Whether you are coming to the University for a conference or just visiting Leeds, there are lots of things to do in and around the city!
With a flourishing arts scene, fantastic array of restaurants, vibrant nightlife and an abundance of beautiful parks and cultural sites, Leeds has something for everyone! No wonder Lonely Planet named Leeds as one of Europe’s top 10 destinations for international travellers in 2017- the only UK city on the list.
MEETinLEEDS have done the hard work for you by finding some of the best activities in and around Leeds city centre.
There are many free sports activities and live music experiences, whatever your interests and whether you want to stay around campus or head into Leeds, the details of which are below.
Choose a section below and start exploring Leeds!
A little caveat here – access to the Edge is only free if you are staying at the University as a residential conference delegate or have booked our on campus accommodation. You can get a £10 day pass too, which gives access to the swimming pool, sauna, steam room, fitness suite and exercise classes.
However, they do have taster sessions such as this introduction to climbing, so it is well worth getting in touch with them if you want to reach new heights!
For the tennis enthusiasts out there, Woodhouse Moor has six tennis courts which are free to access throughout the year, so you can just turn up with your racket and balls for a set or two!
Leeds is very bicycle friendly. There are a number of bike paths around the city and plenty of parks to glide around.
Being a ‘Bike Friendly Business’, the University has lots of cycle parking points, and the wider city has a commitment to being a cycle-friendly city.
If you are into circuit cycling, you have to visit the University of Leeds cycle track at Bodington Playing Fields. One of the longest tracks in the country, it provides a safe and traffic free environment for cyclists of all abilities. You can take your own bike or rent one there, and there are a number of free sessions as well as a pay and pedal scheme. Maybe you will follow in the illustrious footsteps of the Brownlee brothers!
Leeds Urban Bike Park at Middleton Park is perfect for both for mountain bike and BMX enthusiasts. It has a cross country mountain trail with 6 kilometres of track to explore. You will find something for you whatever level you are, from the mini pump track to get initiated with jumps, to a full sized version for those looking to catch big-air.
If you are coming to Leeds with a cycle, but looking for something a little more sedate, check out the Leeds & Liverpool Canal for a gentle ride without too many hilly exertions.
Yes, it is one of our venues. Yes, we are slightly biased. Yes, we do realise that everyone who is anyone knows “Who” played there for their seminal “Live at Leeds” album. But when you are privy to a piece of local history you are entitled to shout about it. So we do. Find out more about the illustrious past of the Refectory, along with a Spotify playlist here.
No visit to Leeds is complete without closing your eyes in front of the stage area of the Refectory. With the right ears the clang of chords that open “Substitute” will resonate around the columns. You know “Who” that song is by…
Visit Leeds Tickets to see what gigs are happening at all of the venues in the Leeds University Union, including the Refectory.
Millennium Square is the place for outdoor gigs in the city. If jazz is your thing you need to go to the Jazz Leeds Festival. If you are more into classical music with a side of dramedy set in a small northern town, then Brassed Off Live will be music to your ears.
There are also regular gigs and sports event screenings, so there is truly something for everyone!
Leeds is home to lots of places you can find local bands and free music, such as the Belgrave Music Hall and the non-profit Brudenell Social Club, which has been a mainstay of the Leeds music scene for a number of years, and hosts gigs most nights of the week.
The Leeds List has a great guide on the local venues that have free music that is well worth checking out.
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