A three day itinerary for enjoying city and country.
Leeds is a city that embraces the outdoors, from rooftop bars and terraces to public parks and canalside walks. And when you’re ready to go further afield, there are plenty of options for day trips out of the city that will satisfy your wanderlust using public transport.
This curated three day itinerary is designed for you to make the most of the energy, culture and architecture of a city-break, combined with time to explore idyllic villages and market towns and experience some of the most striking landscapes in the UK.
Day One
Morning
Recognised as one of the UK’s most ‘walkable cities’, there are lots of ways to experience Leeds on foot. Start the day with one of the daily guided tours led by a local expert to uncover some local history and hidden gems. There is a wide choice of tours with different themes and locations depending on your interests.
Lunch
Take a stroll around the spectacular Leeds Kirkgate Market. The home of Marks and Spencers, and one of the oldest and largest indoor markets in Europe. The food hall there is a must featuring a dazzling choice of street food stalls which includes vegetarian punjabi street food at Manjit’s Kitchen, vegan takeout at Fat Annie’s, the Yorkshire Pudding Wrap company, Mr. Mackerel serving fresh fish dishes and Vietnamese at Banh & Mee to name just a few.
Afternoon
Enjoy an afternoon exploring Leeds Victorian Arcades and Leeds Corn Exchange. This architecturally stunning spaces house an array of independent shops, cafes and local producers as well plenty of vintage shops to trawl through.
Follow up with a self-guided Leeds’ public street art trail from the city centre out along Brewery Wharf and the water front to Leeds Dock. Incorporate a ride on Leeds’ famous water taxi to take you back from Leeds Dock to the city centre.
Evening
Leeds Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres. Catch a show here first before it tours the rest of the UK. Nearby Sarto is the perfect spot for a pre-theatre dinner with a select menu of seasonal pasta dishes served up with a great selection of organic wine, beers and soft drinks. If you’re looking for post-theatre entertainment the iconic Wardrobe, also in this area of town, serves late night drinks and cocktails.
Day Two
Morning
Day two is time to explore beautiful Calderdale. The historic market town of Halifax is just a 35 minute scenic train journey from Leeds City Centre. A four minute stroll from Halifax train station takes you to the incredible Piece Hall, the world’s only remaining Georgian cloth hall which has got to be seen to be believed. The Grade I listed building underwent significant investment and restoration, reopening in 2016 as a retail and hospitality venue with a spectacular open courtyard, which now is also known for hosting a series of live music concerts throughout the summer.
Lunch
For lunch head to Shibden Mill Inn, a 17th century former corn and spinning mill nestled in a steep, wooded valley on the edge of Halifax. Listed in the Michelin Guide since 2022 for seasonal menus that offer hearty, flavoursome dishes made with fresh Yorkshire produce, the stunning terraces and cosy fires make it the perfect spot whatever the weather. Follow this with a stroll up to Shibden Hall, formerly the home of Anne Lister, Halifax’s most famous daughter, now a museum.
Afternoon
The scenic train journey from Halifax to Hebden Bridge takes around 10 mins. This small, picturesque artistic town is packed with quirky independent shops, artists studios and hidden bars with stone terraced buildings nestled into a rugged valley. With its unique blend of history, art and vibrant culture, Hebden Bridge is well-known as a LGBTQ+ hub with plenty of live entertainment including music at the famous Trades Club.
For a more outdoorsy visit, National Trust site Hardcastle Crags has waterfalls, stepping-stones, woodland trails and a tearoom – all walkable from the train station.
Evening
Get your toe tapping at one of the city centre’s top independent music venues – The Wardrobe, Domino Club, Belgrave Music Hall or further afield for Brudenell Social Club and Project House. If you’re spending the evening dancing, grab a lighter dinner. Bundobust‘s now famous vibrant Indian street food can now be found across the UK but it all started here in Leeds! So try the original.
Day Three
Morning
A 30 minute train journey from Leeds City Centre train station takes you to Ilkley, home of the famous Ilkey Moor (enjoyable with or without your hat – as dictated by the traditional folk song). Another bracing half an hour walk uphill from the train station will lead you up to said Ilkley Moor, taking in the ‘Cow and Calf’ rocks and stunning views across the town and moors beyond. See Visit Bradford’s website for more information on the different routes you can take.
Lunch
There are plenty of options for food in Ilkley. Forde Ilkley, run by locally renowned Matt Healy of ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ offers an eclectic selection of small plates; a carefully curated selection of meat and cheese can be devoured in Friends of Ham and is it even a trip to Yorkshire if you don’t get a Fat Rascal from Betty’s?
Afternoon
It’s then time to explore more of the Yorkshire Dales. Local buses run from Ilkley to Bolton Abbey Estate and the ruins of the 12th Century Abbey, as well as the villages of Burnsall or Appletreewick where you can enjoy a riverside walk and refreshments in one of their respective cosy pubs – the Red Lion or ‘World’s Best Pub’ Craven Arms – before heading back to Leeds. (Back via Ilkley).
Evening
For dinner, try out Eat Your Greens, a casual organic restaurant with natural wines and local produce, followed by drinks at the neighbourhood bar Outlaws Yacht Club which is just nextdoor. Alternatively Ox Club,an award-winning contemporary British solid-fuel grill restaurant showcases the best of Yorkshire produce. Afterwards, head upstairs and catch some live music at Headrow House and enjoy a cocktail in the rooftop bar.