The Best Places to Visit in Leeds for a 3 day Trip
Are you wondering which are the best places to visit in Leeds in 3 days? Leeds is a regenerated northern powerhouse in West Yorkshire, UK. It serves five universities, and has the UK’s fourth largest student population, which creates a vivacious nightlife. Luckily, this redeveloped city has effective transport links to the rest of the UK, including London (just two hours away).
Undeniably, you’ll feel the Yorkshire pride that surrounds the 21st century metropolitan city. Whether you go for independent dining, innovative drinking, high-end shopping or outstanding museums. It’s certain, you won’t get bored with all these places to visit in Leeds. Luckily, we had the opportunity to live like a local for 3 months in the city, so we know what we are talking about.
Day 1
Morning
Firstly, to discover a new place, it’s always a good idea to get your bearings. Start your tour from Park Square to ensure you see all the local spots including the notable Town Hall, trendy Millennium Square and the hip arcades (County and Victoria).
Leeds Kirkgate Market and the Corn Exchange should be next on your list. Stroll through the traditional market, which boasts an array of stalls and shops dating back to 1857. Did you know this is the original home of Marks and Spencer? After, discover the remarkable Corn Exchange, which is perfect for a photo opportunity and enjoy a well-earned coffee in an independent shop.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to the historic Temple Newsam, it is easily accessible from the city by car, bus and Uber. Enjoy the picturesque grounds, operational farm and extraordinary house. There’s a lot to do here, depending on the weather and your budget. For example, there are walking trails, sport facilities, a GoApe (for the adrenaline junkies) or the café if you need a bite to eat.
Evening
Some of the best places in Leeds are best enjoyed in the evenings!
Begin yours with a meal at Mommy Thai. It’s centrally located and best of all it is authentic and cheap. You really do feel like you’re in Thailand, with its décor and the welcomed craziness. To be sure you get a table, book ahead because it is small. However, the cosiness adds to the atmosphere. For instance, if you’ve ever been to Thailand, you’ll grace the familiarity and if you haven’t, let’s hope the fabulous affordable feel will encourage you to go.
Better yet, for even more fun, head over to Belgrave Music Hall, locals, students and visitors alike love this popular spot. It’s located in Leeds’ lively Northern Quarter and is a 3 storey building comprising of two bars and two kitchens and an impressive roof terrace. Check their calendar, as there are regular comedy nights and live music.
Do you fancy a boogie? Follow the crowds to Call Lane, one of the city’s freshest nightspots. There’s really something for everyone here, from national chains to independent bars. We recommend Call Lane Social for some rock and roll tunes or head upstairs for warm vibes at the Tiki Hideaway.
Day 2
Morning
To start your second day, discover Leeds’ best-kept secret: the two Dutch water taxis. These taxis transport residents and visitors from Leeds Dock to Granary Wharf and back. They cost £1 each way and run every 15 minutes from either stop (you can check real time updates https://taxitrak.co.uk/here). We recommend hopping aboard at Granary Wharf and disembarking at Leeds Dock.
This places you in an excellent position to explore the docklands area. Two favourite local spots are located here Yoga Hero and North Star Coffee. Conveniently, they are situated pretty much next door to each other, so it’s easy to enjoy both. Yoga Hero has daily classes and you don’t need to be a member. Download the Yoga Hero app and book the class you fancy for £8. From beginner classes to advance, to meditation, they have it all. Celebrate your success after the class, by enjoying a cup of award winning coffee at North Star. Established in 2013, it aims to provide high quality coffee and we can vouch for this.
Afternoon
Whilst you are in the docklands, you should venture towards the Royal Armouries. In this free museum, you will be able to enjoy striking displays of arms and armour from across time and the world. It’s impressive collection is set over five floors. Check out their website to see what is on now and prepare to get lost in history.
Evening
For food tonight, we advise Bundobust (which means arrangement in Hindi). It is an Indian Street food and craft beer joint with a varied menu. Most options are meat free (vegan) but we believe this culinary culture can be enjoyed whatever your preference. It’s not too expensive as nothing costs over £8 and they pride themselves on using sustainable recyclable cutlery and plates.
Leeds was the city where the original ‘Roxy Leisure’ was formed, so why not check it out. They are devoted to shaking up your nights out, to allow for a more inclusive, exciting time, full of ‘great gaming, great beer, great food and great music’. So head to one of Leeds’ 4 Roxy sites and take part in Ping-Pong, Beer Pong, Bowling or Arcade Games (to name a few). Time slots may require booking, so make sure you book ahead online.
If you are still keen to stay out, head to Headrow House, a renovated old textile mill that is tucked away in an old city lane. There are two roof terraces to enjoy, along with four tanks of unpasteurised pilsner, 50 + beers from across the world and offers on classic cocktails. If you want to visit for the terrace it’s open Thursday-Sunday from 5pm with a strong DJ scene on Friday and Saturday.
Day 3
Morning
There’s no better way to start your day than a walk in Roundhay Park, followed by breakfast or a ‘cuppa tea’ in their café. The grand park covers over 700 acres and is just 3 miles north of Leeds City centre. There is no doubt to why it is one of the most popular parks in Leeds boasting lakes, streams, woodlands and gardens. Enjoy getting lost.
Afternoon
Of course, there are a number of ways you could spend your final afternoon in Leeds. However, a unique experience is discovering contemporary art on show in the former Tetley Brewery. Explore the latest collections, participate in a workshop or if that’s not your thing, enjoy a pint of Tetley’s or something to eat from their kitchen. If you choose to eat here, 100% of the profit goes to support their artistic programme. So support a local business whilst sampling quality food.
If that’s not your style, check out Leeds City Museum, which is conveniently located and free to enter. At the museum you can learn about Leeds’ history and they regularly change their exhibitions, so it will be exciting each time you visit.
Evening
For your last night’s food head to Trinity Kitchen in the Trinity shopping centre. It’s known for the best street food in Leeds and rotates street food vendors every eight weeks. There is plenty of choice all under one roof. If you’re interested in shopping, this is home to the Trinity Shopping Centre which has over 120 brands and and it’s usually open until 8pm.
Leeds is renowned for its lively music scene, so it would be rude to head to the city without discovering one of its diverse venues. If you have to choose just one, head to Brudenell Social Club. It is a place of freedom and expression for artists and music lovers and hosts events most nights of the week from a range of genres. What’s more they have hosted top-secret gigs for example, Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Leeds!
If you’re sad that this is the end. Don’t worry, you can always return, right?
These are the best places to visit in Leeds for your 3 day trip. However,if you’re on a budget and want to discover what you can do in Leeds for free then click here. By all means, if you want to continue your journey through Yorkshire ‘God’s Own Country’…
Why not head to York or the Yorkshire Dales?
Photo Credit: Averagelives.com and Unsplash
