21 Must Visit Landmarks and Attractions in Leeds

It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Leeds for the first time or you live here, we’ve rounded up 21 of the most wonderful attractions and landmarks you simply have to visit.

Landmarks crop up just about everywhere you go in Leeds. There are so many, you may wonder why you haven’t been before or, if you have, why haven’t you been for years? Even if you live in the city, there’s still a whole smorgasbord of sights and spectacles waiting for your awe and admiration. We’ve rounded up 21 that deserve your time, so next time you’re planning a day out or city break, all the hard work is done for you!

Royal Armouries

Royal Armouries is one of the best attractions in Leeds. It’s five floors crammed full of amazing relics, trinkets and treasures from the National Collection of Arms and Armour. Through these exhibits, it brings the history of warfare and combat to life in front of your eyes, from the Danzig, one of the world’s earliest handguns, to a full-blown suit of armour made especially for an elephant. It also hosts frequent jousting tournaments and arms displays – but best of all, it’s free to enter!

Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1LT.

Leeds Town Hall

This Cuthbert Brodrick-designed icon was opened by Queen Victoria in 1858, but it still has hallmarks of royal finery to this day. It’s a towering symbol of civic pride and a fine example of Victorian architecture, retaining many of its old-world features. Guided tours are the best way to see inside and out, taking you into the cavernous Victoria Hall to see the incredible organ, down into the old bridewell cells below ground and up to the clock tower for incredible city views.

Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AD.

Kirkstall Abbey

There are few better things to do in Leeds than exploring the wonderful Kirkstall Abbey. It’s one of the best remaining medieval Cistercian abbeys left in Britain and you can take a tour through its breathtaking ruins, weaving in and out of the dilapidated rooms where monks once lived and prayed. Building started back in 1152, but much of what you see now was finished by 1182 and, despite the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it remains a grand structure, set in a pretty park.

Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH.

Temple Newsam

Over 500 years of history set amidst 1,500 acres of parkland, Temple Newsam should be at the top of your sightseeing list for Leeds. First, enter the house and experience what it was like for the well-to-do to live here before experiencing one of the most important collections of fine and decorative art in Britain. Then head outside to explore the grounds with landscaped gardens by Capability Brown and acres of woods. There’s even a farm for the kids to meet pigs and sheep!

Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE.

Roundhay Park

Fancy a laid-back day out in the city? Make a beeline for Roundhay Park. It’s the biggest park in Leeds and one of the largest in Europe, clocking in at a massive 700 acres – so much room to fill with fun! You can keep it simple and bring a picnic for sunny days, take the little ones to the playground or dig out your racquets on the tennis court. Prefer a ramble? Walk around the duo of lakes, meet exotic creatures in Tropical World and visit The Mansion for a brew.

Roundhay Park, Mansion Lane, Off Princes Avenue, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HH.

Leeds Playhouse

Since 1990, Leeds Playhouse has cemented itself as one of the most important theatres not just in Yorkshire, but the country. It’s a must-visit attraction for theatre-lovers coming to the city. Why? They’re a cherished cultural institution with a well-earned reputation as a repertory theatre company, presenting an ever-progressive programme of innovative, thought-provoking theatre, alongside acclaimed touring shows and even stand-up comedy.

Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7UP.

Henry Moore Institute

The Henry Moore Institute is one of the defining cultural landmarks in Leeds, if not the country. It’s a centre of sculpture dedicated to the study and promotion of the art form in a way few other places do in the UK. Here, you can cast your eyes over a series of hugely celebrated works, with exhibitions covering both historical and contemporary artists. With the likes of Jean Tinguely, Gego and Jiro Takamatsu, it’s a one-stop shop for art lovers.

Henry Moore Institute, 74 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AH.

Leeds Kirkgate Market

An iconic attraction that doubles as the largest covered market in Europe, Kirkgate Market is one of the best things to see in Leeds. The stunning 19th-century facade is the first thing to gaze at, but inside is where you’ll see it come to life. You can walk between hundreds of traditional stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to loose tea, exotic spices and award-winning pies. Before you go, grab a bite in the street food kitchen – it’s full of indie tastiness.

Leeds Kirkgate Market, Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.

Otley Chevin

For just a taste of why Yorkshire is known as God’s Own County, take a trip to Otley Chevin. This sprawling patch of wild greenery is a must for lovers of the great outdoors – it’s lined with tracks in every which direction, so it’s a popular attraction for walkers, runners, cyclists and even horse riders alike. Our top tip? Take the path all the way up to the top, and walk out onto the Surprise View, where you’ll be treated to incredible, almost endless views across the region.

Otley Chevin, York Gate, Guiseley, Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DG.

Whitelock’s

Head down an unsuspecting alley off Briggate and you’ll find one of the most characterful attractions in Leeds. Whitelock’s is one of the city’s oldest pubs (the USA is younger) and it retains all the old world charm that makes it a popular watering hole to this day. Brass furnishings, old beer mirrors and rich mahogany woodwork set the tone, but it’s their food and drink that will keep you coming back – pub classics, including a proper roast, and great local ales on tap.

Whitelock’s Ale House, Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB.

Victoria Quarter

Now joined by the modern-but-stylish Victoria Gate across the road, the Victoria Quarter is still the first word in high fashion in Leeds. For designer boutiques, this is where you go. It’s packed full of couture highlights, like Vivienne Westwood, Reiss and Harvey Nichols, but it’s not just about the shopping. If you look up, you’ll see incredible architecture and the biggest stained-glass roof in the UK, designed by Brian Clarke, which drapes over the main shopping strip.

Victoria Quarter, 4 Cross Arcade, Victoria Quarter, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AZ.

Leeds Grand Theatre

Here’s one for the luvvies! Theatre buffs will be well looked after at the iconic Leeds Grand. This fine example of Victorian theatre design opened in November 1878 with a performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, and it’s been nothing but hit shows since. This is the place to go to see the big West End musicals on tour, from SIX to Shrek the Musical, alongside being the main stage for the acclaimed Opera North and shows from Northern Ballet.

Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NZ.

Leeds Corn Exchange

Think of Leeds landmarks and it’s likely the Corn Exchange will be one of the first things to come to mind, and it’s not hard to see why. Completed in 1864, Cuthbert Brodrick’s iconic building is still a thriving hub of commerce, the same purpose it was built for way back when. Today, you’ll walk in and be met by the incredible domed roof, which is lined all the way around with rows of indie shops across two floors, from cafes to jewellers, hairdressers and record stores.

Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.

Leeds Art Gallery

The welcome from Henry Moore’s Reclining Woman outside the entrance merely hints at the artistic flair on show once you step inside Leeds Art Gallery. It’s home to one of the finest collections of 20th-century British art in the UK, covering everything from paintings to photography, sculpture to multimedia – you won’t be able to see works by Francis Bacon and Jacob Kramer anywhere else in Leeds, and you shouldn’t miss Alison Wilding’s major work ‘Arena (2000)’.

Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AA.

Harewood House

As one of the Treasure Houses of England, you know you’re in for a treat when you visit Harewood House. This 18th-century estate holds within it an almighty collection of contemporary art collected over 200 years, as well as an ever-changing programme of exhibitions. You can also take a tour of the house itself, but don’t forget to pop outside – it’s home to an adventure playground, a farm and over 1,000 acres of beautiful gardens, designed by Capability Brown.

Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG.

first direct arena

When the stars are out in Leeds, there’s one place to find them – first direct arena. It’s the biggest music venue in the city and, since it opened in 2013, it’s welcomed a near-endless list of musical superstars. From Sir Elton John to Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen to Prince, it attracts the best and with good reason. The unique fan-shaped design puts the 13,500 attendees in the perfect position, complete with incredible sound. You’ll quickly realise why it’s won awards.

first direct arena, Arena Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BY.

Lotherton

If you’re looking for things to see in Leeds with all the family, Lotherton is a wonderful place to visit. The beautiful Edwardian mansion house sits amidst acres of beautifully landscaped greenery – you might enjoy wandering around the incredible history and fashion-themed exhibitions inside, but there’s plenty for the kids too. There are straw bale mazes and adventure playgrounds outside, as well as Wildlife World, a small zoo home to Humboldt penguins.

Lotherton, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB.

Golden Acre Park

For a day of sightseeing in Leeds, head out to Golden Acre Park. It clocks in at a sprawling 55 hectares, offering you plenty of space to stretch your legs, but what will you see when you’re there? There are heather gardens, wildfowl lakes, woodland gardens and even a cherry orchard – follow the clear paths or head off-road to make the most of it all. You’re also very close to Breary Marsh and Adel Dam nature reserves to extend your day a little longer.

Golden Acre Park, Off Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 8BQ.

Leeds Minster

One of the most recognisable Leeds landmarks, this majestic Victorian cathedral was built in 1841 on an ancient, holy Christian site. Now it’s a Grade I-listed building, with incredible 16th-century Flemish stained glass windows alongside modern panels designed by the likes of David Evans and Sally Scott. Step inside and you’ll also find The Leeds Cross. Dating back to the 10th century, it’s one of the earliest objects to be found from the city’s history.

Leeds Minster, St Peters House, Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DJ.

City Varieties Music Hall

One of the oldest concert venues in Leeds, City Varieties Music Hall opened way back in 1865 and is still attracting stars to this day. Back then it was a massive stop on the variety circuit, today, it’s an equally-important stop off for both comedy and musical talent. 467 people squeeze in to enjoy laughs from stand-ups like Ed Byrne and Katherine Ryan, while musicians who’ve graced the historic stage include Will Young, Lissie and Badly Drawn Boy.

City Varieties, Swan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LW.

Trinity Leeds

Think of shopping in Leeds and Trinity is the first place that comes to mind – and rightly so. Taking its name from the adjacent 18th-century Holy Trinity Church, it opened in 2013 and has been serving the good people of Leeds ever since. Shop ’til you drop at big names like Urban Outfitters and the Apple Store, kick back and relax at the plush Everyman Cinema, or enjoy a tipple at cool rooftop bar Angelica. Food-wise, you’re simply spoiled for choice, with Trinity Kitchen hosting deliciously-good rotating street food vendors.

Trinity Leeds, 27 Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.

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