Cosy Spots to Embrace Autumn in Leeds

The trees are changing colour and Autumn has well and truly arrived in to Leeds. It’s time to swap those beer gardens and rooftop terraces for cosy pubs, roast dinners and spectacular Autumn walks. It’s a great time of year to explore the city and find cosy spots to warm up and refuel afterwards. 

Time to start checking off your Autumn bucket list: 

Cosy Pubs 

Who doesn’t love a cosy pub, sitting by the roaring fire with a Leeds brewed craft beer, after a stunning walk through crunchy leaves in the countryside? Here’s our choice for those traditionalists who love nothing better than a traditional pub with plenty of atmosphere. 

Lamb & Flag – sitting under Leeds Minster, this pub is perfect after a walk along the River Aire. Cosy up outside too with their heated outdoor area.  

Duck & Drake – this historic pub right under the railway, familiar to those who have watched The Bank of Dave, serves up cask ales, live music and some good old pie & peas. 

The Midnight Bell – Leeds Brewery’s flagship, is a mix of old and new with ancient brickwork and oak beams, with local seasonal dinners. 

The Cross Keys – just along the road from The Midnight Bell, this pub boasts an open fire, cosy seating and is also home to Leeds Blues Club for weekly live music.

The Highland Laddie – recently reopened by the team behind Empire Café and billed as a ‘drinkers pub with a dining room’, this charming pub also serves up the same elevated menu expected at their other venue. 

The Adelphi – standing tall since 1898, this pub looks every bit traditional by keeping most of its Victorian decor and another bonus – it’s also dog friendly! 

Brewery Wharf Tavern – the newest kid on the block, find this new venture from the team behind Whitelocks and White Cloth Hall at Granary Wharf, a great stop on the waterfront trail. 

 Why not take a Heritage Pubs tour in Leeds, and journey through over 300 years of Leeds’ pub and brewing heritage?

Sunday Roasts 

Sunday Roasts are a British staple and perfect to fuel up with after a walk and some pumpkin picking. 

Here’s some of our top picks: 

Whitelock’s – as Leeds City Centre’s oldest pub, its roaring fire, hidden nooks and Sunday papers are just part of its charm and character. The perfect spot for the most traditional Sunday Roast dinner. 

The Brunswick – this modern neighbourhood pub is popular for its gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a rotating menu of cask ales. 

Wapentake – ‘a little piece of Yorkshire’ where the Yorkshire pudding reigns supreme and the famous Yorkshire Pudding burger can be found! Finish off with their traditional baked goods and a fresh coffee. 

Shear’s Yard – this independent restaurant with relaxed atmosphere serves up seasonal sides and local produce, elevating the traditional Sunday Roast into something delicious and contemporary. 

Chef Jono at V&V – Chef Jono brings his world-class training and Yorkshire upbringing to make this creative Sunday tasting menu, a Sunday lunch to truly impress. 

The Mustard Pot – Chapel Allerton is well know for its community spirit and The Mustard Pot is highly recommended by the locals for its succulent slow-roast, seasonal veg and  relaxing vibe. 

Coffee break 

Catching up with friends and want coffee, tea and a light bite? There are plenty of independent coffee shops to visit on a blustery Autumn day. 

The Tiled Hall Café – visit this iconic Victorian café for coffee and cake after strolling through the Leeds Art Gallery and Central Library. 

Out of the Woods Granary Wharf – this cosy café has the best view for people-watching and is conveniently located just by the Train Station. Grab a coffee here before heading for the Leeds Dock Water taxi. 

Kapow Coffee Thornton’s Arcade – need a break whilst shopping through the Victorian Arcades? Kapow are the experts, offering tasting events too with world-class roasters! 

Layne’s Espresso – this bright yellow café is hard to miss when walking out of the Train Station. Going strong for almost 15 years, it’s recommended to book ahead – it’s that popular! 

Sonder – this Japantro part coffee, part interior/lifestyle shop will keep you dry in the Grand Arcade and is known as one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Leeds. 

Bruschetta – this café sits prettily in the middle of the Corn Exchange with sandwiches, pastries, coffee and a great 360 view of this stunning building. 

Find more coffee spots here.

Wrap up for a Walk 

There’s nothing like a brisk walk across Leeds’ beautiful green pockets – and you don’t have to travel far from the city centre to find acres of unspoilt land. 

The Leeds Liverpool Canal connects Leeds to a vast network of lovely (and mostly flat) canal paths leading to other destinations in West Yorkshire including Calderdale and Bradford. Perfect as an easy walk, run or cycle.

Meanwood Valley Trail Circular – Just over 4.3 miles, this moderate walk will take you through Meanwood Park, Scotland Wood and Meanwood Beck with some historic sites along the way too. 

St Aiden’s Nature Reserve  – a RSPB site with guided routes ranging from a brisk 1.8km stroll around Bowers Bimble to the 12 km of running paths. The area is full of wildlife and you can explore a rich variety of habitats including reedbeds, wetlands, meadows and woodland. 

Eccup Reservoir – as the largest area of water in West Yorkshire, enjoy a 4.5 mile route where a variety of bird species, including Red Kites, can be found.  

Ilkley Moor – the ever-popular Cow and Calf Rocks await you at the top of this walk, as well as stunning panoramic views of the Wharfe Valley. 

Roundhay Park – with over 700 acres of woodland, parkland and lakes, Roundhay is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Do the full route around the park or just stop off at The Lakeside Café. 

Temple Newsam – this gorgeous country house hosts a Walled Garden, parkland and woods that look stunning in Autumn. Take the full 2.6-mile trail to walk around the entire grounds. 

Golden Acre Park – this nature reserve is most beautiful when the Autumn colours arrive and is an easy circular around Pail’s Pond and Eccup Whin.  

Harewood House – whether you want an easy, moderate or hard walk, then Harewood is great for everyone! One of the Treasure Houses of England, it hosts over 100 acres of gardens and small woodland. Take the full circular, taking on average almost 4 hours, and take in the surrounding country lanes, farmland and you may even meet some Highland cows! 

Why not explore further than Leeds for days out in Halifax, Saltaire, Hebden Bridge, Ilkley and other countryside spots in West Yorkshire.

Wholesome rainy day activities 

We may be heading into the colder months but we’re not one to let the rain dampen our fun here in Leeds! 

Hyde Park Picture House – escape reality with a movie inside the only known surviving gas lit cinema in the world and choose from a variety of classics, new releases and indie titles. 

Jackrabbits Pottery - the perfect excuse to get creative, and there’s events for all ages to get involved in. Choose from painting a pot, coming in for story time or grab tickets to an evening BYOB night where you can order pizza and paint to your heart’s content. 

Pinot + Picasso – get arty while you party at this special paint and sip venue. Join in on a session or host a private party with drag queens and a DJ for that extra special event. 

Leeds Art Gallery – explore some of the the country’s best 19th and 20th century artworks including oil paintings and sculpture, modern exhibitions and the fabulous Victorian building it’s all held in. 

Tadatuft – the viral sensation of tufting your own rug can be realised at Tadatuft. No experience is needed as the professionals are on hand to help with whatever design you want to make happen.

The Hole in Wand – Calling all witches, wizards and other magical beings, discover a hidden world of magic at this enchanting family experience that takes in an extraordinary 9 holes of mini golf. 

Yoga Kula VQ – conveniently located in the Victoria Quarter, this yoga studio is not only in a gorgeous setting, but cosy fireside hatha sessions will have you feeling relaxed and warm this Autumn.

Find more experiences and activities in Leeds here.

Pumpkin Picking 

Lotherton – take the pumpkin express to this award-winning Autumnal activity. Grab a pumpkin and take part in the craft activities before heading into this historic house or over to Wildlife World to meet Capybaras and Wallabies. 

Farmer Copley’s – pick from over 250,000 pumpkins with 40 different varieties to choose from at the UK’s biggest and original Pumpkin Festival.

Kemps Farm – this fourth generation family-run pumpkin patch is complete with tractor rides, wheelbarrows to help carry your haul and even a pumpkin carving station! 

Bert’s Barrow – this pumpkin patch, as well as squashes and gourds, is dog friendly and hosts a fairground for small children, as well as lots of family photo opportunities. 

Check out our Headline Events Guide for unmissable events throughout Autumn.

Pop your photos on socials and tag #VisitLeeds for the chance to be featured on our socials.

*all information correct 1st Sept