7 Best Leeds Attractions + Restaurants, Hotels and More (England)

Leeds is the largest city in West Yorkshire, in the north of England that offers plenty of things to do for singles, couples and families alike. In case you’re looking for some of the most exciting Leeds attractions, you’re in the right place. Scroll down and you’ll find all my travel notes that I gathered throughout my 3 week-long visit to the city!

Leeds is a gorgeous destination where you’ll find stunningly preserved Victorian houses as well as modern structures, parks and nature, amazing gastronomy and cool cocktail bars. It’s a mix of many things, and the numerous tourists and students that go to Leeds each year consider it to be one of the true hidden gems of England.

Below you’ll find my complete Leeds travel guide that includes the 7 unmissable Leeds tourist attractions, as well as some free things to do, plus useful info about accommodation, my top restaurants and everything in-between. In short, enough suggestions to to set you up nicely for a weekend getaway!

Let’s begin!

Quick info about Leeds, West Yorkshire

Briggate Leeds UK
Briggate street in Leeds UK

Leeds is the largest city in West Yorkshire and the economic capital of the entire region of Yorkshire. In fact, it is one of the biggest cities in the UK and it has a vast and interesting history. For example, fizzy drinks were invented in Leeds, did you know that? That was in 1767! Plus, the first Marks & Spencer store was opened here and JRR Tolkien was a teacher at the University of Leeds.

Many big things happened in Leeds. Nowadays, there are still loads of things to see in Leeds and I can’t wait to share all of them with you!

RELATED READ: 9 Things to Do in York, England – Complete Guide to the City

Where is Leeds located?

As I mentioned before, Leeds is located in northern England, close to Sheffield, Bradford and York. In order to make things clearer for you, here’s a map of Leeds to see its exact location:

leeds map location in england

7 Unmissable things to do in Leeds

There is an abundance of activities to do in Leeds. So many, that I had to divide my list into three categories: top things to do in Leeds (for people who are visiting for the first time), free tourist attractions (for those on a budget) and a bonus list with more options for those that have seen the main attractions before and are now looking for some off-the-beaten path places to see in Leeds.

Let’s start with the first list:

1 – Leeds city tour

Town Hall in Leeds UK
Leeds town hall, United Kingdom

In my opinion, the best way to discover the true flavour of a city is by walking. This is especially true in Leeds, as the city is ram packed with fun things to do and see. Every walk is an opportunity to find a new spot to check out!

Here’s my short list of the main sites in the city that you should “tick” during your walking tour: Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds Central Library, Millennium Square, Kirkgate Market, Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds City Market, Hunslet Road (to see Leeds’ own flatiron building).

As for tours per se, here are your options:

NOTE: Alternatively, if you want to experience Leeds from a different perspective, I recommend taking a ride in one of the yellow water taxis. The price is only £1/person/journey and it takes you from Leeds Docks to Granary Wharf. More information on their website here. There is also a shorter, free taxi boat from Leeds Docks.

2 – See the ruins at Kirkstall Abbey House

ruins at Kirkstall Abbey House

In case you’re a fan of England’s history and charm, I definitely recommend a visit to Kirkstall Abbey to see its ruins and museum. This is one of the top attractions in Leeds and a must-do for every first time visitor!

Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most complex and well-preserved (almost completely) Cistercian abbeys in the UK. The abbey is almost 900 years old and it is located in a public park on the banks of River Aire. There are numerous routes you can take in order to see everything this place has to offer.

Abbey House Museum is made of sets that accurately resemble the buildings, shops and alleys of the Victorian era. There are also actors that wear traditional Victorian costumes on the set to make everything feel even more real – if you’re up for being immersed in the whole experience, you can even interact with them!

TIP: If the weather is nice, pack yourself a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grass near the abbey, it’s one of the most pleasant days out in Leeds!

PRICE: free. Entrance to the museum is £6/person.

By the way, you can find a lot more fun things to do in Leeds for free in this section down below.

3 – Spot wildlife at Rodley Nature Reserve

Rodley Nature Reserve in Leeds

Rodley Nature Reserve is located in Kirkstall Valley as well and it’s THE place to go if you want to witness wildlife and wetlands in all its splendour! There are lots of things to do here, from spotting various species to feeding animals or even pond-dipping. 

It’s a really nice getaway only 8 km (5 miles) from Leeds city center and I recommend it whenever you want to escape the bustling city life!

PRICE: free.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The reserve is currently closed everyday except Sundays due to works to the canal swing bridge. Usually, the schedule is Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

TIP: I recommend visiting the Rodley Nature Reserve right after you’re done with Kirkstall Abbey, as they’re pretty close and this itinerary is the most structured.

4 – Take a walk in Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park in Leeds, England

Speaking of nature and taking some time to recharge our batteries… Here’s another green heaven for you! Although it’s not that easy to find beautiful portions of greenery in England’s cities, Leeds is a wonderful exception with this gorgeous park located only 5 km (3 miles) north of the city centre – in fact, it is one of the largest city parks in England!

Roundhay Park stretches over 700 acres / 2.8 square kilometres and it offers plenty of woodland, lakes and gardens and enough space to walk, run or have a picnic. Or, in case it’s summer and you’re getting tired of walking, you can always hop on the “train” and take a circuit of the entire park every 15 minutes.

FUN FACT: This is the only park in Leeds that hosts a family of meerkats. So cute!

By the way, while you’re here, make sure you visit Tropical World as well, which is right inside the park and it’s one of the most appreciated family-friendly places to visit in Leeds. This zoo hosts various species of butterflies (they have an entire butterfly house!) as well as monkeys, rare birds, bats, crocodiles and more.

PRICE: free. Admission to Tropical World is £5/adult. Children under 5 can enter for free.

5 – Do some Leeds shopping

Leeds Victoria Quarter shopping
Leeds Victoria Quarter shopping UK

Leeds’ central area is a real shopping paradise with lots of options to choose from for every budget! Here are some of the places I went to and that I can recommend:

The Corn Exchange in Leeds

RELATED READ: London Neighborhood Guide – 14 Best Areas for Tourists Chosen by a Local

6 – Sip a drink in one of the best cocktail bars in the country

Visit a cocktail bar in Leeds, England

Did you know that Leeds hosts some of THE best cocktail bars in the entire country? If you take a look at this list of 50 top cocktail bars in the UK, you’ll see that Leeds is home to 4 of them (by comparison, London has 5). So if you weren’t planning on exploring some deliciously ingenious drinks, now you should!

Here are the 4 cocktail bars from the top list above:

There are also rooftop bars to choose from such as Headrow House or The Alchemist (at Trinity Shopping Centre).

7 – Enjoy the nightlife on Call Lane

Call Lane Leeds nightlife clubs

Because Leeds is a lively university city, you can expect the nightlife here to be the same – very, very young. The best spot to experience this is called “Call Lane” and most people compare it to the well-known Canal Street in Manchester – just so you can get an idea.

In short, Call Lane is a long street (pedestrianised during the weekends), scattered with bars and nightclubs.

Here are some of the most popular places to check out on Call Lane:

If you’re looking to chase the night, or want to dance till closing, some clubs to add to your list are: Revolución de Cuba, The Backroom, Fibre.

NOTE: Most clubs in Leeds are open until 3 AM.

NOTE #2: Not a fan of Call Lane? You can also check out Millennium Square or Park Row.

BONUS #1: 7 Free things to do in Leeds

Leeds City Museum in England

I know that some of my activity suggestions in this Leeds city guide are already free, such as the parks or the nature reserve, but guess what? There’s more! Which is why I have created this separate list of places to go in Leeds if you don’t want to spend a penny but still enjoy yourself (btw, most of them are indoor activities in Leeds):

1 – Leeds City Museum

If you’re a museum fan, I definitely recommend Leeds City Museum, especially if you’re travelling with children. This museum has no less than 6 different exhibitions and it’s the place to learn more about Leeds’ history. Plus, they have a dedicated Toddler Town inside the museum where you can leave your little one to do some arts and crafts – how amazing is that for a museum that has free entry?! 

Although it has free entrance, this well-known art gallery hosts one of the most impressive collections of 20th century British art with authors such as James Tissot or Henry Moore. Except for this, the notable building is to be taken into consideration too (like for many other tourist attractions in Leeds, as I’ve said this numerous times before, haha!) with a stunning Victorian staircase that will surely impress you. If you love art, now you know where to go!

If you’re planning on visiting Leeds Art Gallery, make sure you add the Craft Centre to your list as well, as it’s right underneath. If the art gallery is for 20th century arts, this place showcases new generations of artists and designers from all around the country – glass, wood, ceramics and more.

tetley gallery in leeds

Okay, I’m not done with the art galleries! This one’s an independent art gallery that opened in 2011, combined with a cafe – Cafe 164. Here you can admire an eclectic mix of art, ranging from photography to illustration and even printmaking, while also sipping on a cup of good coffee and indulging in a scone.

5 – Royal Armouries Museum

In case you’re a fan of war-related remnants and treasures, the Royal Armouries Museum is the place for you. Here you’ll find bullets, pistols, cannons, as well as Henry VIII’s tournament armour and lots more. And even if you’re not a history buff, this museum is still impressive, with more than 8.500 items on display divided into 6 different galleries, including oriental pieces or objects from the present day for comparison.

6 – The Tetley

If you like art galleries in general, know that The Tetley is… something else. This amazing, free entry place (and I cannot stress this enough!) hosts a masterfully curated selection of contemporary artists from all around the globe. Films, installations, sculptures, free talks and events – you can find everything here and then some. And if you’re travelling with kids, they also have child-friendly events.

7 – Meanwood Valley Trail

Last but not least, a walk in the park. Well, not really, as the Meanwood Valley Trail is 11 km (7 miles) long. Luckily, it is divided into 3 different sections in case you want to take a break. Why am I recommending it? Because it’s the perfect activity for people who want to explore Leeds’ woodland and paddocks, from Woodhouse Moor up to the Golden Acre Park. 

BONUS #2: Extra things to do in Leeds if you have more time

Explore Leeds in the United Kingdom

In case it’s not your first visit to Leeds, you might find the list below to be super useful:

Best organised tours of Leeds, West Yorkshire

Leeds Dock in Yorkshire, England
Tours of Leeds England

Short on time? Overwhelmed by all the things you want to squeeze into your itinerary? A good idea for any of these two options would be to book some organised tours through Leeds that will make your life easier. Why? You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide that will take you to all the main tourist attractions in Leeds! Here are my recommendations:

Where to stay in Leeds

Where to stay in Leeds Quebecs Hotel

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Leeds, UK – Complete Guide

Leeds offers lots of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. Only one thing to know, though: my recommendation is to stay in the city centre to ensure that you’re close to all the main tourist attractions in Leeds, as well as the best places to eat and shop. 

In order to help you out, I have put together this list of recommendations for the best hotels in Leeds:

LUXURY: Dakota Hotel Leeds – gorgeous, popular 5-star hotel in Leeds

LONG STAY: Quebecs – hotel and long stay serviced apartments – this is where we stayed and we quite enjoyed it!

MID-RANGE: Radisson Blu Hotel – comfy and dependable hotel chain

BUDGET: Art Hostel – simple and straight-forward hostel with double rooms as well

AIRBNB: Smart Balconied Apartment in Heart of City Centre – highly-rated Airbnb Plus apartment!

ENTIRE APARTMENT: Aire Apartments New York Styled – fully equipped luxury apartments close to River Aire

Best restaurants in Leeds

Best restaurants in Leeds

Now, this is my subject of expertise! I tried lots of eateries while in Leeds, so now I can present to you my personally curated list of the best Leeds restaurants divided by themes:

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DRINKS

Although all of them are very good, I can personally recommend two of them out of the bunch – Fazenda, which is literally all you can eat meat (boyfriend loved that) and Iberica (my choice), where the food was insanely good and really well presented. I’m getting hungry just by thinking about the place!

What to eat in Leeds

Although Leeds doesn’t have traditional dishes itself, the region of Yorkshire has the following, which I definitely recommend you try:

YORKSHIRE PUDDING

A yummy, baked pudding made from a heavenly batter with eggs, flour and milk. The composition is very similar to a pancake, but the Yorkshire pudding is served as a savoury side, and usually with lots of gravy!

Yorkshire pudding

WENSLEYDALE CHEESE

Also called “Yorkshire Wensleydale”, this type of cheese originated in, you guessed it, Wensleydale, it’s crumbly and made from cow’s milk. There’s also a version of this cheese with cranberries in the mixture – yum!

You can buy it here.

Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese

YORKSHIRE CURD TART

This is basically a variation of a cheesecake, made with fresh curd and filled with currants and egg.

Yorkshire Curd Tart

YORKSHIRE TEA

Of course this part of Britain had to have its own type of tea, right? And personally, I think it’s the very best! Yorkshire Tea is a blend a black tea that has been produced since 1977.

Yorkshire Tea

6 Exciting day trips from Leeds

Day trips around Yorkshire, England

Looking for things to do near Leeds as a quick and exciting day trip? I got you! Here are some of my favourite options below:

How to get to Leeds

Leeds Docks UK
Leeds Street Art UK

Luckily for us travellers, Leeds is one of the easiest accessible cities in the country, as there are lots of trains with fast connections.

BY PLANE

Leeds Bradford Airport  (LBA) is your destination and it’s located only 12.8 km (8 miles) from the centre. 

BY TRAIN

Lots of trains available, including from Heathrow Airport, St. Pancras or Manchester Airport, as well as many other destinations across the country. Just so you can get an idea, if you take the train, Leeds is only 2h 15m away from London, 50 mins from Manchester, 2h from Birmingham, 1h 30m from Newcastle, 20m from York and 4h from Glasgow.

BY CAR

Leeds is also easily accessible by car – 3h 30m from London, 4h from Edinburgh, 1h from Manchester, 2h from Newcastle and so on. Up for a road trip?

BY BUS AND COACH

In case you don’t have a driver’s licence or if you dislike travelling by train or plane, you can also get to Leeds by bus or coach. Leeds Bus and Coach Station is right in the city centre and there are many destinations across England connected to it year round.

This was my complete Leeds guide that includes everything you need to know about the best things to do here (both free and not), where to stay and where to eat for the best experiences, Leeds day trips (in case you get bored in the city… almost impossible!), as well as other technical bits of information about how to get there and more.

I didn’t quite expect to like Leeds as much as I did, but it’s hard not to fall for the vibrant buzz of this city! I’m planning on going back whenever I get the chance. Seriously now, there are so many interesting tourist attractions in Leeds, that it’s virtually impossible to get bored during your trip here. From the laid-back Golden Acre Park to numerous galleries and museums, music venues, lush gardens, and lots more, there will always be something new to discover in this part of West Yorkshire.

And in case you need more help with planning your trip around Great Britain, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about my home country.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Guide to Leeds, England
Best Leeds attractions

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Your Notting Hill Guide – How to Explore This London Neighbourhood

Wondering about the unmissable things to do in Notting Hill, one of the most iconic London neighbourhoods? Heh, this post is the answer you’ve been looking for! Scroll down to find the best Notting Hill attractions, as well as the best accommodations and restaurants in the area, so you will be fully prepared for your upcoming trip to the city! All hand-picked by a local – a.k.a. me!

It would be difficult to name a more vibrant district in London than Notting Hill. It is so much more than a beautiful backdrop for a 90s rom-com (although it certainly lives up to its cinematic hype). If you are looking to get away from central London’s hustle and bustle and enjoy some more village vibes, then Notting Hill is for you.

It’s easy to see why Notting Hill attracts many visitors each year with its world-renowned markets, eccentric backstreets, colourful houses, and trendy restaurants and bars, not to mention the Notting Hill Carnival. In case you’re interested to read more, let’s get right into my Notting Hill area guide:

A bit about Notting Hill, London

things to know about notting hill neighborhood

Notting Hill is steeped in history. It was mostly rural in the 18th century as an area used for piggeries (great word) and brick making. As a fun fact, there’s still one historic brick kiln standing on Walmer road. 

Development began in the early 19th century when a wealthy landowner invested his money in establishing streets and houses. He hoped to create a fashionable neighbourhood to attract affluent Londoners to move into the district. In the 1950s, Caribbean immigrants moved to the area attracted by low-cost living, which led to Notting Hill becoming seen as the slums. The influx of immigrants to the area led to the race riots of 1958 before the gentrification in the 21st century.

Today, Notting Hill is an eclectic and fashionable neighbourhood with a urban-village feel. You might recognise it from modern pop culture such as films like Love Actually and, of course, Notting Hill

RELATED READ: London Neighborhood Guide – 14 Best Areas for Tourists Chosen by a Local

Where is Notting Hill in London?

Notting Hill is located in West London. To be more specific, it’s located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

notting hill map in london 2

7 Things to do in Notting Hill, London

Did you know that Notting Hill is more than pastel-coloured buildings? Heh, it’s true! There are so many Notting Hill tourist attractions, I don’t even know where to start! Nevertheless, here’s my shortlist of things to see and activities worth adding to your itinerary:

1 – Buy unique items at Portobello Market

Of course I’m starting the list with the famous Notting Hill market, duh! Without a doubt, the most popular street in the district is Portobello Road, the place that hosts Portobello Market as well (also known as Portobello Road Market). 

In fact, Portobello Market is actually several markets in one, as follows:

With over a thousand stalls, you can easily plan on spending the entire day here roaming between them. Technically, the market is open six days a week, but really you need to visit on a Saturday when the market is in full swing. This is the only day when all of the antique arcades are open as well.

Portobello Market hours: The market opens at 8:00 AM and goes until around 6:30 PM. There is limited parking in the area, so I advise you to plan on arriving early or take public transport.

TIP: You can also go to Rough Trade down on Portobello Road if you’re searching for high-quality music records and rare gems.

2 – Explore the numerous Notting Hill book shops

notting hill bookshop london

This may seem like an obvious thing to do for anyone who is a fan of the Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant movie! However, Notting Hill really does have quite a few delightful book shops. 

Although the book shop in the film Notting Hill is fictional, you can visit the book shop in which it was filmed. The book shop’s name in real life is The Notting Hill Book Shop – easy to remember, right? The shop is iconic now and a popular tourist destination. Another crowd-favourite book shop to check out is Lutyens & Rubinstein.

RELATED READ: Your Camden Town Guide – How to Explore This London Neighbourhood

3 – Join the Notting Hill Carnival

notting hill carnival

Notting Hill Carnival is one of Europe’s largest street festivals, attracting over a million visitors every year. 

Here are some facts about Notting Hill Carnival: The carnival started in the 60s with humble origins as a way to celebrate the culture and diversity of the area. The event is held every August over a two-day period, a Sunday and a Bank Holiday Monday. In 2021, the Carnival takes place on August 29th and 30th.

The Carnival is one of the most popular Notting Hill events and it’s a celebration of West Indian culture. If you decide to join, expect the streets to be packed with bands playing reggae and food stalls serving curries and jerk chicken. There is certainly no shortage of food, drink, and music!

Growing up, Notting Hill Carnival was one of the highlights of my year, so if you happen to be in the city during this time, it is definitely worth planning your trip around it. The entirety of Notting Hill is taken over with Caribbean beats, street dancing, food stalls and the parades.

TIP: If you’re hoping to carry on partying into the night, make sure you check out which venues are hosting after parties and book your tickets ahead of time.  

4 – Grab a beer at Churchill Arms pub

Churchill Arms pub in Notting Hill

Churchill Arms pub and restaurant can only be truly appreciated in person. The pub has an elaborate display of flowers spanning the entire exterior of the brick building. 

The pub has a pretty substantial budget that they spend just on flowers every spring. It is truly breathtaking if you ask me! Plus, inside the pub, you’ll find a Thai restaurant. They claim that it is the first London pub to have a Thai restaurant inside, so you might as well give it a go!

5 – Visit some of the art galleries

things to do in notting hill art gallery

If you are a fan of art, then you are in luck! There are plenty of galleries for art enthusiasts to peruse in Notting Hill, which has long been considered an artsy area and home to many London based artists as well. Some amazing galleries to check out while you’re in the area include Portobello Arts Club and Calken Gallery. And for those with more of a taste for contemporary, Graffik is a premier urban art destination.

RELATED READ: London: Complete Guide to Brixton

6 – Take a picture in front of the colourful houses

notting hill neighborhood london
colorful houses in nottinghill london

Is there anything more charming than a row of colourfully, pastel-painted houses? There is certainly no shortage of this in Notting Hill! No need to waste any time and search for these yourself, here’s exactly where to find the best photo locations in Notting Hill:

7 – Catch a movie at the Electric Cinema

electric cinema in notting hill london

Luxurious chairs, traditional decor and a great selection of movies – this is what you’ll get if you decide to spend a couple of hours catching a movie at the Electric Cinema. Trust me, this place is a real hidden gem in Notting Hill, located right on Portobello Road! After the movies, you can stay a bit longer and grab a meal at their Electric Diner – one of the best places to go if you’re in the mood for an American meal!

RELATED READ: London: Complete Guide to Chelsea

Notting Hill tours

Colourful houses in Notting Hill London
Spring time in Notting Hill London

You know how much I love my tours and I couldn’t omit them from this guide to Notting Hill either! In case you want to delve deeper into everything that Notting Hill has to offer, why not take some organised tours? There are tons of options to choose from if you think that taking a walk with a professional guide is the right choice for you:

Where to stay in Notting Hill

Where to stay in Notting Hill

In case you fell in love with Notting Hill already, you might want to consider booking your place here for your London trip! This way you’ll be close to all the action in this neighbourhood and you’ll also be very close to the centre of the city as well. 

Here’s my hand-picked list of hotels in Notting Hill:

LUXURY: The Portobello Hotel

BOUTIQUE HOTEL: The Laslett

MID-RANGE: The Distillery

BUDGET: Ravna Gora

ENTIRE APARTMENT: Lovely 2 bedroom apartment in Notting Hill

Where to eat in Notting Hill

coffee shops in Notting Hill London
Biscuiteers in Notting Hill London

Hungry? No worries, you’ll find no shortage of cafes, bars, and restaurants here! Notting Hill has a plethora of amazing restaurants serving international cuisines from all over the world. And if you’re not sure exactly what you’re craving or if you’re looking for some never-failing food options, I’ve got some recommendations of Notting Hill restaurants for you:

How to get to Notting Hill

The good news is that, like in the rest of London, it’s extremely easy to get to Notting Hill – you can either take the tube or the bus. If you’re coming by tube, the following stops will leave you right in this neighbourhood: Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Ladbroke Grove, Bayswater and Queensway. It all depends on which line you choose to take (Central, District or Circle). You can also take the train until Shepherds Bush, then walk for about 20 minutes (or just take the central line tube from there).

I hope you enjoyed my Notting Hill neighborhood guide! I have collected all the best bits and advice about this charming little area in London in this post – anything from unmissable things to do, where to stay, what to eat and how to get there. In short, everything you need to know is here!

If you are travelling to London, Notting Hill is a must-see. It is the perfect place to spend a weekend getting lost in the vibrant city streets and sampling the district’s culture. So go and get lost in those colourful streets and maybe even put the phone down from taking photos long enough to soak in all that Notting Hill has to offer. You won’t regret it.

Interested to find out more? If the answer is “Yes!” and you want to read my other in-depth guides about London’s neighbourhoods, I recommend clicking here.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to London?

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A complete guide to Notting Hill London
A complete guide to Notting Hill London

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