Leeds is a vibrant city bursting with creativity and energy with a compact and walkable city-centre, Leeds is packed with cultural gems, award-winning attractions and striking architecture. A renowned retail destination, where luxury brands meet local makers in stunning arcades and halls. The city’s skyline is filled with beautiful architecture that can be admired from the ground, or from one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants. It’s a city that comes together to celebrate – from colourful carnivals to international sports, there is a packed calendar of events all year round. As a city break destination, Leeds doesn’t just offer the best of both worlds, it’s the best of all worlds.
There are so many things to see and do, here are our top recommendations of places to visit.
1. The Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries Museum is Britain’s national museum of arms and armour and a sister museum to the Tower of London. Here you can explore one of the world’s largest collection of weapons and armour including the armour of King Henry VIII, a unique set of elephant armour and a vast collection of film props. Expect live demonstrations on any visit by staff and volunteers. As well as permanent collections the museum also hosts prestigious international touring exhibitions and events.
Insider Tip: You can get to the Royal Armouries Museum by one of Leeds iconic Water Taxi from Granary Wharf behind Leeds Train Station. While at Granary Wharf be sure to explore the bars, cafes and restaurants on the water-front.
2. Leeds Art Gallery & Tiled Hall Cafe
Explore modern and contemporary art and collections of British painting and sculpture in a stunning grade II listed building dating from the 1880s. The collection contains art works by Auguste Rodin, Paula Rego, Francis Bacon, Anthony Gormley, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth as well as notable works by Victorian painters such as William Holme Hunt, Alfred Waterhouse and Leeds-based artist John Atkinson Grimshaw.
Insider Tip: Every visit to Leeds Art Gallery must include a trip to the Tiled Hall Cafe. Once the Reading Room for the central library, this colourful cloistered room was hidden for decades beneath panelling until it was lovingly restored to its former glory in 2007. It is one of the most beautiful, tiled rooms in the country, and showcases the creative tile-making industries in the south of the city.
3. Victorian Arcades
No trip to Leeds is complete without time spent exploring the spectacular shopping centres and arcades in the Victoria Quarter and the smaller arcades Thorntons and Queens off Briggate, the main pedestrianised street in the heart of the city. The Victoria Quarter arcades were designed by a former theatre designer, which you can see in the elaborate attention to all details. Built the 1890s, the two breath-taking arcades house high-end fashion brands as well as top-tier restaurants. They are connected by the largest stained-glass ceiling in the country. Thorntons Arcade is the oldest, built in 1878 and Queens in 1889 are home to a rich variety of independent shops and cafes.
4. Leeds Kirkgate Market
One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate is a shopper’s paradise from fresh food, drink and fashion, to flowers, hardware and haberdashery.
At the heart of the Leeds retail scene since 1857, Leeds Kirkgate Market is home to some of the most characterful traders in the city, with businesses spanning generations and representing a wide range of nationalities. And you won’t leave hungry. If you can think of a cuisine, the chances are you can get it at Leeds Kirkgate Street Food Market.
5. Harewood House
One of the Treasure Houses of England and steeping in history, Harewood is a perfect day-trip from Leeds (just a short trip from the city-centre). Alongside the splendour of the stately home’s original interiors, the house is surrounded by breath-taking Lancelot “Capability” Brown landscapes and acres of formal gardens, so you can spend hours exploring. There are also ample opportunities to enjoy themed events, exhibitions and live music throughout the year.
Insider Tip. For the truly quintessential British experience, opt for an Afternoon Tea taken in the elegant Billiard Room.
6. Kirkstall Abbey
The picturesque ruins of Kirkstall Abbey stand on the banks of the River Aire on the edge of the city-centre. The abbey, built in 1152, has inspired many of the Romantic writers and painters including J. M. W. Turner who created several paintings of the Abbey. Today it sits within seven acres of parkland, home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the grounds and ruins as well as discover more about life for the 12th century monks.
7. Leeds Corn Exchange
Leeds Corn Exchange is a Grade 1* listed building and shopping centre based in the heart of Kirkgate, Leeds. Designed by revered British architect Cuthbert Broderick, the Corn Exchange opened its doors to corn traders in 1864. Today, it is a living Leeds landmark and the home of independent retail and food traders in a burgeoning creative neighbourhood. Not just shopkeepers, but creatives, collectors, cooks and craftspeople. Home to a collection of vendors who do things their own way, and a community of customers who prefer the personal touch.