Perched within the North of England, within the coronary heart of Yorkshire; Leeds is an unimaginable metropolis to go to. Now, I do know it won’t be the primary metropolis you’ll take into consideration when visiting England, particularly if visiting from exterior the UK. That being stated, it shouldn’t be missed for a day journey whist exploring Yorkshire. In actual fact, 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 numerous methods. It’s acquired heaps of music venues, loads of bars and eating places and is an all-round enjoyable place to spend an evening.
That being stated, Leeds can also be a lot greater than that. You’ve acquired 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 likely one of the finest 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. As we speak, you’ll be able to pop contained in the ruins and discover the 800 years of historical past It’s effectively value a go to for an hour or two.
Method again when, 1152 to be actual, Kirkstall Abbey was based and right now you’ll be able to nonetheless study in regards to the web site, its ruins and the lifetime of a Cistercian monk in medieval instances.
You do pay a small price to enter the positioning, which I believe is value it to take a look round. Additionally, it’s best to get to Kirkstall Abbey by automobile. So, plan your go to as you’re leaving Leeds and pop in for a bit 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 every thing from Pantomines, Rocky Horror round Halloween and standup comedy which might be unimaginable. Simply you should definitely 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 situated 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 every thing from opera, and ballet to sing-a-long reveals.
3.) Leeds Corn Alternate
An iconic spot within the metropolis, the Corn Alternate is likely one of the finest issues to do in Leeds as you stroll the town centre. Constructed again within the 1800s, the Leeds Corn Alternate 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 outlets and artists that make the area so beautiful. It’s the proper 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 just actually can’t miss for those who’re curious about non secular historical past.
In actual fact, Leeds Cathedral is likely one of 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 as a result of measurement of the land. This implies it’s lacking some ‘wings’ that you just sometimes see in bigger metropolis cathedrals.
Not solely that, It is usually a five-minute stroll from the Leeds prepare station; making it straightforward to pop in for those who’re travelling by prepare.
5.) Leeds Music Venues
Leeds actually is likely one of the UK’s premier music cities and never simply due to bands like; the Kaiser Chiefs, The Mekons and Softcell that decision it residence. Sure, in numerous 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; ensure that to e book some gigs or concert events at a number of the larger, and smaller, venues which might be dotted throughout the town.
Now, for worldwide occasions, you will have the Leeds Area. This sometimes attracts world acts and nationally well-known comedians who fill out the sector. That being stated, there are additionally smaller, and no much less good, music venues in Leeds which might be effectively value seeing.
Be certain 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 additionally notice that it’s extra of a standing live performance (if that is sensible).
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 procuring arcades which might be effectively value a go to. I’d even go so far as saying visiting is likely one of the finest issues to do in Leeds for an actual really feel of a metropolis that grew quickly in Victorian instances.
As we speak, the likes of the Victoria Quarter, the Grand Arcade and the Central Arcade are effectively value strolling round while within the centre of Leeds.
In actual fact, you’ll be able to spend a superb few hours looking the shops, stopping for a gelato at Amorino Gelato, too. Their chocolate gelato is so good.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 for those who don’t get right here for that strike, you’ll be able to see Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd methods to transfer across the quarters on the clock. It’s so kitsch and quaint to see.
Lastly, for those who’re on the lookout for extra excessive road and world shops, head over to the Trinity Purchasing Centre. Right here, you’ll discover the worldwide names and it’s acquired every thing you’ll be able to think about.
7.) Roundhay Park
On the fringes of Leeds is likely one of the largest public parks this facet of Yorkshire. It’s referred to as Roundhay Park and visiting is likely one of the finest issues to do in Leeds for those who’re fancying a extra relaxed day within the metropolis.
After arriving, you should definitely stroll round Waterloo Lake (which is gorgeous on a sunny day) and spot Roundhay Citadel. 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 likely one of the largest indoor markets within the UK and all throughout Europe. It’s big and effectively value heading inside to discover a number of the stalls. There are anyplace between 800-900 stalls current at anyone time.
As soon as inside, you’ll be capable of discover every thing from groceries, freshly-cut flowers, jewelry, artwork; you title it, the market has it. Simply you should definitely 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 trouble of discovering them. Simply you should definitely e book on-line earlier than arriving in Leeds; areas can replenish at peak instances.
9.) Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries Museum is likely one of the metropolis’s prestigious museums that’s proper within the Leeds Dock space of the town. Based in 1983, it’s among the finest issues to do in Leeds for those who’re curious about army historical past.
You see, there are 5 themed galleries on Warfare, Self-Protection, Match, Arms and Armor of the Orient, and likewise looking. It takes hours to completely discover every thing, however 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 change into 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; actually, I’d recommend towards 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, you should definitely cease by the Leeds Artwork Gallery that’s proper inside the metropolis centre. Right here, you’ll be able to take a look at their everlasting displays and discover the Ziff Gallery which homes Victorian artworks.
Alternatively, head over to the Henry Moore Institute. It’s proper subsequent door the the Leeds Artwork Gallery and open in Summer time.
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