Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Leeds, England

December 28, 2021 Chanda Heide

Leeds, a city in West Yorkshire, England, was one of the leading centers of industry in Victorian England. The Leeds City Museum is a great place to brush up on local history, and many TripAdvisor travelers say no visit to town is complete without exploring the Royal Armouries. You’ll also find lovely parks and a lively restaurant scene, with many eateries specializing in international cuisine.
Restaurants in Leeds

1. Quirky Ales

Ash Lane Unit 3, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2HG England +(44)113286 207 [email protected] http://www.quirkyales.com
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 35 reviews

Quirky Ales

Quirky Ales is a small independent craft brewery based in Garforth (8 miles East of Leeds). The Quirky Ales tap room is open every weekend, offering a range of cask-conditioned real ales and bottled conditioned beers (all brewed on the premises). Brewery tours and experience days are available and can be arranged in advance. Visitors can also purchase beers to take home from the bottle shop.

2. Royal Armouries Museum

Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT England +44 113 220 1999 http://royalarmouries.org/leeds
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,530 reviews

Royal Armouries Museum

Home for the national collection of arms and armour that features five theme-galleries: War, Tournament, Self-Defense, Hunting, and arms and armour of the Orient.

Reviewed By Jodiedonny

This was a great interesting place with loads of different things to see & do really big place with five floors loads of war weapons and different sections to see, a lot of armour & plenty of places to listen to stories from over time, the museum has many places to sit in the glass front edge to look over the river which was lovely. Great enjoyable day, cafe staff downstairs very friendly & biscuit & cuppa lovely.

3. Chevin Forest Park

East Chevin Road Otley, Leeds LS21 3HB England +44 1943 465023 http://www.chevinforest.co.uk/
Excellent
46%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Chevin Forest Park

Reviewed By Linzi3012 - Halifax, United Kingdom

Had a lovely few hours on the foot paths here, lovely views and a lovely walk. Parking was free which was a bonus. Could do with a few more picnic benches as just the odd one here and there. Went for a hot drink over the road.

4. Kirkstall Abbey

Abbey Road, Leeds LS5 3EH England +44 113 378 4079 http://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstall-abbey/
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,177 reviews

Kirkstall Abbey

Uncover the history of one of the best preserved medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain. With its beautiful and iconic ruins, award-winning Park and interactive visitor centre Kirkstall Abbey is a place that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The ruins are a unique example of early Christian architecture. From the majesty of the church to the peace of the cloisters enjoy exploring this iconic Leeds landmark. The story of the abbey and its community is explored in the Visitor Centre. Founded over 800 years ago in 1152 discover more about what life was like for the Cistercian monks who lived here for nearly 400 years. Enjoy the abbey's parkland setting next to the River Aire. Take a walk along the river or enjoy a picnic in our spacious grounds. There is also a small playground near to the car park for the little ones to enjoy. The ruins of the abbey provide a breath-taking background to your wedding photography, blessings, vow renewals and baby naming ceremonies.

Reviewed By davidbJ9604PD - Leeds, United Kingdom

This is a definite must-see place but chose a fine day. We picked a sunny day with blue skies and the abbey looked magnificent. The site is extensive and there are large parts of the abbey walls quite intact. Great place to take the children and an added plus is free entry (thanks to Leeds City Council). Some of the paths were slightly muddy so wear sensible shoes.

5. Thackray Museum of Medicine

141 Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LN England +44 113 244 4343 [email protected] http://www.thackraymuseum.co.uk
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 823 reviews

Thackray Museum of Medicine

After completing our exciting four-million-pound redevelopment, we can’t wait for visitors to explore our new galleries. Follow the story of medicine as you wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic, chart how well the world responds to crisis, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world. We’ll be operating a timed entry system so booking is essential.

Reviewed By JTJD

This is a really fascinating museum adjacent to St James’s Hospital, Leeds. The car park isn’t huge & is used by people attending the hospital but didn’t have a problem finding a space. The museum is fascinating for all ages from school children & students up to adults adults & especially anyone employed in health care. There is also a small cafe & gift shop.

6. Leeds Town Hall

Town Hall The Headrow The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD England +44 113 378 6016 [email protected] http://www.leedstownhall.co.uk
Excellent
50%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Leeds Town Hall

Reviewed By Big_Jeff_Leo - St Helens, United Kingdom

Leeds Town Hall was built between 1853 and 1858 to a design by architect Cuthbert Brodrick. Imagined as a "municipal palace" to demonstrate the power and success of Victorian Leeds, and opened by Queen Victoria in a lavish ceremony in 1858. The Town Hall is one of the largest town halls in the UK and is Grade I listed. With a height of 225 feet, the distinctive clock tower is very impressive and is currently under restoration. The highlight is of course the absolutely magnificent main hall which is now used for concert and civic events such as weddings and other ceremonies. The ceilings are amazing and a well worth the visit alone. I visited on spect and went up to receptions and asked could I have a look around to which the answer was yes the staff even pointed out some highlights including the long corridor which is full of wall plaques to the local fallen of the World Wars. A magnificent building that sits proudly on the roster of the cities premier locations.

7. Bramham Park

On the A1, Leeds LS23 6LS England +44 1937 846005 [email protected] http://www.bramhampark.co.uk
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Bramham Park

"Bramham Park is a grand and unusual house, but its gardens are grander and even more unusual" wrote Prof. Nikolaus Pevsner. The Gardens and grounds are open all year-round on weekdays only. Please ensure that you call prior to visiting to ensure that we are open. During some large events we are unable to accommodate visitors. House tours are available for groups of 10 people or more. For more information please telephone the Estate Office. Garden entry prices: HHA members - free of charge General admission - £4 Concessions £2

Reviewed By tammies721

Excellent walk. No difficult obstacles. Magnificent views & scenery. Would definitely do this walk again. Bramham Park Estates – THANK YOU

8. Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam Park Off Selby Road, Leeds LS15 0AE England +44 113 336 7461 http://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam/visit/
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,140 reviews

Temple Newsam

One of the great country houses of England set within a Capability Brown landscape surrounded by beautiful parkland which includes a working rare breeds farm, Temple Newsam has so much to offer visitors.Famous as the birth place of Lord Darnley, notorious husband of Mary Queen of Scots, Temple Newsam House is a truly impressive Tudor-Jacobean mansion. Described as the Hampton Court of the North with over 40 lovingly restored rooms to view, it is now home to one of the most important collections of decorative arts. Explore the treasures of silver, ceramics, fine art, Chippendale furniture, and wallpaper all housed within the Tudor Jacobean Mansion. Discover the stories of the people who lived at Temple Newsam by joining one of our regular weekly tours or picking up the FREE audio guide. Look out for holiday activities and craft fun for all ages and the changing programme of talks, concerts and theatre. Visit our special, changing programme of exhibitions. Take time to visit the gift shop offering a range of products inspired by the collections within the House followed by lunch or tea in the Stables Tea room. Explore the lakeside walks and gardens of delphiniums, rhododendrons, flocks and asters. See a variety of rare breed animals in Home Farm. Enjoy some leisure time and book our football pitches, enjoy a round of golf, walk in the woods and discover the folly or explore the bridle paths.

Reviewed By tonypr33c3 - Leeds, United Kingdom

My favourite of Leeds' parks, Temple Newsam has it all: extensive grassed areas for playing or relaxing, woodland walks, a large children's play area, a rare breed farm, a stately home to look around, Capability Brown designed formal gardens and a golf course. Coming soon is a Go Ape treetop adventure area too. It's about a 15 minute drive east from the city centre but well worth a visit for the whole family. Look out for activity days in school holidays when lots of additional activities are put on to keep the little people entertained.

9. Abbey House Museum

Abbey Walk Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH England +44 113 378 4079 [email protected] http://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/abbey-house-museum/
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 416 reviews

Abbey House Museum

Step back in time and wander through the enchanting streets, shops and houses and experience life as a Victorian. As a fun, family-friendly and interactive museum, Abbey House Museum is a great day out for all the family. Come to one of our many family sessions as advertised on our website or pop in with friends for a trip down memory lane.On the ground floor visit Stephen Harding Gate, the 19th century equivalent of a modern high street, for some old fashioned retail therapy. In the back streets, see the home of the window washer woman or pop into the Sunday-School. On the first floor, see our Childhood and Community Galleries along with the changing programme of exhibitions. Abbey House Museum is situated directly across the road from the historical site of Kirkstall Abbey, set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire.

Reviewed By Getaway700009

We loved our first visit to Abbey Hall museum. Free parking, great value family ticket, great facilities and the Victorian streets were so interesting. Lots of fun playing with the penny slot machines. Take advantage of the free parking to go for a stroll round Kirkstall Abbey too. It's very impressive.

10. Golden Acre Park

Golden Acre Park Otley Road Golden Acre, Leeds LS16 8BQ England +44 113 261 0374 http://www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/Pages/Golden-Acre-Park.aspx
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 689 reviews

Golden Acre Park

Reviewed By AllanC1604 - Sheffield Green, United Kingdom

Beautiful park with a biggish car park good for bird watching/photography especially in the Yorkshire wildlife part (far side of park)where you can get Kingfishers and Mandarin ducks etc...fairly close if you go in the hides, there is a cafe across from the car park

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