Things to do in Leeds

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Leeds has more to offer than just the nightlife and shopping, there are tons of things to do for locals and visitors to the city. Walk or cycle along the Leeds and Liverpool canal, have a picnic to Kirkstall Abbey, pamper yourself at a spa or play golf at one of the many courses.

Browse through our guides written by locals on things to do in Leeds.

The Good Old Days are Back at City Varieties

Written by Richard Smyth

Inside the magnificent looking City Varieties The City Varieties Music Hall isn’t the first theatrical celebrity to reach ‘a certain age’ and decide to have a major facelift. But most don’t wait until they’re 144 years old – and most facelifts don’t take two-and-a-half years to finish....

Written by Danny Pugsley

Inside the Pure gym in Leeds city centre Christmas may fast be becoming a fading memory but studies show that regular exercise can help stimulate positive thoughts and feelings: ideal as many of us want to make a change to our lifestyle and be healthier in 2012. Wherever you are based in and around...

Night out at the historic Armley Mills Cinema

Written by Richard Smyth

Inside the Abbey Mills Cinema – a true hidden gem The history of cinema is woven into the fabric of the history of Leeds. In 1888, a garden on Oakwood Grange Road, Roundhay, was the setting for the world’s first celluloid film: Louis le Prince’s two-seconds-long Roundhay Garden Scene. In 1914,...

Written by Louisa Parker

On a typically British, sunny-warm-cool-rainy-warm-again day in the long summer break it’s hard enough to decide what to wear never mind where to go so here are a couple of ideas for fun things to do around Leeds with kids in tow. They involve my two favourite activities: eating ice-cream and immersing...

Written by Richard Smyth

Mirrored balls sculpture at Clarence Dock Photo attribution: Stephen Bowler West Yorkshire sculpture has been given a great boost this year with the opening of the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield, just a fifteen minute train-ride from the centre of Leeds. The Hepworth has had the London art media flocking...

Best places for fabulous sunsets in Leeds

Written by Carol Ferndale

Beautiful Otley Chevin sunset. Photo attribution: Tom Blackwell The blaze of colour of a wonderful sunset is one of the memorable things about summer, and Leeds is not short of tranquil and beautiful spots where you can relax in the evening and watch the sun go down. Here are the best places for fabulous...

Written by Darren Cronian

Photo of Canal Gardens in Leeds I am Leeds born and bred and it is a great place to live. In some ways I do not want the city to become an incredibly popular tourist destination but I do get frustrated when people visit England and spend all their time in London. The city is literally on the doorstep...

Written by Zoe Parker

Places to take Yoga lessons in Leeds. Yoga is a popular form of exercise for body and mind. Many people take up yoga to improve their flexibility, strength and general well-being, and most gyms have one or more yoga classes as part of their regular programme. However, if you are more seriously into...

Local’s view of Leeds through a tourist’s eyes

Written by Darren Cronian

Walking up the stairs of Leeds central library I have lived in Leeds all of my life and as a local it is very easy to forget what is on your doorstep, so I set myself a challenge to spend time discovering new places. I also want to make sure that this trip around the city centre is affordable for everyone...

Written by Danny Pugsley

Canal boats on the Leeds and Liverpool canal. Photo attribution: Reinhold Behringer Whilst Leeds has plenty to offer in terms of a modern, vibrant and lively city one of its attractions is that within a short distance there is plenty on offer to help in this regard. Although running continues to be...

Browse through our guides written by locals on Things to do in Leeds.