Our 10 Favourite Days Out In And Around Leeds

Leeds is a big city with a lot to offer in the entertainment department, and we’ve done our fair share of exploring in recent months. We think there’s a day out to suit everyone’s tastes, whether it’s in and around the city centre, or a short journey to one of the many beautiful areas around Leeds. We’ve put together some great ideas for days out that guarantee fun without breaking the bank. In no particular order, here’s 10 ideas for days out in Leeds.

ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM

FREE

First on our list, the Royal Armouries Museum. Open since 1996, this museum is a must visit when in Leeds. Situated just a 10 minute walk from the centre of Leeds in the beautiful Leeds Dock, the Royal Armouries has a huge collection of arms and armour, all beautifully displayed over 5 floors. Entry is free so there’s no reason not to give it a go!

ARCADE CLUB

The recently opened Arcade Club is located in Kirkstall, a short distance north-west of Leeds City Centre, and is a must visit venue for any retro gaming fan. The venue is set over 3 floors with a huge selection of classic arcade cabinets and arcades machines, with enough of a selection to keep you amused for hours. Entry is £16 for adults, which does make it one of the more pricier entries on our list, however you can stay as long as you like, which means you can easily recoup the amount you’d typically spend in an arcade.

LEEDS CITY MUSEUM

FREE

Another great option for the fiscally sensible types out there, Leeds City Museum is free to enter and offers plenty of attractions for the whole family. Located in the heart of Leeds City Centre, it’s easy to get to. We recommend pairing a museum visit with one of the other centrally located attractions for a fun packed day out.

CORN EXCHANGE

The Corn Exchange was originally built in 1864, but was renovated in 2008 and is now a boutique shopping hub with 30 independent outlets around the circumference of the beautiful domed building. Located just a short walk from Leeds Train Station, you can pop in to the Corn Exchange on your way to the Royal Armouries.

HYDE PARK PICTURE HOUSE

Hyde Park Picture House is an independant cinema that was recently renovated back to it’s former glory, retaining all the Victorian charm of it’s original opening back in 1914. The cinema shows a mix of new and classic films, and offers a more charming and comfortable cinema experience. Check out their What’s on page to plan your evening around a visit to the picture house.

JUNKYARD GOLF CLUB

Junkyard Golf Club turns the fun and colour palette up to 11, doing it all differently from the traditional golf experience. With 3 different courses to go at, and a great selection of drinks and cocktails available (even on the course!), the Junkyard is a great place to go with your mates or colleagues. Under 18’s are only permitted at certain times, so it’s best for families to check beforehand the best times to go.

LEEDS ART GALLERY

FREE

It’s free, and it’s in the centre of Leeds, so that’s a win in our book. A good way to fill a couple of hours, Leeds Art Gallery has a mixture of classical and contemporary art, as well as a beautiful cafe which is a great lunch location.

KIRKSTALL ABBEY

FREE

Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined monastery which was first built in 1152, however fell into dissolution in 1539. Despite this, the majority of the main structure still remains, making it an unusually in-tact ruins that certainly has it’s own unique allure as a visitor destination. There’s plenty to do around this location, with lots of nice pubs dotted along the bank of the River Aire.

YORKSHIRE DALES

FREE

Getting out to the various villages that border the Yorkshire Dales is easy, and there’s plenty of days out to be had with a bit of planning. Easily accessible by train, you can be in the dales in 20 minutes from Leeds central. Whether you just want to visit one of the many charming towns and villages, or take a hike into the dales, there’s plenty of options for a quiet escape from the busy city.

ROUNDHAY PARK

FREE

Roundhay Park is set over 750 acres and features 2 large playgrounds, great walks, Tropical World, cafes and much more. This large park is a treat for a big city, and is a great escape from busy central Leeds. There’s plenty to do in and around the park all year round.