Things to do in Leeds

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Leeds

Types of activities

Where to stay

Leeds travel guide

Corn Exchange which includes heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Millennium Square which includes street scenes and heritage architecture

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Top places to visit

1. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.

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Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

2. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).

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Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.

3. Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.

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Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.

4. O2 Academy Leeds

One of the city’s most popular venues for music gigs, O2 Academy Leeds is based in the historic Coliseum. This iconic site has long been at the core of the city’s cultural events, having hosted political meetings, variety shows and a circus. Go to see some of your favorite groups and solo artists in this majestic arena.

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If music is your religion, this impressive entertainment venue may become your place of worship; its Gothic façade even looks like a church.

5. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometer) park.

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Roundhay Park showing a garden, a river or creek and a fountain

6. Leeds Grand Theatre

A historic venue in the heart of the city, the Leeds Grand Theatre offers an eclectic program of opera, ballet and musicals. Dating back to the late 19th century, the landmark stands out with its redbrick façade covered in Romanesque and Scottish baronial designs. Attend a performance in the majestic setting of the theater’s 1,550-seater auditorium.

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The Gothic features of this tiered theater make a glorious setting for the diverse array of plays, music gigs and stand-up acts that are performed on its stage.

7. Temple Newsam House

Be transported to the days of the Tudors at the stunning Temple Newsam House. This heritage house has been restored to its former grandeur and displays the fascinating array of artifacts and period furnishings that once decorated the rooms of royals and nobles. The mansion is best known as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the infamous husband of Mary, Queen of Scots.

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Temple Newsam House showing a castle and interior views

What to do in Leeds

Popular places to visit

University of Leeds

4/5(117 reviews)

Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

First Direct Arena

4.5/5(225 reviews)

Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.

Royal Armouries

4.5/5(133 reviews)

Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.

Harewood House

4.5/5(22 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Harewood House, a lovely green space in Leeds. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Headingley Stadium

Catch an event at Headingley Stadium during your trip to Headingley. Discover the area's lively bars and its fascinating museums.

O2 Academy Leeds

4/5(20 reviews)

If music is your religion, this impressive entertainment venue may become your place of worship; its Gothic façade even looks like a church.

Roundhay Park

4.5/5(86 reviews)

One of the largest city parks in Europe has a huge expanse of parkland, woods, lakes, gardens and lush tropical glasshouses to explore and enjoy.

Leeds Grand Theatre

4.5/5(20 reviews)

The Gothic features of this tiered theater make a glorious setting for the diverse array of plays, music gigs and stand-up acts that are performed on its stage.

Temple Newsam House

4/5(58 reviews)

Uncover 500 years of history at this magnificent Tudor-Jacobean country mansion that looks out upon a scenic estate and is filled with artifacts and decorative arts.

Areas of Leeds

Leeds City Center

4.5/5(1,029 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Leeds City Center. Make a stop by Trinity Leeds Mall or Briggate while you're exploring the area.

Leeds showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Arena Quarter

While visiting Arena Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like The Light and Leeds Grand Theatre.

Royal Armouries which includes interior views

Leeds Dock

Shopping, restaurants and waterfront views are some highlights of Leeds Dock. Make a stop by Royal Armouries or Pole Position Indoor Karting while you're exploring.

Holbeck

4/5(75 area reviews)

Holbeck is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Canal Wharf, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Victoria Quarter featuring heritage architecture and street scenes

Leylands

If you're spending some time in Leylands, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Victoria Quarter are top sights worth seeing.

Holbeck Urban Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holbeck Urban Village and surrounding area, you can visit Canal Wharf and Leeds City Square.

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Things to do in Leeds

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Leeds

Top places to visit

1. University of Leeds

2. First Direct Arena

3. Royal Armouries

4. O2 Academy Leeds

5. Roundhay Park

6. Leeds Grand Theatre

7. Temple Newsam House

What to do in Leeds

Popular places to visit

University of Leeds

First Direct Arena

Royal Armouries

Harewood House

Headingley Stadium

O2 Academy Leeds

Roundhay Park

Leeds Grand Theatre

Temple Newsam House

Areas of Leeds

Leeds City Center

Arena Quarter

Leeds Dock

Holbeck

Leylands

Holbeck Urban Village

Wakefield

Harrogate

Otley

Knottingley

Selby

Hambleton

Idle

Lofthouse