Leeds is the third-largest city in the UK and is cheerfully referred to as the unofficial capital of Yorkshire, due to its countless attractions and vibrant way of life. The city boasts world class sporting venues, two quality universities, a thriving independent food scene, and a rich and varied history that goes back centuries.
You won’t regret a trip to Leeds, whether it’s a fleeting visit for the day or a long weekend, catch a train with CrossCountry to see everything that Leeds has to offer.
Train tickets to Leeds
Catching a train to Leeds is simple, as CrossCountry provides services to Leeds from a wide range of cities and towns in the UK. Leeds train station is well situated in the city centre, meaning you’re never too far away from any of the major attractions in the city. Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Newcastle are all popular routes that are serviced by CrossCountry.
We recommend booking your tickets well in advance in order to find the best savings for your trip to Leeds. You can also add a Railcard to your ticket in order to enhance these savings.
FAQs
Leeds station is located towards the north of the city, within walking distance of numerous attractions and amenities.
Yes, simply hop on a bus from Leeds Station and you’ll arrive at Leeds Bradford in around 30-minutes. There is also the option of getting a taxi from outside the train station, too.
Finding cheap tickets to Leeds can be done, you just need to know how. Investing in a railcard means you can save ⅓ of every journey you take, and there are lots of railcard options so make sure to check if you’re eligible. Booking single tickets may also help, as well as booking in advance and getting cheap ticket alerts. For more ways on getting cheap tickets to Leeds, check out our cheap tickets help page.
For further information about stations in Leeds, check out our station guide.
Experience Leeds
Places to eat in Leeds
The rich culture of Leeds lends itself to having some of the most sought-after restaurants in the UK. With countless restaurants of wide-ranging cuisines, you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat in Leeds to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re looking to get a flavour of the history of the city, then The Empire Café can deliver that and more. Dating back to 1884, this establishment has been feeding hungry locals and tourists for well over a century now. The menu encapsulates the area too, with fuss-free, hearty dishes such as rotisserie chicken with roast potatoes, and the humble breakfast bap. The notorious Yorkshire hospitality will have you leaving the restaurant refreshed, satisfied and ready to tackle the rest of your stay in the city.
Tharavadu encapsulates the feel of the city within its four walls through its tasty menu. Claiming to be the home of Kerala cuisine, customers will be transported to the South Coast of India with their collection of dosas, thalis, and curries. Although that area is better known for its vegetarian dishes, meat eaters are well catered for at Tharavadu, with chef specials that include tender chicken and mutton.
Both restaurants are located right in the centre of Leeds and are less than a ten-minute walk from the train station.
Places to stay in Leeds
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay right in the heart of the city, then look no further than the Park Plaza. Located just a two-minute walk from the train station, you can base yourself right in the middle of the city during your stay, so you’re never too far away from what you want to tick off your list during your time in Leeds. There are a number of suites to choose from, including the grand skyline suite, offering unparalleled views of the city.
There are some more unique places to stay in Leeds however, such as the Lady Teal hotel boat. Docked in Fearns Wharf on the River Aire, this five-star hotel offers guests a unique opportunity to explore Leeds through its trail of canals. The fully crewed and catered hotel provides all the luxuries you can expect at such a high-quality hotel, but with the familiar comforts of home.
Heritage and culture in Leeds
Leeds is steeped in culture and history, and the locals are proud of what they have to offer. One museum that can give you an instant insight into heritage in Leeds is the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills. This museum provides an invaluable insight into the backbone of the city, and how it has taken shape today.
Take a look at the textile gallery that displays the processes of woollen cloth production in the place that was once the largest woollen mill in the world in Armley Mills, which is a ten-minute bus ride from the train station.
Leeds is also notorious for its thriving music scene, contributing to a unique culture in Leeds. There are countless venues that host some of the hottest acts in both the UK and the world, and Brudenell Social Club is synonymous for its nurturing of up and coming acts. Established in 1913, this social club has been a go-to venue for many locals over the years and continues to host iconic gigs and boasts hosting some legendary secret gigs for Franz Ferdinand and Kaiser Chiefs over the years.
Shopping in Leeds
When shopping in Leeds, it’s hard to overlook somewhere like the Corn Exchange. Filled to the brim with unique independent shops, the venue has been open for trading since 1864. The building is iconic in Leeds too, and is Grade 1 listed, highlighting its importance to the city.
Trinity Leeds is the biggest shopping centre in the city, and is home to numerous iconic brands, perfect for anyone spending the day shopping in Leeds. Once you’ve visited your favourite shops of which there are over 120, take a break in one of the many bars, cafés, or restaurants also situated on any of the three floors that this shopping centre is spread across.
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