Kirkgate market (including the original Marks & Spencers penny bazaar) for local treasures
Marks and Spencers is now a national treasure, but it started life as a tiny Leeds gem back in 1884. Kirkgate Market is a shopping staple in Leeds and one of the largest covered markets in Europe! Nestled in the centre of all the bustling stalls you can find the original Marks & Spencers market stall. Staffed all year round, you can find a selection of M&S’s finest coffees and teas along with Leeds post cards and great gift packages to celebrate the history of the business.
You can also find some amazing food stalls in Kirkgate Market. So, whether you want to indulge your sweet tooth on some fresh Turkish delight, or sample some savoury snacks you’re certain to find something you love!
Dry Dock for a once in a lifetime drinking experience
If you fancy a pint in a quirky drinking spot, Leeds is the city for you! Craft ales can be found across the city but very few pubs are more uniquely placed than the Dry Dock! A hollowed out sand and gravel barge that used to go up and down the River Aire is now one of the city’s most loved pubs.
Here you can sit at rustic wooden tables whilst you try one of their many craft ales on draft, or if it’s sunny you can always go up to the top deck with a nice cold cocktail. Popular with pretty much every age group, this is the kind of pub where you can rub elbows with the locals and get a true taste of the Leeds’ life.
Water Taxi for a novel way to explore the city
Although Leeds is a land-locked city, they really do love their boats. If you’re looking for a picturesque way to get from Granary Wharf to the Royal Armouries (which is also a great spot and free museum to explore), then the water taxi is the perfect solution. The taxis run every 20 minutes and are completely free, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing riverside architecture Leeds is proud to offer!
City Varieties to see a performance in a historic building
If you love of history and amazing live shows, then the City Varieties are a must-see whilst you’re in Leeds! Built in 1865 this Victorian music hall has remained almost completely unchanged in the last 153 years, and welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Harry Houdini, the Chuckle brothers and many more.
Thanks to a multi-million-pound refurbishment from 2009 to 2011, this gem has been restored to all its former glory, and whether or not a show is on when you’re in Leeds, it’s well worth a visit!
Whitelock's for a pint in the oldest pub in Leeds
Possibly the best well hidden of our chosen gems is Whitelock’s — Leeds’ oldest pub! First opening its doors in 1715, this jewel of a spot is tucked away between the Trinity Centre and Commercial Street. It’s easy to miss the entrance, but once you’ve found it, you’ll never forget! Whether you choose to sit indoors or out, you can stay toasty warm under the heaters making this a great spot all year round.