Leeds is a cracking city, and I feel very lucky to have spent a year of my life there while I was studying.
What I learned while I lived there is that there’s always something to do in Leeds, no matter the weather.
Come rain or shine, this fab city has an activity for everyone!
If you’re looking for the best indoor activities in Leeds, then look no further, because I’ve compiled a handy list for you.
Just pick out your favourites and save them up for the next rainy day to come along.
1. TeamSport
Address: S Accommodation Rd, Leeds LS10 1NQ
Phone number: 01252 732300
If you’re looking for the best go-karting track in Yorkshire, then look no further than TeamSport.
This incredible track has over 580 metres of racing tarmac for you to drive around at full throttle.
It’s the longest indoor circuit in Yorkshire, which is a pretty impressive feat!
Whether it’s a family day out or a team-building event with a difference, this track will be able to help you out.
Unleash your inner thrill-seeker and head down to TeamSport today.
2. Everyman Cinema
Address: Level 4, Trinity, Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT
Phone number: 01233 555642
Everyman Cinema is one of the UK’s best cinema chains, and the one in Leeds is brilliant.
The cinema has just two screens, which makes it all the more special and gives it an exclusive feel that you won’t find at any other cinema in town.
Everyman has an adjoining pizzeria which is well worth a visit, too, because what better combination is there than pizza and films?
And if the rain stops pouring (don’t get your hopes up – this is Yorkshire, after all), you can head up to one of the best rooftop bars in Leeds.
Whether it’s blockbuster movies or indie films you want, you’re sure to be able to find them at Everyman.
3. Thackray Museum of Medicine
Address: 141 Beckett St, Harehills, Leeds LS9 7LN
Phone number: 0113 244 4343
Maybe medicine has always fascinated you, but you didn’t feel you were quite cut out for being a doctor.
Or maybe you are a doctor and you simply want to learn more about your craft.
Whatever your reason, you’ll be able to indulge it here at the Thackray Museum of Medicine.
This fantastic museum allows you to follow the story of medicine as you stroll through the streets of Victorian Leeds.
Watch gory operations take place in their 19th-century operating theatre, and visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic.
There’s plenty to learn at this fascinating museum!
4. Leeds Art Gallery
Address: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
Phone number: 0113 378 5350
If you’re into your art more than your medical history, then Leeds Art Gallery may just be one of the best indoor activities in Leeds for you.
Their dynamic exhibition programme will keep you coming back as the years go by, while their permanent collection of modern and contemporary art will never cease to amaze.
They also run art sessions that are inspired by their collections and exhibitions, allowing you to get stuck into something you may not have tried your hand at before.
The gallery is free to visit, so make sure you don’t miss this one!
5. Leeds City Museum
Address: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH
Phone number: 0113 378 5001
Leeds City Museum was originally established in 1819, before later being reopened in 2008.
With four floors of incredible artefacts to see, this is the perfect choice for a rainy day in Leeds.
Here you can get up close and personal to amazing animals and uncover buried archaeological treasures, and what could be more fun than that?
They host two changing exhibitions every year, as well as a fantastic calendar of exciting events for the whole family.
This fabulous museum will take you on a journey across the world, and it won’t be one you’ll soon forget!
6. LaserZone
Address: Cardigan Fields Road, Leeds LS4 2DG
Phone number: 0113 279 0000
One of the most fun indoor activities in Leeds, LaserZone is a totally out of this world experience.
If you want to take off into another dimension, then this is the place to be.
Hidden behind the Airlock is an incredible land that has been forgotten about by all humanity.
This galactic labyrinth is filled with enemies who you’ll need to beat if you want to make it out of here alive.
LaserZone is perfect for letting off some steam, no matter how young or old you are!
I can guarantee that you’ll enjoy it here – it’s a real blast, especially if it’s not something you’ve tried before.
7. The Great Escape Game
Address: Atlas House, 31 King St, Leeds LS1 2HL
Phone number: 0330 088 3032
The Great Escape Game has a whopping 12 award-winning escape adventures for you to choose from!
Whether you want to take your chances in the devil’s playground or you fancy trying to escape a haunted house, there’s sure to be an escape room for you here.
As well as an array of fantastic escape adventures, they also offer a whole bunch of activities for you to try out, ranging from cocktail masterclasses to museum experiences.
Whatever your taste, they’ll be happy to help you find an activity to suit you here at The Great Escape Game!
8. Henry Moore Institute
Address: 74 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH
Phone number: 0113 246 7467
The Henry Moore Institute is one of Europe’s largest sculpture galleries, and it’s well worth a visit.
It’s situated right next door to Leeds Art Gallery, so why not tie the two into one breathtakingly beautiful trip?
The Institute is part of The Henry Moore Foundation, which was set up by the famous sculptor Henry Moore to encourage people to appreciate the visual arts more, in particular sculpture.
It places sculpture at the centre of the art world, and the exhibitions are always wonderful.
They’re sure to teach you a bit about the world of sculpture, that’s for sure.
9. Jackrabbits Pottery
Address: 633A Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 4BA
Phone number: 0113 318 9315
If you’ve always dreamt of creating your own pottery, then Jackrabbits Pottery are here to help you fulfil that dream.
This wonderful paint-your-own pottery studio allows you to take free reign during your time there, so your creativity can flow from the brushes onto your pottery.
After choosing your piece of pottery, the staff will talk you through how to get the most out of your painting.
You’ll then get a delicious hot or soft drink as well as a yummy cake, before getting stuck into your work of art.
A couple of days later, it will be ready for you to pick up and use to your heart’s content.
Pretty wholesome, right?
10. Tropical World
Address: Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER
Phone number: 0113 237 0754
Tropical World is one of the best indoor activities in Leeds for animal and plant lovers.
Home to the largest tropical plant and animal collections in the UK outside of Kew Gardens, this tropical oasis is a must-visit in Leeds.
If you’ve always dreamt of seeing meerkats, monkeys and snakes in the rainforest, then this is the next best thing.
From rainforest to desert, this natural haven has it all, and you’ll be able to meet the creatures that live in those habitats.
Tropical World is engaging in important conservation work, too, which you’ll be supporting by visiting them!
11. Bramley Baths
Address: Broad Ln, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3DF
Phone number: 0113 256 0949
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a dip in the pool.
If you’re craving the feeling of the water on your skin, then Bramley Baths is one of the best indoor activities in Leeds for you.
This gorgeous Edwardian bathhouse was built in 1904 and has retained many of its original features.
The twenty-five-metre-long glass-roofed pool is an absolute sanctuary on a rainy day, and the Russian steam room is the ultimate relaxation spot away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The best part is, it’s community-led and not-for-profit, so you’ll be supporting the local community by going for a swim here.
12. Roxy Ball Room
Address: Various locations
Roxy Ball Room is so popular in Leeds that it has more than one location.
There’s no better place in town for booze and ball games than Roxy’s, that’s for sure.
Who doesn’t love to add a competitive spark to their night out?
I know I certainly do!
Whether you want to try your hand at a spot of ping pong or you want to get boozy with beer pong, Roxy’s will be able to provide the goods.
They also have a delicious pizza and nibbles menu to keep your energy levels up after all that gaming!
Try the BBQ jackfruit pizza – it’s a real treat.
13. LS-TEN
Address: Kitson Rd, Leeds LS10 1NT
Phone number: 0113 532 5357
If you’ve always dreamt of giving skateboarding a go, then LS-TEN is here to help you do just that.
They’re a charity that wants to create a safe, engaging and inclusive environment which reduces inequality and raises aspirations through sport and education.
They have one-to-one coaching sessions for those who don’t yet feel comfortable with their sport, too, which is pretty cool.
Their lessons cover skateboarding, BMXing, scootering and quad skating, and whatever it is you want to learn, you can be sure that you’ll be in safe hands here.
14. Junkyard Golf Club
Address: The Light, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 8TL
Get ready to get weird at Junkyard Golf Club, one of the best date ideas in Leeds.
With three crazy golf courses on offer at their Leeds yard, there’s plenty of space for you to practice your shot.
From a jungle to a car scrapyard to a dark fairground dotted with circus freaks, these cracking courses will challenge your golfing abilities to the max.
Make sure you’re ready to take on the challenges – I promise it’s not going to be easy, so don’t get too cocky too soon!
Be sure to give one of their cocktails a go, too.
The frozen margaritas are immense!
15. Leeds Playhouse
Address: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
Phone number: 0113 213 7700
Leeds Playhouse is something of an artistic beacon for the north of England.
As one of the largest producing theatres in the north, they are out to create world-class, relevant and compelling theatre which has the power to change people’s lives.
They support local artists and work to empower communities, and their passion for theatre is visible in everything they do.
This cultural hub is vital to the city’s growth.
It amplifies voices on the theatre scene both old and new, hoping to bring the skill of the city to a wider stage (pardon the pun!).
Be sure to check out one of their shows if you can!
16. Flight Club
Address: Sovereign House, 1-2 S Parade, Leeds LS1 5QL
Phone number: 0113 733 0770
Flight Club has shot up in popularity the country over, and Leeds is no exception to that rule.
This cool bar brings darts away from the pubs and into a sleeker environment, while still retaining the essence of the sport.
Booze and darts have always gone hand in hand, and that’s something that has been maintained at Flight Club, that’s for sure!
This new take on darts allows you to play a range of virtual games on your dartboard, challenging your throwing skills and adding a new dimension to your after-work drinks.
And to make things even better (if that was possible), Flight Club is also one of the best places to go for bottomless brunch in Leeds.
Check out their Brunch Social offer, it’s a real winner!
17. Armley Mills Industrial Museum
Address: Canal Rd, Armley, Leeds LS12 2QF
Phone number: 0113 378 3173
If industrial history and local Leeds heritage are things that fascinate you, then the Armley Mills Industrial Museum is likely to be just your cup of tea.
The museum brings local industrial heritage to life through a vast array of fantastic exhibits and collections.
And it’s also home to one of the smallest 1920s cinemas in the world, where you can watch a film in their cosy 24-seater cinema!
While away the hours on a rainy afternoon exploring the spaces around the mill, and find out more about the city’s history while you do so.
18. Tick Tock Unlock
Address: 6-7 Park Row, Leeds LS1 1NX
Phone number: 020 3884 2224
Tick Tock Unlock was the first escape room company to open in Leeds, and it has since become a firm favourite with its visitors!
Their rooms change regularly, and they combine escape games with immersive theatre and game show for the ultimate escape experience.
The Library of Broken Books is their current collection of multi-genre games, and it’s a real treat.
Prepare to be amazed by this out-of-this-world experiential game!
This is the escape room to top all other escape rooms.
19. Escape Hunt
Address: The Light, The Headrow, UB26, Leeds LS1 8TL
Phone number: 0113 243 2222
Another escape room to add to your bucket list?
You bet it is!
This one comes in the form of Escape Hunt, which claims to have Leeds’ most exciting escape rooms – a pretty impressive feat when you consider their competition!
They also run outdoor escape adventures for the days when it’s not chucking it down with rain, and these are totally unique – give them a go if you can.
If you fancy taking the escape room home to spice up your next family Christmas games hour, then you can do so with their fantastic escape adventure kits.
They truly have covered all bases at Escape Hunt!
20. Bongo’s Bingo
Address: O2 Academy, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW
Think that bingo is just a game your grandmother plays?
Think again!
Bongo’s Bingo is a crazy hybrid of the retirement-home game and a nightclub event, where you play to win bizarre prices that change weekly.
They’ve been as wide-ranging as a life-size cardboard cut-out of Ainsley Harriot, a bottle of Fireball Whisky, £1000 cash, and fancy dress costumes.
A night out at Bongo’s Bingo includes playing five rounds of bingo with contestant dance-offs, epic 90s sing-a-longs, and even an actual rave, all in between the rounds of bingo.
Taking place up to three times a week at the O2 Academy, tickets sell out months in advance, a testament to how much fun Bongo’s Bingo is!
21. Hyde Park Picture House
Address: 73 Brudenell Rd, Leeds LS6 1JD
Phone number: 0113 275 2045
Just a stone’s throw away from Leeds city centre lies one of the most fantastic cinemas in the country and one of my favourite indoor activities in Leeds
It goes by the name of Hyde Park Picture House, and it’s fiercely proud of independent cinema and always has been.
The cinema is housed in a Grade II listed building and has become something of a landmark over the years.
They champion indie cinema and that is what you’ll find on their screens,
So if you want to move away from the big blockbusters of other cinemas, then this place may just become a sanctuary for you.
22. GT Karting
Address: Hudson Rd, Harehills, Leeds LS9 7DX
Phone number: 0113 345 5545
GT Karting is one of the best indoor activities in Leeds if you want to get your adrenaline pumping on a rainy day.
As the only dual-level track in the city, GT Karting offers you an experience that no other track can, and it’s the perfect arena for challenging your friends and family.
Their 420-metre track and 100-metre flyover are the ultimate experience for the speed demons among us, and they promise an unforgettable experience for all involved.
They also have a new laser tag arena on-site, which just adds even more excitement to your trip!
Don’t miss this one.
23. Puttstars
Address: The Springs, Century Way, Leeds LS15 8GB
Phone number: 0844 248 3226
Puttstars have positioned themselves as the new home of mini-golf in Leeds, and they’re super excited to welcome you through their doors.
They’re all about the experience here at Puttstars, and they will be sure to go above and beyond to make sure you love your time here.
With three exciting courses and an amazing arcade to keep you busy, you’ll want to come back here again and again for more.
Their motto is “We are mini-golf, and we are maximum fun!”, and they fulfil that promise!
Get ready for the mini-golf experience of a lifetime at Puttstars.
24. The Corn Exchange
Address: Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BR
Phone number: 0113 234 0363
Any weekend in Leeds is incomplete without a visit to The Corn Exchange.
The Corn Exchange is a gorgeous Victorian grade I listed building that’s home to a collection of independent vendors.
They don’t just have shopkeepers here, but they also have creatives, collectors, cooks, and craftspeople.
If you’re looking for something different to the stuff you can find in any old shop, then this is just what you’ve been searching for.
The Corn Exchange is a living Leeds landmark that champions creativity above all else.
It’s a historic centre of commerce which has been reimagined to bring it into the new century, and it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone in the city.
25. The Arcades
Address: Various locations
Now that you’re in the mood for a spot of independent shopping, make sure you don’t miss The Arcades.
The Arcades comprises a trio of arcades that are scattered around the city, and all of them are perfect for stepping away from the mainstream stores of Leeds.
Step inside their elegant walkways and admire their striking shop fronts.
Hours can be spent poring over their gorgeous products, and I’m sure you’ll find it impossible to leave without a trinket or two.
They’re just too beautiful to leave behind!
26. Leeds Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Chambers, Great George St, Leeds LS2 8BE
Phone number: 0113 245 4545
Leeds Cathedral is a gorgeous building that sits in stark contrast to the many new developments that surround it.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Anne and is a place of respite in the midst of one of England’s most bustling cities.
The architecture of the cathedral is beautiful – it’s well worth the visit if only to admire it.
Tours of the cathedral are available from time to time, so if this is something that interests you, be sure to keep an eye on their website to see when the next one will be.
It’s a tour worth doing to see this stunning cathedral up close!
27. Leeds Print Workshop
Address: Patrick Studios, St Mary’s Ln, Leeds LS9 7EH
At Leeds Print Workshop, they offer fantastic workshops on all kinds of arty things.
You’ll find classes on lino printing, embossing, screen printing, and loads more.
This is the perfect place to let your creative side run wild, and it’s a fun and different way to spend time with your friends or family.
Put your artistic pants on and get down to the workshop for some creative fun.
28. North Brewing Co.
Address: North Brewing Co., Unit 6, Taverner’s Walk Estate, Sheepscar Grove, Leeds LS7 1AH
Phone number: 0113 345 3290
Like craft beer? Got a spare tenner?
Then yay, I’ve found one of the best indoor activities in Leeds for you!
This brewery is on an industrial estate just outside of the city centre, and every Saturday from 3 pm they open up to visitors for a brewery tour.
The tour includes three fresh third pints, so you can find out all about their delicious beer while drinking it too!
In the summer, you’ll find great street food vans and a chilled atmosphere there too.
29. Outlaws Yacht Club
Address: 38 New York St, Leeds LS2 7DY
Phone number: 0113 234 6998
You may have already been to your average board game cafe but the games at Outlaws Yacht Club are vintage, and we all love vintage things, right?!
They also have their own pale ale for you to try out, and honestly, I’m surprised you’re not already making your way down there right now after hearing that.
Do you still need more to tempt you? How about a 2-4-1 cocktail night?
Their bar snacks are unbelievable too.
Pretty good, huh?
30. Grand Theatre
Address: 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
Phone number: 0844 848 2700
What better rainy day activity is there than watching a show at the Grand Theatre?
There are plays, musicals, comedy shows, and more on offer at the Theatre, so there’s something for everyone’s taste.
This is easily one of the best indoor activities in Leeds for culture vultures!
31. Thai cookery lessons at Chaophraya
Address: 20A, Blayds Court, Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG
Phone number: 0113 430 0122
You don’t return from all indoor activities in Leeds with a brand new skill but with this last recommendation, you certainly will.
At Thai restaurant Chaophraya they’ll teach you how to make two amazing dishes that you can then enjoy afterwards.
Thai food is one of my favourite cuisines, and Chaophraya does it best, so you’re in good hands here!
32. Royal Armouries
Address: Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT
Phone number: 0113 220 1916
It may come as a surprise to find out that the UK’s national collection of arms and armour has its home in Leeds at the Royal Armouries!
But it’s very much true, as the museum is part of one of the oldest museum collectives in the UK; the rest of the collection can be found in the Tower of London and at Fort Nelson in Hampshire.
If you have even the slightest bit of interest in military history, then this museum is sure to blow your mind with its incredible collections.
Make sure to carve out time to head down here and check it out!
There you have it, my round-up of the very best indoor activities in Leeds.
It’s fair to say there’s no shortage of things to do in this fantastic city, and I’m positive that no matter which activity you choose, you’ll have a great time doing it.
Make a bucket list of your favourites and see how quickly you can tick them off.
You’ll never be bored with this many indoor activities in Leeds!