Leeds Adventure: A Budget-Friendly Day-Trip Guide

Experience the charm of Leeds on a budget - more fun, less funds.

21 June 2023

Leeds, United Kingdom is a great destination for a budget-friendly trip. Explore the city's history at free museums like the Leeds Art Gallery or the Leeds Industrial Museum. Save money on food by stopping at local street food markets or trying out deals at student-friendly restaurants.

Day trip plan

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  • Leeds in a day? Let's do this!
  • Start the morning with a hearty breakfast at The Greedy Pig, a cozy spot with a great English breakfast.
  • Next stop, Leeds Art Gallery, which features both historic and contemporary British art exhibits. Plus, it's free!
  • Take a stroll through Kirkstall Abbey, a picturesque medieval ruins.
  • Refuel at Trinity Kitchen, a street food haven at the Trinity Leeds shopping center.
  • After lunch, get cultural at the Royal Armouries Museum, where you can see everything from medieval weapons to modern-day guns.
  • Lastly, end the day with a pint at The Angel Inn, a classic English pub in the heart of Leeds.
  • *Note: All listed activities can be done in a day but may require fast-paced movement.

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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