Free money-saving things to do in Leeds

Photo attribution: Trickys

You don’t have to spend a fortune when you arrive in Leeds, which is good to know if you are bringing the family along. Leeds has a lot to offer for those who are money-conscious, and today I want to highlight my favourite things to do in Leeds that are free, and are located outside of the city centre. You won’t have to put your hands in your pockets.

Relax in Wonderland at Holbeck Village

Wonderwood is a new temporary hybrid of art and park within the Holbeck Urban village, located in south Leeds and close to the centre of the city. Previously a vacant development site, it has been transformed overnight, with its own golden tree, pink rabbits, an orange bell tower and sound boxes that produce summertime noises. Find a deck chair, and relax with a picnic; a fantastic open space to meet friends this summer.

Free entrance into the Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries is one of my favourite museums in Leeds; most importantly, entrance to the museum is free. It is educational for the kids, and will keep all of the family occupied for hours. It is only a short walk from the city centre, and located at the Clarence Dock, one of the city’s riverside hubs.

For a few pounds per person you can gain access to the shows that the museum puts on. Earlier this year we want to the Easter Jousting show, and it was fantastic. Throughout the year the museum puts on different events; visit the Royal Armouries website for more information.

Mountain biking through Otley Chevin

Otley Chevin is a great place for those who love the thrill of mountain biking. The scenery is spectacular, and it is open all year round. The route is 8.5 miles, of which 5.5 miles is off-road. You don’t have to be into mountain biking to visit Otley Chevin; it’s also a popular place for walkers taking in the Chevin forest trail.

Go swimming for free

I have only just found this out today, but if you are aged 16 and under and over 60 then you are able to swim for free at any Leeds City Council leisure centre, of which there are currently 17. All you need to do is apply for a Breeze Card and you’ll get access.

Step back in time at Thwaite Mills museum

Surprisingly, not a lot of people know about this museum, located just outside the city centre. The Thwaite Mills Watermill Museum is one of the last remaining water-powered mills left in Britain, and is located on an island on the River Aire; you can learn about the history of the site, going back to the 1940s.

Car enthusiasts will be happy to know that every September the museum is host to a classic car show where you can go and see vintage cars. The date is different every year, so it’s probably worth checking the Thwaite Mills museum website to keep up to date with what’s going on.

Your thoughts on these places

Hopefully I’ve given you enough free things to do to make your next trip to Leeds better for the bank balance. This guide just gives you a sample of the activities and attractions that you can do here in the city. We would love to hear your comments and opinions on any of the places we’ve mentioned in this guide.

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