Leeds

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Leeds

As the heart of the scenic Yorkshire region, Leeds is doubtless one of England's favourite destinations. This city offers a shop-till-you-drop city centre and a pulsating nightlife, as well as historic locations, cultural events and a spectacular surrounding countryside that will leave you breathless.

The City

Being home to over 75 nationalities, Leeds has embraced its modern status of an international and commercial city without betraying the exciting historical background and taking care of its Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian architecture. Having been a northern industrial city, Leeds has transformed over the last decade with new developments such as the Leeds waterfront, exploding with shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. Here you can also find the Millennium Square, which can accommodate up to 20,000 people and includes the famous Nelson Mandela Garden.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

With a fairly compact city centre, you can easily make your way around Leeds on foot, bus or by boat on the canal to the numerous museums, craft centres, night clubs, public houses, theatres or the opera. For a more relaxed approach to experiencing the city, take a leisurely stroll through the historic parks, gardens and battlefields.

Temple Newsam

This majestic historic Tudor-Jacobian mansion includes a large collection of precious paintings. It not only houses landscaped gardens, parklands and summer concerts, but also Europe's largest Rare Breeds Farm, with more than 400 …

Leeds Dock

Leeds Dock, formerly Clarence Dock, was built in 1843 for ships sailing in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and represents today a major attraction in the city, counting over 1 million visitors every year. It is a lovely area for a walk and, in addition to the numerous boutiques, restaurants and cafes, it houses …

Kirkstall Abbey

If you're in the mood for a quick gateway from the city centre, then consider visiting this extremely quiet and impressive attraction, which is just perfect for a picnic on the grass, but that will also satisfy history-lovers. So wander around this ruined monastery and then enjoy the peaceful …

Kirkgate Market

One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Leeds Kirkgate Market is a paradise for all the foodies who love fresh food and drink, but also for those who love fashion, jewellery and flowers. Here you surely will find some of the most characterful traders in the city, who come from different countries and …

Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds Art Gallery houses an outstanding collection of 20th-century British art, recognised as being of national importance by the government. Do not hesitate to turn to the helpful staff, and do not miss the chance to sit at the Tiled Hall, a unique artistic cafe inside the …

The Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries feature a large collection of military artefacts. The extensive collection offers the visitors the possibility to enjoy a combination of displays, dramatic interpretations, live action events and interactive technology from the Leeds, London and Portsmouth …

Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a big open space with wonderful surroundings and many walking and cycling routes that will keep you busy for a whole day. It covers more than 700 acres of woodland and lakes, where people enjoy watching and feeding the numerous species of birds, such as swans, herons and woodpeckers. Also, this …

Leeds Minster

This large Church of England is an amazing historical sight that one simply should not miss. Its stained-glass windows and architecture are simply gorgeous, as well as the soothing sound of the Sunday bells. Formerly the Leeds Parish Church, it became a minster in 2012 and regularly houses wonderful choir and organ …

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Located in Skipton, outside Leeds, this steam railway provides scenic journeys between Embsay station, built in 1888, and the Bolton Abbey station. Join an unmissable experience which takes you through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, surrounding the city of …

Harewood House

A grand 18th century manor house, home to the Queen's cousin, provides a day out for the whole family. There, you can admire an outstanding art collection, walk in the spectacular gardens or go for a relaxing boat ride on the …

Leeds Tropical World

Just outside the city centre, you will find Leeds Tropical World, one of the most popular attractions of the area. This big park features not only one of the largest collections of tropical and exotic plants in the United Kingdom, but also animals such as snakes, crocodiles and …

Thackray Museum of Medicine

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of medicine, learn about the history of healthcare, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world at this interactive science museum adjacent to St James's University …

Park Square

This Georgian public square is an oasis of tranquillity right in the heart of the city. It is a perfect place for those who need to get away from the bustle of the city for an hour or two. The park is rather small, but there are benches all around and there is plenty …

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

This is the perfect place to have a long walk or a relaxing cycle route along a canal, featuring different sections such as the industrial or the countryside ones. There are also cafes and pubs along the way, so enjoy the stroll and some sweet delights or a cold …

Nostell Priory & Parkland

If you feel like driving a bit outside Leeds, head to the little village of Nostell, close to Wakefield (West Yorkshire), and go for a walk around Nostell Priory, a 18th-century architectural masterpiece. This stunning Palladian house features a great art collection and a huge garden that stretches over 300 acres, where you can …

Leeds City Museum

For a fun and interactive day out for the whole family, Leeds City Museum is a great choice where to discover Egyptian mummies, fossils, or encounter the Leeds tiger. With six galleries of exhibitions, including everything from archaeological finds to artwork and series of activities to engage kids and adults, you will need …

Abbey House Museum

Step back in time and explore the fascinating streets packed with historic artefacts, shops and houses, and get a glimpse of how life was in the 19th century. A fun, family-friendly and interactive museum, Abbey House Museum offers a range of activities, from dressing up to special tours suitable for all the …

Leeds Town Hall

This beautiful town hall was built in 1858 on a site in Park Lane and is a great example of Victorian architecture that reflects the wealth and power of that time. If you have a fascination regarding old buildings, then take a tour and explore the hidden secret side to the town hall, including …

Central Library

Be prepared to fall in love with the grand architecture of this library, a real paradise for every book-lover out there. This spot, though, is worth a visit anyway since it's undoubtedly an unmissable Victorian …

Tick Tock Unlock

You only have one goal when doing this real life escape game, and that is to race against the clock and escape from the room in 60 minutes by solving a series of puzzles, cracking some clues and working together with your team of 3-6 people. Truly a popular game that you can play …

West Indian Carnival

Leeds West Indian Carnival has been running since 1967 and is held every year in August. Thousands of tourists come every year to look, amazed, at this Caribbean parade, which features music, costumes and a masquerade procession. The carnival queen and king welcome you at this colourful party: take plenty of pictures and do …

Saint Anne's Cathedral

Located in the heart of the city of Leeds, Saint Anne's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church. Completed in 1904, the building features impressive mosaics and reredos, as well as beautiful altar details and marble sculptures. You will find this peaceful sanctuary close to the city museum and art gallery, surrounded by restaurants and …

Live For Today

If you are looking for some excitement, then look no further. Live For Today is one of the fastest growing outdoor activity companies in the UK, and offers some thrilling and fun adventures. Everything from quad biking, paintball, archery, laser tag and air rifle shooting can be done here and, with the help of …

Dining

Leeds is regarded one of north England's best places to dine out due to its diversity. You can get it all, and many of the city's old warehouses, mills and historical buildings have been converted into amazing venues for everything from lower-end to higher-end dining.

The Oxford Place

The Oxford Place is a stylish, family-owned, 100% gluten-free restaurant, popular among both visitors and locals. Everyone will find something they like from the creative dishes that are freshly prepared with the best ingredients. Give in to the temptation of a dessert, each one on the menu is simply …

Fazenda

If it is succulent meat you are craving for, then you should head to this sophisticated Brazilian steakhouse where the food is cooked to perfection by the skilled chefs. What makes Fazenda unique, in addition to a spectacular venue and a gorgeous view over the River Aire, is that it features continuous table-side service …

The Man Behind the Curtain

The Michelin-starred chef Michael O'Hare welcomes you at The Man Behind the Curtain for an outstanding culinary experience. The restaurant could be easily compared to a museum and the tasting menu, between 10 and 14 courses, is presented like a work of art. Although it is often considered unusual, this is doubtless one of …

Trattoria Il Forno

"Quality and quantity at honest prices" is the motto of this restaurant, situated in the lovely town of Horsforth, just outside Leeds. Come here and treat yourself with a timeless pizza or some other Italian delicacies, all prepared in the open kitchen, but not without tasting at least a starter. Let you tempt by …

Town Hall Tavern

Town Hall Tavern is a local village pub set in the bustling city centre of Leeds, a place where the warm and efficient staff serves traditional, locally sourced British food and fine wine. The menu reflects the company's passion for using the freshest and best seasonal …

Kendells Bistro

Kendells Bistro is an informal, yet enjoyable restaurant that features quality French food accompanied with great wines. Some of the mouthwatering specialities on the menu are duck confit and beef bourgignon. Finish your evening in style with a delicious "creme brûlée" or a creamy chocolate …

Zucco

When dining at Zucco, one can relish real Italian food at reasonable prices in a small, yet atmospheric place where the service is efficient and friendly. The menu features mouthwatering dishes that change regularly, depending on which ingredients the suppliers can source, even if some favourites are always on the menu to keep regular …

Thai Edge

Its location on Calverley Street, right in the city centre, makes this restaurant a popular venue. Thai Edge has a modern feeling and offers amazing food at reasonable prices, whose quality has been proved by the many awards for "Best Service" and "Best Oriental Restaurant" in the United …

Abyssinia

This restaurant, whose name takes inspiration from the ancient East African Kingdom, serves generous portions of delicious Ethiopian food: a must try for every exotic food lover out there. The main dish is usually the "Injera", a flatbread that can be accompanied with a wide variety of dips for both vegetarians and …

Santorini Bar & Grill

Situated just outside the city centre, Santorini Bar & Grill brings the Mediterranean flavours from Greece and Turkey in the heart of Headingley. At this family-owned restaurant, the authentic dishes are served by an efficient staff in a relaxed atmosphere and, to make sure you will get that perfect taste, the food is only …

Grand Indian Lounge

This Indian restaurant will spoil you with mouthwatering dishes served up in a particularly pleasant and elegant surrounding. The staff is always extremely helpful, so do not forget to ask them some advice about the spiciness of the dish you would like to …

Tharavadu

In a very short time of period, Tharavadu, the first authentic Kerala restaurant in Leeds, has become one of the favourite dining spots of the region, and has achieved some great awards like "Best Indian Restaurant" in 2015, 2016 and 2017, as well as a recommendation in the Michelin Restaurant Guide 2016, 2017 and …

Viva Cuba

Having served up great Cuban and Spanish food for 15 years, Viva Cuba is a well-known venue, among the favourites in Leeds. The extensive tapas menu offers everything from meat to fish, including salad and rice dishes, all served in a warm and vibrant Latin …

Cafes

After a full day of sightseeing and shopping, it can be nice to sit down in a coffee shop and enjoy something good to drink or eat. Leeds has a great selection of cafes, from traditional coffee-bars to vegan ones, as well as international coffeehouse chains.

Laynes Espresso

Established in 2011, Laynes Espresso has rapidly become people's favourite coffee shop in Leeds. Located close to the train station, this is a great destination to spoil yourself with some great brunch food and high quality coffee, so smooth, strong and tasty that you will not forget your first …

Just Grand!

For a true vintage experience, enter this quintessentially British tearoom where you can choose between over 20 different loose leaf teas, homemade cakes and scones. Afternoon tea is also something that you can enjoy here and is actually one of their speciality. Everything in there, from the decor to the food and beverages, is …

Sociable Folk

Set right in the heart of the Wellington Place, Sociable Folk is a good value gem to visit for breakfast, lunch or even just for a drink. Everything here is freshly made with the best ingredients and served in a stylish setting. If the weather permits, enjoy your food and coffee on the outside …

The Tiled Hall

Formerly the main library of Leeds Art Gallery, The Tiled Hall Café is a must-try when visiting the museum. Take a break having watched the art collection and step into this magnificent Victorian cafe: there is no finer place in the city for an afternoon tea or an …

Oranaise Café

Oranaise Café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by the exotic North African cuisine. Come here for a break from touring Leeds and relax in a peaceful and romantic environment with a fresh mint tea and a homemade cake, or go for some Moroccan …

Mrs Atha's

Mrs Atha's is an independent family run cafe where the focus lies on quality produce and the aim to offer their customers the best experience in an inviting and relaxing space. A wonderful selection of coffees, soft drinks and cakes are served, as well as great breakfast …

Kapow Coffee

This tiny cafe with a retro decor is a charming gem where people love to grab a bit to eat or just a cup of quality coffee. With only 8-10 seating, this is truly an intimate coffee shop with a relaxed vibe and a friendly …

Cafe Lento

Cafe Lento is a cute coffee shop located off the beaten track in the bustling Headingley. With a welcoming staff and some of the best quality coffees, Cafe Lento is truly a lovely place to grab something to eat, kick back and just relax. The owners love having people around and host weekly live …

Bars & Nightlife

Having grown from an industrial city to a financial and commercial international centre in the north, Leeds offers everything from traditional public house experience to the eclectic, indie-style bars dominated by pin-striped suits and glamorous cocktail venues. Nightclubs in Leeds attract the best deejays worldwide and any night of the week they put on events that will make you dance till sunrise or even longer.

Be At One

At this cocktail institution with several locations across the UK, you will receive a great service in an unbeatable party atmosphere that reminds people a cosmopolitan New York bar. Be At One is situated right on Millennium Square, in the heart of Leeds, where, in summer, you can sip your cocktail on the outside …

BrewDog

This cosy pub is characterised by the peculiar and recognisable interior design, found in each of the BrewDog pubs around the world. Here you will be served some delicious crafted beers from the knowledgeable staff. They pride themselves with only showcasing the best, exciting and flavoursome craft beers, as well as serving a great …

The Maven

Follow a hidden staircase and you will find this secret gem in Calls Lane, in the centre of Leeds, where delicious cocktails are served in a warm and stylish, yet mysterious environment. With years of experience, the staff will mix your favourite drink whether it is on the menu or …

Foley's Tap House

Foley's Tap House is York Brewery's flagship outlet in Leeds. Step inside this historical building where there is a vast selection of beverages including craft beer lines, real ales, amazing local ciders and around 100 world beers. You won't have any problems to find some favourite …

Fibre

Bar Fibre is especially popular with Leeds' most well-dressed people. This is in fact a very elegant venue that turns into a pumping club in the weekends, so do not forget to bring your dancing shoes because you will surely dance all night long to the great music played by the …

Smokestack

Opened in 2007, Smokestack is a music venue spread over two floors where music like blues, jazz, soul, and reggae are played. From the bar, on the first floor, you can order drinks made of the finest liquors from around the world, while on the second floor you can dance the whole night or …

The Alchemist

The Alchemist is situated on the second floor of the renowned shopping centre Trinity, it features a stylish interior design and offers breathtaking views of Leeds. Come by for an amazing brunch or to grab a cocktail, make yourself comfortable on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful …

The Turk's Head

Hidden in a narrow street where you can imagine life in the 18th century and breathe the history emanated by every detail of this site, the Turk's Head Yard is a lovely pub with an intimate atmosphere, that features great food and refreshing drinks, and brews its own craft …

Blind Tyger

One of Leeds' best cocktail bars, Blind Tyger surely knows how to make some great original drinks that suit all preferences. Besides cocktails, you will also find a good choice of craft beers and bottled ales, as well as hand-selected wines from the world's best vine regions, and all is served by the knowledgeable …

Whitelock's Ale House

For the ultimate local favourite, visit this pub, hidden away down a narrow alley in the centre of town. Whitelock's, based in a 18th century building, has a dark and mysterious atmosphere and features great pub food and an extensive list of wines and …

The East Village

This neighbourhood bar specialises in high-end cocktails made with the freshest produce and finest quality liquor to create that perfect taste. The atmosphere is chilled and atmospheric and the staff truly knows how to make their guests feel …

Mojo

Founded in 1996, Mojo is famous for its tasty cocktails and is particularly popular among the indie crowd. This chic bar offers its guests a great experience because of both the drinks and the underground atmosphere. Also, it has won several awards and it is constantly referred to in lifestyle magazines as a gathering …

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

This three floors gathering venue is the place to be for those interested in music, cinema, art and cultural nights in general. Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen has a relaxed atmosphere that can also be enjoyed on the lovely roof terrace while admiring Leeds' …

Wire

The exterior might be somewhat uninviting, but once you are inside you can see why this is one of Leeds' best underground spots for soul, dance and great indie tunes. Both the staff and clientele are very friendly and the drinks are just amazing, so don't think about it twice and just check it …

Shopping

Leeds has been dubbed United Kingdom's shopping Mecca of the north, and for good reason: the abundance of shopping centres is due to the compact city centre where you will find designer stores, high end brands, market stalls and independent boutiques. There is no need to bring your walking shoes, because everything is always around you, within a walking distance. Many of the shops are also housed in beautiful arcades and listed buildings which only enhance the whole shopping experience.