Leeds Uncovered

From hidden gems to underrated classics, Leeds has plenty to offer—whether you’re a visitor or a local. Let these creatives be your guide!

1. THE GRAND THEATRE

BY RUBY SPALDING

Since its opening in 1878, The Grand Theatre and Opera House has been a cornerstone of Leeds’ cultural identity. Located in the city centre, its magnificent 1,550-seat auditorium captivates visitors with intricate plasterwork, glittering chandeliers, and plush red velvet interiors—evoking a bygone era of opulence. Recent restorations have masterfully combined historic charm with modern comfort. Enhanced seating, state-of-the-art acoustics, and accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly entrances and hearing loop systems ensure an inclusive experience for all. This vibrant venue hosts a diverse array of performances year-round, hosting everything from West End musicals to ballet, opera, and comedy shows. Beyond performances, visitors can enjoy guided tours and workshops, a glimpse behind the scenes, and the (not-so-kept) secrets of the stage. The Grand Theatre’s prime location, just a short walk from Leeds Station and well-connected to local bus routes, makes it accessible for both locals and tourists. As one of the UK’s longest-running music halls, The Grand Theatre blends tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a fan of the arts or a curious explorer, this remarkable venue offers a timeless experience that’s sure to captivate. And, while ticket prices vary, admiring its historic façade is free.

2. THACKRAY MEDICAL MUSEUM

BY CALLUM WALSH

From comically gross exhibits to bright and engaging interactive activities for your children, the Thackray Museum of Medicine has been offering something for everyone since 1997. Located in Harehills, Leeds, right next to St. James’ Hospital, the museum’s strength lies in its wealth of interactive exhibits, making it uniquely engaging and memorable. The first attraction you come to is Disease Street – a journey through a cramped street in Victorian Leeds, which is as enjoyable as it is repulsive. Then it’s onto the other wards, as they are called by staff. Here, kids can gain a range of skills and knowledge used currently and historically through the interactive elements of these exhibits. Wards look at a variety of topics, like war medicine, mental health, and sexual health. There is currently an exhibition for ‘Projecting Grief’, an organisation that promotes the use of art and the development of artistic communities to work through grief. The museum also hosts season-specific activities. This past holiday season, there was an interactive story-finding adventure telling the stories of NHS workers over the festive period, along with carols sung by enthusiastic ukelele sporting staff.

3. KIRKSTALL ABBEY

BY JESS BREDDY

Just a few miles outside of Leeds city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is a place where history whispers through ancient stone walls, nature dazzles with seasonal beauty, and legends of hauntings send shivers down your spine. Founded in 1152 during King Henry II’s reign, this Cistercian monastery is one of the best-preserved in Britain, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Imagine strolling through the Abbey’s grounds on an autumn day and coming across its magnificent ginkgo tree, a picturesque sight against the backdrop of the ancient ruin. Step inside the atmospheric ruins, and you’ll find much more than the architecture of this medieval monastery. Interactive QR-code-guided tours can lead you through tales of industrious monks and the Abbey’s tragic downfall under the reign of Henry VIII. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the Abbey café provides the perfect spot for a coffee break, with stunning views of the ruins. Be warned; some say the history of this building and its prior inhabitants aren’t entirely at rest. There have been many stories of paranormal activity within the grounds, such as seeing the ghostly figure of a monk walking through walls. If you’re brave enough to visit, you might leave with a story of your own.

4. HYDE PARK BOOK CLUB

BY RUBY THORP

This adorable little venue is the perfect place for cosy evening drinks with friends or a day full of studying and coffee! Located, as the name suggests, in Hyde Park, Leeds, this hotspot has pretty much everything you could want as a student. From a book and record shop to a yummy vegan and vegetarian menu, this place has it all. If you’re a music nerd or love a boogie, the gigs are for you! Hyde Park Book Club is overflowing with bands- they’re on all week round- and they love to showcase small and upcoming musicians, so you’ll always have new music to discover. Artists and bands such as Teenage Dads, Alex Spencer, Ava In The Dark, and Emily Breeze have previously performed on their stage. There are also comedy shows, art workshops, and even yoga classes if you’re feeling adventurous! A small gift shop offers charming trinkets from adorable succulents, gorgeous prints from local artists, quaint handmade pottery pieces, and, of course, beautiful poetry collections to take home with you.

5. LEEDS ART GALLERY

BY MIMI PATTISON-DRURY

In the heart of the city, between an extensive public library and the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds Art Gallery sprouts from a throne of colourful courtyard and giant chessboards. The building is just minutes away from major shopping sites, such as Trinity Leeds, and is mainly accessible, with both ramp and lift access. Once inside, you’ll find yourself in a dazzling universe of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, all a balanced blend of classic and modern art. See, for instance, a striking man-shaped maquette: a sadly scrapped plan for the largest sculpture in England, planned to be made of bricks. Meanwhile, a recent photography exhibition from Peter Mitchell saw bloated scarecrows and ghost-train rubble lining the walls while the artist’s voice beckoned from videos of behind-the-scenes footage. With such a refreshing rotation of exhibitions, the gallery resembles a breathing, ever-evolving life form. What’s more, your visit to the gallery (and all its artistic enrichment) will be completely free, though you may wish to make a stop on your way out. There’s a lovely gift shop, bright with postcards, prints, ornaments, and other artsy ephemera, as well as a cosy cake-and-coffee-stocked café.

6. BELGRAVE MUSIC HALL

BY SALEM HAGLEY

Open from midday to the early hours, the Jack-of-All-trades Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds provides a space for everyone, no matter your taste in entertainment. With roots dating back to the 1930s, it has been home to a wide spread of memories for people of all ages and backgrounds. Located in the lively northern quarter of Leeds, it’s reachable from anywhere in the city.  Providing a platform for a multitude of artists, Belgrave Music Hall ensures that there is entertainment for all. Home to in-house burger & pizza restaurants, Patty’s Burgers and Dough Boys cook up a range of deals all year round, keeping dietary requirements in mind to make sure that nobody goes hungry. Their bar also provides a wide range of drinks, from hot chocolate to cocktails, so you won’t go thirsty, whatever the occasion. Music lovers can find hidden gems at their concerts, university students can find an easy choice for a night out, and foodies can get a taste of Leeds’s culinary gems in bustling food markets. Belgrave Music Hall proves itself to be a well-respected social hub for the city. From quiz nights, arts and crafts sessions and movie nights for your family, or DJ features & themed nights for your friends, it’s easy to find something to keep everyone entertained.

7 SLUNG LOW

BY EVAN VISSER

At Slung Low, culture is not only made but is nurtured and cherished dearly. An award-winning theatre company founded in the year 2000, it’s based in Holbeck, only a 20-minute bus journey from Leeds Station. The Leeds City Council supports Slung Low and is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio organisations. Its two venues are available for hire by other artists, writers, and community groups as both performance and cultural spaces. Slung Low holds culture in their heart, with a sincere belief that access to culture is what is fundamental for a happy life. Notable past performances include Flood by James Phillip, winner of a Royal Television Society Yorkshire award for excellence. Slung Low also run a residential in North Yorkshire called the Leadership Academy, where, over 5 days, participants can expect both physical and mental training exploring value-based leadership. With so many events and opportunities, Slung Low strives to create a space for positive change.

8 LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

BY MAIZIE COOPER-MAHON

Leeds Playhouse is a world-class theatre located just minutes from the city’s central bus station. Its attractive, modern interior houses a cafe open to the public throughout the week. Leeds Playhouse invites everyone to a programme suitable for a wide variety of ages. Recent shows include George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the raunchy House Party and a magical adaptation of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. In addition to its dazzling performances, it also offers opportunities to theatre fanatics and performers alike to get involved and experience show business themselves! It has become something of a creative hub for performers and artists alike. Youngsters aged 8-21 can come along to one of the youth theatre’s weekly sessions, while Heydays offers sessions to older members of the community. Some events focus on career advice and projects that focus on show development. The Leeds Playhouse also has a theatre group for those with learning disabilities, which offers movement, visual art and sensory sessions. Whoever you are, there’s sure to be something special waiting for you.

9. SUNNY BANK MILLS

BY ALEC BULLET

Sunny Bank Mills sits in the heart of Farsley, 12 minutes from Leeds by train or 40 minutes by bus. After its 180 years of cloth production abruptly ended, brothers John and William Gaunt spun the mill back to life in 2011 into a hotspot for art, business, and heritage. £10 million was invested into renovation, transforming cobwebbed sheds into green outdoor spaces. The ground now weaves together small and large companies like award-winning Arlington Interiors and the new record shop It’s Vinyl! Sunny Bank Mills further shares its space with emerging artists in the Spinning Mill’s art gallery, both regional and national. It regularly holds exhibitions, like its annual Ones to Watch, which blends into the gallery shop selling handmade products like ceramic buttons, prints and even terrariums. Downstairs is SCRAP (Scrap Creative Reuse Art Project), the shop that sells recycled waste materials for any project. Tucked away in Red Lane Mill stands the Museum & Archive, encapsulating its long history in a tour of artefacts, including old sewing machines, suit jackets and cash books from the 1800s. The tour is free on Saturdays and virtually online, accompanied by personal accounts from those who worked at the mill from 1949 to 1959. After exploring the grounds, sit back and tuck into a delicious wood-fired pizza at Grumpy’s and wash it down with a drink on Saint Jude’s terrace, all at Sunny Bank Mills.

10. ROYAL ARMOURIES

BY MACKENZIE STEWART

A brutalist, warehouse-like lot situated in Leeds Docks, with a futuristic spire at its back, the building that houses the Royal Armouries is by itself impressive. The spire is a good place to start your visit; you will find a mind-blowing array of weapons aligned in a reflective prism along the wall. Going through the displays, you can view armour and weaponry from around the globe, spanning centuries from feudal Japan to medieval Britain up to the modern day. There are plenty of interactive activities which benefit kids and adults alike. Another great feature is the limited exhibitions, which change every few months and can include anything from royal costumes to Iron Man’s suit of armour.  In brighter weather, you can also book in to watch outdoor cavalry reenactments with live jousting tournaments on horseback. The free exhibitions are split between the sides of the entrance hall, which contains plenty of helpful staff, toilets, plus the café and gift shop. Lifts to all floors allow for good accessibility, too.

NorthernLife March/April/May 25