What to do in Leeds

Activities, attractions and tours

Corn Exchange showing heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Leeds showing heritage architecture
Leeds
Leeds
Millennium Square showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Leeds Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Leeds AU$5. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 39 activities in Leeds, England.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Leeds attractions from AU$5, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

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Top places to visit

1. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
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Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

2. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).
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Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.

3. Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.
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Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.

4. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometer) park.
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Roundhay Park which includes a fountain, a park and a river or creek

5. O2 Academy Leeds

One of the city’s most popular venues for music gigs, O2 Academy Leeds is based in the historic Coliseum. This iconic site has long been at the core of the city’s cultural events, having hosted political meetings, variety shows and a circus. Go to see some of your favorite groups and solo artists in this majestic arena.
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If music is your religion, this impressive entertainment venue may become your place of worship; its Gothic façade even looks like a church.

6. Leeds Grand Theatre

A historic venue in the heart of the city, the Leeds Grand Theatre offers an eclectic program of opera, ballet and musicals. Dating back to the late 19th century, the landmark stands out with its redbrick façade covered in Romanesque and Scottish baronial designs. Attend a performance in the majestic setting of the theater’s 1,550-seater auditorium.
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The Gothic features of this tiered theater make a glorious setting for the diverse array of plays, music gigs and stand-up acts that are performed on its stage.

7. Temple Newsam House

Be transported to the days of the Tudors at the stunning Temple Newsam House. This heritage house has been restored to its former grandeur and displays the fascinating array of artifacts and period furnishings that once decorated the rooms of royals and nobles. The mansion is best known as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the infamous husband of Mary, Queen of Scots.
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Temple Newsam House which includes a castle and interior views

Recommended things to do in Leeds

Number of things to do
39
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Europe Package - United Kingdom: AU$5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Leeds

Discover the most popular places to visit in Leeds

University of Leeds

University of Leeds

4/5(1 review)

Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

University of Leeds
First Direct Arena

First Direct Arena

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.

First Direct Arena
Headingley Stadium

Headingley Stadium

Catch an event at Headingley Stadium during your trip to Headingley. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its entertainment choices.

Headingley Stadium
Royal Armouries

Royal Armouries

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.

Royal Armouries
Roundhay Park which includes a fountain, a park and a river or creek

Roundhay Park

5/5(1 review)

One of the largest city parks in Europe has a huge expanse of parkland, woods, lakes, gardens and lush tropical glasshouses to explore and enjoy.

Roundhay Park
Harewood House

Harewood House

Explore the great outdoors at Harewood House, a lovely green space in Leeds. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Harewood House
O2 Academy Leeds

O2 Academy Leeds

If music is your religion, this impressive entertainment venue may become your place of worship; its Gothic façade even looks like a church.

O2 Academy Leeds
Leeds Grand Theatre

Leeds Grand Theatre

The Gothic features of this tiered theater make a glorious setting for the diverse array of plays, music gigs and stand-up acts that are performed on its stage.

Leeds Grand Theatre
Temple Newsam House which includes a castle and interior views

Temple Newsam House

4/5(1 review)

Uncover 500 years of history at this magnificent Tudor-Jacobean country mansion that looks out upon a scenic estate and is filled with artifacts and decorative arts.

Temple Newsam House

Explore areas of Leeds

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Leeds City Center

4/5(18 area reviews)

Based around an expansive central square, this lively quarter showcases performing arts venues, fascinating museums and countless bars and nightclubs.

Leeds City Center
Leeds featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Arena Quarter

While visiting Arena Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Leeds Grand Theatre and O2 Academy Leeds.

Arena Quarter
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New Wortley

While there might not be top attractions in New Wortley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Canal Wharf and Grosvenor Westgate Casino.

New Wortley
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Harehills

While Harehills isn't home to many top sights, Thackray Museum of Medicine and West Yorkshire Playhouse are some notable places to visit nearby.

Harehills
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Holbeck Urban Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holbeck Urban Village and surrounding area, you can visit Canal Wharf and Leeds City Square.

Holbeck Urban Village
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Holbeck

4/5(1 area review)

The redbrick and terracotta architecture recall Leeds’ industrial past, while the soccer club and its impressive stadium look to the future.

Holbeck

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Leeds

Bradford City Park showing a fountain and heritage architecture as well as a couple

Bradford

Photo by Sandra Florença

Wakefield

Harrogate

Harrogate

Salts Mill which includes cuddly or friendly animals, cycling and a river or creek

Shipley

Photo by LesleyHC

Otley

Photo "Sherburn in Elmet" by Tim Green (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tim Green (CC BY)

Sherburn in Elmet

Photo "Yeadon" by Mark Winterbourne (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mark Winterbourne (CC BY)

Yeadon

Photo by Elegant storm

Arthington

Frequently asked questions

Is Leeds worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Leeds is explore Alhambra Theatre. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's walking trails and views.
How do I spend a day in Leeds?
Diggerland Yorkshire and Tropical World are two awesome places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Leeds while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Leeds?
The top tourist attraction in Leeds is Alhambra Theatre, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Leeds?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Leeds Grand Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Tropical World with a three-day break in Leeds. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so linger longer and head to York.
Is Leeds a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Leeds, including Leeds Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Leeds is Leeds City Centre and Holbeck is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Leeds with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all the family, here are some great ideas for what to do in Leeds with kids.

What to do in Leeds for adults?
First Direct Arena and Briggate are just a few of the things to do in Leeds. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Leeds?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Leeds. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Hollywood Bowl is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.