About Leeds
Visit Leeds
Leeds is a city where industrial grit meets green parks, grand arcades and a cracking food-and-art scene. It sits on the River Aire with canalside neighbourhoods, ornate Victorian shopping galleries, and museums that tell the story of Yorkshire ingenuity, plus cosy pubs and inventive restaurants dotted through it all.
Layers of history show up as you wander: medieval abbey ruins in a riverside park, 19th-century markets humming with traders, and modern waterside districts around the docks. With the Yorkshire Dales to the north and sculpture, stately homes and spa towns on the doorstep, Leeds makes an easy base for adventures across God’s Own County.
What to see
Within the City
- Kirkstall Abbey: Evocative 12th-century Cistercian ruins in a leafy park beside the Aire; one of Leeds’ most photogenic spots.
- Leeds Corn Exchange & Victoria Quarter: Iconic domed market hall now filled with independents, and arcades famed for their stained-glass canopies and luxe boutiques.
- Leeds Art Gallery & the Henry Moore Institute: Next-door neighbours in the city centre: modern & contemporary art at the gallery and world-class sculpture shows and archive at HMI.
- Royal Armouries Museum (Leeds Dock): Free national museum of arms and armour with daily demonstrations.
Surrounding Areas
- Saltaire (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Titus Salt’s model Victorian village and mighty mill on the Aire; an easy hop by train.
- York: Medieval walls, towering Minster and cobbled lanes. A 25-35 min train ride from Leeds.
- Yorkshire Dales (Malhamdale): Limestone cliffs at Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss. Big scenery and amazing hikes.
- Ilkley Moor & Cow and Calf Rocks: Gritstone outcrops with sweeping Wharfe Valley views; great for a short hike.
How to get around
Leeds is well-connected to other cities in the UK, and is generally walkable between the main in-city landmarks. For those travelling further, there are several great public transport links.
Travel to Leeds:
- Leeds Bradford airport offers several direct flights to Amsterdam daily, as well as to some European Cities
- Manchester Airport (~1 hr train) is extremely well connected, and offers flights to most major cities worldwide.
Travel within Leeds:
Bus
- Regular busses within the city, generally run by First Bus.
- £2.50 per journey
In addition to public transport, Uber, taxi and car rental services are also available.