleries
Now, one factor that Leeds isn’t in need of is artwork galleries and exhibitions to discover. While within the metropolis, make sure to cease by the Leeds Artwork Gallery that’s proper inside the metropolis centre. Right here, you may try their everlasting displays and discover the Ziff Gallery which homes Victorian artistic endeavors.
Alternatively, head over to the Henry Moore Institute. It’s proper subsequent door the the Leeds Artwork Gallery and open in Summer season.
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