Top Things to Do in Leeds

Whether you are a first-time visitor or you just want to explore more of this fabulous city, discover the top things to do in Leeds.

Vonder has expanded its concept of co-living London, opening its first UK location outside London with the launch of Vonder Riverside in Leeds.  The new site in Leeds increases Vonder’s total number of operational and contracted units in the UK to over 2,500, with several thousand more globally. The announcement follows the news that Leeds was rated the UK’s most vibrant city according to a study by CGA. 

Leeds is a cosmopolitan city in a beautiful historical setting, perfectly balancing the business of city life with the greenery of the great outdoors. Whether you are a first-time visitor or you just want to explore more of this fabulous city, you will discover what makes Leeds great. 

Here are the top things to do in Leeds: 

Rodley Nature Reserve

These wetland habitats complement the nearby River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Spot different species at the varied lagoons, marshes, meadows, and grasslands at this reserve. From birdwatching to pond-dipping, you can spend hours exploring the wildlife here. 

Royal Armouries

Explore the country’s national collection of armour at this free museum. This collection covers the span of history, with antique and modern weaponry on display. Royal Armouries displays more than 4,500 artefacts, including Henry VIII’s tournament armour, elephant armour, and objects from pop culture. They also host a daily programme of tours, talks, live combat displays, and exciting performances. Check their website for more information. 

Kirkstall Abbey

This 900-year-old abbey is an architectural marvel. Kirkstall Abbey and its adjoining Abbey House Museum give you the chance to discover the ruins of a Cistercian monastery and learn about how the monks lived. In the summer months, you get the bonus of enjoying alfresco cinema. 

The Arcades

These elegant rows of covered shopping malls comprise the Victoria Quarter, Grand, Queens, and Thorntons. What makes these shopfronts unique is that there are almost no chains to be found. Shops range from high-end designer shops to boutiques. There are also a lot of events going on here, from a wine tasting coming up on February 23-24 to winter dining at Harvey Nichols (taking place until March 30). 

The Henry Moore Institute

Take in work inspired by (rather than created by) Henry Moore at this contemporary sculpture gallery. From three-dimensional art to one-off exhibitions, art enthusiasts will love the offerings at this museum. The Henry Moore Institute also hosts lectures on architecture, for those who want to learn more about the craft.

Leeds Grand Theatre

This theatre is the venue for opera, ballet, and other beautiful productions. Get the chance to witness world-class talent when you watch shows by local troupes such as Opera North and Northern Ballet. The venue is truly ‘grand’, dressed up in chandeliers and magnificent staircases.

This is just the start of what you can explore in Leeds 

Living in Leeds allows you to create a vibrant social and cultural life. It offers you everything a big city does while still being condensed and easy to traverse. It also has great transport links, exciting city centres, beautiful countryside, and incredible opportunities. 

At Vonder, we saw everything that Leeds has to offer and built Vonder Riverside. Boasting 95 new-build and modern one-to-three-bedroom flats, including 14 duplex apartments, each flat provides what you need to feel at home. The complex also includes amenities such as car parking and courtyards to suit the needs of the large community of young professionals and renters in the city.

The opening of Vonder Riverside in Leeds follows the recent addition of The Dome Apartments to the Vonder portfolio, comprising over 21,000 sq ft of residential space in three locations across London, as well as Vonder Wembley, the all-in-one living concept spread across 160,000 sq ft of space.  Vonder has a wide international portfolio of over 30 locations across London, Leeds, Berlin, Munich, Warsaw, and Dubai, with plans to expand further in the US, continental Europe and the Middle East.