Discover Leeds with megabus

When it comes to city breaks, Leeds is a destination that needs to be on your travel list. Book coach travel to this city in the north of England and you can do as much, or as little, as you like. Spend your time browsing sculpture galleries and art exhibitions, or just shop until you can’t fit any more bargains in your bag. In summer, head to parks like Roundhay or the leafy grounds of Kirkstall Abbey. And whatever the weather, make sure you stay for the evening. Leeds has bars, clubs, restaurants and pubs practically on tap. This isn’t a city to visit for an early night.

Leeds: top 3 things to do

1. Haggle at Kirkgate Market

You can’t take a bus to Leeds without paying a visit to Kirkgate Market, AKA the biggest covered market in Europe. People flock to it every year to sift through the 600-odd stalls, and it’s just as popular with visitors as it is with locals. Expect a riot of sights, sounds and smells, plus plenty in the way of bargains.

2. Tour the Emmerdale TV set

If you’re a fan of ITV’s Emmerdale, or just a bit of a TV addict, you’re going to love this outdoor guided tour. Soap-viewing stalwarts will recognise places like Home Farm, The Woolpack and Bob’s Café. The purpose-built set is in the city’s Harewood Estate, and return transport from the city centre is included in the ticket price. If you want to take a trip down Emmerdale memory lane, you can also visit the classic sets, including the original Emmerdale Farm.

3. Play Tick Tock Unlock

If you’re here with a few friends and fancy something a bit different, try Tick Tock Unlock on King Street. It’s a live escape game, which basically means you’re locked in a room and have to solve puzzles to escape before your time runs out. It’s designed for groups, and families are welcome.

Leeds: getting around

Make your coach journey to Leeds quick and easy by booking tickets with megabus. You’ll usually get on board extras for the journey like free WiFi* and a 20kg luggage allowance. Plus, your Leeds megabus will drop you somewhere nice and central, so you can start exploring straight away.

Once you’re in Leeds, most things are easily walkable. The bulk of shops, galleries and restaurants are all in the city centre, and walking is usually the quickest option. If you’d rather hop on a bus, the CityBus, or number 5, links the city’s main areas.

And if you want to explore outside the city, Leeds railway station is hard to miss. Hop on a train from here and you could be in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales in just 20 minutes.

Leeds: best for nightlife

If you’re looking for party central, head straight for Call Lane. Starting from Kirkgate Market, it lines up a string of bars, clubs and pubs along one stretch. For something a little more sophisticated, try one of the city’s rooftop – or at least, very high up – bars and restaurants. Places like The Alchemist and Angelica, both in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre, have sweeping views of the city at night.

For a quirkier twist, head to Outlaws Yacht Club on New York Street, or Nation of Shopkeepers on Cookridge Street. With board games, bands, beer and breakfast – although not in that order – these hybrid hangouts are perfect for an alternative night out.

Leeds: best for shopping

Leeds has a huge number of shops spread over a relatively compact area, so it’s a great place to head if you’re in need of some retail therapy. Trinity Leeds, named after the church next door, is the biggest shopping centre in the city. It houses more than 120 stores under one giant glass roof, and it’s right next to Briggate – another of the city’s shopping hotspots. The Grade I listed Corn Exchange, meanwhile, is the place for independent boutiques and quirky cafés. And the same goes for Leeds’s beautiful shopping arcades. The Grand Arcade is indie central, while Victoria Quarter is the hub of high-end, luxury labels.

Leeds for free: our top 3

1. Tiptoe through Kirkstall Abbey

Tucked away in greenery on the banks of the River Aire is Kirkstall Abbey. This ruined medieval monastery makes a great setting for a picnic in summer, and a hauntingly beautiful place to explore the rest of the year. It’s only three miles out of the city centre – just catch the number 33 bus.

2. Visit the Henry Moore Institute

Open seven days a week and completely free, the Henry Moore Institute is well worth a visit. It’s where Moore first began his training in sculpture, and is now one of Europe’s biggest sculpture galleries. You’ll find it on The Headrow in the city centre, right next to Leeds Art Gallery – also free.

3. Chill out in Roundhay Park

Just three miles north of the city centre, this sprawling park feels a world away. More than 700 acres of greenery wraps around a couple of lakes, a handful of cafés and an indoor wildlife park called Tropical World. As one of Europe’s biggest city parks it’s really popular, but there’s so much space to go around that you wouldn’t know it.

Ready to book your coach to Leeds? Just use our journey planner to find cheap tickets.

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