Leeds

As well as teaming up with a whole host of great attractions across the north to offer you 2-4-1 tickets, if you’re looking to Go Do Your Thing for less, then check out these great sights, experiences and places to visit in Leeds.

And don’t forget to plan ahead – you can save up to 65% by booking advance purchase train tickets with Northern - which are available up to 8 weeks before travelling, with last minute bargains available up to 5 minutes before travel!

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Take in some art...

Experience truly accessible art at Leeds Art Gallery

Right in the heart of Leeds City Centre, Leeds Art Gallery really is worth an outing and has something for everyone.  This free attraction boasts a wide range of modern and contemporary art and awe-inspiring exhibitions (recent exhibitions have included the work of Leonardo da Vinci), alongside the family-friendly Artspace to draw, build and interact… just keep the kids out of the great giftshop if you want to leave empty handed!

Consider contemporary art at The Tetley

Located in the incredible art deco former headquarters of the Tetley Brewery (hence the name), The Tetley is now a pioneering centre for contemporary art located just a short walk from Leeds Station on Leeds’ South Bank.

With regularly changing exhibitions of contemporary art, workshops and events, check out their website for a truly inspirational day out.

Hit the pavements and take in Leeds Street Art Trail

You don’t even need to step inside a gallery to get your art-fix in Leeds… if the weather’s dry, definitely consider taking a tour of Leeds Street Art Trail… enough to fill a whole afternoon, the trail includes walls adorned with beautifully rendered graphics, people and animals.

Discover something new (or old)...

Learn about the world – near and far at Leeds City Museum

This free-to-visit Museum is a veritable treasure trove. With six galleries it houses collections ranging from ‘Ancient Worlds’ including an actual Egyptian Mummy, ‘World View’ exploring different cultures, through to the ‘Leeds Story’ telling the fascinating history of the city. The museum also has regularly changing exhibitions, meaning there’s always something new to see.

See history in action at The Royal Armouries

A must-visit and free to visit (although prebooking your free ticket is advisable)! As well as live combat demonstrations, the Royal Armouries consists of five galleries and houses more than 4,500 objects showcasing how arms and armour have shaped history, art and culture through the ages.

Have a great day out at Salts Mill 

Just a 15 minute train journey from Leeds is Saltaire, home to the fantastic Salts Mill. This free to visit historic building is houses a huge collection of works by David Hockney, exhibitions and an array of independent shops to potter in. If you’re watching the pennies, we advise eating before you go as the restaurants and cafes on offer are very tempting…

Ways to buy cheap train tickets

Take in some free Live Music

Love taking in live music but on a budget?  There are loads of free gigs going on in Leeds...you just need to know where to look. It’s well worth regularly checking the listings for Brudenell Social Club, Verve, The Grove Inn and The Duck & Drake to get your fix without the fees.

Great days out in the great outdoors

Feel serene at Kirkstall Abbey

Did you know Kirkstall Abbey is free to visit for Leeds residents?  Just a short 1 mile walk from either Kirkstall Forge or Headingley Station, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Great for all the family, get some fresh air in the beautiful parkland along the banks of the River Aire and check out the Visitor Centre to find out about the lives of the 12th century monks.

Play, pick and keep fit at Burley Park

Fancy getting out in the fresh air? Just a short train ride from Leeds Train Station is Burley Park, home to… Burley Park. This Victorian-era park, complete with grand entrance, bandstand and bowling green, is a haven for people of all ages. Despite being relatively small, it also has tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor gym equipment, a mini football pitch, a children’s play area, and well-kept community gardens and orchards – you can come and pick your own fruit when in season!

Take in Leeds by Bike!

Fancy exploring the Leeds area? Love having the fresh air in your hair? Then grab your bike and head on the train into Leeds …

Starting right in the centre of Leeds, the Aire Valley Towpath is the longest canal in the country. Starting a stones-throw from the station, with gentle gradients and smooth surfaces along the length of the route, you’ll find the route ideal if you want an easy day’s pedalling, or if you have small children or are a wheelchair user.

The Aire Valley Towpath route encompasses both vibrant urban areas and beautiful countryside, taking you on a peaceful journey through Leeds and out past Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Fall, Rodley, Calverley Woods, Apperley Bridge, Buck Wood at Thackley, Shipley, Hirst Wood, Dowley Gap and the Three and Five Rise Locks at Bingley.

Read more about taking your bike on the train with Northern.