With all there is to see and do in Leeds, any holiday to this Yorkshire city is going to be rewarding, but exploring all of the sites available to you can be costly. That is, unless you make the effort to take advantage of all the budget-friendly opportunities available in Leeds. You'll find a surprising number of sights and activities to explore in this city that's either affordable or doesn't cost any money at all. Here are our tips for saving money in Leeds that will let you enjoy the best this city has to offer without breaking the bank.

  • 1

    Eccup Reservoir

    Take a leisurely scenic walk

    Eccup Reservoir
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    At the Eccup Reservoir, you'll find a scenic walking path that stretches about 8.4 km around its borders. Along this path, you'll find a nice, quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city with rolling grassy hills, lush woodlands and tree-lined paths that effectively create a visually striking canopy tunnel.

    The area is also noted for being a site of special scientific interest and for having a large population of red kites, so keep that in mind if you're interested in a spot of bird-watching over the waters. Sunsets and sunrises are notably alluring in this area as well, depending on which side of the reservoir you're on. Of course, access is entirely free.

    Location: Alwoodley Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 7DJ, UK

    Map

    photo by jcw1967 (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Crowd of Favours

    Watch a classic film

    Crowd of Favours
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    Crowd of Favours is a bar/restaurant known for its live musical performances, but something special happens on the last Tuesday of every month in the basement. They set up chairs and a projector screen for people to come and watch classic films of various kinds, with some dating back a few years and others dating back a few decades. 

    Access to this miniature cinema is free as well, so it won't cost you a thing to view your favourite films. The schedule changes every month, so there's a nice variety you can enjoy the more often you attend.

    Location: Harper St, Leeds LS2 7EA, UK

    Open: Shows start at 7 pm on the last Tuesday of every month

    Phone: +44 (0)113 246 9405

    Map

    photo by Mtaylor848 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Leeds City Museum

    Immerse yourself in history

    Leeds City Museum
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    For travellers interested in learning more about history, the Leeds City Museum is a relic of history itself, occupying a building dating back to 1819. Inside the museum, you'll find numerous exhibits that predominantly focus on Leeds' rich history. The scale model of Quarry Hill Flats and the massive Leeds map on the floor are among the most popular features of this museum. 

    Additionally, you'll find a natural history gallery, a stuffed Indian tiger and archaeological items including floor mosaics dating to the 3rd century BCE and an Egyptian mummy from the 2nd millennium BCE. You can view all of this for free, as the museum has no admission fee.

    Location: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +44 (0)113 378 5001

    Map

    photo by Chemical Engineer (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    The Tetley

    Join a free art workshop

    The Tetley
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    If you're a fan of contemporary art, you'll find plenty of exciting pieces to see at The Tetley. Formerly known as Tetley's Brewery, this massive building has since been converted into a contemporary art gallery. Inside, you'll find art deco decor across its numerous floors, along with breathtaking pieces including paintings, sculptures and photos from all around the world. 

    Access to the exhibitions is free, but that's just the beginning. The Tetley also hosts art workshops that are free as well. You just have to book a time and bring all the necessary supplies. These workshops can cover several different topics, including oil painting and sculpting.

    Location: Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ, UK

    Open: Thursday–Tuesday 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)113 320 2323

    Map

    photo by Chemical Engineer (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 5

    The Gallery at Munro House

    Enjoy local art for free

    The Gallery at Munro House
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    Leeds is a city that's full of incredible art, but you can see some of the best at Munro House. The building itself dates back to the 1930s and housed offices for most of its history. In modern times, however, Munro House is within Leeds' cultural centre and is home to the Leeds Art Gallery. 

    This commercial art gallery features a diverse array of media including paintings, prints, sculptures, illustrations and photography. Admission won't cost you anything, but if you're looking to bring any of the pieces home, you'll have to pay for that. As a bonus, you can enjoy affordable coffee at the onsite cafe.

    Location: St Peter's Street, Leeds, Leeds, LS9 8, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +44 (0)113 234 5551

    Map

    photo by Matthewlandrews (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 6

    Leeds Minster

    Find solace in a spectacular architectural feat

    Leeds Minster
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    Leeds Minster is a breathtaking English Gothic-style minster that's cruciform in plan with a massive clock and an intricately decorated interior with extensive Perpendicular tracery. Thick stained glass windows line the interior and are decorated with exquisite depictions of important religious figures. There are massive arches included as well alongside breathtaking Venetian mosaics. 

    Despite its age, Leeds Minster is still functional and holds regular services. As a member of the public, you can enjoy the few hours each day when the church is open to visitors. Parishioners often offer light meals and refreshments as well, which you can enjoy for free.

    Location: 2-6 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 2 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 12.30 pm (open only to parishioners on Sundays)

    Phone: +44 (0)113 245 2036

    Map

    photo by Jungpionier (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 7

    Kirkstall Abbey

    Explore centuries-old history

    Kirkstall Abbey
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    On the north bank of the River Aire, you'll find Kirkstall Abbey, a monument to West Yorkshire's rich history. Built in 1152, these well-preserved ruins are among the oldest in all of England. In fact, these Cistercian ruins are so picturesque that famous painters such as Thomas Girtin and John Sell Cotman have used them as their subject. 

    You're free to explore this official Scheduled Ancient Monument, and the nearby visitor centre makes the journey easier than ever. The best part is that access is completely free. You can even enjoy guided tours for free occasionally. Just keep in mind that there is a donation box if you're feeling generous.

    Location: Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +44 (0)113 378 4079

    Map
  • 8

    Roundhay Park

    Stroll through the park

    Roundhay Park
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    Roundhay Park covers more than 700 acres of parkland, making it one of the biggest city parks in all of Europe. You'll find vibrant landscaped gardens along with multiple lakes complete with walking trails around them. You'll even find slightly hidden paths by the gorge if you're looking to traverse this parkland off the beaten path. 

    There are even football pitches, playgrounds and a skate park if you're feeling more adventurous. You can also visit Roundhay Castle, a cheeky name for a small folly built back in 1811. Even with all of these attractions centred in the same place, access to it all is completely free.

    Location: Mansion Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH, UK

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +44 (0)113 378 6002

    Map
  • 9

    The Henry Moore Institute

    Peruse artistic sculptures

    The Henry Moore Institute
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    The Henry Moore Foundation is dedicated to promoting the fine arts throughout England, and one of its best features is the Henry Moore Institute. At this gallery, you'll find intricately crafted sculptures from both contemporary and historical collections as well as an archive and library of sculpture and art-related works. 

    Numerous events take place at the institute all year long, including seminars and lectures from renowned sculptors and artists, along with special exhibitions highlighting a particular theme or artist. Access to the Henry Moore Institute is completely free, so you can enjoy its offerings without even touching your budget.

    Location: 74 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH, UK

    Open: Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +44 (0)113 246 7467

    Map

    photo by Mtaylor848 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Leeds Welcome Art Crawl

    Journey through a public art trail

    Leeds Welcome Art Crawl
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    The Leeds Welcome Art Trail is an exciting trail of exceptional artworks that winds throughout the city showing off traditional art installations alongside some more unusual designs. Numerous local artists, sculptors and illustrators have contributed to this art trail, along with some of the best from the popular art nouveau scene here in Britain. 

    The ages of the art installations vary quite a bit as well, as you'll find recent additions from the past few years along with iconic statues that have been part of Leeds for over a century. Being a public art installation, the trail is available for you to enjoy without paying anything.

    Location: New Station St, Leeds LS1 4DY, UK

    Map

    photo by Tim Green (CC BY 2.0) modified