SPORT IN LEEDS
Leeds is a city with a rich sporting heritage, home to decorated teams like Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and with a reputation for hosting unmissable international sporting events.
Catch local teams in action and soak in the atmosphere with Leeds United at Elland Road and Leeds Rhinos, Cricket and Netball at Headingley, or Leeds Knights at Planet Ice.
For those looking to get in on the action, there are excellent facilities available across the city and engaging events year-round. One of our favourites is the Abbey Dash, which takes runners from the historic town hall to the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey and back again, or the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
There are several sports bars where you can sit back, enjoy the game with a drink including BOX, Headrow House and Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes.
2022 EVENTS WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO...
Rugby League World Cup
We can’t wait to welcome the Rugby League World Cup back to Leeds in October, with the city hosting more games in this tournament than anyone else. The sport’s best athletes will be on show as the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournament takes place simultaneously for the first time ever.
We’re also proud to be the host city to the Jamaica and Ireland men’s team, as well as the England, Papua New Guinea, Brazil and Canada women’s team throughout the competition.
Headingley Stadium will host three men’s fixtures and four women’s games, with Elland Road also staging the men’s Semi-Final. With a feast of rugby action to come – we can’t wait to see you there!
Leeds United Football Club
We’re thrilled that, as of 2020, Leeds is once again home to a Premier League football team; Leeds United. Founded in 1919, the club has called Elland Road its home ever since, becoming a stage for memorable victories and promotions, as well as cup-winning sides.
Seating over 35,000 fans each week, Elland Road is the place to go in Leeds this season to catch a glimpse of some of the biggest clubs in England and across the world.
On matchday, regular bus services are in use, including the PR1 (Park and Ride), which drops you within a five-minute walking distance from the stadium. This option is best recommended for those travelling into Leeds City station. With various bars and restaurants located nearby, there’s plenty of options to make your matchday a full day experience!
Cricket in Leeds
Leeds is a city with a rich cricketing history, home to the highly-decorated Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Established over 150 years ago, the side has seen plenty of success at their Headingley Stadium home, with many a great donning the side’s iconic white rose. Catch them in exhilarating T20 action as the Yorkshire Vikings, and keep your eyes peeled for Vinny, their friendly Viking mascot!
Over the years, Headingley has made a name for itself on the international stage, from The Ashes to the Cricket World Cup – check out the ground’s fixtures to see when England are next in action.
Located just outside the city centre, the ground is easy to visit, surrounded by excellent options for a pre-game meal or a celebratory pint (or two). Easily walkable from the city centre, there are regular bus services which will drop you just outside the stadium as well as a frequent trains out to Headingley.
Leeds Rhinos
A trip to Leeds is not complete without catching Leeds Rhinos in action, one of the most exciting sides in rugby league. Calling Headingley Stadium their home since 1890, the club has enjoyed many successes over the years, from Super League titles to notable victories over international opposition. Join the club’s passionate fans for a game and understand what being part of the blue and amber is all about.
The Rhinos pride themselves on being fun for the whole family. Make sure to get down to the game early a chance to meet Ronnie the Rhino, their crowd favourite mascot who has been entertaining on and off the pitch for over 20 years!
On matchday, getting to Headingley from the city centre is a breeze. Regular bus services will drop you right outside the ground, leaving you walking distance from the many great bars and restaurants the area has to offer. Alternatively, take the train to Headingley and enjoy a short walk to the ground with the Rhinos faithful, or wander in from the city centre and pass iconic Leeds landmarks on your way.
Yorkshire Carnegie
Formed nearly thirty years ago, Yorkshire Carnegie are one of the biggest rugby union sides in the north of England. Sharing their Headingley home with the beloved Leeds Rhinos, we are proud to be one of only a few cities to have high-profile clubs on both sides of the game.
See the hard-hitting Carnegie in action, and make sure to get to the game early to catch their fan-favourite mascot Terry the Terrier.
Headingley Rugby Stadium is easy to visit, with regular train and bus services whisking you from the city centre to the home of the Carnegie faithful. Easily walkable from the city centre, why not pop into one or two of the famous Otley Run bars on your way to the ground.
Cycling
As a city passionate about cycling, Leeds has an abundance of dedicated routes and tracks for all abilities dotted across the city, each complete with beautiful scenery and landmarks.
Follow a scenic disused railway line on the Aireborough Greenway or travel down parkland paths connecting stunning Roundhay Park to the historic Temple Newsam estate on the Wyke Beck Way.
Leeds boasts a number of purpose-built facilities too, like the Bodington Cycle Circuit in The Brownlee Centre, one of the longest of its kind in the country. For something slightly more adventurous, try the routes at the state-of-the-art Urban Bike Park in Middleton.
With a citywide passion for getting on our bikes, it is no surprise Leeds hosted the Tour de France Grand Depart back in 2014, and has since become a regular home for international cycling, namely the Tour de Yorkshire.
Golf
Looking for somewhere to spend a few days teeing up? Leeds has an abundance of courses to choose from, so whether you’re looking for a hazard-laden challenge or a gentler round with friends, Leeds has got you covered.
You will find some golfing gems in our parks – head over to scenic Roundhay Park to play nine holes on a gorgeous woodland backdrop. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the historic Temple Newsam estate, playing on a tricky course designed by the man behind Augusta National, home of the US Masters.
Fun fact, Leeds hosted the first Ryder Cup on European soil, be sure to play on that legendary course at Moortown Golf Club when you are next in town.
World Triathlon Series
Since 2016, Leeds has been proud to be a part of the World Triathlon Series. A local favourite, the city is abuzz when the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds comes around.
Starting out in scenic Roundhay Park, the course takes elite athletes past iconic Leeds landmarks and into the heart of the city, crossing the finish line to the roars of the Millennium Square grandstand. Keep your eyes peeled and you may well see local lads Alistair and Jonny Brownlee in action!
With the course sprawling across the city, it is easy to get a great view of the intense action and soak up the electric atmosphere for yourself. For those looking for a fun challenge, our weekend of action features GO TRI, a unique chance to try triathlon in a fun environment on some of the same route ran by Olympic champions.