15 Fun Things To Do In Leeds For Indelible Experiences In 2025

Fun Activities To Do In Leeds

Spot Meerkats at Roundhay Park, Visit The Royal Armouries, Know About Leeds History at Leeds City Museum, Explore The Kirkstall Abbey, Go Ape In Temple Newsam, Play Escape Games In & Around City Centre, Take A Water Taxi Ride, Take a tour of the Thackray Medical Museum, Experience the Clip n Climb Indoor Activity and many more.

Whether you are looking for fun things to do in Leeds, entertainment options, or something exciting for kids, Leeds has it all. There are various activities for all ages. From serene Roundhay Park to fun and adrenaline-filled escape rooms and country houses, including Harewood House & Temple Newsome, luxurious shopping centers like Victoria Quarters to Bargain–filled Kirkgate Market, Leeds has lots to offer.

Even if you are looking for live entertainment or want to catch a show on weekends, the place has all the details you require on the Leeds theatres, the arena, and the Gig venues.

Many attractions are located nearby to make it more exciting for you, so you can simply hop, skip and jump from one to another.

Whether you want to explore Leeds city and want to learn something or need indoor activities during rainy days, there will be something for everyone. You can enjoy more than 40 things to do in Leeds; check out how many you can tick off.

Here are some fun things to do In Leeds:

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Spot Meerkats At Roundhay Park

Offering the largest collection of Tropical plants outside the Kew gardens, Tropical world, Roundhay park is also famous for adorable Meerkats. Along with it, you can also witness butterflies, tropical birds, turtles, and terrapins. All animals are free to roam around the park. Due to the tropical origins of the animals, the place is kept humid and warm which you will feel moments after you enter there but after a while, you will get used to it.

Location : Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER, United Kingdom

Timings : Sunday to Saturday - 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM

Entry Fees/Charges: Admission costs £6 for adults, £3 for children aged 5-15 and under-5s go free

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Visit The Royal Armouries

Exploring warfare throughout the ages and across the globe at Royal Armouries. This fun thing to do in Leeds has a huge collection of weapons, making the Lannisters look underprepared. The museum houses the collection which was previously kept at the Tower of London. It also displays falconry, archery, and jousting and hosts an annual jousting tournament. Royal Armouries is located at Leeds Dock, and you can spend a day exploring the huge museum.

Location: Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT

Timings : Open daily from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Entry Fees/Charges: Free of cost

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Know About Leeds History At Leeds City Museum

This is another attraction you can visit in Leeds free of cost. It is one of the best things to do in Leeds for fun. Leeds city museum is located at the heart of the city center in Millennium Square. The museum's collection explores Leeds's history, from the natural world and industry to archaeology, social history, and the place of Leeds’s in the global community. You can also enjoy various family activities, school holiday workshops, and touring exhibitions.

Location: Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, LS2 8BH

Timings : Open Tuesday-Friday 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11.00 AM to 5.00 PM, and bank holidays & Mondays 11.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Entry Fees/Charges: Free of cost

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Explore The Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is located on leafy grounds and provides a snapshot of the lives of the monks who live there. From the visitor’s center, you can enter the dramatic ruins for free of cost and can explore the history of the Abbey, which was capitulated to Henry VIII during the ending of monasteries. Grounds of Abbey also hosts regular open cinema events, Christmas fairs, and farmer's markets.

Location: Kirkstall Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH

Timings : Wednesday to Tuesday 10.00 AM to 4.30 PM, Monday – Closed.

Entry Fees/Charges : Free of cost

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Go Ape In Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam is the perfect location for you if you want to taste the adventure while roaming in Leeds. This place offers many fun things to do in Leeds. People of every age can come and enjoy themselves here. Kids can explore the low-level loops, while adults and older children can have fun on the high ropes. It also has a zip wire on the way down.

Location :Go Ape Temple Newsam, Leeds LS15 0AD, United Kingdom

Timings : Monday to Friday – 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM and Saturday, Sunday – 10.00 AM to 4.30 PM

Entry Fees/Charges: £25 per person.

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Play Escape Games In & Around City Centre

Puzzle fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to escape room games at Leeds. It offers five different escape room games in and around the city center. The trend of escape rooms has exploded across Leeds. You can explore everything from games with virtual reality to horror-themed rooms. There are many attractions that offer free pizza for players. Escape room offerings of leads include ‘the great escape Leeds,’ ‘Tick Tock Unlock Leeds,’ ‘Locked in Games’, and ‘Escape reality Leeds.’ It has a complete pack of fun things to do in Leeds.

Location: 164 Armley Road, Leeds, LS12 2TY.

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8.00 AM to 12.00 AM

Entry Fees: £16-£22 per player, depending on team size

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Take A Water Taxi Ride

The water taxi ride is among the most exciting things to do in Leeds for fun. The water taxi in Leeds runs between Granary Wharf and Leeds Dock, and anyone can use it for free of cost. Both the stops of the taxi ride are among the beautiful areas in Leeds’s city center.

It is amazing to explore the city from a different perspective via a water taxi ride. The entire ride duration is only 20 minutes, but it is well worth a go. Two water taxis run every 15 minutes from Leeds's Dock.

Location: Leeds’s Dock

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM.

Entry Fees: Free of cost

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Take A Tour Of The Thackray Medical Museum

Thackray Medical Museum is located next to St. James hospital. It takes visitors on an exciting journey via the history of medicines and is also one of the largest medical museums in Britain. You can explore public health in Leeds in 1842.

Experience the frightening world of pre-anesthetic surgery and meet the Victorian quack doctor at the museum. Many life zone areas show how to stay healthy and how the body works. It is among the best things to do in Leeds for fun.

Location : 141 Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LN

Timings : Opens daily from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM (Last admission 4.15 PM)

Entry Fees: Tickets cost £8 (adults/17+), £5 (children 5-16), and children under five go free. Family tickets and concessions are available.

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Experience The Clip n Climb Indoor Activity

This is among the best things to do in Leeds for fun as it offers an opportunity to explore the huge indoor climbing center on Gelderd road. Here people of all ages can come and enjoy fun activities. You are offered a chance to try all the abilities to tackle 32 colorful climbing walls. All equipment required to climb the wall is provided for free. You need to come with all the energy and passion and get climbing. In addition to it, enjoy a 9 meters drop slide.

Timings: Monday: 1.00 PM to 6.00 PM, Tuesday: 2.00 PM to 6.00 PM, Wednesday: 2.00 PM to 8.00 PM,
Thursday: 1.00 PM to 8.00 PM, Friday: 1.00 PM to 8.30 PM,
Saturday: 9.00 AM to 8. 30 PM, and Sunday: 9.00 AM to 7.30 PM

Entry Fees: A standard climb costs £12.50

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Explore Unique Collections At Leeds Art Gallery

After an extensive refurbishment, including renovation of the central court and works on the original Victorian roof, the Leeds art gallery finally reopened in October 2017. After reopening, you can get the opportunity to see the spectacular glass ceiling as the parts of the gallery. You can also explore various famous artists' unique collections, the gallery’s major collections, and artist rooms showcasing regular exhibitions. It provides amazing things to do in Leeds for fun.

Location : The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA

Timings : Tuesday-Saturday 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, Sundays 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM, and Monday - closed

Entry Fees: Free of cost

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Spot Penguins At Lotherton Wildlife World

Now you can explore Leeds’s brand new wildlife park, which falls under fun things to do in Leeds. It features Humboldt penguins, a bird garden, capybaras, tapirs, and flamingos. Lotherton wildlife world also showcases a country house, adventure playground, woodland walks, and a fashion gallery. The attraction is located near the city and promises an exciting day out. The place is exciting as you can witness many Humboldt penguins from the Lotherton wildlife world.

Location: Lotherton Hall, off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB

Timings: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM from April to the end of October and from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM until March

Entry Fees: It costs £8.75 per adult and £4.40 per child. Children under five years are free

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Check Out The Leeds Owl Trail

Since the inclusion on Leeds’s coat of arms which was registered in 1921, the owl has been the Emblem of Leeds. Initially, there were 25 to spot across the Leeds city center. The trail of Leeds owl offers two routes for spotting the owl. You can download the route map from the internet, having all information on the history of the Leeds connecting the proud birds.

Location: Leeds’s city

Timings : N/A

Entry Fees: Free of cost

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Shop At The Trinity Leeds

Explore the fun things to do in Leeds at the Trinity Leeds. Leading Leeds’s city center is Trinity Leeds, offering a labyrinthine collection of major shopping brands. The place reopened in 2013 and bought the original Trinity and Burton Arcades under one glass roof. It also redeveloped the ruling shopping plaza in Trinity West. The location is also home to a range of restaurants, an everyman cinema, a street food style food court, Trinity kitchen with nice pop-up eateries, and an amazing prosecco bar.

Location : Trinity Leeds, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5ER

Timings: Monday-Saturday 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM and Sundays 11.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Entry Fees: N/A

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Watch Shows At Leeds Grand Theatre

The Leeds’s grand theatre In New Briggate is home to Opera North. The attraction features a Gothic interior and hosts touring west-end opera, musicals and drama, a Northern Ballet production, and stand-up comedy shows. It is also used as the main theatre for major Yorkshire productions, including Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends the Musical and Gary Barlow’s The Girls. It offers many fun things to do in Leeds.

Location : New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ

Timings : Monday to Saturday 2.30 PM to 6.00 PM and Sunday closed

Entry Fees: Check the website as price may vary

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Visit Leeds Central Library

Visiting Leeds’s central library is a fun things to do in Leeds. You can grab a nice book at the library. Along with books, you can also explore Leeds’s art gallery. You can also access free computer service and explore Leeds Tapestry, a 16-panel artwork famous for the city's history. You can also join the group of writers writing in the Rafters. Explore the regular art sessions and many other library events and explore special collections.

Location : Calverley Street, Leeds

Timings: Monday to Wednesday 9.00 Am to 7.00 PM, Thursdays 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM, Fridays 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM, Saturdays 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM and Sundays 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM

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Which are the best fun things to do in Leeds?

1. Leeds Grand theatre: A historical place located at the city's heart. It offers an eclectic program of musicals, ballet, and opera. Leeds Grand Theatre is from the late 19th century, and this amazing landmark stands out with its redbrick façade, which is covered in Scottish baronial designs and Romanesque. You can enjoy a magnificent performance with a crowd of 1,550.

2. O2 Academy Leeds : If you are a music lover, you should check out O2 academy. It is famous for music gigs and is based in the historical Coliseum. This iconic place has long been at the core of Leeds’s cultural events. It has the capacity to host various circus shows and political meetings. You can check out some favorite solo and group artists in this royal arena.

3. Royal Armouries: It is a comprehensive museum that displays a huge collection of weaponry spread over six galleries. You can explore the wide-ranging weapon galleries and check out displays of armors and arms, which are nicely organized in intriguingly curated exhibits. More than 2,500 items are displayed in the Hall of Steel. You can also learn about the history of hunting and the art of warfare.

4. Roundhay Park: This public park offers a huge diversity of environments along with manicured gardens. You can see a selection of formal gardens, a sports arena, two picturesque lakes, a Greek – revival mansion and a beautiful collection of greenhouses which mimic various climates from around the globe. It offers multiple fun things to do in Leeds.

5. Temple Newsam House : Get transported to the days of Tudors at the amazing Temple Newsam House. This wonderful heritage house is restored to its original form and now showcases the mesmerizing array of artifacts and period furnishings that once adorned the rooms of nobles and royals. The place is the birthplace of Lord Darnley and Mary (Queen of Scots).

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Which are the best activities for kids in Leeds?

1. Abbey house-museum: The museum functions as a portal to the past, which will take you to the roads of Victorian England. You can see cobblestone streets along with quaint periods and appropriate storefronts near you. Also, explore galleries specifically focusing on toys from the Victorian era. The entire museum focuses on education and offers various classes for kids.

2. Rainbow factory: At the factory, kids can explore incredible performances presenting masterful storytelling via all sorts of creative arts. These arts may vary as it includes crafts, games, science, music, theatre, and puppets. All the performances are interactive and allow kids from the audience to participate in playing drama, making models, etc.

3. Meanwood Valley Urban farm: The farm is home to various animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas, and many more. You can also see donkeys, but that’s just the start. As soon as you cover the Urban farm, you will see more wild animals. It is a fun things to do in Leeds as the friendly animals are always eager to meet guests.

4. Jackrabbits’ pottery : This is among the amazing things to do in Leeds for fun. It will let you and your kids embrace the craft and creativity, which will be something truly memorable and original for you. Paint the pottery with different pottery tools. This activity will let you express yourself.

5. Tropical world : It is among the most popular attractions at Roundhay park. Take the pleasure of walking through a lush green rainforest in the center of Leeds. You can also enjoy a trek via the desert, and if you are lucky, you can spot rare birds and animals during the journey. The place is also home to meerkats, snakes, bats, and crocodiles.

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How To Reach Leeds?

1. Flights: Flight can be a convenient choice to explore fun things to do in Leeds. The airport is at a very short journey from the middle of town.

2. Trains : It is the easiest way as the main station is near the heart of the city. For traveling to suburbs like Harehills or Headingley, you can take buses from new station street.

3. Buses: Megabus and National Express offer regular bus facilities from major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and London. The bus station is located in the eastern half of Leeds, Huddersfield, and Bradford.
What is special about Leeds?

The place is famous for being the birthplace of various favorite brands and people. Spencer and retail Marks initiated their first shop in the Kirkgate market many years ago. The First world war prime minister Henry Herbert Asquith was also born in Morley, Leeds. Leeds United was among the top flight football teams which conquered sports for several years.
What is the best time to visit Leeds?

Leeds offers beautiful English weather all around the year. But the weather can sometimes become erratic with a combination of overcast days and glorious uninterrupted sunshine. The best time to visit the place is during spring, i.e., March, April, and May, as the weather tends to be fairly mild; however, some days may be windy and wet. Most of the trees and gardens also begin to flower this time.

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