Leeds in a Day: Art, Food, and Fun

Discover the vibrant culture and enchanting history of Leeds.

22 April 2023

Leeds is a vibrant city in the north of England, known for its rich cultural heritage and modern skyline. Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions, from the historic Kirkstall Abbey to the bustling Leeds Corn Exchange. As well as exploring the city centre, visitors can also venture out to nearby areas such as the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Leeds

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Greedy Pig, a quirky cafe serving up delicious bacon sandwiches, coffee and cakes.
  • Walk off your breakfast by exploring the historic Leeds City Museum, with its diverse collections including ancient Egyptian artefacts and Leeds history exhibitions.
  • Head to Leeds Art Gallery to admire some of the city's finest art, from paintings to contemporary installations.
  • For lunch, grab a sandwich from Laynes Espresso, a trendy coffee shop serving up artisan sandwiches and specialty coffee.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of Roundhay Park, one of the biggest city parks in Europe, boasting lakes, woods and gardens.
  • Finish your day with dinner at Bundobust, a popular Indian street food eatery with a cosy atmosphere and craft beer on tap. Don't miss their tasty veggie samosas and okra fries.

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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