The city is still the United kingdom’s entertainment centre which features several enjoyable activities to do including regular festivals such as the Bramham Park Leeds Festival; the Leeds International Concert Series, a year-long music festival with more than 200 concerts; and the Leeds International Film Festival. Leeds, a thriving city in West Yorkshire, England, incorporates with a bustling urban atmosphere the British heritage with a long past. Leeds, the third most populated in the UK, is a centre for literature, music and history, and houses various attractions that are sure to impress every visitor. So, check out some of the best things to do in Leeds on your vacation to the United Kingdom and choose the best of all to enjoy with your family!

Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Temple Newsam
Harewood House
Headrow and Briggate
Kirkstall Abbey
Grand Theatre and Opera House
Lotherton Hall
Leeds Corn Exchange
Harrogate
Leeds Cathedral

1. Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Firstly, this is one of the top things to do in Leeds! The canal connects Leeds to Liverpool area. The canal has a maximum length is about 127 miles, and an idyllic section of waterway constructed during the early 19th century. It actually acts as an excellent spot to sailboats for pleasure, or to chill in the afternoons. It’s a peaceful place to wander about or spend time with your loved ones.

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2. Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam is among Leeds’ most frequently visited sightseeing place. About 1500 acres in area, and with more than 500 years of history set within its walls. This estate is centred in a combination of Tudor and Jacobean architectural styles. With both its beautiful surrounding forest and the vast art collections accessible with viewing on-site, it is popular with visitors. I’m sure this will definitely be a part of your things to do in Leeds list!

3. Harewood House

Harewood House, Earl of Harewood ‘s home, is a splendid Georgian house that was completed in 1771 and took 30 years to construct. A few eight miles north of Leeds, this remarkable house has interior decoration by the renowned German furniture manufacturer Thomas Chippendale and has excellent wall and ceiling paintings by Angelika Kauffmann. It has a huge number of important works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and El Greco, as well as an exemplary porcelain collection.

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4. Headrow and Briggate

The Headrow is a walkway half a mile that includes much of the city’s leading markets, cultural and public attractions. It links to Westgate, Eastgate and Quarry Hill, all host to significant cultural attractions, along with the West Yorkshire Playhouse, London ‘s main development venue, and category II, Leeds City Varieties, the world’s largest music hall. The Grand Theatre, the opera house that is the birthplace of Opera North, is another artistic icon.

5. Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a 500-year-old monastery now in ruins on the side of the Aire River northwest of Leeds city centre. The abbey is a historical, medieval landmark, despite being destroyed under Henry VIII around four hundred years after its founding. In order to obtain insight into the social chaos England has historically endured, you should take a walk of the local forest, explore the market and the Abbey grounds. Get back 500 years and relive the history by choosing this on your list of things to do in Leeds.

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6. Grand Theatre and Opera House

When you’re in the mood to spend your vacation, try getting a pass for one of the best shows in Leeds’ Grand Theater and Opera House. Patrons will see all sorts of entertainments from ballets to operas and films, and this is a place that is a standout for most travellers. Opened at the beginning of the 19th century, each space is comfortable and friendly with potential for about 1.500 guests. This provides an ideal atmosphere to see and experience a great range of performances.

7. Lotherton Hall

Lotherton Hall in Leeds — Image Credits: Google Images

The Gascoigne group, keen dealers of Antiques and paintings, is created for the Edwardian period of Lotherton Hall before World War I. The Oriental Gallery, which has artefacts from the 19th century, and the Nightingale Gallery, which displays local artists’ work is quite nice. The house stays covered on all sides by a formal Edwardian landscape. Its a nature park with over 200 birds and many outstanding walking routes. A bit of historical touch in your vacation will definitely make your list of things to do in Leeds unique.

8. Leeds Corn Exchange

The Grade I Leeds Corn Exchange, one of the three of the oldest institutions in Britain, is considered one of the greatest buildings of the Britain Victorian period. The structure has since been planned and finished by Cuthbert Brodrick in 1864. It contains a diverse collection of stores, galleries and cafes.

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9. Harrogate

Lastly, Harrogate is a charming resort town that owes its popularity to the healing springs discovered here in the 16th century. Currently, it’s a holiday destination renowned for its parks and gardens, having won it the designation of the Floral Destination of Britain. RHS Garden Harlow Carr is one of the most famous visitor attractions. Among its varied varieties of the greenhouse, the 68-acre site features a planting centre, a model village and guided tours. With fashionable boutiques and antique stores, Harrogate also boasts a reputation for excellent shopping.

10. Leeds Cathedral

This Catholic institution, built in the Gothic Revival style, tends to provide Mass to an engaged congregation. It is one of the most significant sites in Leeds’ geography. Also, this highlights a divisive issue in the city’s social history. The area has frequently wavered between the Catholic and Protestant sects. Be mystical or not, English architecture is a magnificent place to see and engage in an ethereal environment. This place should definitely be on your things to do in Leeds list!

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Comprising around four top universities, the biggest train station outside London, vibrant financial centres, there are lots of opportunities for tourists in this fascinating, cosmopolitan city. I’m sure that you and your family will have a great time together in Leeds! Finding this guide useful? Check some of the best United Kingdom holiday packages with Pickyourtrail and book your dream vacation now! Choose the top things to do in Leeds and enjoy a happy vacation with your family! Also, feel free to leave a Whatsapp inquiry for any queries!