Coach travel to Leeds

Crafthouse

Inspired by Yorkshire’s local history, Crafthouse’s seasonal menu celebrates the best of British produce. And if the tantalising menu alone isn’t enough to tempt you, the fifth floor location offers wrap-around city views so you can enjoy your meal in spectacular urban style.

The Tiled Hall Café

Located in Leeds Art Gallery, The Tiled Hall Café is great for causal lunchtime dining. Tuck into a steaming bowl of soup, comforting jacket potato or, for those with a sweet tooth, indulge in a locally baked slice of cake and creamy hot chocolate to refuel after a busy morning of sightseeing. Despite the treats on offer, one could argue the café’s true splendour lies not in its food, but its beautiful décor. The tiled walls and striking marble columns add a touch of Victorian glamour to the place, making this café really stand out from the crowd.

The Man Behind the Curtain

While The Man Behind the Curtain is a little pricey, it offers a dining experience like nowhere else in the UK. Unusual dishes and eccentric presentation both lie at the heart of the Michelin star tasting menu, sometimes up to 14 courses. It’s the brainchild of Great British Menu winner Michael O’Hare, the self-professed ‘hair metal chef’, whose influences from the world of music and art are clear to see throughout. Experimental and edgy, this rare gem is an absolute must for foodies.

Wander along the waterfront at Granary Wharf

For a beautiful waterside setting in the very heart of Leeds, Granary Wharf is the place for you. Take in the breath-taking Yorkshire views from Leeds’s finest rooftop bar, Sky Lounge. Alternatively, head over to Salt, a micro-brewery with a passion for tradition and flair. From brewing to pizzas, music and more, Salt brings a modern edge to classic pub drinking and dining.

Explore the bars and pubs of Briggate

One of the oldest streets in the city, Briggate is not short of traditional inns or modern bars, so whatever your tipple of choice, it certainly won’t disappoint. Duck into Whitelock’s, the oldest watering hole in Leeds, for a night bursting with traditional character, or find your new favourite beer in North Bar – with ales from across the globe to try, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Party the night away at Call Lane

Boasting the liveliest nightlife in Leeds, Call Lane is a popular haunt for students and young professionals. Dance into the small hours at Wire or Space, or spend the evening in Call Lane Social, open until 4am every day. Alternatively, if a night on the tiles isn’t your thing, head to Jake’s Bar to sample one of their very own homemade liqueurs, straight from their copper pot, affectionately known as Tabitha.

Leeds Corn Exchange

Home to the very best of Leeds’s independent retailers, the Corn Exchange offers a shopping experience like no other. Browse the beautiful range of fashion outlets, gift shops and specialist boutiques under the spectacular Grade I listed domed roof – and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for pop up events and fairs, offering vintage treats, delicious food, quality drinks, and much, much more.

Kirkgate Market

Head over to Kirkgate to experience the largest indoor market in Europe and birthplace of high street giant, Marks and Spencer. With stalls selling everything from flowers to furniture, even the biggest shopaholic won’t know what to look at first. The market also hosts regular vintage, record and book fairs on selected Saturdays throughout the year making it an absolute treasure trove for collectors and antique fans.

Trinity Leeds

With over 120 high street favourites, including H&M, Urban Outfitters and New Look, Trinity Leeds is the city’s largest shopping and leisure destination. Underneath the iconic glass ceiling there are also plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants, as well Everyman Cinema – the perfect entertainment for a rainy Yorkshire day.

Explore Leeds’s religious heritage at Kirkstall Abbey

One of the best-preserved medieval Cistercian abbeys in the UK, Kirkstall Abbey is a must-see. Walk in the footsteps of the 12th century monks as you explore the spectacular ruins and tranquil surrounding parkland. Although beautiful all year round, the misty winter months give the dramatic architecture an unbeatable Gothic atmosphere that lets the imagination run wild.

Escape to the country… just don’t forget your coat

Just over an hour from the city centre lies some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery. Almost equidistant from the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District, Leeds really does spoil you for choice, so put on your boots and head out into the unblemished land of God’s Own Country for a blissful break from the city’s busy streets.

Fight like a Tudor knight at the Royal Armouries

Sister museum to the Tower of London, the Royal Armouries is home to the largest collection of arms, armour and artillery in the UK. Catch live military shows from jousting to falconry in the outdoors Tiltyard before putting your own skills to the test at the crossbow shooting range.

Feed the penguins at Harewood House

Completed in 1771, the stunning Harewood House offers hours of fun for the whole family. While you admire the beautiful Chippendale furniture, the kids can step into the shoes of a Victorian servant at the dressing up station before heading outside to swing and slide in the adventure playground. And don’t forget to meet the friendly alpacas and ever-popular penguins at the onsite farm experience and exotic bird garden.

Steam ahead at Middleton Railway

Explore Britain’s locomotive history at the world’s oldest working railway. After learning about Yorkshire’s industrial past in the hands-on visitor centre, jump onto the next train for a trip on the tracks.

Answer scientific conundrums at Thackray

Following a four-million pound renovation project, Thackray Museum of Medicine is the perfect place to get your kids excited about health and science. From Victorian living standards to asking if robots can care, there're a host of fascinating topics waiting to be explored at this amazing museum. 

Explore the city by water taxi

Travel around in speedy style on one of Leeds’s free water taxis. Running every 20 minutes between Granary Wharf and Leeds Dock, they are the perfect way to save your time (and your legs), so sit back and see the city from a new perspective as you discover Leeds the scenic way.

Soak up the city’s culture

Leeds Cultural Quarter is located just east of the city centre, and is bursting to the brim with galleries and museums for you to visit. For the largest collection of sculpture in Europe, pop into the Henry Moore Institute, before wandering past the city’s neo-Gothic cathedral en route to the City Museum or Art Gallery. Within a five minute radius of each other, you’ll be wasting no time travelling from site to site.

Find the best Yorkshire pudding in Leeds

A trip to Leeds wouldn’t be complete without trying a real Yorkshire pudding, but if you don’t have time to settle down for a traditional Sunday roast, there are plenty of options to suit your culinary needs. For a mini-northern roast on the go, sample a warming Yorkshire pudding wrap at Kirkgate Market’s Food Hall. All homemade, there won’t be a frozen Aunt Bessie’s in sight.

The Grand Arcade Clock

Over 100 years old, this famous Leeds clock has remained a focal point of the Grand Arcade for generations. If you time your visit right, you’ll see the cockerel peek out from the top as figures twirl around the base on the hour, every hour – a nostalgic spectacle for adults and children alike.

Rivers MEET Craft Café

Offering everything from jewellery making workshops to bird watching sessions, this family-run café and shop is the perfect place to get crafty and learn a new skill. But if your own DIY efforts don’t go to plan, don’t worry – you can browse the selection of local crafts in the self-branded ‘smallest department store in the world’ before enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea at the onsite café.

Woodhouse Moor

Not far from the city centre, Woodhouse Moor is a breath of fresh air. Get sporty at the free weekly Park Run or take a picnic if the weather’s nice. And if you’re visiting in November, the Bonfire Night firework display is also a firm Leeds favourite.