Things to do in Leeds

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Leeds Attractions

Don't know how to keep yourself occupied in Leeds? There's no need to worry. We've got some excellent recommendations for you. Fine food, amazing shopping and unique attractions — this bustling city offers them all.

Discover what makes Leeds tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Scroll through our {56 fun activities in Leeds fun activities in Leeds}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

$21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket
Leeds: Daily Guided City Center Walking Tour

Leeds: Daily Guided City Center Walking Tour (10:30am)

$19
per adult
Leeds: Daily Guided City Center Walking Tour (10:30am)
Leeds City Centre Walking Tour

Daily Leeds City Walking Tour (10:30am)

$19
per adult
Daily Leeds City Walking Tour (10:30am)
CHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

CHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

$80
per adult
CHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour
York: Horse Drawn Carriage ride & Cream Tea

York: Horse Drawn Carriage ride & Cream Tea

$143
per traveler
York: Horse Drawn Carriage ride & Cream Tea
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Leeds must see attractions

1. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).
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2. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
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The Laidlaw Library with modern architecture, a stone tower, and a bus stop.

3. Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.
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4. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometer) park.
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5. O2 Academy Leeds

One of the city’s most popular venues for music gigs, O2 Academy Leeds is based in the historic Coliseum. This iconic site has long been at the core of the city’s cultural events, having hosted political meetings, variety shows and a circus. Go to see some of your favorite groups and solo artists in this majestic arena.
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6. Leeds Grand Theatre

A historic venue in the heart of the city, the Leeds Grand Theatre offers an eclectic program of opera, ballet and musicals. Dating back to the late 19th century, the landmark stands out with its redbrick façade covered in Romanesque and Scottish baronial designs. Attend a performance in the majestic setting of the theater’s 1,550-seater auditorium.
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7. Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a breathtaking monastic monument and one of the best-preserved examples of an abbey of its type in Britain. The Cistercian abbey was established in 1152 and its magnificent stone church, chapels and cloister remained in use for nearly 400 years. Today, you can walk amid the quiet ruins set in a grassy parkland and trace the history of the monastery complex through interactive exhibitions and an informative visitor center.
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Recommended things to do in Leeds

Number of things to do
56
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Roundabout in Roundhay Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Leeds

Free Things to Do in Leeds

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's a cinch to occupy yourself in Leeds without handing over a cent.

Leeds City Art Gallery - Wander around and admire the fascinating exhibits and carefully curated collections at this popular museum.

The Tetley - If you'd love to explore more of the local arts and culture scene, don't miss this.

Leeds Metropolitan University - Architecture buffs will certainly enjoy marveling at the modern design of this local landmark.

Lawnswood Cemetery - If you plan to explore the history of the region through its landmarks, include this one on your travel itinerary.

Millennium Square - Get acquainted with some of the local people and discover the real personality and energy of this unique place.

Leeds Central Library - If you want to see a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a good place to start.

St. Anne's Roman Catholic Cathedral - Get a better understanding of the local religion at this sacred place.

Meanwood Valley Trail - Appreciate the contrast between urban life and nature's wild beauty at this special location.

Woodhouse Moor - Whether you can separate your lilies from lilacs, it's not hard to find beauty in this glorious display.

Things to Do in Leeds with Kids

There are lots of awesome experiences in Leeds that the whole gang will get a buzz out of. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Leeds? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Leeds attractions

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First Direct Arena

8.8/10 (519 reviews)
First Direct Arena's innovative "super theatre" design ensures all 13,000 seats directly face the stage for exceptional viewing. Experience world-class performances in this award-winning Leeds venue.
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Where to stay in Leeds

Find the best Leeds areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Leeds
Learn more about Leeds
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Leeds City Center

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Leeds City Center. Make a stop by Trinity Leeds Mall or Briggate while you're exploring the area.

A grand, multi-level atrium with a glass dome ceiling, ornate railings, and multiple levels of shops and seating areas.
Photo by Mark Anderson
Open Photo by Mark Anderson

Arena Quarter

If you're spending some time in Arena Quarter, Leeds Grand Theatre and Leeds City Museum are top sights worth seeing.

A modern building, a historic tower, and a canal with boats.
Photo by Tim Green
Open Photo by Tim Green

Holbeck Urban Village

Holbeck Urban Village might not have many top sights, but Canal Wharf and Leeds City Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A pedestrian bridge over a river with buildings in the background.
Photo by Tim Green
Open Photo by Tim Green

Leeds Dock

Shopping, restaurants, and waterfront views are just a few things travelers enjoy about Leeds Dock. Check out Royal Armouries or Cultural Quarter while you're exploring the area.

An ancient stone building with arched windows and a central tower, surrounded by a grassy area and trees.

Kirkstall

While there might not be top attractions in Kirkstall, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Headingley Stadium and Hollywood Bowl.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Leeds

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Ilkley

A historic building with a clock tower, a fountain, and a cobblestone plaza.

Bradford

A red-brick building with a clock tower, surrounded by residential houses and autumn foliage.

Garforth

Wakefield, United kingdom. Walton Hall island and lake at Waterton Park in Wakefield West Yorkshire. Aerial view of the hall and island in the summer

Wakefield

A historical stone structure with a wooden bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Bingley

A stone bridge with multiple arches over a river, surrounded by trees and buildings.

Wetherby

A historic building with a large dome and clock tower.

Harrogate

A historic church with a tall steeple and a clock, surrounded by well-maintained greenery.

Pool-in-Wharfedale

Frequently asked questions

Is Leeds worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and views, discovering fun things to do in Leeds is easy. Be sure to add Alhambra Theatre to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Leeds?
Start your day with a visit to Diggerland Yorkshire and Hollywood Bowl. Then, explore other areas of Leeds for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Leeds?
Don't go home without checking out Alhambra Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in Leeds.
Is three days enough to stay in Leeds?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out many city highlights, such as Leeds Grand Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Hollywood Bowl. The average stay in Leeds is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, York isn't far away.
Is Leeds a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Leeds, like Leeds Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.2 miles from central Leeds is Leeds City Center and Holbeck is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Leeds with kids?
Deciding what to do in Leeds with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Leeds for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Leeds for adults including First Direct Arena and Briggate.
Are there free things to do in Leeds?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Leeds is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Hollywood Bowl is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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