Experiences, Tours & Activities in Leeds

Why just visit Leeds when you can experience it? Whether you’re with friends, family or you’re an independent traveller, Leeds has a whole host of entertaining activities and tours for you to choose from: Food and Drink, Walking Tours, Arts and Crafts, Fun and Games, Adventurous Outdoor Activities, Spa Experiences, and Day Trips from Leeds.

(Leeds Food Tours – credit Conor Spencer)

As the unofficial foodie capital of the North, Leeds has an abundance of culinary experiences to enjoy. Including Leeds Food Tours – a tour that gives you a real flavour of Leeds, featuring many delicious dishes at hidden gems. Indulge in an Indian Food Tour of Leeds, which takes in four of the finest Indian restaurants in the city. We’re also proud to be home to The Chilli Shop, which has the largest collection of the chilli sauces featured on the popular youtube show – Hot Ones, and hosts similar chilli changes and various venues across the city.  Cheesy Living Co, host supper clubs and cheese tasting events all year around.   

For the best seasonal, fresh and immersive experience, Harewood Food & Drink Project uses produce from the Harewood estate with creative concepts like their annual Magic By Moonlight dinner, foraging lunches and more. Or for those with a sweet tooth, Leeds Chocolate Workshops offer deluxe truffle making at Novotel. And for those who love their Spanish cuisine, tapas restaurant Ambiente host wine and sherry tasting year-round. 

(Springwell, North Brewing CO – Mark Newton Photography for Visit Leeds )

Leeds Beer Tours are award-winning guided tours and experiences where you can explore over three hundred years of pub and brewery history across the city and sample some delicious brews. Leeds is home to many breweries where you can book a tour and enjoy delicious brews, including Northern Monk Brewery and Springwell. In addition, Leeds is home to a rum distillery – Libations Rum – with tours, tasting and workshops, it will not disappoint if you book during your trip to Leeds.

If Gin is more your thing, you can book on a Gin Journey, which takes in at least four of our fantastic city centre venues, along with five gin cocktails. Or if you’re more of a caffeine junkie, you can take a barista course at 200 Degrees Barista School.  

Latitude has expanded from a bottle shop to a bar, restaurant and experience. Join them for wine tasting, masterclasses and more here.

(Leeds Walking Tour)

A guided walking tour is the perfect way to discover the vibrant city of Leeds and inspire your itinerary during your visit. Uncover the rich history, culture, and hidden gems, taking in everything from historic landmarks to modern marvels. These expert guides will lead you on an unforgettable journey through the city at the heart of Yorkshire: Tours of Leeds, Leeds Walking Tours, Leeds City Walking Tours, Leeds Civic Trust, Walking Tours in Leeds, Yorkshire’s Best Guides. 

If behind the scenes access and expert insights into iconic buildings is your thing, you’re spoiled for choice with Kirkgate Market, The Leeds Library, Temple Newsam and Kirkstall Abbey all offering experiences.  

If your a brave soul, then follow tour guide Lord Bartholomew Catch in Leeds City Centre for a Ghost Tour, or Spindleshanks McScrew in market town Otley.

Looking for something a little more niche? Experience the rich legacy of the most successful club in English cricketing history with a tour of Headingley Stadium offered by the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation. Step into the beloved world of Emmerdale with an immersive Village Tour, where you’ll visit iconic filming locations and uncover behind-the-scenes secrets of this beloved British soap opera. 

If you prefer to explore independently, our Self-Guided Tours are a sure hit. Choose from a wide selection on our Maps and More page, including our Street Art Gallery.  

Discover more about Tours & Trails here. 

(Jackrabbits Pottery)

Get hands-on and creative with these arts and crafts experiences in Leeds. Great for solo travellers, families or groups! 

Paint your own pottery at Jackrabbits Pottery, enjoy with a delicious drink and a cake. At Tadatuft you can make your own rug through the means of tufting. Paint a variety of themes and subjects alongside a cocktail or two at Pinot and Picasso. A very cool venue inside a Grade II listed former church, Left Bank Leeds has a calendar of unique workshops with everything from lip balm making and queer crafts to textile art and dog life drawing! The historic Sunny Bank Mills, in the heart of Farsley village, is a day out in itself. There’s a gallery, gift shop and tea room along with a range of workshops to explore including stained glass making, botanical printing, weaving and more. Join the expert team from The Sculpture Gallery inside the Corn Exchange for stone carving lessons. 

(Flight Club)

There’s bowling at Tenpin or Roxy Lanes, Shuffleboard at Box Leeds and Electric Shuffle, darts at Flight Club, crazy golf at Junkyard Golf Club or beer pong at Roxy Ball Room. See if you can beat the clock at one of the city’s escape games, such as Escape Hunt or RA/ID at the Royal Armouries Museum.  Special occasion or just fancy a flutter? The third largest casino in the UK, Victoria Gate Casino is the ultimate destination for gamers and good-timers.  Pixel Bar and NQ64 offer cocktails with retro gaming and arcades, or for games and karaoke try out Carousel. Feeling extra competitive? Boom Battle Bar is Leeds’ most competitive game bar featuring beer pong, augmented reality, shuffleboard and more.  Black Cat Club is the newest bar on the block offering darts and shuffle board as well as sports on the big screens. For SERIOUS gaming Arcade Club is Europe’s largest free play video arcade with wall to wall arcades, pinballs and modern gaming with family and 18+ only sessions. Looking to get the adrenaline pumping? Try Go Karting on Yorkshire’s largest indoor track. Or for the the newest and most magical family activity The Hole in Wand opens 1st September 2025 with 9 holes of mini golf involving wizardly quests, defeating dangerous dragons exploring the frozen castle.

(Virgin Hot Air Balloon Ride)

At Leeds Docks you can experience paddle-boarding with Stand Up Paddleboarding, who offer sessions for all levels of abilities, as well as water polo sessions.  Or take to the skies with a Hot Air Balloon experience departing from Lotherton. 

Why not check out the Penguin Experience whilst exploring Lotherton’s Wildlife World? Wobble, Bilbo and the gang will be ready and waiting as you take charge of feeding time. You’ll deliver them a fish supper and have the opportunity to watch them in action up-close – on land and in the water  – from the viewing platform.

(Chevin Country Park Hotel – credit Martin McReady)

Relax with a spa treatment without leaving the city centre at Dragonfly Skin or Lush. At Iveridge Hall Spa Garden, just 15 minutes outside the city centre, you can add some yoga to your spa session.  

Pop out of the city and visit Harewood Holistics for the perfect wellness retreat with yoga, pilates, massage treatments, reiki, and even outdoor events in their own private woodland spot, as well as some classes in Harewood House.

Why not make a day of it, or even an overnight stay, with a spa package at a luxurious Leeds hotel: Oulton Hall, Thorpe Park and Chevin Country Park Hotel. Or head over to Titanic Spa in Huddersfield to experience the UK’s first eco spa! 

(Askrigg, Yorkshire Dales – credit Welcome to Yorkshire)

Located in the heart of UK, Leeds is the perfect location for exploring the wider area or even the rest of country. Luckily, there’s a plethora of tours departing from Leeds.  

Real Yorkshire Tours offers immersive experiences, delving into the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Kee Travel Coaches provide convenient day excursions, perfect for exploring Yorkshire’s hidden gems, the famous Yorkshire Coast and even further afield. For a touch of luxury, embark on a journey aboard the Northern Belle, departing from Leeds, where opulent surroundings and fine dining accompany excursions travelling as far as Edinburgh. With pick-up points at convenient locations across Leeds, Blue Sky Coaches have a range of adventures to choose from including family friendly trips, seaside, cities and more. 

With so much to experience in Leeds, why not extend your visit with a stay?