Few places can boast the variety of shopping Leeds offers. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion and designer stores, vintage and independents, or your favourite high-street chain, the city has it in abundance. With historic architecture to match the quality of its stores, Leeds is one of the best places to shop in the UK. To help you get around, discover CrossCountry's guide to shopping in Leeds.
How to get to Leeds by train:
Simply hop on board at your local CrossCountry station and ride all the way to Leeds station. From there, you can get to the shops in mere minutes!
Trinity Leeds
Boasting over 120 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés, Trinity Leeds is a must-visit for any shopaholic visiting Leeds. As the city’s largest shopping centre, it hosts some of the country's biggest fashion brands, including Primark, H&M, Next, River Island, Hollister, and Urban Outfitters. If you’re making a day of it, what better way to satiate your hunger than at restaurants like Wagamama, Meat Liquor, and Alchemist? You can even finish the day at Everyman, one of the trendiest cinemas in Leeds.
How to get there: It’s just a two-minute walk from Leeds Station.
Take a break: Trinity Kitchen is home to 12 permanent and pop-up restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Don’t miss: Archie's. With only a few branches across Leeds and Manchester, there’s a reason why so many celebrities flock to this burger chain for an Instagram snap.
Victoria Leeds
While the Trinity Centre serves shoppers of all budgets, Victoria Leeds is the place to shop for high-end fashion. With over 75 brands ranging from Louis Vuitton to Harvey Nichols, there’s no shortage of designer stores for you to choose from. The sophistication doesn’t end with the shops; restaurants and bars like The Ivy Asia and Issho mean you can shop and dine in style all in one place. If that doesn’t make you feel classy, the spectacle of Europe’s largest stained-glass roof will.
How to get there: It takes less than ten minutes to get to Victoria from Leeds station on foot or by bus.
Take a break: Treat yourself to a luxury refreshment stop in the Brasserie inside Harvey Nichols.
Don’t miss: Head to the largest John Lewis store outside of London to see why Leeds is so famous for its Victorian architecture.
Kirkgate Quarter
If you enjoy the experience of shopping somewhere historic, you’ll want to pay a visit to Kirkgate Quarter. Home to Kirkgate Market, which opened its doors in 1857, the area has overseen the retail revolution, including the first-ever Marks & Spencer in 1894. While much has changed since then, the market remains with over 800 stands selling all items, from flowers to haberdashery. As one of the largest covered markets in Europe, playing host to 100,000 visitors every week, just wandering around Kirkgate is an experience in itself.
How to get there: Take one of a number of short bus rises or walk nine minutes from Leeds Station.
Take a break: Grab a Yorkshire pudding wrap from The Yorkshire Wrap Company. Slow-roasted beef and gravy wrapped up in a fluffy Yorkshire pudding? Take our money.
Don’t miss: Crazy Sweets will roll back the years with retro sugary delights.
Corn Exchange
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d taken one step out of Leeds and another into Rome when you visit the Coliseum-esque Corn Exchange. But instead of an ancient gladiatorial theatre, this Grade-I listed building is a shopping centre packed with independent retailers and services. From record stores to salons, the Corn Exchange is the perfect place to find gifts (including for yourself) that you wouldn’t be able to buy in major retailers. It’s become a trendy hub for niche fashion, design, and lifestyle shops – though it’s not a bad building to look at, either.
How to get there: It’s just a six-minute walk from Leeds Station.
Take a break: Bruschetta is the place to visit, whether you want a coffee and a cake or a drink and a main, including vegan options.
Don’t miss: Few people are prouder of their home county than those from Yorkshire, and The Great Yorkshire Shop is a testament to that.
The Grand Arcade
Another arcade, The Grand Arcade might be smaller and less dazzling than the Corn Exchange, but what it lacks in jaw-dropping architecture, it more than makes up for with charm. Visit this Grade-II listed building for a quiet wander around independent shops, restaurants, cafés, and health & beauty outlets. The building itself has been around for over 100 years, but its retailers are anything but stuck in the past. You’ll find modern and trendy clothes and gifts galore without the hustle and bustle of the larger shopping centres.
How to get there: It’s a 12-minute walk. Alternatively, a bus can get you there more quickly.
Take a break: Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom is a great place for a cup of tea and some cake.
Don’t miss: If you like getting gifts you won’t be able to find anywhere else, Our Handmade Collective is just the place for you.
If you’re planning a shopping trip to Leeds, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia