Top five reasons for a staycation in Leeds
New research shows that 29% of Brits are planning on reducing the number of overnight trips due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. But a short break doesn’t need to cost the earth. Visit Leeds, the destination management organisation for the city, has revealed five reasons why Leeds is a top affordable staycation break with plenty of exciting experiences to enjoy that won’t break the bank. From fantastic museums and galleries to street art tours, incredible entertainment and culture, you can find everything you love about a city break, here at an affordable price.
1) For culture lovers
Culture has a reputation for being inaccessible and expensive, but fantastic cultural experiences don’t have to come at a price, and thankfully, Leeds has culture around every corner. Take Northern Ballet, the only resident ballet company outside of London, where you can enjoy a spectacular show starting from just £15, or take in a performance courtesy of Opera North, where tickets again start from just £15. Most of the city’s museums and galleries are also totally free, including the UK’s leading museum of arms and armour, The Royal Armouries, as well as Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds Central Library and the Henry Moore Institute of sculpture. Architecture is also accessible in Leeds with every step in the city. Take Victoria Quarter, a breathtaking 19th century Victorian shopping arcade. With rich marbles, hand-crafted mosaics and intricate stonework, you’ll be instantly transported to the streets of Milan.
2. For music fans
Leeds is a true hub for music, and is home to renowned music festivals, interesting venues and exceptional upcoming talent – so it’s the perfect place to come if you’re looking to enjoy music on your trip. Jazz fanatic? Visit The Domino Club, a secret speakeasy bar that offers live jazz, soul, reggae, blues and outstanding cocktails, with free entry on a Wednesday or Sunday. And if you want to catch a gig while you’re here, chill out at the independent iconic venues of Brudenell Social Club or Belgrave Music Hall, unique and welcoming venues offering live music gigs from up-and-coming and established artists that are reasonably priced and oftentimes free. Be enchanted by live music from organists, brass bands and singers in a spellbinding series of free concerts at Leeds Cathedral, or take to one of the city’s many parks this summer to listen to free concerts. Music is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and in Leeds, it doesn’t have to come at a cost.
3. For wanderers and explorers
Leeds is a walkable and compact city, and you can explore it all through the interesting tours and trails that allow you to see the city like never before. Take the Street Art Trail, telling the story of Leeds legends and community through street art, or Leeds Walking Tours, taking you on a guided tour of the city from registered blue badge guides. There’s also a self-guided architecture trail on offer in the city so you can take in all of the incredible accessible architecture the city has to offer, as well as Leeds United club tours for football fans and food and drink tours of the city’s best independent bars and eateries for foodies.
4. For foodies
Foodies shouldn’t have to miss out on incredible dining experiences due to cost. As the unofficial foodie capital of the North, the city is filled with cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants – as well as a thriving independent food scene. The food hall in Kirkgate Market, the biggest indoor market in Europe and the birthplace of M&S, has a host of street food traders cooking up a host of delicious affordable eats, while Things in Bread is a brand-new gourmet sandwich shop in the heart of the city centre and the perfect place to pick up a sandwich and enjoy an al-fresco bite in one of the city’s parks and green spaces. Many eateries around the city also offer fantastic early bird deals and lunchtime deals – perfect for when you’re visiting the city midweek.
5. For overnighters
Consider booking a few days holiday and visit at off-peak times, either midweek or on a Sunday, to really get the best deals on incredible city accommodation, and extend your weekend too! Top, luxury hotels such as Dakota or The Hilton are considerably cheaper away from weekends, while affordable accommodation is always available at places such as Leeds Art Hostel. Getting around the city is easy – and can be fun – too. Leeds’ iconic Water Taxi costs just £2 and takes you from the train station, along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal all the way to Leeds Dock. Leeds is an accessible and well connected city that’s well within reach; there’s the coach station taking you to destinations all over the UK for as little as £5, and of course the train station – linking Leeds to hundreds of major towns and cities all over the country. It’s much more sustainable than a flight or long car journey.
Commenting on why Leeds is an affordable staycation spot, a spokesperson at Visit Leeds says: “We know more people are looking to cut down on their spends when it comes to day trips and overnight stays, but we’d like to show people that a trip doesn’t need to cost the Earth and people shouldn’t have to miss out. There are plenty of fun things you can do and see in the city of Leeds, from day excursions to exciting nightlife, so you can still have incredible experiences that are affordable. We hope to welcome people to the city to see for themselves this year.”
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