Affordable Activities To Do In Leeds

1. Visit The Royal Armouries Museum
2. Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
3. Watch The Performances at West Yorkshire Playhouse
4. Discover Leeds Art Gallery
5. Watch a movie at Hyde Park Picture House
6. Marvel at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
7. Explore Kirkstall Abbey
8. Explore the City's Historic Arcades
9. Pay a Visit at Temple Newsam
10. Checkout British Library

Leeds is rightly reputed as a city which is frugal and you would be surprised to know the number of cheap things to do in Leeds. It provides the ideal blend of frantic city life and accessibility to the great outdoors, with its luscious city parks and a variety of majestic rural estates and nature reserves on the outskirts.

As the city is rich in terms of museums, art galleries and parks, most of these places have very low entry fees and some of the places require absolutely no fees to enter, like the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Art gallery or Yorkshire Sculpture Park. There are plenty of "A" experiences to be obtained without spending a fortune. When you are travelling with a limited budget, you'll be happy to know that there are many cheap things to do in Leeds, from walking through beautiful parks to learning about the history of the city.

Here are some of the cheap things to do in Leeds:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
01

Visit The Royal Armouries Museum

About- The building's architecture, as well as the outstanding arm collections from all across the world, will leave you in awe. Hatchets and helmets both are included, as are other objects from different eras and regions of the world. There are almost 5,000 objects to learn about and five floors worth of things to discover. You can find three automatic machine gun prototypes, an elephant covered in armour, a silk bulletproof suit, and more.

Even a kit for murdering vampires using occult methods is available which comes with stakes and rosary beads.It's unquestionably the finest approach to discovering the history of this weaponry. You might need to spend a few hours browsing the museum, which includes five levels and more than 4,500 items from the 15th century to the present. The Royal Armouries' participatory nature is one of its greatest features. Many different things are available for you to explore and learn about. Hence, visiting The Royal Armouries Museum is among the cheap things to do in Leeds with an exceptional experience.

Location- Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT, United Kingdom

Opening Hours- 10:00 am - 05:00 pm.

Entry Fees- Free.

Recommended Read: Things To Do In London
02

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

Taking walks on trails is one of the greatest outdoor activities and one of the cheap things to do in Leeds. The Meanwood Valley Trail is conveniently close to the city center, making it easy to reach. Take the 51 bus from Vicar Lane if you choose not to drive.You can get from Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre Park by walking along a straight path for 7 miles. While you are walking on this road, you get the feeling that you are surrounded by nature.

Location:
Sugar Well Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 2QG, United Kingdom

Opening Hours:
10 am to 3 pm at Farm & Shop, 10 am to 4 pm at The Barn Coffee Shop.

Entry Fees:
£2 for adults and 50p for children over 2, under two is free.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In London
03

Watch The Performances At West Yorkshire Playhouse

About- In Leeds, West Yorkshire, England's downtown, there is a theatre called Leeds Playhouse. The Leeds Playhouse was replaced by the West Yorkshire Playhouse when it opened its doors in 1990 in the Quarry Hill neighborhood of the city. In June 2018, it underwent a name change and was known as Leeds Playhouse.

There are two auditoriums in the West Yorkshire Playhouse, and a variety of shows like ‘Little Night Music’,’ Wendy & Peter Pan’ and many more, are presented there in addition to community outreach activities. It is surprisingly among the cheap things to do in Leeds.

Location:
Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP, United Kingdom

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday- 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Entry Fee:
Free

Know More: Places To Visit In Leeds
04

Discover Leeds Art Gallery

In the center of Leeds City Centre, there is a free attraction called Leeds Art Gallery. Along with a full calendar of activities, the gallery's collection includes a wide variety of modern and contemporary works of art. The bottom galleries house sculpture, temporary exhibits, and artwork from the collection's early years.

Recent shows have included Yorkshire Sculpture International, New Contemporaries, and Leonardo da Vinci- A Life in Drawing. Contemporary pieces from the collection may be found in the top galleries, along with various shifting exhibitions. While this happens, Artspace offers a welcoming, unhurried, creative environment with art supplies and activities that explore topics inspired by the collections. As adventurous as it sounds, it is among the cheap things to do in Leeds.

Location: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday- 9.00 to 5.00 pm and Sunday 11.00 to 5.00 pm.

Entry Fees: Free
05

Watch a Movie At Hyde Park Picture House

The Hyde Park Picture House is one of the UK's oldest movie theatres, having opened its doors in 1914. The movie theatre offers a diverse selection of films, from indie films to major new blockbusters. In 1987, the location hosted the first Leeds International Film Festival.

In addition to screening films, the theatre occasionally organises musical acts and has served as a wedding site as well as a backdrop for movies and television shows. This is the centre for family-friendly events, enabling young audiences to experience amazing movies and appreciate the miracle of cinema. Every Saturday at noon, family movies are shown, as well as the greatest independent, vintage, and award-winning movies from across the world. Wednesdays at 11 are reserved for regular kids screenings.

Location:
73 Brudenell Rd, Leeds LS6 1JD, United Kingdom

Opening Hours:
Wednesday-11 am and Saturday at noon

Entry Fees:
£5 cinema tickets

Also Checkout: Places To Visit In Birmingham
06

Marvel At Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Some of the best artists in the world may be seen in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a worldwide center for modern and contemporary art. The four open-air galleries feature their art and are among the cheap things to do in Leeds. This magnificent park is located on the vast historical estate that formerly encircled the stunning Bretton Hall, which was constructed in the Palladian style of architecture. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is conveniently situated about one mile from Junction 38 of the M1, seven miles outside Wakefield, and twenty miles south of Leeds in West Yorkshire.

Location: West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG, England

Opening Hours:
10 am- 5 pm.

Entry Fees:
Free

Do Checkout: Things To Do In Birmingham
07

Explore Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey, a stunning free visitor destination in Leeds, is about 15 minutes from the city center. An abandoned Cistercian abbey from 1152 is called Kirkstall Abbey. Currently, it is a Grade I listed structure i.e. the building has extraordinary national, architectural, or historical significance, which is visible inside and out.

A serene public park and a portion of the River Aire surround the abbey, adding to its uniqueness. Check the Kirkstall Monastery event calendar if you're thinking about going there because, occasionally, they have a free market in the area around the abbey. At the market's various stalls, you can buy Yorkshire goods, handcrafted crafts, and much more.

Location: Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH, United Kingdom

Opening Hours:
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4.30 pm.

Entry Fees:
£5 for adults and £2.50 for children. 

Check This Out: Things To Do In Manchester
08

Explore The City's Historic Arcades

While visiting the city centre of Leeds, you can easily explore many historic arcades. Queen's Arcade, Thornton's Arcade, and Victoria Quarter are just a few of the city's historic arcades. These arcades have not only stunning architecture to admire but also a wide variety of independent stores where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Moreover, a lot of these arcades have amazing restaurants and  Olive & Rye is one of the most popular arcade cafés. Additionally, if you go to Leeds around Christmas, you'll enjoy strolling through the arcades because they are so beautifully lit.

Location: New Briggate in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England,

Opening Hours: Open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.

Entry Fees: For adults- £16.00; children under 16 years old- £8.00; and family of 2 Adults, 2 Children- £40.00

Know More: Places To Visit In Manchester
09

Pay A Visit At Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam Estate, built in an amazing Tudor-Jacobean style, is situated amid 1500 acres of alluring parkland, is home to a rare breed farm, and has a rich history via its 500-year-old country mansion. Some of the best works of ornamental art will greet you as you enter the estate.

Temple Newsam is a different estate home outside of Leeds. Although reservations and payment are required to visit the home, you are free to wander around the vast grounds. Temple Newsam also features lovely gardens, a lakeside ideal for picnics in the summer, and a small farm with many animals, including guinea pigs, piglets, and sheep.

Location: Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0AE, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Entry Fees: House costs £5 for an adult, Farm costs £3.60 for a child, and House and Farm costs £3.90 for an adult. It is free for kids under five years of age. Members of the National Arts Collection Fund, Friends of Leeds City Museums, HHA, and Leeds Art Fund are entitled to free admission to the House. Family- Members of the National Arts Collection Fund, Friends of Leeds City Museums, HHA members, and the Leeds Art Fund are all entitled to free admission to the House. Leeds card cost farm £ 2.90, House: £ 4.00 and both £ 5.90.

Recommended Read: Things To Do In Liverpool
10

Checkout British Library

The huge Temple Works in Holbeck received more than £1 million from Historic England to help with necessary repairs to make it the British Library's new northern home. It is a significant financial boost for one of the largest Grade I-listed structures in the north of England and is also among the cheap things to do in Leeds.

The iconic Victorian structure is known for its Egyptian design and stories of sheep grazing on the top in the 19th century. The West Yorkshire devolution agreement received an initial $5 million from Leeds City Council to finance critical building stabilisation work.

Location: 17 Marshall St, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9EH, United Kingdom

Opening Hours:
10 am - 6 pm.

Entry Fees:
Free

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Liverpool

People Also Ask About Leeds

  1. What are the things to do in Leeds on a Friendly Budget?

    1. Visit The Royal Armouries Museum: You will be in awe of the building's design and the magnificent arm collections from all around the world. It's interesting and fun to see the performances. It is undoubtedly the best method for learning about the history of these weapons. You may explore and learn about a variety of subjects for free.

    2. Watch The Performances at West Yorkshire Playhouse:
    Leeds Playhouse is a theatre located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The West Yorkshire Playhouse opened its doors in 1990 in the city's Quarry Hill neighborhood, taking the place of the Leeds Playhouse. In June 2018, it underwent a name change and became known as Leeds Playhouse. There are two auditoriums there, and in addition to community outreach activities, various shows are presented here for free.

    3. Discover Leeds Art Gallery:
    The Leeds Art Gallery is a free attraction located in Leeds City Centre. The gallery's collection consists of a wide range of modern and contemporary works of art, together with a comprehensive schedule of events. Artspace provides a warm, relaxed, and creative setting with art supplies and activities that explore themes inspired by the collections while this is going on.

    4. Marvel at Yorkshire Sculpture Park:
    A major hub for modern and contemporary art, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is home to some of the top artists in the world. Their work is shown in the open air and its four galleries for free. On the large historical estate that originally ringed the beautiful Bretton Hall, built in the Palladian style of architecture, is where you'll find this lovely park.

  2. What are the best adventurous activities to do in Leeds?

    1. Pay a Visit at Temple Newsam: Temple Newsam Estate was constructed in a magnificent Tudor-Jacobean design and is surrounded by 1500 acres of lovely parkland. As you enter the estate, you'll be greeted by some of the best ornamental art pieces. Another estate house outside of Leeds is Temple Newsam. You may explore the expansive grounds without making appointments or paying to enter the House. Additionally, Temple Newsam has magnificent gardens, a lakeside that's great for summertime picnics, and a small farm with many animals, such as guinea pigs, piglets, and lambs.

    2. Explore Kirkstall Abbey:
    Leeds' stunning Kirkstall Abbey is a free tourist attraction that can be reached in about 15 minutes. The calm public park and a portion of the River Aire that surround the abbey add to its uniqueness. If you're considering visiting Kirkstall Monastery, check the event calendar beforehand because the area around the monastery periodically has a free market. You may acquire Yorkshire goods, homemade crafts, and more at the market's various stalls.

    3. Marvel at Yorkshire Sculpture Park:
      A major hub for modern and contemporary art, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is home to some of the top artists in the world. Their work is shown in the open air and its four galleries for free and also among the cheap things to do in Leeds. On the large historical estate that originally ringed the beautiful Bretton Hall, built in the Palladian style of architecture, is where you'll find this lovely park.

    4. Meanwood Valley Urban Farm:
    One of the best outdoor activities and cheap things to do in Leeds is walking on trails, and the Meanwood Valley Trail is ideally located in the city center, making it quite simple to get to. If not driving, take the 51 bus from Vicar Lane. From Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre Park, you may travel 7 miles by walking straight. On this path, you truly feel you are out in the wilderness.

  3. How many days do you need in Leeds?

    If you wish to get a sense of Leeds and explore its top attractions, the recommended length of time to stay there is one day. For the sake of this schedule, we'll assume that you're traveling to the city by train because it puts you in the heart of the action.
  4. What is the best time to visit In Leeds?

    The ideal time to visit Leeds is during the summer, specifically from mid-May to mid-September. The weather is usually pleasant for outdoor activities during this time, although it's recommended to pack an umbrella and a sweater or a sweatshirt for chilly evenings or days.

    Recommended Read: Things To Do In Leeds With Kids
  5. How to Reach Leeds?

    1. Flight:  Anyone choosing to travel to Leeds should consider flying because Leeds Bradford Airport is close to the city's center. The Flying Bus Company offers frequent bus service to Leeds Railway Station, although the airport is a few kilometers to the city's northeast. British Airways, FlyBe, Aer Lingus, and Monarch are among the airlines that fly into Leeds Bradford Airport.

    2. Train: Since Leeds' main station is situated directly in the middle of the city, using the train is arguably the most convenient method of transportation. Buses leave New Station Street towards destinations in the suburbs, such as Headingley or Harehills, while popular tourist destinations like the Victoria Quarter are accessible on foot. Regional commuter services, as well as East Coast and CrossCountry trains, all stop in Leeds.

    3. Bus: Regular bus service is offered to Leeds from major British cities, including London, Birmingham, and Manchester, by National Express and Megabus. Near the city center, on the eastern side of the city, is where you'll find the bus station. Local buses may carry tourists to any location in Leeds, as well as to Bradford or Huddersfield, although walking is the quickest way to get to the main sights.

    Suggested Read: Things To Do In Leeds During Christmas

Popular Related Destinations

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong