🌧️ Things to do on a rainy day in Leeds
Don’t let the rain dampen your plans! Leeds has plenty of places to visit and indoor activities to keep you entertained on dreary days, from fascinating museums to world-class theatres and cosy bookshops.
On this page:
- 🏛️ Museums and Art Galleries
- 🎭 Theatres and Performing Arts
- 🧩 Games and Activity Bars
- 📚 Bookshops and Libraries
👉 Click here to view all of these locations on a Google map
Museums and Art Galleries
🏛️ Harewood House Art Collection
A magnificent Georgian mansion featuring an impressive art collection, stunning grounds, and a rotating schedule of contemporary art exhibitions.
📍 Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
👉 Harewood House website
⛪ Kirkstall Abbey and Abbey House Museum
Visit the medieval ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and the nearby Abbey House Museum, which recreates Victorian streets and shops for an immersive historical experience.
📍 Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
👉 Abbey House Museum website
🎨 Leeds Art Gallery
Admire an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century British art alongside contemporary exhibitions. The gallery is also home to the stunning Tiled Hall Café.
📍 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
👉 Leeds Art Gallery website
🎨 Leeds Arts University Gallery
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
🏺 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
⚙️ Leeds Industrial Museum
Located at Armley Mills, this museum showcases Leeds’s industrial past, from textiles and printing to filmmaking. It also features working machinery and a vintage cinema.
📍 Canal Rd, Armley, Leeds LS12 2QF
👉 Leeds Industrial Museum 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
🏭 Sunny Bank Mills Gallery
A historic textile mill turned creative hub, this gallery features exhibitions from emerging and established artists, celebrating local and international talent.
📍 83-85 Town St, Farsley, Leeds LS28 5UJ
👉 Sunny Bank Mills website
🩺 Thackray Museum of Medicine
Discover the evolution of medicine through immersive exhibits, including historical surgeries, medical tools, and the stories of pioneers in healthcare.
📍 Beckett St, Leeds LS9 7LN
👉 Thackray Museum website
🌟 Temple Newsam House
Visit the historic Temple Newsam House to discover an extensive collection of fine art, decorative objects, and historic interiors. The estate also hosts rotating art exhibitions in a grand setting.
📍 Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
👉 Temple Newsam website
📚 The Brotherton Library Treasures Gallery
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
🖌️ The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery
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
Theatres and Performing Arts
🎭 Carriageworks Theatre
A city-centre gem that offers a mix of drama, comedy, and family-friendly performances, making it accessible for all ages.
📍 Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
👉 Carriageworks Theatre website
🎶 City Varieties Music Hall
Established in 1865, City Varieties is Leeds' oldest working theatre and the nation's longest running music hall. It hosts a wide range of performances, including comedy, live music, and family shows.
📍 Swan St, Leeds LS1 6LW
👉 City Varieties website
🏛️ First Direct Arena
A premier venue in Leeds, hosting world-class concerts, live performances, and entertainment events with its unique fan-shaped design and excellent acoustics.
📍 Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY
👉 First Direct Arena website
🎭 Guiseley Theatre
A historic theatre in the heart of Guiseley, hosting a wide range of performances, from plays to live music and community events.
📍 The Green, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 9BT
👉 Guiseley Theatre website
❤️ Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre (HEART)
The HEART Centre is a vibrant community space hosting art exhibitions, live performances, workshops, and events. With a welcoming café and a strong focus on local creativity, it’s a hub for culture and connection.
📍 Bennett Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HN
👉 HEART Centre website
🎭 Howard Assembly Room
An elegant, modern venue adjacent to Leeds Grand Theatre, offering an eclectic program of live music, film, and spoken word events.
📍 32 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
👉 Howard Assembly Room website
📚 Hyde Park Book Club
A vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Hyde Park, offering a mix of live music, performances, art exhibitions, literary events, and delicious food and drink.
📍 327-29 Headingley Ln., Headingley, Leeds LS6 1BL
👉 Hyde Park Book Club website
🎭 Leeds Grand Theatre
A historic masterpiece, Leeds Grand Theatre hosts large-scale productions, including West End musicals, opera, and ballet performances.
📍 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
👉 Leeds Grand Theatre website
🎭 Leeds Playhouse
This iconic venue is known for its dynamic programming, featuring everything from bold contemporary theatre to reimagined classics.
📍 Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
👉 Leeds Playhouse website
🏛️ Otley Courthouse
A unique arts and resource centre housed in a former magistrates' court, offering a variety of performances, from theatre to live music.
📍 Courthouse St, Otley LS21 3AN
👉 Otley Courthouse website
🎭 Pyramid Theatre
Located at Leeds University Union, this theatre showcases student and independent productions, making it a hub for fresh and diverse talent.
📍 Leeds University Union, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JZ
👉 Pyramid Theatre website
🎭 Riley Smith Theatre
A vibrant performance space at Leeds University Union, hosting everything from theatre and dance to comedy and concerts.
📍 Leeds University Union, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JZ
👉 Riley Smith Theatre website
🎭 Seven Arts
Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this cozy venue showcases a variety of performances, including theatre, comedy, spoken word, and live music.
📍 31A Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3PD
👉 Seven Arts website
🎭 Slung Low
An innovative theatre company based in The Warehouse in Holbeck, Slung Low produces bold, community-driven performances and hosts a variety of creative events in their unique venue.
📍 The Warehouse In Holbeck, Crosby St, Leeds LS11 9RQ
👉 Slung Low website
🎭 Stage@Leeds
Located on the University of Leeds campus, this innovative space showcases experimental performances and creative arts from students and professionals.
📍 1 Cromer Rd, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JW
👉 Stage@Leeds website
🎭 The Alhambra Theatre (Bradford)
A short trip from Leeds, this stunning Edwardian theatre hosts touring West End productions, dance, and live music.
📍 Morley St, Bradford BD7 1AJ
👉 Alhambra Theatre website
🏙️ The Old Woollen
Housed in a repurposed mill, this venue offers a range of performances, including theatre, music, and comedy, with a focus on community engagement.
📍 Sunnybank Mills, Town St, Farsley, Leeds LS28 5UJ
👉 The Old Woollen website
🎙️ The Wardrobe
A versatile venue offering live music, spoken word, and cabaret-style performances in an intimate atmosphere.
📍 St Peter's Square, Leeds LS9 8AH
👉 The Wardrobe website
🎭 Yeadon Town Hall Theatre
A beautifully restored Victorian theatre offering an eclectic programme of music, drama, and family-friendly performances.
📍 High St, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7PP
👉 Yeadon Town Hall website
Games and Activity Bars
🕹️ Arcade Club
One of the UK’s largest gaming arcades, featuring retro and modern games.
📍 Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3RP
👉 Arcade Club website
⛳ Boom Battle Bar
An action-packed bar offering axe throwing, crazy golf, beer pong, shuffleboard, and more, alongside street food and cocktails.
📍 Ground Floor Level, Victoria Gate, Leeds LS2 7AR
👉 Boom Battle Bar website
🎲 Cards or Die
A unique board game experience that brings the fun to you - Cards or Die hosts regular board game nights at various pubs and venues around Leeds. Check their website to see when their next event is going to be.
📍 Various venues around Leeds - check their website!
👉 Cards or Die website
🎲 Chance & Counters
A cozy board game café offering a library of over 500 games, craft beers, and delicious snacks. Ideal for gamers of all levels.
📍 6-8 Merrion St, Leeds LS1 6PQ
👉 Chance & Counters website
🎳 Electric Shuffle
This high-tech shuffleboard bar combines cutting-edge gameplay with handcrafted cocktails and delicious food. A perfect choice for groups and parties.
📍 123 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 5RD
👉 Electric Shuffle website
🎯 Flight Club
A social darts bar offering interactive games, a vibrant atmosphere, and excellent food and drinks.
📍 Sovereign House, 1-2 S Parade, Leeds LS1 5QL
👉 Flight Club website
⛳ Junkyard Golf
Navigate quirky, themed mini-golf courses while enjoying drinks and a playful atmosphere.
📍 The Light, Leeds LS1 8TL
👉 Junkyard Golf website
🕹️ NQ64
A neon-lit arcade bar featuring classic arcade machines, retro consoles, and a creative cocktail menu. A nostalgic night out guaranteed.
📍 11 Merrion Street, Leeds LS1 6PQ
👉 NQ64 website
🍹 Outlaws Yacht Club
Not a dedicated board game venue, but Outlaws Yacht Club does offer a laid-back bar with a creative edge, hosting a variety of events, and is a great spot to grab one of their board games and play with friends.
📍 38 New York St, Leeds LS2 7DY
👉 Outlaws Yacht Club website
🎮 Pixel Bar
Combining retro arcade games, gaming consoles, and themed cocktails, Pixel Bar is a haven for gaming enthusiasts.
📍 25 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3AL
👉 Pixel Bar website
🎳 Roxy Ball Room
Multiple venues across the city centre offering bowling, shuffleboard, darts, pool and gaming activities.
📍 The Light, 44-48 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 8TL, 9a Merrion St, Leeds LS1 6PQ, and 58 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
👉 Roxy website
🪓 Whistle Punks Axe Throwing
Not quite a bar, but a unique venue offering competitive axe throwing sessions in a fun and safe environment.
📍 Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
👉 Whistlepunks Axe Throwing website
Bookshops and Libraries
🎨 Colours May Vary
Offering books on art, design, and culture, along with quirky gifts and stationery, this shop is perfect for creatives.
📍 The Corn Exchange, Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BR
👉 Colours May Vary website
🛥️ Holdfast Books
A unique bookshop on a boat! Located in a former coal barge, Hold Fast stocks all kinds of genres and is able to order most books on request.
📍 Leeds Dock, Leeds LS10 1JB
👉 Holdfast Books website
📖 OK Comics
A beloved indie comic shop in Leeds city centre, OK Comics offers a curated selection of comics, graphic novels, and manga. Known for its knowledgeable staff and welcoming atmosphere.
📍 19 Thornton's Arcade, Leeds LS1 6LQ
👉 OK Comics website
📚 Philip Howard Books
A long-standing independent bookshop offering new and second-hand books in a wide range of genres.
📍 47 Street Lane, Leeds LS8 1AP
👉 Philip Howard Books on Facebook
📖 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
📚 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
🌈 The Bookish Type
A queer indie bookshop celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and authors. A welcoming and inclusive space for all readers.
📍 77a Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BR
👉 The Bookish Type website
📖 The Bookshop on the Square
An independent bookshop in the beautiful market town of Otley selling all genres, cards and stationery.
📍 28 Market Pl, Otley LS21 3AQ
👉 The Bookshop on the Square 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 Leeds Library
Founded in 1768, The Leeds Library is the oldest surviving subscription library in the UK. Its beautiful Georgian interior and extensive collection make it a haven for book lovers and researchers.
📍 18 Commercial St, Leeds LS1 6AL
👉 The Leeds Library website
📘 The Little Bookshop
Nestled in Chapel Allerton, this charming shop specializes in children’s books and frequently hosts family-friendly events.
📍 47 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3PD
👉 The Little Bookshop website
📚 Truman Books
An inviting independent bookshop in Farsley, featuring a carefully chosen selection of books and hosting community events.
📍 95 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5HX
👉 Truman Books website
🖼️ Village
Specializing in art, design, and culture, Village Books offers a curated selection of books, zines, and magazines.
📍 10 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds LS1 6LQ
👉 Village Books website
📖 Waterstones
Waterstones Leeds is a haven for book lovers, including those with a passion for comic books and manga. The store boasts a diverse selection of graphic novels, popular manga series, and art books.
📍 93-97 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5JS
👉 Waterstones Leeds website
Need More Leeds Recommendations?
Looking for more hidden gems or things to do in Leeds? Check out our directory of Things To Do in Leeds for over 500 things to do in the city, from activities for kids, to galleries and community events, and unique places to explore.
Would you like to add an activity or location to this list? Spot any errors? Provide feedback? Contact me!