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🆓 Free Things to Do in Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city with plenty of exciting activities that won’t cost you a penny. Whether you’re into art, history, nature, or just looking for a great day out, there’s something for everyone. This guide highlights some of the best free things to do in Leeds, from museums and galleries to scenic walks and hidden gems.

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👉 Click here to view all of these locations on a Google map

Art Galleries and Collections

Housing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary British art, Leeds Art Gallery is a must-visit for any art lover. Its vast collection includes works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Francis Bacon.
📍 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
👉 Leeds Art Gallery website

A dynamic space showcasing innovative works by students, faculty, and established artists in various disciplines, from painting to digital media.
📍 Blenheim Walk, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9AQ
👉 Leeds Arts University website

Part of the University of Leeds, the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery houses rare books, manuscripts, and unique visual art displays related to literature and history, including original material written by the Brontë sisters.
📍 University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
👉 Brotherton Library website

🗿 The Henry Moore Institute

Dedicated to sculpture, the Henry Moore Institute showcases groundbreaking exhibitions featuring historic and contemporary works. Don’t miss the chance to see the work of one of Yorkshire’s most famous artists.
📍 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH
👉 Henry Moore Institute website

A hidden gem on the University of Leeds campus, this gallery offers an eclectic mix of historical and contemporary art, including drawings, prints, and decorative arts.
📍 Parkinson Building, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT
👉 Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery website

Public Art and Sculptures

🦉 The Leeds Owl Trail

Did you know Leeds is home to dozens of hidden owl carvings, statues, and motifs? Follow the Leeds Owl Trail to discover dozens of owl sculptures and carvings hidden across the city. This self-guided tour offers a unique way to explore public art in Leeds.
📍 Various locations in Leeds city centre
👉 Leeds Owl Trail website

🏛️ University of Leeds Public Art Trail

Discover a stunning array of sculptures and installations across the University of Leeds campus through its Public Art Trail. Featuring works by renowned artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, the trail showcases the university's commitment to integrating art into academic spaces. Free 'Walk and Draw' events and casual walking groups are two ways to enjoy the artworks. The university also provides a free PDF guide and audio guide to the 21 pieces of public art across their campus.
📍 University of Leeds, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT
👉 University of Leeds Public Art Trail website

🎨 Mabgate Murals and Leeds Street Art

Mabgate, a thriving hub for creatives, features stunning street art. Wander the alleys and side streets to discover bold, colorful murals by local artists that bring this area to life. Welcome to Leeds has an excellent map for a self-guided Leeds Street Art Trail.
📍 Mabgate, Leeds
👉 Welcome to Leeds Street Art Trail

🌊 Leeds Waterfront Art Trail

Explore the vibrant Leeds Waterfront Art Trail, an outdoor experience showcasing murals along the city’s scenic canal and riverside. This trail highlights works celebrating Leeds' cultural heritage and industrial past in an engaging and picturesque setting.
📍 Various locations close to Leeds city centre
👉 Leeds Waterfront Art Trail website

🌳 Roundhay Park Sculpture Trail

Take a stroll through the stunning grounds of Roundhay Park and discover its charming Sculpture Trail which features works inspired by nature and the park’s rich history.
📍 Roundhay Park, Mansion Ln, Leeds LS8 2HH
👉 Roundhay Park Sculpture Trail website

🎭 Light Night Leeds

One of the largest events of its kind in the country, Light Night is an annual event where the city transforms into an open-air gallery with light installations, digital art, and live performances.
📍 Various locations
👉 Light Night Leeds website

Museums and History Centres

🔵 Leeds Blue Plaque Trail

Blue plaques commemorate a link between a location and a famous person, event, or building on the site. Leeds Civic Trust has been installing blue plaques throughout the city since 1987. They have an interactive map that you can use to find all blue plaques across Leeds.
👉 Leeds Blue Plaques website

🏺 Leeds City Museum

Explore natural history, world cultures, and local Leeds heritage at this family-friendly museum.
📍 Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH
👉 Leeds City Museum website

🏺 Leeds Discovery Centre

A behind-the-scenes tour at this purpose-built storage facility reveals fascinating artifacts and treasures from Leeds’s collection. Pre-booked visits offer a chance to see rare and unique objects.
📍 Carlisle Rd, Leeds LS10 1LB
👉 Leeds Discovery Centre website

📜 Royal Armouries Museum

The national museum of arms and armour, featuring fascinating exhibits from medieval swords to modern military equipment. It’s home to live demonstrations and reenactments that bring history to life.
📍 Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT
👉 Royal Armouries website

Libraries

📖 Leeds Central Library

This architectural gem combines modern library services with a stunning Victorian building. It houses the Art Library, Local and Family History Library, and a wealth of resources for readers.
📍 Calverley St, Leeds LS1 3AB
👉 Leeds Central Library website

📘 The Henry Moore Institute Research Library

For art enthusiasts and researchers, this library focuses on sculpture studies, with a vast archive of photographs, manuscripts, and publications.
📍 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH
👉 Henry Moore Institute Library website

📚 The Library at the University of Leeds

Home to one of the UK’s leading academic libraries, it features specialized collections, including the Brotherton Library’s rare books and manuscripts.
📍 University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT
👉 University of Leeds Library website

📚 Local Branch Libraries

Leeds has numerous community libraries offering books, free Wi-Fi, and local events. Popular branches include Chapel Allerton, Headingley, and Armley libraries.
👉 Leeds Libraries website

Scenic Walks and Hikes

🌳 Eccup Reservoir Circular

A serene 4 mile circular walk around Eccup Reservoir, featuring stunning water views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
📍 Eccup Reservoir, Leeds LS17 7PL
👉 Eccup Reservoir Circular info

The Dales Way Link provides an excellent starting point for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. The official Link Route starts at Woodhouse Moor and goes by the Meanwood Valley, Eccup Reservoir and over the Otley Chevin.
📍 Start: Woodhouse Moor, Leeds LS2 9LH
👉 Dales Way Link website

🌾 Fulneck Circular Walk

This tranquil 3.7-mile loop near Pudsey combines history and nature, winding through the Fulneck Moravian Settlement, Pudsey Beck and surrounding countryside.
📍 Start: Tong, Bradford, BD4 0RP
👉 Fulneck Circular info

🏔️ Ilkley Moor

Part of the famous Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley Moor offers breathtaking views, heather-covered landscapes, and trails for all abilities.
📍 Hangingstone Rd, Ilkley LS29 8BT
👉 Ilkley Moor information

🥾 Leeds Country Way

A 62-mile circular trail around Leeds, perfect for long-distance hikers or those looking to explore in shorter sections. It traverses rural areas, woodland paths, and picturesque villages, offering a scenic escape from the city.
📍 Various entry points around Leeds, with one starting at Golden Acre Park
👉 Leeds Country Way info

🚴 Leeds-Liverpool Canal Towpath

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or walk along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, passing through tranquil waterside scenery and historic landmarks.
📍 Start: Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4ED
👉 Leeds-Liverpool Canal info

🌳 Meanwood Valley Trail

Known as the green artery of Leeds, this 7-mile trail takes you from the city center to Golden Acre Park, passing through Meanwood Beck and beautiful woodlands. Ideal for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
📍 Starts at Woodhouse Moor then towards Meanwood
👉 Meanwood Valley Trail info

🌄 Otley Chevin Forest Park

This park features challenging trails and incredible vistas overlooking the town of Otley and the surrounding countryside.
📍 Otley, Leeds LS21 3DD
👉 Otley Chevin Forest Park website

🌄 Rawdon Billing

A prominent hill near the village of Rawdon, this spot is popular for panoramic views of Leeds and the surrounding countryside. The short, steep climb is worth the effort for breathtaking scenery and peaceful surroundings.
📍 Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6PR
👉 Rawdon Billing info

🚶 Trans Pennine Trail

This coast-to-coast walking, cycling, and horse-riding trail spans the North of England, offering a mix of urban and countryside landscapes. The Leeds section provides an excellent opportunity to explore green spaces and waterways while connecting to the wider network.
📍 Start: Woodlesford Lock, Leeds LS26 8RX
👉 Trans Pennine Trail website

Parks and Green Spaces

🌺 Golden Acre Park

A picturesque park with a stunning lake, flower gardens, cafe and plenty of walking paths. A great spot for birdwatching or a family day out.
📍 Otley Rd, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
👉 Golden Acre Park website

🐴 Hope Pastures

A rescue center where families can meet horses, donkeys, and ponies while learning about their care.
📍 Weetwood Ln, Leeds LS16 5PH
👉 Hope Pastures website

🌳 Horsforth Hall Park

This family-friendly park includes a Japanese garden, a playground, skate park, cricket pitch, and plenty of open space for games or relaxing under the sun.
📍 Hall Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5JE
👉 Horsforth Hall Park info

🌼 Kirkstall Abbey and Park

The park surrounding the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey provides a peaceful escape along the River Aire. Ideal for picnics and a bit of history.
📍 Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
👉 Kirkstall Abbey website

🌳 Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve

Nestled along the River Aire, this nature reserve provides a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
📍 Redcote Ln, Leeds LS4 2AL
👉 Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve website

🌳 Meanwood Park

A family-friendly park with open green spaces, woodland trails, and a playground.
📍 Tannery Square, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4LT
👉 Meanwood Park website

🐦 Rodley Nature Reserve

This nature reserve offers peaceful walks and birdwatching opportunities along the Aire Valley wetlands.
📍 Moss Bridge Rd, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP
👉 Rodley Nature Reserve website

🌳 Roundhay Park

One of the largest city parks in Europe, a relaxing stroll through Roundhay Park offers scenic lake views, open green spaces, and woodland paths.
📍 Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH
👉 Roundhay Park website

Unusual and Unique Places to Discover

Leeds is full of surprises, with quirky landmarks, forgotten history, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. While not all of them are free, check out our list of Unusual and Unique Places to Discover in Leeds to find some lesser-known spots in the city!

Would you like to add an activity or location to this list? Spot any errors? Provide feedback? Contact me!