You’ll find an abundance of free things to do in Leeds – so even when you’re feeling the pinch, you can still make the most of the city.
Even the wait for payday can be fun in Leeds, because there’s loads to do in the city that doesn’t require you to put your hand in your pocket. From exploring the city’s parks to hitting its galleries and taking on one of its many trails, you’ll find loads of free things to do in Leeds, to keep you busy when you don’t have a penny to spend.
1. Roundhay Park
There are over 700 acres of park and woodland waiting at Roundhay Park, with a beautiful lake at the centre of it all. The city’s biggest park is a stunning setting for a cheap day out in Leeds where you can take a picnic and enjoy the picturesque surroundings, feed the ducks at the huge lake or just have a wander around, admiring the four stunning gardens.
Roundhay Park, Princes Avenue, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 1DF.
2. Leeds Owl Trail
You probably know that owls are synonymous with Leeds, appearing on the city’s coat of arms. But, if you’re looking for free things to do in the city, you’d do well to take on the Leeds Owl Trail. The 25 different owls pop up in all kinds of places and on all kinds of buildings, from the Leeds Tapestry to Leeds Minster, educating you about the city’s history along the way.
Leeds Owl Trail starts at Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD.
3. Kirkstall Abbey
The 12th century ruins of Kirkstall Abbey are rightly one of Leeds’ most important landmarks – and the hordes of people who visit every year prove it’s one of the best free things to do in the city. The abbey’s ruins are one of the most intact in the country, while the surrounding greenery is perfect for a picnic on a summer’s day.
Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3AH.
4. Meanwood Valley Trail
Stretching from the most southern point of Woodhouse Moor, along Woodhouse Ridge, Meanwood Park and Seven Arches Aqueduct before reaching Golden Acre Park, you can’t go far wrong with the Meanwood Valley Trail. The 7 mile journey will show a side to the city you may not realise is there, throwing up a few surprises along the way – and of course, it’s totally free.
Meanwood Valley Trail starts opposite The Library Pub, 229 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AP.
5. Geocaching
‘What the heck is Geocaching?’ we hear you cry. Well, it’s basically an orienteering treasure hunt that is one of the most rewarding things to do in Leeds. You’ll find a set of coordinates on the website, search the spot to find a container (AKA a geocache) hidden with an object inside. You can leave it there, or take it with you as long as you replace it with something of the same or greater value, and the game carries on.
Geocaching is anywhere and everywhere, but why not start on the Leeds Country Way to kick off with.
6. Woodhouse Moor Skate Park
Unlike other skate parks, the one on Woodhouse Moor is completely free, so whether you’re into roller blading, BMX-ing or skateboarding, you can sate all your extreme sports urges without putting your hand in your pocket. On summer days there’s a real community forged out of this corner of the park, with people flipping tricks and learning new skills, making it a unique experience.
Woodhouse Moor Skate Park, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2NW.
7. The Tetley
Not only can you while away the hours wandering around three art-filled floors of the brewery turned art haven that is The Tetley for free, but they have plenty more up their sleeve. Their approach to arts is all inclusive and they run free workshops for the whole family, from den building festivals to specially tailored activities for toddlers, as well as open days that reveal more of the historic building than you usually get to see.
The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ.
8. The Hop Pub Quiz
Tucked away under the Dark Arches on Granary Wharf, The Hop is a cracking venue for a pub quiz. Entry is free, as is a hearty supper – and a gallon of Ossett Brewery ale is there to be won every Tuesday from 8pm. It’s perfect if you’re looking for free things to do in Leeds, although you will, of course, have to pay for your drinks.
The Hop, The Dark Arches, Granary Wharf, Dark Neville Street, Neville Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BR.
9. Leeds City Museum
From Egyptian mummies to Roman artefacts, Iron Age tools to Greek pottery, Leeds City Museum has four floors of incredible history that’s just waiting to be discovered. It also has a Collectors’ Gallery full of people’s weird and wonderful obsessions, as well as oodles of local history. Leeds City Museum is no doubt one of the best cheap and informative days out you’ll find in Leeds.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BH.
10. Nature Reserves
From The Hollies to Rodley Nature Reserve, Wyke Beck Valley to Adel Dam, there’s an absolute abundance of nature reserves in and around Leeds that make for a great, cheap day out in Leeds. Discover animals you never knew existed, spot unique flowers and take a break for a bite to eat while admiring the scenic views.
11. Royal Armouries
Home to over 8,500 items from the National Collection of Arms and Armour, you won’t be short of things to gaze upon at Royal Armouries. There are six themed galleries to discover covering Hunting, Self-Defense, War, Tournament, Oriental and Peace. The Hall of Steel is the centrepiece, with over 2,500 different pieces making up the largest single display of arms since the 19th century. It’s an entertaining and educational day out that folk of all ages will enjoy, and best of all, it’s free to visit.
Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1LT.
12. Henry Moore Institute
The Henry Moore Institute is one of the foremost venues in sculptural art in the world, and it means that without spending a penny you can see some stunning collections of modern sculpture. Alongside some of Moore’s own work they’ve displayed the work of Dennis Oppenheim, Gego and Jean Tinguely recently and continue to bring big name exhibitions to Leeds for everyone to enjoy.
Henry Moore Institute, 74 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AH.
13. Free Tickets for Opera North
Under 30 and love the opera? Well, it’s your lucky day because Opera North, one of the UK’s leading companies, offer a free membership that gets you access to its programme of events for either nothing at all, for certain shows during every season, and they now also offer a number of tickets for just £10 every night. With shows like Der Rosenkavalier, Il Tabarro & Suor Angelica and Billy Budd to see, it’s a no brainer.
Opera North, Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.
14. The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery
As well as the fact that the majority of the exhibitions at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery are free, they also have a slew of arty workshops which make for some cracking cheap days out in Leeds. Adults can practice their drawing and gilding, while the marbling and pottery for the little ones is sure to put smiles on the kids’ faces and keep those pennies in your pocket.
Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery, Parkinson Building, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT.
15. Free Gigs
From the hallowed turf of Brudenell Social Club to city centre bars like Oporto, Nation of Shopkeepers and Verve, you won’t struggle to find free gigs in Leeds. With up and coming talent taking to the stages all over the city, you can have a great night out and maybe see a band or two before they hit the big time.
Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen’s Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1NY.
16. SkyRide
SkyRide offers a slew of free, guided local rides that encourage folk to get on their bikes. There are a few different ones to try, like the History and Heritage route and a Waterways and Woodland trail that shows off a side to Leeds you simply wouldn’t see without your two-wheeler. Better still, you don’t have to be any good to get started – just turn up and get going.
See when your next Sky Ride will be.
17. Golden Acre Park
It may be the end point of the Meanwood Valley Trail, but Golden Acre Park is definitely worthy of a place in our list of free things to do in Leeds. The wildfowl lake is its centrepiece, while it’s also home to stunning National Plant Collections and incredibly pretty gardens, which make for a relaxing day out that won’t cost you a penny.
Golden Acre Park, Off Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 8BQ.
18. Games in Victoria Gardens
Whether you’re a whizz at chess or a dab hand at table tennis, you should head down to Victoria Gardens as they have two of the coolest free things to do in Leeds. There are two giant chess boards paved into the ground, with giant pieces to move around which you can use until 4.30pm every day, and the same is true of the table tennis.
Victoria Gardens, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AA.
19. Board Game Fever
Nope, we’re not telling you to get those dusty games out from under the bed. Instead, head to one of the city’s finest establishments like White’s Deli, Outlaws Yacht Club and Nation of Shopkeepers. You’ll have to get a couple of quid out for a drink, but you can challenge your pals to Operation, Scrabble, Guess Who? and who knows what else for absolutely free. We’d say Twister too, but that’s probably taking it a bit too far…
White’s Deli, 9 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AA. Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DY. A Nation of Shopkeepers, 29 Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AG.
20. Civic Trust Blue Plaque Trail
Fancy checking out some of the most important places in Leeds’ history? Since 1987, Leeds Civic Trust has placed blue plaques around the city to mark important milestones in Leeds’ past. You’ll find them on a host of historic buildings, and while you may not be able to tick them all off in one day, seeing how many you can find on the blue plaque trail is a great free day out.
Kick off your trail at the Louis Le Prince blue plaque at Leeds Bridge, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2HJ.
21. The Leeds Welcome Art Trail
You jump straight off the train and straight onto our Leeds Welcome Art Crawl, as it takes you past Windows of Leeds, before you take in everything from massive murals to traditional statues and even art that’s etched into the ground you walk on. Make your way from the station, through City Square and Briggate before heading out to Quarry Hill and Mabgate.
22. Leeds Waterfront Heritage Trail
Starting off at Kirkstall Abbey, spend a perfect day in the Leeds sunshine, by taking on the Leeds Waterfront Heritage Trail. It passes through the likes of Wellington Place, Holbeck Urban Village, Granary Wharf, The Calls and Brewery Wharf, showing off the city’s industrial development, all while enjoying a picturesque 4 mile walk down the River Aire.
Kick off your Leeds Industrial Heritage Trail at Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3AH.
23. The Gallery at Munro House
Tucked away within Munro House is one of Leeds’ secret treasures. The Gallery at Munro House is perfect for those cheap days out in Leeds, highlighting the inventive work going on in the fields of photography, illustration and fine art with exhibitions changing on a two and four weekly basis. There’s plenty to see and all for free – oh, and Cafe 164 is next door if you fancy a cuppa.
The Gallery at Munro House, Duke Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AG.
24. Marks In Time
Want to know the story of one of the UK’s most iconic retail brands? The free Marks in Time exhibition at the M&S Company Archive is a must-visit and is perfect if you’re looking for cheap days out. Showing how Marks and Spencer grew from a small bazaar at Leeds Kirkgate Market to the most well known department stores in the country, it’s a story that might well surprise you.
Marks In Time, Michael Marks Building, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT.
25. Leeds Minster
It’s impossible to miss Leeds Minster. This imposing architectural landmark is beautiful from the outside, but have you ever been inside? Unlike the biggest cathedrals in the UK, it’s free to go in and have a look around, admire the stunning architecture and maybe take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Leeds Minster, Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DJ.
26. Leeds Country Way
You might need more than a few cheap days out in Leeds for this one, but it’ll be absolutely worth it. The Leeds Country Way is a sixty two mile trail which never heads more than 7 miles away from the city centre at any one point. Stemming from Golden Acre Park through Barwick-in-Elmet, Carlton, Cockersdale and back to the start, you’ll see a whole new side of Leeds.
Start the Leeds Country Way at Golden Acre Park, Off Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 8BQ.
27. The Academic & Civic Art Trail
Leeds is a city filled with art and you can see it for free by following our Academic & Civic Art Trail. It will take you through the grounds of the University of Leeds, where you’ll find the work of critically acclaimed artists and their own academics, before heading into the city centre, where even more public art awaits.
28. Leeds Central Library
Of course it’s free, but if you’ve not yet been into Leeds Central Library (and we know there are plenty of you out there that haven’t), then you should change that pronto. It’s a stunning building, inside and out, filled with thousands of books, but that’s not all that can be found there. Whether you’re starting your own business or researching your family history, you’ll find loads computers, classes and workshops to help you do it.
Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AB.
29. Horsforth Village Museum
Formerly the biggest village in West Yorkshire, Horsforth was gobbled up by Leeds’ expansion over the last 200 years, and Horsforth Village Museum offers an intriguing insight into the village. From its humble beginnings through to its role in the World Wars and in modern Leeds, there’s an interesting story behind this Leeds suburb.
Horsforth Village Museum, 5 The Green, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5JB.
30. Crowd of Favours Cinema Club
Okay, so you might want to pick up a beer at the bar before you settle into the comfy sofas, but if you want a cinema experience for nothing, then head to Crowd of Favours on Thursdays. They stick on a cult film every week, such as The School of Rock or The Full Monty, for absolutely free, and it’s one of the free things to do in Leeds that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Crowd of Favours, Harper Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EA.
31. Cycle Trails
Yorkshire has become the UK’s cycling capital over the past few years. From the Tour de France’s monumental opening in Leeds in 2014 to the arrival of the World Triathlon Series last year, it’s the centre of attention. And you can get on your bike too – in fact, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do in Leeds, whether you’re following the route the athletes took on the Grand Depart or heading out to Saltaire along the Aire Valley Towpath. Plus there are loads of nature trails and bridal ways in Leeds that make cycling even more fun.
Find the best bike trails around Leeds…
32. None Go Bye Farm
Although it’s highly regarded for its farm shop produce, None Go Bye Farm is also a great day out for the whole family. As well as visiting the shop, you’re free to explore the farm itself, which means the kids can see everything from alpacas and prairie dogs to goats and rheas – you can even pick up a bag of animal feed, although you will have to put your hand in your pocket for that.
None Go Bye Farm, Otley Old Road, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5HZ.
33. The Waterfront Art Crawl
What better way to spend a day than by exploring the city, hunting out public art along the way? With our Waterfront Art Crawl, you’ll make your way from Holbeck to Brewery Wharf, passing four-metre high sheep, bike trees and two artistic domes that reflect the world around you. Finish at Leeds Dock, where you can jump on the water taxi back into the centre.
34. Free tennis courts
Fancy yourself as the next Andy Murray or Johanna Konta? Leeds has plenty of places where you can enjoy a game of tennis. The outdoor courts at Roundhay Park and Springfield Park are both free, with classes every Saturday too. There are also a number of leisure centres that have them too, including Kirkstall, Morley, Fearnville, Middleton, Pudsey and the John Charles Centre for Sport.
35. The Living Room at St Mark’s Church
It might surprise you to learn that St Mark’s Church offers one of the best free things to do in Leeds. The Living Room takes place every Wednesday and it promises a 90 minute window where folk can meet new people and get to know more about Leeds in a friendly environment. There are also board games, international food nights and even a cake making class if you go regularly enough.
The Living Room is at St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9AF.
36. White Cloth Gallery
White Cloth Gallery is one of the city’s lesser-known art destinations, but it’s well worth seeking out, as they host an intriguing calendar of exhibitions, all of which are free. Their events span film, TV, music and photography, with recent favourites including special showcases on David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix.
White Cloth Gallery, 24 Aire Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4HT.
37. The Craft Centre and Design Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery may be shut for refurbishment, but The Craft Centre and Design Gallery is still open for business – and it sits just underneath its more famous sibling. It’s home to works from 300 British designers and artists, featuring everything from jewellery and limited edition prints to ceramics and mixed media. But be warned – everything on display here is for sale, so you might find yourself tempted to spend money after all.
The Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AB.
38. The Lines Way
When you’re looking for free things to do in Leeds, getting back to nature has to be at the top of the list, and there’s no better way to do that than by taking on The Lines Way. It’s a four mile stroll from Allerton Bywater to Garforth that’s perfect for walking, running or cycling. Along the way, the former railway line actually takes you through three different nature reserves, including Letchmire Pastures, Town Hills Nature Reserve and Hollinghurst Woods.
The Lines Way, 1 Blands Crescent, Allerton Bywater, Castleford WF10 2AF.
39. Bouldering at Otley Chevin
Make the most of the stunning Yorkshire scenery at Otley Chevin Forest Park by having a go at bouldering. Up on Caley Crags, with stunning views all around, you’ll find a host of bouldering problems, from Sugar Loaf to Martin’s Muff, each offering a different challenge. If you’re after something a little bit easier, Zig Zag and Pedestal Wall are perfect for bouldering novices.
Otley Chevin Forest Park, East Chevin Road, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DD.
40. Verve’s Comedy Cellar
You might be more familiar with Verve from your nights out on Merrion Street, but if you head over on a Tuesday, you can enjoy free entertainment. They offer a free comedy club courtesy of Kill For a Seat Comedy, with previous guests including Patrick Devine, James Christopher, Kahn Johnson and Rich Milner.
Verve, 16 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PQ.
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