Leeds has many strings to its attractions bow, but one thing that really sets it apart is just how little you need to spend. A number of museums and galleries are on a donations system, which means that you can squeeze a great deal of culture in without breaking the bank, while others only charge a few bob. There are, of course, a few pricier sights you’ll need to factor into your budget, but what’s so nice about the city is that it’s all quite spread out, which means there’s always somewhere new to come back to.
All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Leeds. Find out more below or for more inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants and bars.
Find by activity type:
Best free things to do
The Royal Armouries
Watch knights duel in combat demonstrations
This gigantic museum in the creative Leeds Dock area has one of the world’s best collections of arms and armour displayed throughout its five floors. As well as over 4,500 ancient-modern objects across its Tournament, War, African/Asian, Self-Defence and Hall of Steel galleries, the free-to-join talks, tours and combat demonstrations are highly entertaining.
Insider tip: If you’re visiting Leeds without a car, head to the Armouries via a pleasant 20-minute Dutch water taxi down the canal from Granary Wharf (near the south entrance of Leeds Railway Station) to Leeds Dock (£3 single, under-fives free).
Website: royalarmouries.org
Price: Free
Kirkgate Market
Tour one of Europe’s largest indoor markets
During the first Saturday of every month, Leeds City Council runs free guided walking tours around the market. This is a superb way to understand the history of what’s hailed as one of the largest in Europe. Walk through the various halls as your guide points out significant architectural details, long-standing traders and interesting stories about the market, which dates back to 1857.
Insider tip: Marks and Spencer’s began life in Kirkstall Market, when Michael Marks opened the first “Penny Bazaar” stall in 1884 before joining forces with Tom Spencer in 1894 to create several more. Be sure to stop by the M&S Heritage Stall near the site of the original when you visit.
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: Free
Leeds Street Art Trail
Discover some of Leeds’ most impressive murals
Leeds’s hidden murals are extraordinary. This proposed route starts with an enormous yet discreetly hidden away piece called Winifred by Qubek, found in a car park off York Place, and takes you to mosaics, optical illusions and multistorey marvels. It ends at Mabgate Mural, an homage to what the area used to be like.
Insider tip: Pick and change the route according to your time and plans. Although be sure to head down The Calls for two impressive works in one look: You&Me, Me&You by Anthony Burrill and Paving the Way, by Akse P19 featuring former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Website: visitleeds.co.uk
Price: Free
Leeds City Museum
See quirky fossils and a 3,000-year-old mummy
On Millennium Square, Leeds City Museum houses several itinerary-worthy collections: from the creatures in Life on Earth, where you can see the “Armley” Hippo’s fossilised bones (discovered in Leeds in 1851 but dating back 130,000-117,000 years), and the 3,000-year-old Leeds mummy in the Ancient Worlds Gallery. The Harrison Clock – which helped solve the problem of calculating longitude – is also on permanent display here.
Insider tip: For parents/guardians, a visit is an absolute no-brainer. There’s the toddler town play area, a crafts centre, multiple colouring stations and regularly changing interactive exhibitions that keep all ages entertained for hours.
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: Free
Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute
View famous artworks in one of the city’s most beautiful buildings
A paintbrush-splatter from Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Gallery offers a bit of everything: Victorian art by John Atkinson Grimshaw, sculptures by Antony Gormley, early 20th-century modernist works and more, in architecturally stunning spaces. Adjoining this via a glass walkway is Henry Moore’s eponymous Institute (he trained to sculpt in Leeds) with its pleasingly minimalist galleries and archives. The building also houses Leeds Central Library and a café in a beautiful tiled Victorian hall.
Insider tip: Another one for families with young tots (below five years old) – if you walk through the library, you reach an “installation” – a soft play area with toys, children’s books and a big slide. Look out for events to join.
Website: leeds.gov.uk; henry-moore.org
Price: Free
Best for families
Roundhay Park
Explore one of Europe’s biggest parks
One of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers an abundance of things to do and see – a sculpture trail, golf course, couple of lakes, fishing spots, woodland, gardens, open green spaces and playgrounds among them – but it’s also a fine spot for lunch in the Lakeside Cafe after a visit to the lush climes of Tropical World on the western edge.
Insider tip: If you’re visiting on a Saturday, Sunday or during the school holidays, there’s a land train, which runs from the Lakeside Cafe up to the Park gates in about eight minutes. (A single journey: £1.50; Return: £2.).
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: Free
Tropical World
Come close with creepy crawlies and primates
Fans of fluttery things and exotic animals can head to this balmy oasis slightly out of the centre in Roundhay. It’s not huge, but there’s a surprising amount to see that goes way beyond the caterpillar-butterfly cycle: an aquarium with lots of colourful fish, a creature corner with snakes and lizards, a rainforest canopy with pygmy marmosets and a desert floor with a meerkat burrow, among them.
Insider tip: This is a great rainy-day activity but if the weather allows, take some time to explore nearby Roundhay Park.
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: £
Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey
Wander a reconstructed Victorian Street of Leeds
Don’t miss this small but mighty museum on Abbey Road, which depicts life in Leeds during the Victorian ages. Three reconstructed streets – Abbey Fold, Harewood Square and Stephen Harding Gate – have shops, houses and businesses to wander in and out of, with some fancy dress opportunities for all ages. Some of the curios are over 100 years old. An upstairs gallery features nostalgic toys, memorabilia and games.
Insider tip: Cross the road to see the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1152. There’s a decent grassy park to encamp for a couple of hours, and you can circumvent the whole abbey, pretty much seeing everything inside. Free parking, too.
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: £
Lotherton
Feed wallabies at a local Leeds zoo
There’s always something going on at this estate, whether it’s a crafty festive fair, tractor tours during summer school holidays, or a glimpse into the upstairs-downstairs lives of the early-1900s English upper classes. One of the biggest draws for families is the small on-site zoo with animals ranging from penguins to capybaras to flamingos. Kids also love the woodland walks and adventure playgrounds.
Insider tip: If visiting with children aged 10 and over, upgrade your animal encounter by meeting the wallabies face to face in their paddock. Led by a keeper, VIPs get to feed the wallabies while learning lots of facts (£70 for two, four people max).
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: £
Best hidden gems
Middleton Railway
Ride on the world’s oldest working railway
This little railway is a generational all-rounder with a lot of history. Walk through the café, shop and tots’ play nook to an engine room with several diesel and steam locomotives. It’s got something for everyone – a museum displaying carefully collected memorabilia (some items date back to 1758 when the railway was created to transport coal to Leeds markets from Middleton Colliery) – and tickets allow you to ride the mile-long line as much as you want.
Insider tip: Recognise the locomotive built by Hudswell-Clarke, with the catchy name No.1369 “M.S.C. No. 67”, which featured in The Railway Children’s “father’s return” scene. During certain dates, adults can buy a Footplate Pass to ride in the cab for a return trip (£30; includes a day rover ticket).
Website: middletonrailway.org.uk
Price: £
Temple Newsam House and Home Farm
Learn about Leeds’ farming heritage
It’s a sprawling estate on the south side of Leeds, but this Tudor-Jacobean mansion house with 500 years of history (involving Henry VIII and chaotic Lord Darnley) and 1,500 acres of grounds is relatively undiscovered. You might find you have almost full reign of the farm-cum-museum with its rare-breed pigs, chickens, sheep, goats and donkeys. An abundance of bookable events and workshops, on-site activities and tours of the house’s stately rooms will keep you busy for days.
Insider tip: If you want to experience the estate for the cost of a parking ticket (£2.50 for four hours at the time of writing), you can actually walk the grounds – including by the house, cafe and some of the farmyard pens – for free.
Website: museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
Price: £
Leeds Dock Water Taxis
Cruise down the River Aire on a Dutch Water Taxi
Two bright-yellow water taxis, Twee and Drie, provide the vessels for this 60-minute sunset trip down the River Aire. Normally, they ferry passengers between Granary Wharf and the Royal Armouries at Leeds Dock, but book an evening cruise (May-September) to enjoy new views of the city as you pootle down to Knostrop Lock and back.
Insider tip: Before you embark, stop by Trinity Kitchen’s Clapping Seoul to pick up a Korean-fried cauliflower combo meal for a lip-smacking light tea as you traverse the waterways. Bring bubbles for an elevated experience.
Website: leedsdock.com
Price: ££
Corn Exchange
Shop in one of Leeds’ most significant trading halls
There are several distinct shopping districts in Leeds city centre, spanning from food markets to mainstream fashion in the Trinity Centre to the Briggate department stores and posh Victoria Arcade boutiques. Built in the 1860s, the Corn Exchange is where creatives, collectors, cooks and craftspeople trade, and it is incredibly impressive. Pick up anything from a house plant to a necklace to a new tattoo to socks.
Insider tip: Time your visit with a coffee stop; the cafe is the perfect spot to really take in the architecture and enjoy the airy, independent atmosphere. Be sure to buy the salt caramel and tahini cookie if it’s on the menu – yum.
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: Free
Best big-hitters
Harewood House
Live out your best period-drama fantasies
You might recognise Harewood House in scenes from Downton Abbey, Victoria and Gentleman Jack. There’s a reason the screen loves it: overlooking meticulously maintained Capability Brown gardens, lakes and woodland, the house is stately in every aspect, from its imposing neoclassical architecture to its royal connections. The famous collections of art (portraiture by Gainsborough and Reynolds, landscapes by Turner) and Chippendale furniture are worth a visit alone.
Insider tip: If you want to enjoy the estate on a budget, there’s a lovely circular walk that starts at the Muddy Boots cafe at Harewood (get there early to park; fee via honesty box system) and takes you to woodland, valleys and big Yorkshire views.
Website: harewood.org
Price: ££
Thackray Museum of Medicine
See (and smell) what Leeds’ slums used to be like
In a beautiful building adjacent to St James’s University Hospital in Harehills, the Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. Two floors of exhibitions span galleries on the history of public health, medical innovation, theatre, response to crises and living with disabilities (and so much more), and various events, activities and workshops bring it all to life, including one called “POO!”. A real highlight is “Disease Street”, a smelly, grimy depiction of what life used to be like in the slums of Leeds.
Insider tip: There’s a soft-play centre, SPARK, for under-fives, but you must book (extra charge). Behind-the-scenes store tours take place every other month and tickets include museum entry.
Website: thackraymuseum.co.uk
Price: £
First Direct Arena
Experience Leeds’ music scene
Leeds loves a good night out and it’s not half bad when it comes to showing off local talent and hosting a bit of live music. For something crowdier, the First Direct Bank Arena deserves a special mention as it always hits the right notes, with something for everyone. Big names including Sir Elton John, Miley Cyrus and John Legend, as well as Noughties boy bands, have graced the arena, and there’s more to look forward to. Be sure to check what’s on ahead of your visit.
Insider tip: Upgrade your experience to enjoy boons like early entry and a welcome drink, even a meal before the show starts. Each event has its own upgrade link (enquire when you book your tickets).
Website: firstdirectbankarena.com
Price: ££
Leeds Industrial Museum
Learn about the largest woollen mill in the world
This lesser-known museum at Armley Mills, once the largest woollen mill in the world, walks you through Leeds’ industrial history, from textiles to film and civil engineering. There is some truly mind-bogglingly large machinery in the textile gallery, including two spinning mules that date back to the Victorian era, as well as interesting displays on fashion, media and factory safety/reform. It’s also home to the smallest cinema in the North of England, with just 26 seats.
Insider tip: At the time of writing, there was no access to the museum grounds, Railway Gallery and locomotives due to building work, so make sure you check ahead if you’re planning to visit and want to experience these features.
Website: leeds.gov.uk
Price: £
Best for groups
Emmerdale Village Tour
Walk around an iconic TV set
Nestled in a secret location, this highly entertaining 90-minute guided tour is a wonderful walk-through of one of Britain’s top soaps’ purpose-built outdoor sets. You get to learn all sorts of studio secrets, insider gossip and interesting bits of prop trivia, as well as pose in front of iconic exteriors including The Woolpack, David’s Shop, Woodbine Cottage and the Barton/Dingle car garage. Some packages include an actor meet-and-greet.
Insider tip: Make a day of it by booking the tour first thing (you also get a more exclusive look around) and spend the rest of the day exploring Harewood House and its gardens – Emmerdale Village Tour tickets grant you a full day’s access.
Website: emmerdalevillagetour.co.uk
Price: ££
The Otley Run
Experience one of the UK’s most famous bar crawls
It might seem like a rogue recommendation, but this 15-or-so-venue trail spanning three miles is one of the most famous bar crawls in the UK. Most runners start at Woodie’s and make their way down Otley Road to Leeds city centre, but here beauty lies in the ability to easily adjust the route to your preferences (seating, food, low/no-alcohol options) and enjoy the people-watching.
Insider tip: Start earlier to avoid the student crowds and don’t feel pressured to dress up. But wear appropriate clothing and footwear if you plan on making it to the centre.
Website: otley-run.co.uk
Price: ££
Various stadiums
Enjoy Leeds’ sporty side with a game
Leeds has several world-famous stadiums, including AMT Headingley (the Leeds Rhinos rugby ground that adjoins the Yorkshire County Cricket Club pitch) and Elland Road, home of Leeds United. For the latter, tours around Elland Road take place regularly. Hop across a couple of car parks and Planet Ice is where you can catch an ice hockey game (Leeds Knights).
Insider tip: Leeds is said to have 28 affiliated golf clubs if you fancy picking up a round.
Website: leedsunited.com; leedsknights.com
Price: ££
Leeds Playhouse
Catch a show at one of the UK’s top theatres
With a constantly cracking line-up, Leeds Playhouse fires on all thespian cylinders. Recent productions have included adaptations of Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns and George Orwell’s Animal Farm, as well as Tambo & Bones by Olivier Award-winning director Matthew Xia, and the world premiere of Through It All Together by Leeds playwright Chris O’Connor, inspired by former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Insider tip: Buy a Playhouse Pass for discounts on tickets, programmes and food and drink. Under-30s can sign up for free to get £5 tickets to certain shows. If you’re looking for somewhere secure to park your car, Victoria Gate offers a flat rate of £5 after 5pm.
Website: leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Price: ££
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles – from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations.
About our expert
Charlotte Eggleston-Johnstone
After several years on the Telegraph Travel desk in London, Charlotte returned to Yorkshire, where she enjoys trying new restaurants with friends, romping the Dales with her toddler and seeking out spa hotels with her mum. She has also written the York guide.