How to spend One Day in Leeds

How to spend One Day in Leeds

The Scarborough Hotel by Mtaylor848 from Wikimedia Commons

There is much to keep you engaged for the day, regardless of whether you are in Leeds for business and want to stay a while, live nearby, or are simply passing through on a long journey.

Students overwhelmingly favour Leeds (it is estimated that over 60,000 students study in Leeds). As a result, there will be reasonable rates, a vibrant nightlife and live music scene, and some amazing vintage goods.

Where is Leeds?

Leeds is situated in the North East of England’s West Yorkshire county. Even though it is a beautiful city in and of itself, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is immediately outside its door, thus it attracts a lot of outdoor enthusiasts.

How to get to Leeds

Leeds is just a half-hour train ride from York and 90 minutes from Newcastle, and it can be reached directly from London in 2 hours and 30 minutes by train. Your best chance is to go to Trainline, which provides mobile tickets and discounts for early booking, to purchase train tickets for travel inside the United Kingdom. The Leeds Bradford International Airport is within a 20-minute trip from the city by car or uber if you are flying into Leeds.

Getting around Leeds

Bus system by Spsmiler from Wikimedia Commons

The city’s bus system is the greatest option for completing this route. Purchase a day pass for £4.70 and just scan it when you board the bus. If you’re visiting on a weekend, the group ticket is another option.

The ticket provides unrestricted travel for up to five individuals for the whole day for just £7! In the city, Uber runs a business and is (as usual much cheaper than regular taxis). If you already have a car, parking in the city centre can be pricey. The most convenient choice is to stay outside the city centre, where parking is free, and use the bus to travel about.

Where to stay in Leeds

Doubletree by Hilton by Rl91 from Wikimedia Commons

The Hilton Doubletree in Leeds City Centre is the suggestion we would make if we could only make one. In addition to being excellently situated near to the railway station, it also has a fantastic view of the Leeds canal for visitors.

Additionally, it is quite inexpensive, costing about £75 each night (but obviously it varies). Leeds does offer a youth hostel, the Russell Scott Backpackers, if you’re searching for cheap lodging, however, be cautious about it and ask the right questions before heading there.

The hostel gets positive ratings and offers beds in dorm rooms for as little as £16 per night.

There are some fantastic quality Airbnb flats and rooms available in Leeds if you’re searching for something different. Renting an Airbnb is a terrific option if you just want a little bit more solitude, whether that’s a cheap private room for a backpacker or a complete home if you’re travelling in a group. 

What should I do in Leeds?

To get a sense of Leeds and explore its top attractions, one day is the ideal length of time to spend there. Since taking the train puts you in the heart of the city, we’ll assume for the sake of this itinerary that you are doing so.

10 am

Railway to the west of Leeds City Station by Tim Green from Wikimedia Commons

Go directly to Layne’s Espresso for breakfast after arriving at Leeds railway station. You’ll leave feeling completely fulfilled since they serve wonderful, fresh cuisine and amazing coffee.

If you go there you should choose Layne’s Breakfast (£9), which has a little bit of everything and is just mouthwatering, Layne’s, a favourite in Leeds, is full, head across to the similarly charming Mrs Atha’s, which serves some of the city’s top coffee and a comparable menu of breakfast items.

11 am

Leeds City Art Gallery by Mtaylor848 from Wikimedia Commons

The Leeds Art Gallery will be the next stop after being fed and caffeinated. It’s a peaceful place to spend a few hours away from the bustle of the city, and it’s free. Additionally, the art collection is fairly wide and frequently changed.

1 pm

Corn Exchange Leeds by Tim Green from Wikimedia Commons

After leaving the art exhibition, visit the Leeds Corn Exchange for some top-notch boutiques. It’s a pretty cool place to hang out in the city and you can acquire anything from a vintage camera to hipster glasses, a brand-new guitar or a fresh haircut. There are also some fantastic lunch alternatives available here, such as Humpit, a fantastic hummus and pita market.

As you go out of the Corn Exchange, you’ll notice a great selection of vintage clothes stores; the known favourite is Blue Rinse. The vintage stuff you’ll discover here is typically half as expensive as the vintage apparel available in London, but just as amazing! BEST, Pop Boutique and Ryan Vintage are further mentions worth making.

3 pm

Kirkstall Abbey by Dav24856 from Wikimedia Commons

Next, take a bus outside of the city to Kirkstall Abbey, an ancient monastery’s 850-year-old remains that were established in 1152. Did I mention that it is completely free? Before venturing outdoors to tour the abbey itself, check out the visitor centre for some background information. This is a wonderful opportunity to get some fresh air outside of the city because it is located in a lovely public park on the banks of the River Aire.

4:30 pm

Eureka Machines performing at Brudenell Social by VPeck from Wikimedia Commons

It’s time to go to the Brudenell Social Club, a landmark in Leeds. A working men’s club in the Hyde Park neighbourhood since 1913, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that the proprietors decided to schedule performances to take advantage of the large influx of students to the area. It is presently a well-liked social club and lives music venue open to everybody.

Bands like the Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand have performed at the club in “secret gigs,” and there is a regular lineup of performers. If there is no one on the schedule you wish to see, it is certainly worth checking the schedule before your arrival. In that case, simply go have a drink and enjoy the laid-back, “anything goes” attitude.

6:30 pm

Tapas by David Adam Kess from Wikimedia Commons

It is well known that it is quite difficult to locate decent Mexican food in the UK. Your mission is completed in Leeds. Visit Lupes Cantina for delicious Mexican cuisine served in tapas servings along with a variety of spirits, beers, and drinks. Reserve early!

Don’t panic if you weren’t able to secure a table. Another excellent choice that offers delectable Cuban tapas is Viva Cuba. Not something you encounter frequently in northern England!

8 pm

The Headrow by Mtaylor848from Wikimedia Commons

Take the bus back to the city centre after a fantastic meal, then head directly to Headrow House, one of the best bars in Leeds.  It’s the ideal venue to toast to your jam-packed day of touring Leeds, serving up amazing beer, fantastic drinks, and a cheerful atmosphere.

We sincerely hope you enjoy this tour and adore Leeds as much as most people do.