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 won’t be the primary metropolis you’ll take into consideration when visiting England, particularly if visiting from outdoors 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 the very best issues to do in Leeds that it’s even nice for a weekend journey.
Now, Leeds is a fairly vibrant and younger metropolis in plenty of methods. It’s bought 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 be a lot greater than that. You’ve bought some fairly epic museums, ruins simply outdoors 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 feel 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 without doubt one of 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. As we speak, you may pop contained in the ruins and discover the 800 years of historical past It’s effectively price a go to for an hour or two.
Manner again when, 1152 to be actual, Kirkstall Abbey was based and right now you may nonetheless study concerning the web site, its ruins and the lifetime of a Cistercian monk in medieval occasions.
You do pay a small price to enter the location, which I feel is price 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 slightly 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, it is a good spot to catch so many theatre-worthy reveals which can be on regional roadshows.
All year long, they present all the things from Pantomines, Rocky Horror round Halloween and standup comedy which can be unbelievable. Simply make sure you guide 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 all the things from opera, and ballet to sing-a-long reveals.
3.) Leeds Corn Change
An iconic spot within the metropolis, the Corn Change is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Leeds as you stroll town centre. Constructed again within the 1800s, the Leeds Corn Change 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 area so pretty. It’s the proper little cease to see and, dare I say it, one of the crucial 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 should you’re all in favour of non secular historical past.
In actual fact, Leeds Cathedral is without doubt 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 because of the dimension of the land. This implies it’s lacking some ‘wings’ that you simply usually see in bigger metropolis cathedrals.
Not solely that, Additionally it is a five-minute stroll from the Leeds prepare station; making it straightforward to pop in should you’re travelling by prepare.
5.) Leeds Music Venues
Leeds actually is without doubt 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 dwelling. Sure, in plenty 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; be sure that to guide some gigs or live shows at a number of the larger, and smaller, venues which can be dotted throughout town.
Now, for worldwide occasions, you might have the Leeds Area. This usually attracts international 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 can be effectively price seeing.
Be certain that to take a look at the O2 Academy in Leeds provides performances. Belief me, it is a good spot to benefit from the nightlife in Leeds, the selection of bands is nice but in addition be aware 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 like about Leeds metropolis centre is the Victorian buying arcades which can be effectively price a go to. I’d even go so far as saying visiting is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Leeds for an actual really feel of a metropolis that grew quickly in Victorian occasions.
As we speak, the likes of the Victoria Quarter, the Grand Arcade and the Central Arcade are effectively price strolling round while within the centre of Leeds.
In actual fact, you may spend an excellent 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 should you don’t get right here for that strike, you may see Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd find out how to transfer across the quarters on the clock. It’s so kitsch and quaint to see.
Lastly, should you’re searching for extra excessive avenue and international shops, head over to the Trinity Buying Centre. Right here, you’ll discover the worldwide names you already know and it’s bought all the things you may think about.
7.) Roundhay Park
On the fringes of Leeds is without doubt one of the largest public parks this facet of Yorkshire. It’s known as Roundhay Park and visiting is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Leeds should you’re fancying a extra relaxed day within the metropolis.
After arriving, make sure you 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 throughout the growth of Leeds within the 1800s.
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8.) Leeds Kirkgate Market
Leeds Kirkgate Market is without doubt one of the largest indoor markets within the UK and all throughout Europe. It’s big and effectively price 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 have the ability to discover all the things from groceries, freshly-cut flowers, jewelry, artwork; you title it, the market has it. Simply make sure you 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, guide this 2-hour strolling tour of Leeds. It’s a good way to see the primary sights within the metropolis, with none of the effort of discovering them. Simply make sure you guide on-line earlier than arriving in Leeds; areas can replenish at peak occasions.
9.) Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries Museum is without doubt one of the metropolis’s prestigious museums that’s proper within the Leeds Dock space of town. Based in 1983, it’s among the best issues to do in Leeds should you’re all in favour of army historical past.
You see, there are 5 themed galleries on Conflict, Self-Protection, Match, Arms and Armor of the Orient, and likewise looking. It takes hours to totally discover all the things, but it surely’s a good 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 town centre.
You’ll begin off on the likes of Woodies Ale Home within the Headingley space of Leeds and make your method in direction of town centre. Alongside the best way, you’ll cease off at 15 (typically 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 method.
11.) Leeds Galleries
Now, one factor that Leeds isn’t wanting is artwork galleries and exhibitions to discover. While within the metropolis, make sure you 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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