Visit Leeds have worked with creative writing students at Leeds Arts University to create blogs based on their interests and insights into the city, to come up with handy guides and insider tips for visitors to Leeds.  

Dottie Hall is a mature student at LAU studying creative writing; she is also a single Mum, florist and singer-songwriter who moved to Leeds years ago and now fondly calls it home. She is very much a part of the artful landscape that Leeds has to offer and welcomes everyone to embrace and get to know this vibrant, endearing city. Follow her on instagram: @dottiemai 

Main Character Energy: A 24 hour Itinerary for “The Bookish Type” 

Immerse yourself in main character energy on this “Bookish Type” day-trip through Leeds’ literary landmarks, creative spaces and dreamy places to live out those “straight out of a movie” moments. Just don’t forget to pack your book bag! 

Hit play on your soundtrack and step into your day-trip story with this endearing and immersive tour around Leeds’ vibrant, creative scene. 

Morning

Laynes – Cafe 

Every creative soul needs sustenance and space to embrace the daybreak; there’s no better place than Laynes cafe, conveniently located just around the corner from Leeds Train station. This place is sunshine in breakfast form with their yellow and gold frontage and welcoming service. Take refuge in a window seat and watch the bustling world of Leeds go by. Enjoy quality, crafted coffee and the best brunch in town as you catch up on a few pages of your book or muse over new ideas.  

Located on New Station Street, just outside of Leeds Train Station.

The Bookish Type – Bookshop 

This queer indie bookshop is first on the list of literary landmarks and simply cannot be missed. A warm, bookish welcome awaits you inside this pink, book lovers paradise. A beacon of unity and inclusivity on the Leeds literary map; it is so much more than a bookstore. Aside from its outstanding selection of queer literature on offer, The Bookish Type is a hub of literary events and a hive of creative activity. 

Checkout the workshops, open mic events, recommendations and more. You’ll leave with a little extra weight in your book bag and a few extra future events in your calendar.  

Located on St. George Street. 

Glass Onion – Vintage Clothing Shop 

Live the movie make-over of dreams and head to Glass Onion for a vintage outfit glow up. Peruse the racks, channel your inner muse and slip into something more “main character” before you head out to enjoy the rest of the day trip (increased head turns included in every purchase).  

Located on Albion Street. 

Afternoon  

The Leeds Library 

Dating back to 1808, this stunning Victorian era Library is drenched in romantic aesthetics. With a mosaic tiled roof, stone carved detailing and an enchanting myriad of book-filled rooms, inspiration oozes out of every corner of The Leeds Library. Lose yourself in its historical charm as you ponder over an impressive collection of literature and specialist arts and music libraries. Although this Library requires a membership, they are open to the public for free at certain times of the week, so be sure to check timings ahead of visiting.

Located on Commercial Street.

Water Taxi 

The most iconic way to explore Leeds: the water taxi. Hop aboard at the Granary Wharf station and live out a real movie moment, travelling in style along the waterways of Leeds on a 15 minute scenic boat ride. You’ll disembark at Leeds Dock.

Exit out of the New South Entrance of Leeds Train Station or walking under the arches to Granary Wharf and the Doubletree by Hilton, water taxi stop is next to Fazenda Restaurant.

Hold Fast – Bookshop 

Once you’ve made your grand entrance into Leeds Dock, take a short walk along the beautifully tranquil urban waterfront, to Hold Fast – Leeds’ famous bookstore on a houseboat. Bursting with charm and endearing features, you can’t help but fall in love with this place. Browse the impeccably selected offering of books for sale, catch up with the delightful owners on recommendations and leave here with (even more) weight in your book bag and a little more fullness in your heart.

Located at Leeds Dock.

WhiteLocks – Pub 

Dipping back into history again as you head to Whitelocks – Leeds’ oldest (and most charming) pub for some well earned refreshments and seriously hearty food. Tucked between the modern facades of shops, turn up the curiously quaint alley to find this hidden gem. 

Dating back to 1715, the walls of Whitelocks hold stories and secrets a plenty. Bask in the magic of this place as you tuck into dinner and become a part of its long standing narrative. 

Located along Briggate, near Marks & Spencers.

Evening 

Holding Patterns – Cafe/Bar/Venue

The newest addition to Leeds’ literary landscape, this venue is fast becoming the beating heart of the book-lovers scene. A perfect reader’s retreat, tucked away in the bustling Albion Place, Holding Patterns provides a welcoming space to meet, listen and read. The decor echoes stylish nonchalance, with reading nooks, music and records available to peruse and enjoy. It boasts a carefully crafted drinks offering and almost nightly literary & music events. Sink into the storyline here, ending your day-trip with a sublime experience where reading is celebrated, words are brought to life and the joy of creativity is shared. The beat picks up as dusk rolls into the night and the cocktails here are simply sublime. If you’re wanting to slip the night away with good vibes, a book, lofi sounds amidst a charmful crowd, this is the spot for you.  

Located on Albion Place, underneath The Lost & Found.

Over Night Stay 

Maison Parfait – City Centre Boutique Holiday Apartment

After an immersive day of adventure and storytelling – you’ll be ready to run and jump into the most stylish (and comfy) of beds in Leeds; check in to one of Maison Parfait’s glorious apartments, sweetly hidden amidst the action up a quiet backstreet. Everything here is chic, from the off-beat (yet central) location to the stylish decor, you’ll feel right at home to sleep the night away and dream up tomorrow’s endless possibilities. After finishing that last chapter… of course 

Optional Day Trip Add on – The Bronte Country Train to Haworth  

Fancy a story-worthy adventure? After a rom-com-esque start to your day waking up in your Maison Parfait apartment, brew a coffee and pull on your new vintage gems and get that book-bag packed! A short walk or taxi ride to Leeds Train Station and you’re embarked on a (roughly) 30 minute train ride through gorgeous West Yorkshire wilderness out to the town of Haworth – the heart of West Yorkshire’s Bronte Country. Steeped in history, with storyteller whispers in the wind and writers’ presence dripping from every corner and vista; Haworth is the perfect day out for your Bookish Type day-trip. Breathe in the air of Bronte Country as you explore this picturesque setting. Peruse the quaint antiquaries, coffee shops and bookstores along the main high street – stop for a coffee (or many!) for a reading break (or set to writing your next masterpiece) before heading out of town on foot to experience the breathtaking views on local walks. Situated on the edge of the bleak pennine moors, the scenery borders between melancholy and simply beautiful; sit  in the “Bronte stone chair” where it is said the Bronte sisters conjured up their first stories!

Be inspired by “Top Withens”, the stunningly desolate ruin or make a short journey to Ponden Hall, the building upon which is said to feature in Wuthering Heights. It is noted that the Bronte sisters most famous works were written whilst they lived at Haworth Parsonage, which is now a museum owned and maintained by the Bronte Society of which you can visit. So what are you waiting for? The next moving novel or motion picture is yet to be written, (or lived out) – the blank page is all yours to write on.