Things to Do in Leeds
Leeds is a shopping and business city with a river at its core and green suburbs to the north, and each part suits a different sort of day.
Briggate and the arcades
Briggate is the main pedestrian street, running north through the centre not far from the station, with covered arcades and side streets full of small shops and cafes. It is busy on Saturdays and calmer on weekday mornings, while the other central streets spread out close by. If you want just one area, pair it with the waterside, since the two sit near enough for a single outing.
Briggate is the main pedestrian street, running north through the centre not far from the station, with covered arcades and side streets full of small shops and cafes.
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The river Aire and the canal
South of the centre the River Aire and the canal run together, with paths along the waterside and old warehouses converted into flats and offices. It is flat and level, and the wide spaces by the water make it comfortable on a bright afternoon.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Leeds itself.
Real events in Leeds, from onthedoor.uk.
Headingley and Chapel Allerton
Headingley, to the north west, is a lively student district with cafes and a nearby park. Chapel Allerton lies north east and is a small suburb with a village feel, independent shops and good coffee. Buses from the middle of town serve both.
Headingley, to the north west, is a lively student district with cafes and a nearby park.
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A big park for fresh air
North of the city there are large parks with woodland, lakes and long paths, much bigger than anything in the centre. They reward a longer outing and need a bus or a car, so sort out the journey beforehand.
North of the city there are large parks with woodland, lakes and long paths, much bigger than anything in the centre.
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Wet weather
The covered arcades, indoor markets of the old fashioned kind and large public galleries fill an afternoon indoors. Check which days a gallery opens before you go, because patterns differ.
The covered arcades, indoor markets of the old fashioned kind and large public galleries fill an afternoon indoors.
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Trains out of Leeds
Leeds station is a major hub, with trains to York, Harrogate and the Aire Valley towns, including Ilkley and Saltaire. A spa town or a cathedral city is an easy day, and the Yorkshire Dales are reached by train in the right direction.
Leeds station is a major hub, with trains to York, Harrogate and the Aire Valley towns, including Ilkley and Saltaire.
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An evening in the centre
The shopping streets empty soon after the shops close, while bars and restaurants keep other parts of the centre busy. The waterside is quieter and less well lit than the streets, so choose busier routes once it is dark. Taxi ranks cluster near the station, which gives a simple way back.
The shopping streets empty soon after the shops close, while bars and restaurants keep other parts of the centre busy.
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A word on age
Nobody under 18 may use TheDirectory or its Leeds listings, so treat these suggestions as written for adults making their own plans.
Nobody under 18 may use TheDirectory or its Leeds listings, so treat these suggestions as written for adults making their own plans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes for the centre, which is tight and fairly level. The suburbs to the north need a bus.
York and Harrogate both have frequent trains and a walkable centre, so either needs very little planning.
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