When thinking about the most exciting cities in the world, Leeds is probably far from the top of your list, isn't it? It might not even be among the top 20 cities on your list, right? Admittedly, Leeds is far from the most popular destination in the UK alone, what more the rest of the world. But that doesn't mean the city is a total snoozefest either! On the contrary, Leeds has a lot going for it as a city in the English countryside. You'll find that there are a ton of things you can do here to pass the time, even if it's only for one day.
See Temple Newsam House
When you go to any city in the UK, you'll likely be greeted by a ton of manors, mansions, and palaces. The type that will remind you of 'Downton Abbey' and all its posh, historic glory. And if you're into that kind of stuff, there's no other place in Leeds that will enchant you quite like Temple Newsam House. A Tudor-style mansion that looks straight out of the palaces of Versailles, it's an old-world—as well as other-worldly!—attraction in the heart of West Yorkshire. History buffs and glamour geeks will have a field day exploring each and every part of this beautiful place.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Shop & Eat at The Corn Exchange
Don't you just love it when you get to do something contemporary in a place that looks as if you traveled back in time? Sort of like some
fashion stores in London, wherein the latest trends are housed in Georgian and Edwardian structures. Here in Leeds, there is such a place too: The Corn Exchange. Inside a Victorian-style domed monument is a whole host of boutiques, vintage stores, high street brands, and more. You can shop and eat to your heart's content all while basking in the glory of this classical palace. Its beauty can rival the
castles in Vienna, for sure!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Exercise Your Mind at Tick Tock Unlock
Mystery cases and escape rooms have become more popular over the years. It's even reached a point where a ski-town like
Whistler, Canada has one as well! Of course, the English countryside city of Leeds has one too! It's Tick Tock Unlock! And before you ask, no, the place doesn't have any relation to the popular viral-inducing video app. Here, you and a few friends are challenged to complete and answer all sorts of puzzles and riddles to get to the finish line. It's a chance to really rack your brain up and show off your knowledge to the best of your abilities!
Source: Tick Tock Unlock
Go On A Brewtown Tour
The British love drinking! That's simply a fact. Be it in
a bar in London or a pub in Manchester, the Brits sure do love their alcohol. Here in Leeds, that love is taken a step further with a
Brewtown Tour! Basically, a group of like-minded individuals offer a chance for people to around all the pubs and bars in the city and check out the best beers in this part of West Yorkshire. It's as much a social gathering among beer-lovers as it is a chance to get to know Leeds from a different point of view!
Source: Brewtown Tour Facebook Page
Hike at Rodley Nature Reserve
Even though Leeds is largely an urban city, it is still located in the English countryside. This means you're closer to Mother Nature than you ever were in London. You'll only have to explore a bit farther from the city center to get to the more natural side of the UK. One, in particular, Rodley Nature Reserve, is a scenic paradise unlike any other. It's a great place for a hike, and the further you get into it, the more you'll forget that you were in Leeds in the first place. And not for nothing, the views of the colorful skies here, especially at dusk or dawn, are truly spectacular!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Party at Call Lane
If, instead of a day, you only have a night in Leeds, why not party hard at Call Lane? A largely LGBTQ+ area in the city, it's a strip of bars, clubs, pubs, and more. This is where you'll really forget you're in the English countryside! You'll likely even think you're in SoHo in London or something! That's how different Call Lane is from the rest of the
areas in Leeds. Party all night long with your friends, go bar-hopping to as many places as you can, and simply enjoy your life whilst in the city! What's stopping you?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Walk Your Dog In A Park
Finally,
as with London, there are a ton of parks and peaceful areas in Leeds. And if you have a dog, this only means one thing: take your pup out for a stroll. Who wouldn't want to spend a day with your canine companion? No matter where you are, taking a walk with your dog will always relax you and make you feel a whole lot better than even you might realize yourself. And here, from Middleton Park to even Temple Newsam, there's a ton of places you can take your pup too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
You'd be surprised by how much you can do in Leeds even for a day. From shopping in old-world Britain to answering riddles and puzzles, there's a lot to do in this beautiful and exciting city in the English countryside!
