Summer’s here and there are loads of fun things to do in Leeds, so gather your pals and get your diaries filled.
Summer brings sunshine, holidays and oodles of must-do days out. You can quaff a few drinks at the city’s rooftop bars, nip to the countryside for an outdoor adventure or head out to huge festivals. Got kids to entertain? Get ready to try roam around the treetops and explore historic ruins. With so much going on, you’re positively spoilt for choice, so pick your favourites and get plotting.
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Drink on the city’s rooftops. When the sun’s shining, the city’s rooftop bars are the perfect way to while away the day. Enjoy cocktails and panoramic views at Sky Lounge, craft beer and street food at Belgrave Music Hall or champers and fine dining at Harvey Nichol’s Fourth Floor Bar – choose your favourite (or do a couple) and get on up there!
Swing through the treetops. If you fancy an adrenaline-inducing day out, visit Go Ape at Temple Newsam. You can take on high-speed zip wires, free-fall Tarzan swings and a host of death-defying crossings. This is an epic adventure the whole family can do together with tailored routes for the kids.
Follow the sporting action with Leeds Rhinos. The Leeds Rhinos Men’s Team are battling it out in the hotly contested Betfred Super League season. And with many matches being held in Headingley Stadium – including their face-off with Catalans Dragons on Thursday 11th September 2025 – rugby league fans can catch a slice of the action on home turf.
Make a splash at Leeds Waterfront Festival. Head on down to Leeds Waterfront on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July 2025 to get stuck in with a jam-packed schedule at Leeds Waterfront Festival. With DJ sets, family-friendly rides and the iconic Dragon Boat Race, it’s a vibrant celebration that’s sure to make waves with visitors of all ages.
Climb up Cow & Calf. Ilkley Moor is one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful natural wonders, full of heather-covered moors and incredible views. The best vantage point is from Cow and Calf rocks, an imposing outcrop and boulder formation that sits just across the road from the pub that shares its name.
Sip on something tasty at Leeds Gin & Rum Fest. The largest gin and rum festival in the country is returning to Leeds, with a celebration of these superb spirits taking place at Royal Armouries on Saturday 12th July 2025. Whether you’re a serious connoisseur or just enjoy a tipple, the festival will have a great selection of award-winning distillers, mixed expertly with live entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere.
Get down to the Sounds of the City. Millennium Square will once again be home to a programme of incredible concerts this summer. Throughout July and August, there’s a show for everyone. The Black Keys will have you rocking out, 80s Classical will bring the nostalgia, while Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems will get the crowds throwing some shapes. That’s not to mention brilliant tribute acts, including Man in the Mirror, Taylormania and ABBAOKE.
Spend a day at the lake. Yeadon Tarnfield Park is great for a summer’s day out. It’s got 17 hectares of outdoor space with a massive lake at its centre, but that’s not all. You can head to the playground, BMX track or the sailing club, which offers all manner of water sports to try out on the lake.
Go on a summer pub walk. You can treat yourself to a well-deserved pint after a walk in the beautiful Leeds countryside on these pub walks. They will see you visiting everything from sparkling parks to reservoirs, lakes and nature reserves, before enjoying a few tipples at some of the best pubs in Leeds.
Celebrate the biggest Leeds Pride event ever. This Pride weekend in Leeds is set to be the biggest and best yet. On Sunday 20th July 2025, the city’s most colourful celebration will be the place to be. From the incredible parade that weaves its way through the streets to the brilliant line-up of live music on Lower Briggate, don’t miss out!
Get on your bike. Leeds Urban Bike Park is the ultimate destination for MTB and BMX riders, with something for all ages. You can head out to the BMX track or ride the pump track to practice your skills. Prefer mountain biking? There are four trails, including special routes for beginners and experts.
Tuck into something tasty at Temple Newsam Food Fest. If you’re craving a taste of something special this summer, then Temple Newsam has you covered, rolled up in sprinkles and served piping hot, thanks to their annual food fest. On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August 2025, the gorgeous grounds will be awash with food and drink stalls, live entertainment, a fun fair and so much more. Come hungry!
Check out historic abbey ruins. Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most impressive landmarks in Leeds, especially when the sun’s out. Explore the 12th-century Cistercian monastery ruins before you kick back and enjoy the riverside grounds – it’s perfect for a picnic or you can make use of the playground and tennis courts.
Get dancing at the Black Music Festival. Join in with an electrifying celebration of the culture and creativity of the black community at the Black Music Festival Leeds at Potternewton Park on Sunday 24th August 2025. Talented artists will be playing out everything from R&B to hop hop and reggae beats, while delicious food stalls keep you well-fed with authentic African and Caribbean fare.
Enjoy a night at the movies outdoors. That’s right, outdoor, not indoor. Harewood House is lending its grounds to a selection of must-see and family-friendly films this August. From The Greatest Showman to Sing, Pride and Prejudice to a sing-a-long Grease celebration, it’s the perfect excuse to pack a picnic, crack out the popcorn and make some memories.
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Rock out at a music festival. It’s one of the biggest weekends of the year as Leeds Festival takes over Bramham Park from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th August 2025. This big-time bash is bringing huge names to the city. From Travis Scott to Hozier, Chappell Roan to Limp Bizkit, it’s always one of the best ways to spend the August bank holiday weekend.
Watch the carnival weave its way through the streets. The official Leeds West Indian Carnival will be landing in Leeds on Monday 25th August 2025! The new updated route will set off from 2pm at Potternewton Parksee and will see the wonderful procession of colour, music and street food loop around twice.
Go on a family-friendly adventure. Stockeld Park is the perfect summer day out. You can visit the Enchanted Forest, which promises playgrounds galore, as well as getting lost in the maze. But that’s just the start – they have special themed activities throughout the summer, as well as buccaneer boats, pedal go karts and outdoor inflatables.
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Do the famous valley trail. You can enjoy a little taste of the countryside just minutes from the city centre on the Meanwood Valley Trail. This seven-mile route takes you from Woodhouse Moor, along Woodhouse Ridge, through The Hollies and past Scotland Dam all the way up to Golden Acre Park. But if you don’t want to do it one go, it easily be split into three.
Enjoy the city’s biggest beer festival. It’s back and Leeds International Beer Festival is returning to the historic Kirkstall Abbey for the its 13th instalment in the city. From Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th September 2025, you can work your way through the wares of over 40 different breweries, complete with street food, live music and even family-friendly sessions.
Take an alpaca for a walk. Treeside Alpacas is a fun day out for all the family. You can visit the pastures they call home and meet the whole gang, from the confident Kimbo to the friendly Chester. Pick one to go on a walk with, stroking and feeding them as you enjoy a short trek in the countryside.
Credit: Bradford Council
Swim outdoors at Ilkley Lido. The most wonderful outdoor pool in the land is back and it’s open all the way through to September, so you can make the most of the summer sun by taking a dip. The glorious Yorkshire countryside surrounds you, so bring a picnic and take it all in, before you dive back into the water or play a game of tennis.
Visit a farm in the heart of the city. Meanwood Valley Urban Farm brings a taste of the countryside to the city for all ages to enjoy. It’s a 24-acre working farm with everything from yellow-bellied slider turtles to Dexter cows, rare-breed sheep and playful goats. You can also explore the woodland trails and wildlife gardens.
Explore Roundhay Park. It’s one of the biggest urban parks in Europe, and there’s loads to see and do at Roundhay Park this summer. You can visit the Canal Gardens, circle the lakes and seek out the castle folly. Got kids? It’s home to adventure playgrounds, but if you want a sure-fire favourite, the animal-filled Tropical World is a must.
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Discover Chevin Forest Park. You’ll find the Chevin Forest Park just outside Otley and it offers a little taste of the country right on your doorstep. It’s perfect for a summer walk or cycle with loads of trails. Prefer bouldering? Head to Caley Crags. Want to see all the way to York Minster? Try the Surprise View.
Check out the city’s oldest entertainment venue. Kirkstall Abbey is a proper Leeds landmark, but this summer, it will be a hub of entertainment. From market stalls to outdoor cinema and live theatre productions, including Macbeth and Panto at the Abbey, this summer is the perfect excuse to embrace this stunning spot in the city.
Test your strength at IRONMAN Leeds. Combining running, cycling and swimming, the IRONMAN triathlon is one of the most testing sporting challenges around – and it’ll be taking place at Roundhay Park on Sunday 27th July 2025. Marking the first time Leeds has hosted the event, it’s a great way to push yourself to the limit – or just come along and cheer the competitors on if you prefer.
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