Leeds is more than just a city full of cut-throat businesspeople and a reputation for being cold and calculated. It’s also home to some of the most mouthwatering landmarks, hidden gems, and incredible hidden spots. With the city growing in popularity as an amazing place to live and visit, we’ve put together a list of 9 places you need to see now before it’s too late. These locations aren’t necessarily secret but they are lesser-known haunts that wouldn’t be out of place in New York, Paris, or any other major cultural hub. From beautiful bookshops to underground art centers and everything in between, here are 9 places you need to visit if you live or visit Leeds!
1. The Rotunda
The Rotunda sits on a clifftop overlooking the city and is a beautiful, protected building. It’s one of Leeds’ most beautiful gems and has a very interesting history. The building was originally built to house the Head Post Office and was then converted into a library in the early 20th century. It was converted again to be a museum but was then turned into a ‘Popular House’, which showcased the dances, music, and everyday lives of the people of Leeds.
It was then turned into a cinema, but this was short-lived due to the rise of television. It was converted once again and became the Rotunda nightclub and conference space until it closed in the 1980s due to safety concerns and damage. The Rotunda is a stunning building and has a history that is truly unique. It is rumored to be haunted and is certainly worth a visit for all history lovers and architecture buffs!
2. Domino’s Diner Shoreditch
Even though this is actually a converted railway carriage, we couldn’t resist adding this to the list. It’s very much a Leeds-style diner and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends or loved ones. The decor is quirky and the menu is full of delicious comfort food. It’s one of the best places to go in Leeds for a brunch date or even just a mid-week treat! It’s a great place to grab a coffee, cake, and a book and relax for a few hours. It’s a popular haunt for students and anyone who loves a good feed.
If you’re looking for a quirky place to go, we highly recommend this place. It’s one of the most unique places in Leeds and is very old school. This is a great place to indulge in nostalgia and take a trip down memory lane. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon and is a great place to go with your friends or loved ones.
3. The Merri Creek
Merri Creek is a beautiful nature reserve just a short drive from the city center. It’s a great place to go for a walk, especially in the spring or summer when it’s full of wildflowers. It’s also great for bird watching and is home to a variety of different species. There’s also a very popular fishing spot here, so if you love fishing, this is the perfect place to go!
If you’re visiting in the spring, it’s also worth checking out the annual Merri Creek Festival which takes place in April. This festival is a great place to go if you love music, art, and everything that comes with the Spring season. It’s a free festival, so there’s no excuse not to go! Merri Creek is a beautiful place to visit and is a great place to go for a walk if you’re feeling stressed and need to get some fresh air. It’s also a great place to go if you love fishing or want to see some wildlife.
4. Leeds Library
Leeds Library is a stunning building with plenty of history behind its walls. It was built in 1903 and was designed by Edward Clark. It has a stunning Art Nouveau design with a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. It was the first public library to be built in the UK with Carnegie’s money. It’s a stunning building and is home to a collection of over one million books.
It’s also the world’s largest Carnegie library still standing and is a Grade II listed building. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in Leeds and is well worth a visit. It’s a stunning building and is certainly one of the most interesting things to do in Leeds. It is also a great place to go if you are looking for things to do in Leeds with kids. It’s also a very popular wedding venue and is worth checking out if you’re looking for a stunning location for your big day!
5. The Leeds Uni Darkroom
If you’re a student or have ever been a student, you’re probably aware that the art of developing film isn’t the most common skill amongst today’s youth. The Leeds Uni Darkroom is great for all photography nerds and is a fantastic place to visit if you love photography and want to get your hands dirty. It’s a fully functioning darkroom open to all and they offer workshops, classes, and events that are a great place to practice and try out new skills. It’s a stunning place and great for anyone who’s interested in photography.
This is a great place to visit if you love photography and want to get your hands dirty. It’s also a great place to go if you’re interested in vintage photography as the darkroom is fully functioning and is a lovely throwback to the past.
6. St. James’ Park Ruins
St. James’ Park Ruins are a beautiful piece of architecture and are a great place to visit if you love history or architecture. It’s a stunning place with plenty of history behind its walls. It’s a great place to go for a walk and is one of the best things to do in Leeds with your loved ones or friends. It’s also a great place to go if you’re visiting Leeds with kids. It’s a stunning place and is a great way to get your hands dirty and explore. It’s a popular place to go and is a beautiful place to visit. It’s also a great place to go if you’re interested in architecture.
7. The Music Room
The Music Room is a stunning building that is home to a variety of interesting exhibitions. It’s a great place to go for a day out with your friends or loved ones and is one of the most interesting places in Leeds to visit. It’s a stunning building that is worth a visit if you love art and architecture. It’s a great place to go if you’re visiting Leeds with kids. It’s a stunning building and there’s something for everyone no matter what your interests are. It’s a great place to go if you’re interested in art or architecture as there is always something new and interesting on display. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for things to do in Leeds on a rainy day.
8. Royal Exchange Square
Royal Exchange Square is a beautiful place to visit if you’re interested in architecture or history. It’s a stunning place with plenty of things to do. It’s a great place to go for a walk or if you want to take some amazing photos. It’s also a great place to go if you’re visiting Leeds with kids. It’s a stunning place and is a great place to go if you want to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a great place to go if you’re interested in architecture as it’s a stunning place that is well worth a visit.
9. The Corn Exchange Waiting Room
This one is more of a quirky fact than an actual thing to do in Leeds. The Corn Exchange Waiting Room is a stunning building that is still in use today. It was built in 1853 and is a Grade II listed building. It’s an old Victorian-style building that is hosted many different businesses over the years. It’s now general office space and is a popular filming location. It’s a stunning building that is worth a visit if you love architecture and history. It’s a great place to go if you’re visiting Leeds with kids as it’s a stunning building
