Attractions in Leeds

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor Last Updated 23 May 2023

There are lots of attractions in Leeds with the city cultivating a reputation thanks to its increasingly popular arts scene. There are numerous theatres, music venues and galleries which, as well as traditional offerings, aim to inspire and challenge audiences with their content. The interior in the city art gallery’s tiled hall is particularly striking and the West Yorkshire Playhouse is must for theatre lovers. If history is more your thing, be sure to check out the Royal Armouries’ collection of arms and armour which has been gathered across continents and generations. Just one of Leeds’ dynamic museums which provide a fun day out for families and curious individuals alike. Leeds is also home to several parks and green spaces that are a joy to explore all year round as many include a stately home. Once you scratch the surface of this northern destination there are plenty of places to see and explore.

The Tetley

The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ - Visit now

Housed in the 1931 art deco headquarters of the Joshua Tetley & Son brewery, The Tetley opened in 2013 and has sat at the very epicentre of the Leeds art scene ever since.

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Leeds Playhouse

Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS2 7UP - Visit now

West Yorkshire Playhouse offers two performance spaces and hosts a wide range of high-quality productions.

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The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds

The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, 74 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AH - Visit now

Founded by Henry Moore himself, who claimed “there wasn’t a single piece of sculpture in my home town” (Castleton) while “Leeds Art Gallery had nothing of any value”, today the institute boasts one of the strongest public collections of sculpture in Britain, and leads an ambitious programme of exhibitions and research designed to ‘make a significant impact on the future of art history’.

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Belgrave Music Hall

Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP - Visit now

This music hall and canteen recently opened in the former site of Leeds Children’s Palace – a three-storey recreation hall and nursery school. As well as multiple bars, kitchens and a roof terrace, its 300-capacity event space plays hosts to the likes of Dinosaur Jr, Broken Social Scene and A Certain Ratio – plus plenty of rising stars.

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Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now

Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey on the bank of the River Aire is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. Its dramatic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and provided the perfect setting for Yorkshire’s Gothic Film Festival in 2013

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Where to go in Leeds

Leeds

Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

Leeds

Gallery

Ni Studios – Artist Studio & Gallery

NI Studios is a gallery and studio in Leeds Corn Exchange, showcasing resident artist Mimi’s work in an intimate setting.

Leeds

Event venue

Threshold Leeds

Threshold is an artist-led project space for sculpture, located in the front garden of a traditional back-to-back house in Burley, Leeds.

Leeds

Gallery

The Mill Gallery

The Mill Gallery is an artist-run space in Leeds, supporting emerging artists to develop and showcase their work authentically.

Leeds

Gallery

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BLANK_is a Leeds-based gallery, run by the School of Creative Arts at University Centre Leeds. It encompasses a physical exhibition space and a publication that showcases new contemporary visual art…

Leeds

Gallery

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery is an accredited art museum at the heart of the University of Leeds campus.

Leeds

Event venue

Leeds Print Workshop

The workshop is a co-operative, membership-based printmaking studio, open to all those with an interest in print.

Leeds

Gallery

Aire Place Studios

Aire Place Studios is a creative studio in Leeds which prides itself on an upholding of equality, solidarity and safe-space values.

Leeds

Gallery

Basement Arts Project

Come and visit Leeds’ most unique gallery space. Taking the notion of ‘underground’ artists literally, the Basement Arts Project is situated in the basement of a terraced property in Beeston.

Leeds

Restaurant

The Old Red Bus Station

Industrial-chic bar and live-music venue with multiple dance floors and a vegan comfort-food menu.

Leeds

Gallery

SCREW Gallery

SCREW Gallery is a not-for-profit, artist-led exhibition space that showcases bold and revitalising art by local and international artists.

Leeds

Gallery

The Gallery
at 164

The Gallery at 164 is an independent gallery in Leeds City Centre, exhibiting an eclectic mix of styles and media from both established and emerging talents.

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Leeds Visitor Guides

Museums in Leeds

Discover the treasures waiting to be discovered as you work your way through our hand-picked selection of museums in Leeds.

Restaurants in Leeds

Discover the best food in Leeds by using our handy expert guide to the finest restaurants in Leeds and its surrounding areas

Literary places in Leeds

There's plenty to spout about when it comes to literature in Leeds, including a number of regular nights and a thriving festival scene.

Art Galleries in Leeds

Leeds and its surrounding region is bursting with some of the best galleries and art centres in the North – and they're beginning to reopen.

Theatres in Leeds

From family-friendly fun to unique productions, there's something for everyone in Leeds. Check out our guide to the best theatres in Leeds.

Music Venues in Leeds

Boasting a strong musical heritage, Leeds has a wealth of music venues to match: from suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces.

Spas in the North West

If you find yourself in the North West of England looking for a spa day, look no further, check out our guide featuring our favourite spots.

Brewery Tours in the North

Brewery tours across the North offer more than just a behind-the-scenes look at hops and fermenters. They’re a window into the region’s character.

Walks in Leeds

A round-up of the best walks in Liverpool, including the city centre, its many parks, and over the water by Creative Tourist.

Boutique Hotels in Leeds

Small and perfectly formed, that’s the nature of the boutique hotel. Leeds has a whole host to choose from but don’t worry, we’ve picked out the very best, just for you.

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Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

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Culture Guides

Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Music in the North

From Lyra Pramuk’s sacred synths to the sugar rush of YAANG, our latest music picks bring ritual, rebellion and ridiculous levels of fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Monumental sculptures, charcoal confessions and a show of two paintings only - all this and more in this month's exhibition picks.

Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.