If you’re thinking of spending some time in Leeds this summer but don’t want it to cost you an arm and a leg, then you’ve come to the right place.
There is certainly no shortage of fun things to do in Leeds city centre. Thankfully, many of our favourite activities are free, meaning you can enjoy an unforgettable day out without breaking the bank. So, without further ado, here are some of the best free things to do in Leeds!
Outdoor Activities
If we’re lucky enough to get some sun this summer, then you need to make the most of it! Thankfully, there are plenty of outdoor things to do in Leeds.
Here are some of our top picks:
Take a Stroll Through Roundhay Park
Open all day everyday, this large urban park is the perfect setting for a family stroll. Across the park there are a number of playgrounds, skate parks, sports pitches, and lakes offering ample entertainment for children of all ages. Plus, there’s a land train which runs every 15 minutes from 11am on Saturdays and Sundays, and throughout the school holidays. While it does cost to take the eight-minute ride (£1.50 for a single ticket or £2.00 for a return), it’s equally fun for little ones to watch from the sidelines for free.
The park is situated just 20 minutes from Leeds city centre. And with four car parks, there is plenty of space for parking, making it not only a fun choice, but a practical one, too. So, take a picnic, soak up the sun, and enjoy a memorable day at Roundhay Park.
Line the Streets at Leeds Pride
Leeds Pride is a highly anticipated event that thousands of people across Yorkshire and the rest of the UK look forward to every year. The festival, which takes place on 18 and 19 July, features a colourful parade that marches through the city centre with music, floats, costumes, and performances, so it’s certainly not one to miss.
Although it is a family-friendly festival, there are also a number of other Leeds Pride events happening throughout the weekend that are ideal for adults-only parties.
This year is set to be even bigger and better than ever before, as Leeds Pride celebrates its 20th year of Pride in Leeds. Completely free and undeniably fun, Leeds Pride is one of the best things to do in Leeds city centre.
Walk the Meanwood Valley Trail
Just north of Leeds city centre is the Meanwood Valley Trail, a seven-mile (11km) trail that’s ideal for those looking for things to do in Leeds for adults. On a sunny day, there is no better way to explore the Meanwood Valley Local Nature Reserve.
If you don’t fancy the full seven miles, or you have young children, the trail is split into three sections that provide much shorter walks:
- Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park – two miles
- Meanwood Park to Seven Arches – two miles
- Seven Arches to Golden Acre Park – three miles
There are a few parking options, too. There is plenty of on-street parking near Woodhouse Moor, a free car park at Meanwood Park (though this can fill up quickly), a free car park in Adel Woods, and a number of pay and display car parks at Golden Acre Park.
Indoor Activities
Unfortunately, British Summer Time doesn’t always mean sun. In the event that this summer isn’t so summery, there are a number of things to do in Leeds for adults and families that are both free and indoor.
Here are some of the most popular options:
Visit Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in art and culture, with a wide range of exhibitions on offer from contemporary British art to Victorian paintings and 19th-century sculptures.
The gallery is located in the heart of Leeds city centre and is completely free to visit, though a small donation is encouraged if you are able. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm, and Sundays from 11am until 3pm. There is also a café and a shop if you fancy treating yourself to a souvenir or stopping for a spot of tea and cake.
Explore The Royal Armouries Museum
For fun things to do with kids in Leeds, there is no better option than the Royal Armouries Museum. Filled to the brim with historical artifacts, from Japanese samurai swords to the armour of an Indian war elephant, the museum offers an exceptionally exciting walk through arms and armour history. Plus there are a number of live shows and fight demonstrations hosted regularly.
The museum is free to enter and you don’t need to book, but during weekends and school holidays it can get quite busy, so it is recommended that you book in advance during these times to avoid disappointment.
Take the Tour at Leeds Discovery Centre
Leeds Discovery Centre is a storage facility for Leeds Museums and Galleries, which holds the collections that the museum just doesn’t have the space to put on show.
There are over one million items in the facility and the tour offers a great glimpse into the behind the scenes of the museum – it’s perfect for families looking for free things to do in Leeds.
You do need to pre-book the tour but it is completely free, although you can give a donation upon booking if you’d like. There is plenty of on-street and multi-storey parking nearby, or you can take the train as the main station is just a short walk away.
Enjoy Endless Entertainment in Leeds
There are plenty of things to do in Leeds city centre, from stunning nature walks to immersive historical experiences. To top it off, you can do it all for free!
Whether it’s a family day out with the kids, a day date with your partner, or an outing with friends, you won’t be stuck looking for fun things to do in Leeds.
