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 is as 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.   

Leeds Cookery School gives you the opportunity to learn how to cook in a variety of different cuisines including Thai, Malaysian and Mediterranean. Or for those with a sweet tooth Leeds Chocolate Workshops offer deluxe truffle making at Novotel. For those who love their Spanish cuisine, tapas restaurant Ambiente host wine and sherry tasting year-round, and Iberica provides a beautiful backdrop for your choice of sherry-tasting or ham carving workshops… or both!

(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.  

(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: 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.  

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. Or, if you’re feeling brave, try a Ghost Night tour of Armley Mills. 

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.  

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. Unleash your inner Monet at Pop-Up Painting, all art supplies are included. 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. 

(Flight Club)

There’s bowling at Tenpin or Roxy Lanes, Shuffleboard at Box Leeds and Brewdog, 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 Tik Tok Unlock and Escape Hunt.  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 offers cocktails with retro gaming and arcades, try out axe-throwing at Whistle Punks, 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.  

(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. 

(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.  

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?