From its brilliantly walkable centre to the vast expanse of countryside surrounding the city, Leeds has plenty to offer for a weekend break in the UK. Whether you are looking to hit the shops or spend an evening at the theatre, there are countless ways to enjoy your time in Yorkshire’s biggest metropolis.
Leeds continues to evolve and grow, with new attractions, shops and restaurants opening every week. The city recently wrapped up its 2023 ‘Year of Culture’ programme and looks set to go from strength to strength in 2024. From hikes to water taxis, here are the 10 best things to see and do during a weekend in Leeds.
1: Shop ’til you drop in the Victorian and Edwardian-era arcades
Best for: Retail therapy among stunning surroundings.
Leeds is often cited as one of the UK’s best cities for shopping. Tens of thousands of shoppers flock to the city every weekend, looking to take advantage of the hundreds of stores packed into the city centre. From small boutiques to big-name brands – Leeds has the lot.
For those seeking something a little different, the Victorian and Edwardian-era arcades offer the best shopping experience in Leeds. The arcades are covered corridors of stores and cafes, each with its own personality.
Our favourite is Thornton’s Arcade. Here a range of independent shops and eateries stand under the gaze of a classic mechanical clock, which depicts characters including Robin Hood and Friar Tuck.
Meanwhile, you can find a plethora of independent shops at the nearby Corn Exchange. The remarkable architecture means it’s worth a visit, even if you do not intend to buy something.
2: Take a trip on the Leeds Water Taxi
Best for: A unique view of the city.
Much to the surprise of many first-time visitors, Leeds city centre is dissected by the gently flowing waters of the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
The waterways are an important part of the city’s industrial heritage. There are a number of ways to explore them for yourself – from renting a canal barge to testing your paddleboarding skills. Our favourite, however, is the Leeds Water Taxi.
Trie and Drie – the two yellow-clad boats – ferry passengers from Granary Wharf to Leeds Dock every 15 minutes. The route takes in the best of the city centre. Highlights include Leeds Bridge, where Louis Aimé Augustin Le Prince filmed the world’s very first moving picture in 1888.
The Leeds Water Taxi costs £2 for a single journey and is a firm favourite among families visiting Leeds for a weekend.
3: Visit one of the nature reserves near Leeds City Centre
Best for: Birdwatchers and nature lovers.
If you’re looking to escape the busy streets of Leeds and take advantage of the city’s green surroundings, a trip to a nature reserve is the ideal way to spend an afternoon.
Several smaller reserves, such as Kirkstall Valley, are a stone’s throw from the city centre. Each offers an enticing opportunity to spot wildlife.
Our favourite spots are the two RSPB reserves – St Aidan’s and Fairburn Ings – just a 15-minute drive from the city. St Aidan’s is particularly impressive during the breeding season. For a few short weeks, hundreds of gulls descend on the vast reedbeds and create a cacophony of noise. St Aidan’s is a short distance from Rothwell Country Park, which has brilliant views of the Leeds skyline.
With endless opportunities to spot exciting wildlife, a trip to a nature reserve is one of the best things to do on a sunny weekend in Leeds.
Read more: 13 brilliant walks from Leeds city centre
4: Take in a show at Leeds Grand Theatre
Best for: Theatre fans.
Opened in 1878 and designed in classic High Victorian style, Leeds Grand Theatre is a firm favourite on the city’s cultural scene.
The theatre hosts a vast range of performances, from annual pantomimes to touring productions of West End favourites. Whether you are looking to rock out to current hits like Six or take in timeless classics like Les Miserables, you will find something that hits the spot.
Weekend visitors can often choose from a matinee or evening performance on a Saturday. Tickets are available online or in person at the box office.
Read next: How to spend a weekend in Arnside
5: Dine out at one of the best restaurants
Best for: Sampling the city’s brilliant culinary scene.
Leeds has a fantastic food scene. From Abyssinia in Harehills, which serves delicious Ethiopian dishes, to the Michelin-starred The Man Behind the Curtain, you are never too far from discovering a new taste sensation.
Our favourite restaurant in Leeds is La Taberna. Hidden away in a cosy basement on an unassuming street on the western fringes of the city centre, a visit to this family-run spot will transport you to the sun-soaked Spanish coast. With a menu packed full of authentic dishes, La Taberna holds its own as one of the best things to do in Leeds.
6: Explore Salts Mill on a day trip from Leeds
Best for: One of the prettiest villages in the area.
The mightily impressive Salts Mill is just a short 15-minute hop on the train from Leeds. Standing tall above the village of Saltaire, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, the former textile mill is the focal point for the community.
Built in 1853 by local businessman Sir Titus Salt, Salts Mill was once the most extensive industrial building anywhere in the world. Today, the mill complex is home to dozens of local businesses along with a popular café and art gallery.
Once you’ve checked out everything the mill has to offer, Saltaire village is well worth an explore. After appreciating the need for happy and healthy workers, Sir Titus developed the village alongside the mill. From almshouses to a hospital and school, Saltaire became a self-sufficient community for Titus Salt’s workers.
Read next: 10 brilliant things to do in Saltaire.
7: Admire the collection at the Royal Armouries Museum
Best for: One of the finest museums in the north of England.
Leeds is home to some fantastic museums, from the Thackray Museum of Medicine to the displays at Kirkstall Abbey. In our opinion, the pick of the bunch is the Royal Armouries.
Opened in 1996 at the cost of £42.5 million, the Royal Armouries is home to the UK’s most extensive collection of arms and armour. Most of the collection resided at the Tower of London before being transported to Leeds. An ever-changing programme of events accompanies the world-class permanent exhibitions, from drama-filled jousting to fascinating talks and lectures.
The Royal Armouries museum is free to enter and can be found at Leeds Dock.
8: Watch a cricket match at Headingley
Best for: A classic Yorkshire sporting experience.
Yorkshire has a strong cricketing heritage and has produced some of England’s finest players, from Michael Vaughan to Fred Trueman.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club once held an infamous policy of only allowing players born in Yorkshire to join the team. Whilst this restrictive rule ended in 1992, Yorkshire’s cricketing pedigree remains strong.
The team play their matches at Headingley, which holds just under 20,000 spectators. For those unfamiliar with cricket, we recommend attending one of the fast-paced formats, such as T20 or The Hundred. If you are lucky enough to arrive in Leeds when the England cricket team is in town, you are guaranteed to enjoy a party atmosphere in the stands.
9: Enjoy the sun rising over Leeds Dock
Best for: A beautiful morning near central Leeds.
Unless you live at the top of a tall apartment block, there aren’t many great spots to watch the sunrise in Leeds City centre.
However, on those glorious mornings when the sky is lit a fiery red, there can be few more dramatic views than Leeds Dock. For the best sunrise views, position yourself on the bridge at the north end of the dock. From here, you will be afforded a sublime view across the water to the towering Clarence House, whose bright white walls dominate the skyline.
Sunrise at Leeds Dock is particularly excellent on a perfectly still morning when the buildings and sky are perfectly reflected in the sparkling waters. For our guide to enjoying Leeds Dock, click here.
10: Visit Harewood House in north Leeds
Best for: Countryside strolls.
One of the UK’s finest country estates, Harewood House stands tall among acres of green space on the northern fringes of Leeds.
Highlights of a visit to Harewood include the magnificent state rooms and landscaped gardens, along with an aviary home to everything from flamingos to Humboldt penguins. Entry to the wider estate is free, and a stroll here is one of our favourite walks in Leeds.
As well as the lush green woodland and healthy deer population, the estate is home to one of the UK’s most effective red kite reintroduction programmes. Watching the majestic birds swooping and diving above the treetops is a sight to behold.
A weekend in Leeds: our final thoughts
We love showing visitors around Leeds. The city has been our home for a long time, and there are always new things to see and do – from fresh co-working spaces at Leeds Dock to exciting gigs at the First Direct Arena.
It’s safe to say that there is something for everyone here. Shoppers will love the arcades, with their array of independent shops. Foodies are well-served, with exciting new openings such as Empire Cafe ensuring the city’s culinary scene will continue to delight in 2024 and beyond. Meanwhile, hikers will find plenty to enjoy in nearby Harewood and at the local nature reserves.
No matter your reason for coming to Leeds, you may just find that you don’t want to leave.