Leeds

Leeds is one of those cities that grabs you and doesn’t let go. It has a palpable energy that comes from a long history of industry and a bold, forward-looking spirit. It’s a place that’s always reinventing itself, a city that wears its past on its sleeve while sprinting toward the future. You can feel it in the air—the buzz of a thriving metropolis with the soul of a friendly northern town. The city’s story is etched into its very foundations. Look up at the magnificent Victorian buildings and grand industrial warehouses, and you’ll see the legacy of its textile and manufacturing past. But what makes Leeds so special is how it has brought these old bones back to life. The beautiful Victorian arcades, once bustling with trade, now house independent boutiques, trendy cafes, and unique shops, creating a magical, covered streetscape that feels worlds away from the high street. The old industrial mills have been transformed into chic apartments, creative studios, and vibrant food halls, blending history with contemporary style. Beyond its architecture, Leeds is a city of creative pulse. From the music venues that have launched some of the UK’s biggest bands to the thriving independent food scene, there’s always something new to discover. The city’s markets, particularly Kirkgate Market, are a feast for the senses, overflowing with local produce, artisanal goods, and the genuine warmth and wit of the people who call Leeds home. This is where you experience the famous Yorkshire friendliness firsthand—a down-to-earth charm that makes every visitor feel welcome. And while Leeds is a major urban center, it is blessed with a surprising amount of green space. You can easily escape the hustle and bustle in Roundhay Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe, or take a short trip to the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The proximity to nature gives the city a refreshing balance, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the best of both worlds. In essence, Leeds is a city that never stands still. It is a place of endless curiosity and constant evolution, where every street corner tells a story. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the culture, the nightlife, or simply the infectious energy of a city that knows who it is, Leeds offers an experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. It's not just a place to visit; it’s a place to feel.

What to see in Leeds

Kirkstall Abbey Kirkstall Abbey Abbey Harewood Castle Harewood Castle Castle Assembly House Assembly House Gallery Patrick Studios Patrick Studios Gallery Screw Gallery Screw Gallery Gallery Sunny Bank Mills Gallery Sunny Bank Mills Gallery Gallery The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery Gallery Leeds Art Gallery Leeds Art Gallery Gallery York Gate Garden York Gate Garden Garden Pudsey Market Pudsey Market Market Kirkgate Market Kirkgate Market Market Abbey House Museum Abbey House Museum Museum Leeds City Museum Leeds City Museum Museum Leeds Industrial Museum Leeds Industrial Museum Museum Lotherton Hall Lotherton Hall Museum Thackray Museum of Medicine Thackray Museum of Medicine Museum Royal Armouries Museum Royal Armouries Museum Museum Thwaite Watermill Thwaite Watermill Museum Leeds Discovery Centre Leeds Discovery Centre Museum Pudsey Park Pudsey Park Park Park Square Park Square Park Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve Park Meanwood Park Meanwood Park Park Potternewton Park Potternewton Park Park Woodhouse Moor Woodhouse Moor Park Golden Acre Park Golden Acre Park Park Roundhay Park Roundhay Park Park Leeds Corn Exchange Leeds Corn Exchange Shopping Centre Millennium Square Millennium Square Square City Square City Square Square Victoria Square Victoria Square Square City Varieties Music Hall City Varieties Music Hall Theatre Leeds Playhouse Leeds Playhouse Theatre Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Theatre Carriageworks Theatre Carriageworks Theatre Theatre The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre Theatre Harewood House Harewood House Tourist attractions Temple Newsam House Temple Newsam House Tourist attractions Leeds Town Hall Leeds Town Hall Town Hall