Have you recently moved to the city as a new student? Or are you just a traveller visiting our humble city? Want to know the best places for art, music, culture, food and a cheap pint? You’re in luck! We have come together and created a plan for how we’d best explore Leeds’ greatest independent spots in a week! Enjoy!
Monday – take a trip to Kirkgate Market
Let’s start the week just round the corner from us, with a visit to our lovely neighbour Kirkgate Market (open Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5.30pm). Boasting a maze of stands selling local fresh produce, plants, fabric and so much more, the market is definitely worth a visit! With such a diverse range of stalls and great student-friendly prices, you’re bound to come away with what you were looking for (and maybe a few extras you weren’t!).
Afterwards, (if you have managed to resist Kirkgate’s plentiful street food) take a five minute stroll down Kirkgate to Cafe and Gallery 164. Check out its current exhibition and enjoy (probably) one of the best homemade sandwich in Leeds!
Tuesday – welcome to Hyde Park
Go just outside of Leeds to Hyde Park, (a more student-y Hyde Park, than the one in London). Take a walk through the green and leafy Woodhouse Moor. Bang in the middle of Hyde Park, it’s a good nearby spot to escape from the bustle of the city and stop for an afternoon picnic in the sun! In the colder months, the park is a beautiful place for a snowy winter walk. With tennis courts, allotments, a skatepark, a weekly Park Run and yearly Unity Day, there’s always something happening there.
Start your day with a coffee in the cosy arts and music cafe, Hyde Park Book Club. Play one of its many board games or treat yourself to a slice of cake, and don’t forget to pick up a print from a local artist before you leave.
At the heart of this student suburb is the Hyde Park Picture House. Catch an independent or classic film in this charming old school cinema. Feeling bit peckish after the film? It’s just a short stroll to LS6 Cafe. Choose from a range of yummy food and enjoy relaxing in this rustic art filled cafe. They often host dj sets, comedy nights, mini-markets and much more!
Afterwards, pop next door and take a wander round a vintage and antique haven, Retro Boutique and see what treasures you can find. Finish the day off at Brudenell Social Club with a well priced pint, a game of pool and a gig!
Wednesday – marvel at The Corn Exchange
It’s Wednesday and time to take a trip to another one of our architecturally beautiful neighbours, The Corn Exchange. Boasting a hive of independent businesses, from fashion to food, this impressive building is definitely worth a visit. Take a wander round little green paradise, The Plant Point and pick up a leafy friend to brighten up your new abode. Fancy yourself a bit of a photographer or just want a new camera to capture this colourful city? Head over to WY Cameras for all your camera needs, they even stock their own branded 35mm film!
Getting a bit peckish from all that shopping? Grab a bite at Humpit. It’s a hummus lovers heaven! If you have a vegan in your party, this spot is a must try and even if not, we would definitely recommend giving it a visit.
Before you leave, treat yourself to a can of independent beer to take home from Little Leeds Beerhouse.
Running right across the front of The Corn Exchange is Call Lane, probably one of Leeds’ most well known streets. Call Lane is renowned for its numerous bars, however there are a few hidden, lesser known gems in-between the cocktail bars, one being Blue Rinse. If you prefer to shop vintage/second hand, look no further than this brightly blue painted corner shop. Get lost in three floors of paisley, cord and gingham garms!
If you don’t want the night to end yet, sample some of Call Lanes finest watering holes. We suggest a trip to Oporto – live music venue, bar and vegan junk food kitchen.
Thursday – explore Leeds’ arcades
Start your day with a full mind-body workout with a free yoga session at Belgrave Music Hall. Feeling like you need a refuel afterwards, pick up a (very large) slice of pizza from doughboys. To continue your peaceful day, take a stroll around Leeds arcades, with Queen’s, Grand, Thornton’s and Central arcades as well as Victoria Quarter, there is a lot to explore! Look out for Britain’s largest stained glass window, a vibrant skylight of orange, yellow, green and blue that forms the roof of the Victoria Quarter.
If you are feeling like continuing your healthy day, pop into Roots and Fruits for some vegetarian grub! Alternatively, if you feel like treating yourself, head over to Just Grand Vintage Tearoom for afternoon tea and enjoy their floral vintage decor with a scone and jam!
Image credit: Leeds List
Friday – take an art tour
Leeds has so many arts spaces, some more well-known than others, such as Leeds Art Gallery, and some more tucked away, such as Old Red Bus Station!
Start your day at The Tetley, a former brewery turned contemporary arts centre. Another impressive building with a variety of changing workshops and exhibitions. Before exploring what’s on upstairs, head to its popular bar and kitchen, located on the ground floor. Set yourself up for the day with a cup of freshly ground coffee, and why not try something off the Yorkshire inspired menu – there’s 10% student discount every day on food and drink!
Once you’ve explored The Tetley, head back into town past Kirkgate, try and spot the ‘Welcome to Leeds’ mural by Nathan Evans on your way (it’s quite hard to miss)! Other public art to look out for on your way – ‘Cornucopia’ on Call Lane and the large mural quote ‘Learn from yesterday, live for today, design from tomorrow’ by Ian Kirkpartick. This latter work is just off of Vicar Lane where you’ll find 130 Vicar Lane, home to Leeds Print Workshop. Check out what the print coop is up to and try your hand at printing at one of the many workshops and programme. You’ll also be able to spot a variety of East Street Arts’ A City Less Grey pieces on your travels too!
A few doors down from Leeds Print Workshop, you’ll find The Old Red Bus Station. While it is mainly a bar and kitchen, it hosts a range of music and arts events, so keep an eye out for creative happening in that space!
Later on, head over to recently renovated Leeds City Art Gallery, and you might just be in time to join in their weekly meet and make sessions!
Saturday – chill out in the city
It’s our favourite day of the week! We’d recommend that you head to The Ox Club at Headrow House for a fabulous brunch (the french toast is to die for!), drop in the Beer Hall for an afternoon of chat and chill and if you don’t fancy brunch there’s also a wallet friendly steak and chips deal which you’re sure to love the sound…and taste…of.
Fancy flicking through some vinyl? While away the hours at Jumbo Records or Crash Records are both a good shout and very close to Headrow House!
Image credit: Kirsty Garland
In the evening, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Nip to the waterfront at Water Lane for pizza and beer at Water Lane Boathouse or head to Northern Monk for some relaxed vibes; stay at the top of town and see what Merrion Street has to offer (Belgrave and North Bar are great choices); or venture back to Call Lane (see above for details).
You could also catch yourself a train out of the city… see The Piece Hall in Halifax, head to the The Hepworth in Wakefield or ride that rail to Hebden Bridge to see a quaint Yorkshire town at its best – there’s a great Saturday market and cinema there too!
Sunday – become a fully-fledged Leeds expert!
Take a Sunday stroll along the canal and maybe even hop onto the water taxi for a free scenic tour. Hop off at Leeds Dock and head back through Kirkgate to our friendly neighbour, Wapentake for a hearty sunday roast. A firm favourite of ours! While you are around the Kirkgate area, pop over the road to Fred Aldous and pick up some art supplies. They have everything you could ever think of for your next creative project.
In the evening we’d suggest heading across to the Sunday pay as you feel theatre at Holbeck Underground Ballroom. Alternatively, if you are feeling like a boogie, try the Sunday Joint at Hifi Club and enjoy a night of free live jazz and soul!
Let us know the best place you discovered in your first week in Leeds in the comments below.