Best Things to Do in Leeds, England
Leeds, England is a vibrant university city in West Yorkshire, full of life, art, and history. This northern city is where I called home for 3 years as I studied my bachelors degree. During my time here, I made it a mission to explore every nook and cranny of this lively city.
This city is known around England for its nightlife, with nightclubs on almost every corner of city centre. However, this city offers so much more to explore and enjoy.
Leeds, England is located in West Yorkshire, in the north of England.
This guide encompasses a list of things to see and do during a trip to Leeds, England. All points of interest on this list are easy to access on foot or via public transport.
Kirkstall Abbey + Museum
We are going to start this list off with one of my absolute favourite places in Leeds. My first flat in this city was in a neighbourhood called Kirkstall. I had just moved halfway across the world, started university, and settle into my new life, aaaand it was in the middle of COVID.
Lockdown definitely took its toll and I soon found comfort and routine in daily walks. Kirkstall just so happens to be the home of Kirkstall Abbey. Built in 1152, the ruins of this cistercian monastery acted as the place of refuge, of gathering, of solace, and of comfort during this time of my life.
The ancient ruins are enveloped by a gorgeous green space that is perfect for picnics and laying out on warm sunny days. You can tour the Abbey itself and admire the gargantuan walls that still stand despite the order of destruction from King Henry VIII between 1536 and 1541. The visitor centre and abbey is open to tour Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Check the Kirkstall Abbey website for current prices on tickets. Throughout the self guided tour, the plaques in each room paint a vivid picture of what life looked like for the many monks that lived here over the thousands of years.
Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, England. This Yorkshire abbey was once home to cistercian monks.
While I lived in Kirkstall, the Abbey put on a self guided meditation tour. I often would bring a book or simply find a bench and enjoy the reverence that you can feel within the walls of the monastery.
Across the street from the monastery, you will find the Abbey Museum to learn about Victorian Leeds (the museum has a lovely cafe too!) The gardens around the museum are just as lovely to enjoy. There are several big blossoming trees to sit under and read, making this my favorite spot to visit during the springtime. Not to mention the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths that are scattered heavily all throughout the property.
There are several ways to get to Kirkstall Abbey from city centre. You can take the train to Headingley train station and take the 10-15 minute walk down the street to get to the Abbey. Alternatively, you can catch the 33, 34, or A1 Flyer bus that will drop you off right outside the abbey walls. The 49 bus will also get you to Kirkstall, dropping you off outside of Morrisons. From there, it is about a 10 minute walk through the wood to get to the abbey.
2. Leeds Corn Exchange
Once used as an agricultural exchange, this beautifully designed building is now the home to independent creatives offering everything from clothing and jewelry to unique cafe spots.
The Leeds Corn Exchange is a dome shaped building with shops lining the walls on both the middle floor and top floor. A cafe lies in the middle of it all, creating a certain vibe that suggests togetherness, community, coziness, and warmth (especially in the winter months). I'm sure this is due to the history and layout with all of the shops facing inward to the centre of the exchange. The brightly coloured doors and accents bring a vibrant touch to the atmosphere.
If you are a plant lover, you can find The Plant Point, a magical nook where the plant obsessed can go wild. The staff is super friendly and will help you through any questions or care concerns you may have.
Some of my other favorite shops in the Leeds Corn Exchange are:
The Great Yorkshire Shop (the best place for souvenirs!!)
The Sculpture Gallery (not a shop but an actual art gallery)
3. Kirkgate Market
Across the street from the Leeds Corn Exchange is the Kirkgate Market. First opened in 1857, this has been the centre of Leeds’ shopping scene for decades. This 800 stall indoor and outdoor market is one of the largest in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors every week. You can find everything from produce, baked goods, pantry goods, and clothing here. There are also salons and hair shops here that provide phenomenal service and high quality results.
Outside of the permanent stalls, there are various events, farmers markets, and pop up shops that take place throughout the month.
The Kirkgate food court is THE place in Leeds to find the best street food on a budget. With the wide variety of cuisine options and plenty of seating, this is one of the best places to come in a large group. There is something for everyone.
4. Leeds Art Gallery, Library, and Museum
If you are one for art, culture, and history, Leeds has an abundance to be consumed. Leeds Art Gallery is one of my favourite buildings to visit in the city.
When you enter the building, to your left you will find The Tiled Hall Cafe, a vast Victorian hall that acted as the main reading room for the adjoining library in the 20th century. After a walk through the beautifully curated gallery, this cafe would be a great place to stop for a cuppa before heading through the adjoining library for a quick look around. One of the top floors of the library holds an astonishing reading room where you feel like you’re stepping into one of the books you are reading.
The Leeds City Museum is a fun place to learn the history of the area and much more. The Life on Earth gallery features an animal exhibit where you can study and learn about animals and insects from all over the world.
There are various exhibits throughout the building that explore world history and cultures. There is even an actual mummy on the top floor!
5. Headingley
There are many neighbourhoods that make up Leeds, Headingley being one of them. Known for its heavy student presence, Headingley proper holds the starting point for the famous Otley Run pub crawl. The tour is known as a rite-of-passage for students attending any of the Leeds Unis. However, you will see people of all ages walking along the 2.5 mile route in fancy dress, which is the tradition.
Far Headingley is home to the second Leeds Beckett University campus. The campus has history all the way back to the time when monks roamed Kirkstall Abbey. The modern Beckett land was known then as New Grange farm, where the monks tilled and farmed the land. It passed through many landlords since then, landing with William Beckett in 1832 where the school received its namesake. In 1908, the campus began to undergo renovations, turning this large land into a teaching college, the foundation of what the University is today.
The library is the focal point of the grounds, looking out onto the Acre, a large grass field that is lined with University buildings.
Directly across from the Acre is Beckett Park. A perfect place to picnic in the summer months.
Headingley has many shops and restaurants as well as Cottage Road Cinema, the only independent cinema in Leeds. It is one of the oldest cinemas in England, as it first opened its doors in 1912.
6. Leeds Dock
While the Leeds Dock may seem a bit off the beaten path compared to the other places on this list, it's just a leisurely 15-20 minute stroll from the city center. Alternatively, you can take the water taxi that goes between Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf, which is just a short walk from the train station. The fare is £3 one way and provides a unique tour of the River Aire. I recommend checking out the Facebook page before planning your trip, which is updated frequently to warn of schedule or weather delays and changes. You can also track the location of each taxi here.
The Leeds Dock is also home to The Royal Armoury Museum, a free national museum showcasing displays and galleries of ancient objects, each telling fascinating stories.
There are also a number of cafes and restaurants lining the Dock, as well as one of the most quirky and happy bookstores you will ever get the chance to visit. You can find Hold Fast Book Shop directly across the river from The Royal Armoury Museum and on it a trove of literature and plant lover’s treasure.
You can often find car shows or small festivals being held on the Dock, it is a popular, wide open space for social gatherings. There is always life happening here and makes for a brilliant addition to your trip to Leeds.
Leeds, England offers a tapestry of experiences, blending history, culture, and vibrant city life. As someone who once wandered its streets, discovering hidden gems and cherished spots, I can attest to its magnetic charm. From the tranquil refuge of Kirkstall Abbey, where ancient walls whisper tales of centuries past, to the bustling Leeds Corn Exchange, a hub of creativity and community, each corner holds a story. So, whether you're drawn to history, art, or simply the pulse of city life, Leeds invites you to immerse yourself in its diverse tapestry of experiences.
Spending the summer in England? Check out this list of things to do during the summer in England!