Leeds in 3 Days: Art, Food, and Adventure

Discover the charm of Leeds without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Leeds offers a lot for budget travellers, from the vibrant street art scene to free admission to museums. A great place to start exploring is the Leeds Art Gallery, where you can view art by renowned artists such as Henry Moore and Francis Bacon. For budget-friendly eats, head to Kirkgate Market and try some local delicacies like Yorkshire pudding or fish and chips.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
  • Check-in at The Met Hotel, a stylish budget hotel in the heart of Leeds.
  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Layne's Espresso, a trendy cafe serving excellent coffee and wholesome food.
  • Head to Leeds Art Gallery to admire a collection of British and international art dating back to the 19th century.
  • Visit the iconic Leeds Kirkgate Market, the largest indoor market in Europe, where you can grab a quick lunch and shop for souvenirs.
  • Wander around the charming Corn Exchange, a stunning Victorian building now housing independent shops, cafes and bars.
  • End the day at Friends of Ham, a cosy bar and restaurant specialising in craft beer and charcuterie.
  • Start the day with a traditional Yorkshire breakfast at The Greedy Pig, a quirky cafe with retro decor and great food.
  • Visit the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, a fascinating museum dedicated to Leeds' textile industry.
  • Explore the picturesque Leeds and Liverpool Canal, taking in the impressive locks and historic buildings along the way.
  • Grab a bite to eat at The Reliance, a lively bar and restaurant serving modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails.
  • Head to Temple Newsam, a stunning Tudor-Jacobean house set in beautiful parkland, and explore the house's rich history and art collections.
  • End the day at The Brunswick, a vibrant music venue and pub with a great selection of ales and live performances.
  • Start the day with a leisurely brunch at Sheaf Street Cafeteria, a charming cafe with a relaxing atmosphere and delicious food.
  • Visit the beautiful Roundhay Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, and enjoy a stroll around the lake and gardens.
  • Check out the Leeds City Museum, a fascinating museum showcasing the city's history and culture.
  • Have lunch at The Calls Landing, a riverside bar and restaurant with a fantastic outdoor terrace and scenic views.
  • Head to the Henry Moore Institute, an art gallery and sculpture garden dedicated to the works of Henry Moore and other modern artists.
  • End the day at The Alchemist, a stylish bar and restaurant serving imaginative cocktails and modern British cuisine.

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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