Things to do

There is so much to see and do in Leeds.

The city has the 2nd largest business centre in the UK after London and with exciting new places opening every week, there is always something different to experience!

Things to do on your first week…

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Explore

Take a look at our favourite attractions:

  • Kirkstall Abbey

  • Victoria Quarter

  • Roundhay Park

  • Harewood House

  • Royal Armouries Museum

  • Tiled Hall Cafe in Leeds Central Library

  • Temple Newsam

  • Otley Chevin

  • Leeds Arena

  • Golden Acre Park

Leeds has a population over 800,000 making it the third largest city in the UK

Harewood House

Gardens at Harewood House

Arts and culture

Museums & Galleries

Leeds Art Gallery, The Henry Moore Institute and many independent art spaces

Independent music scene

The birthplace of Kaiser Chiefs, Alt-J, Corinne Bailey Rae, Hadouken!, The Sisters of Mercy and the Utah Saints

Leeds Playhouse

The theatre has been redeveloped, making it even better for the people of Leeds

Northern Ballet

Considered to be one the best ballets in the world

The Henry Moore Institute

Leeds has been voted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine Readers’ Awards as the “UK’s favourite city” and “Visitor city of the year” by The Good Britain Guide

Shopping

Walking around the city centre is easy. You will discover designer arcades, vintage boutiques, independent retailers and all major high street chains.

  • Trinity Leeds

  • The Merrion Centre

  • The Corn Exchange

  • Grand Arcade

  • Kirkgate Market

Kirkgate Market is a beautiful indoor market, with around 800 stalls selling food, clothing and all sorts of weird and wonderful goods. Marks and Spencers first opened in Kirkgate Market in 1884

Top designers

Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Versace, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Victoria Beckham, Kurt Geiger, Vivienne Westwood, Moschino, Kenzo, Alexander McQueen, Armani, Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, and many more.

Trinity Shopping Centre

Fun festivals

You may know the famous Reading and Leeds Festival, but Leeds is home to many other fascinating festivals throughout the year.

  • Leeds West Indian Carnival

  • Leeds International Film Festival

  • Leeds Light Night

  • Leeds Indie Food Festival

  • Leeds Waterfront Festival

Leeds West Indian Carnival is one of the largest of its kind in Europe!

For 2 nights in October, the city centre is transformed into a spectacular festival of art and performance for Leeds Light Night

Leeds Light Night

Our students at Leeds Light Night

Discover more – read our blog!