Weekend Guide to Fun-Filled Leeds, UK

Discover the vibrant culture and history of Leeds in your next adventure.

22 April 2023

Leeds, located in the north of England, is a bustling city with a rich cultural history. As a tourist, you can explore the city's many museums and galleries, such as the Royal Armouries Museum or the Leeds Art Gallery. You can also immerse yourself in the city's music scene and enjoy a night out in the vibrant clubs and bars.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Leeds

  • Check into The Queens Hotel, a stunning historic hotel in the heart of Leeds.
  • Stroll through the beautiful Victorian shopping arcades, like the Victoria Quarter and Thornton's Arcade.
  • Visit the Leeds Art Gallery and admire the incredible art collection, including works by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.
  • Take a break at Laynes Espresso for a specialty coffee and delicious pastries.
  • Grab lunch at Bundobust for some of the best Indian street food in town.
  • Walk along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and stop for a pint at The Brewery Tap, a cozy pub with a great selection of beers.
Day 2

History and Contemporary Culture in Leeds

  • Start the day with a visit to the Royal Armouries Museum, which showcases arms and armor from throughout history.
  • Check out the vibrant street art and independent shops in the Northern Quarter, like Village Bookstore and Colours May Vary.
  • Have lunch at The Reliance, a stylish gastropub serving modern British cuisine with a twist.
  • Head to Kirkstall Abbey, a beautiful ruined Cistercian monastery set in stunning grounds.
  • Stop by the Leeds Corn Exchange, a stunning Victorian building now transformed into a hub for independent businesses and eateries.
  • Finally, end your day with a show at Leeds Grand Theatre or the Leeds City Varieties Music Hall, two historic venues showcasing the best of contemporary theater and music.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Leeds by plane is to fly to Leeds Bradford International Airport, which is located just 7 miles north of the city center. The airport is served by a variety of airlines including British Airways, Ryanair, and Jet2.

Car

If you're traveling from the south of England, the best way to get to Leeds by car is to take the M1 motorway northbound. The journey should take around 4-5 hours depending on traffic. There are several car parks in Leeds city center, including the Leeds Station Car Park and the Trinity Leeds Car Park.

Train

If you're coming from London, the best way to get to Leeds by train is to take a direct train from London Kings Cross to Leeds Station. The journey takes just over 2 hours and tickets can be purchased in advance from the National Rail website or from the station itself.

Boat

As Leeds is not located on the coast, there are no direct boat services to the city. However, it is possible to take a boat trip from nearby York along the River Ouse to Leeds. The journey takes around 4 hours and tickets can be purchased from the boat operator, City Cruises York.

Bus

If you're on a budget, the best way to get to Leeds by bus is to take a coach from London Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes around 4 hours and there are several operators to choose from, including National Express and Megabus.

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