Things to do in Leeds

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Corn Exchange featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Leeds featuring heritage architecture
Corn Exchange showing interior views and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Canal Gardens
Millennium Square featuring heritage architecture and street scenes
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Leeds must see attractions

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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University of Leeds

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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First Direct Arena

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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Royal Armouries featuring interior views as well as a small group of people

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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O2 Academy Leeds

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 fountain, a river or creek and a park

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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Leeds Grand Theatre

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 featuring interior views and chateau or palace

What to do in Leeds

Discover the most popular places to visit in Leeds

University of Leeds

University of Leeds

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

University of Leeds
First Direct Arena

First Direct Arena

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

First Direct Arena
Royal Armouries featuring interior views as well as a small group of people

Royal Armouries

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

Royal Armouries
Harewood House

Harewood House

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

Harewood House
The Beast of the East is here.

Headingley Stadium

Catch an event at Headingley Stadium during your trip to Headingley. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its entertainment choices.

Headingley Stadium
O2 Academy Leeds

O2 Academy Leeds

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

O2 Academy Leeds
Roundhay Park showing a fountain, a river or creek and a park

Roundhay Park

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.

Roundhay Park
Leeds Grand Theatre

Leeds Grand Theatre

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.

Leeds Grand Theatre
Temple Newsam House which includes interior views and chateau or palace

Temple Newsam House

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.

Temple Newsam House

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Leeds

Leeds Grand Theatre

Leeds City Center

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Explore the Victorian arcades, such as Grand Arcade, and shop at Trinity Leeds shopping centre. Discover cultural activities in Quarry Hill and Leeds Dock, and visit landmarks like Leeds Art Gallery and Royal Armouries Museum.

Leeds City Center
Leeds featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Arena Quarter

If you're spending some time in Arena Quarter, The Light and Leeds Grand Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Arena Quarter
Looking west towards a winter sunset, from Platforms 4/5

Holbeck Urban Village

Holbeck Urban Village might not have many top sights, but Canal Wharf and Leeds City Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Holbeck Urban Village
Holbeck

Holbeck

4/5(4 area reviews)

The redbrick and terracotta architecture recall Leeds’ industrial past, while the soccer club and its impressive stadium look to the future.

Holbeck
Royal Armouries showing interior views

Leeds Dock

Shopping, restaurants, and waterfront views are just a few things travelers enjoy about Leeds Dock. Check out Royal Armouries or TeamSport Leeds while you're exploring the area.

Leeds Dock
Victoria Quarter featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Leylands

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

Leylands

Popular day trips from Leeds

Photo by Sue Hague

Ilkley

Bradford City Park which includes heritage architecture and a fountain as well as a couple

Bradford

Photo by Amy Williams

Garforth

Photo by Sandra Florença

Wakefield

Harrogate

Harrogate

Photo by Diane Wong

Morley

Salts Mill which includes cuddly or friendly animals, cycling and a river or creek

Shipley

Photo by Amy Williams

Batley

Frequently asked questions

Is Leeds worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Leeds is explore Alhambra Theatre. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's walking trails and views.
How do I spend a day in Leeds?
Diggerland Yorkshire and Tropical World are two awesome places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Leeds while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Leeds?
The top tourist attraction in Leeds is Alhambra Theatre, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Leeds?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Leeds Grand Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Tropical World with a three-day break in Leeds. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so linger longer and head to York.
Is Leeds a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Leeds, including Leeds Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometers from the city center of Leeds is Leeds City Center and Holbeck is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Leeds with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all the family, here are some great ideas for what to do in Leeds with kids.

What to do in Leeds for adults?
First Direct Arena and Briggate are just a few of the things to do in Leeds. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Leeds?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Leeds. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Hollywood Bowl is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.

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