Leeds, United Kingdom: travel guide
A Yorkshire city of Victorian arcades, markets and easy access to the Dales
Yorkshire's largest city is a thriving retail and cultural hub with a spectacular Victorian covered market, vibrant nightlife, the iconic Corn Exchange, and easy access to the Yorkshire Dales and Moors.
About Leeds
Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire, a commercial and cultural centre with a good deal of Victorian architecture. Its arcades and the covered Kirkgate Market give the centre much of its character, and the Corn Exchange is now home to independent shops and cafés.
The Royal Armouries Museum holds a large collection of arms and armour, Leeds Art Gallery has a strong collection of modern British art, and Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery by the river. Roundhay Park is a large park to the north, and Harewood House is a short drive away.
Leeds suits shoppers, museum visitors and anyone using it as a base for the Yorkshire Dales or York. Late spring to early autumn is the most pleasant time to visit.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- LBA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Leeds
Royal Armouries Museum Leeds
Museum · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · free entry
Britain's national museum of arms and armour, relocated from the Tower of London to Leeds. Over 8,000 objects in five themed galleries including the world's finest collection of oriental armour. Free entry.
Kirkstall Abbey
monastery · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
One of the best-preserved 12th-century Cistercian abbeys in England, standing in a public park beside the River Aire. The atmospheric ruins are free to visit and the Abbey Museum opposite tells its 900-year story.
Leeds Corn Exchange
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A spectacular Grade I listed Victorian domed building (1864) now housing independent boutiques, a street food market, and cafés. The elliptical iron and glass roof is one of the finest Victorian structures in England.
Leeds Art Gallery
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · free entry
An outstanding regional art gallery with one of the UK's best collections of 20th-century British sculpture — including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, both born in Yorkshire. Free entry.
Leeds Roundhay Park
victorian-park · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Roundhay Park — Leeds's spectacular 700-acre Victorian public park (one of Europe's largest), with the iconic Waterloo Lake, the historic Mansion, and the rich Yorkshire heritage.
Leeds Harewood House
country-house · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Leeds to Harewood House — the spectacular 1772 Capability Brown estate, with the iconic Robert Adam interiors, the famous Bird Garden, and the rich Yorkshire heritage.
Leeds Yorkshire Sculpture Park
sculpture-park · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Leeds to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park — the spectacular open-air sculpture gallery with the iconic Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Anthony Gormley pieces.
Leeds Kirkgate Market
indoor-market · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Kirkgate Market — Leeds's spectacular 1857 indoor market (Europe's largest covered market), with the iconic 800 stalls, the famous birthplace of Marks & Spencer (1884).
Leeds Tropical World
tropical-garden · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Tropical World — Leeds's spectacular indoor tropical garden in Roundhay Park, with the iconic butterfly house, the famous meerkats, the rainforest experience, and the rich biodiversity.
Leeds Victoria Quarter Shopping
victorian-arcade · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Victoria Quarter — Leeds's spectacular Edwardian arcade with the iconic 1900 stained glass roof, the famous luxury shops, and the rich Edwardian heritage.
Leeds Yorkshire Dales Day
national-park · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Leeds to the Yorkshire Dales National Park — the spectacular limestone landscape with the iconic Malham Cove, the famous Aysgarth Falls, and the rich Yorkshire heritage.
Leeds Thackray Medical
medical-museum · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Thackray Medical Museum — Leeds's spectacular medical history museum in the historic Leeds Workhouse, with the iconic Victorian hospital recreation, the famous medical heritage.
Where to stay in Leeds
- Town Centre about GBP 160 per night
Windsor is small — stay in the town centre to walk to the Castle and Long Walk. Very popular — book far in advance for weekends.
Hotels
- Dakota Leeds 5-star · GBP 180 to GBP 500 per night
- Radisson Blu Leeds 4-star · GBP 110 to GBP 260 per night
Where to eat
- Bundobust Leeds Indian, Street Food, Vegetarian · about GBP 22 per person
- Ox Club Leeds Modern British, Grill, Wood-fire · about GBP 70 per person
- Stockdales of Yorkshire British, Yorkshire, Deli · about GBP 25 per person
Getting to Leeds
Airport: Leeds (LBA)
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
More in United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions about Leeds
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Leeds?
- The highest-rated places in our Leeds guide are Leeds Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Leeds Yorkshire Dales Day, Royal Armouries Museum Leeds, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Roundhay Park.
- Where should I stay in Leeds?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Leeds: Town Centre.
- How do I get around Leeds?
- Ways to get around Leeds covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Leeds?
- The nearest airport to Leeds has the code LBA.