Top 5 Places to Hang Out with Friends This Summer in Leeds
2024-06-19
Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to explore the vibrant city and its surrounding areas as a student in Leeds. Whether you're looking to unwind after a tough lecture or just want to enjoy the sunshine with your mates, Leeds has plenty to offer. Here are our top five places to hang out this summer, offering a mix of city centre excitement and tranquil rural escapes. Keep reading!
1. Roundhay Park
Why You'll Love It:
Roundhay Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe, offering 700 acres of beautiful parkland, lakes, woodland, and gardens. It's a great spot for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or simply lounging on the grass with friends.
Activities:
Stroll around the picturesque lakes.
Explore Tropical World, which houses exotic plants and animals (entry: £6 for students).
Enjoy the various free events and concerts held during the summer.
Cost:
Entry to the park is free, making it a budget-friendly option for a day out.
2. Leeds Dock
Why You'll Love It:
Leeds Dock is a modern, vibrant waterfront destination perfect for socialising. With its chic atmosphere and various activities, it's an ideal place for a fun day out.
Activities:
Hire a water taxi for a unique view of the city (around £1 per person).
Visit the Royal Armouries Museum (free entry).
Enjoy the restaurants and cafes along the dock.
Cost:
Activities vary in price, but many options, like the museum, are free, making it a versatile spot for any budget.
3. Kirkstall Abbey
Why You'll Love It:
This stunning medieval Cistercian abbey is surrounded by beautiful parkland along the River Aire. It's a peaceful escape from the city and offers a glimpse into Leeds' historical past.
Activities:
Explore the abbey ruins (free entry).
Enjoy a picnic in the surrounding park.
Visit the Abbey House Museum to learn about Victorian Leeds (entry: £4 for students).
Cost:
Entry to the abbey is free, while the museum has a small admission fee.
4. Otley Chevin Forest Park
Why You'll Love It:
For those craving a bit of nature and adventure, Otley Chevin Forest Park is the perfect getaway. With its stunning views and extensive walking trails, it's a great place to relax and reconnect with nature.
Activities:
Hike the trails and enjoy panoramic views of Wharfedale.
Try your hand at orienteering.
Bring a barbecue for a cookout with friends in designated areas.
Cost:
Entry to the park is free. Just bring your hiking boots and maybe some snacks for the journey!
5. Trinity Leeds
Why You'll Love It:
If you and your friends are in the mood for some retail therapy or fancy a meal out, Trinity Leeds is the place to be. This shopping and leisure centre in the heart of the city offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Activities:
Shop at over 120 stores, from high street to high-end brands.
Catch a movie at Everyman Cinema (ticket prices around £12 for students).
Enjoy a meal or drinks at the rooftop bar with stunning city views.
Cost:
Shopping and dining costs can vary, but the centre offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
Leeds truly has something for everyone, whether you're a city slicker or a nature lover. So, grab your friends, head out, and make the most of what this fantastic city and its surroundings have to offer this summer!
Top 5 Places to Hang Out with Friends This Summer in Leeds
2024-06-19 / Published by Maisie Smith
Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to explore the vibrant city and its surrounding areas as a student in Leeds. Whether you're looking to unwind after a tough lecture or just want to enjoy the sunshine with your mates, Leeds has plenty to offer. Here are our top five places to hang out this summer, offering a mix of city centre excitement and tranquil rural escapes. Keep reading!
1. Roundhay Park
Why You'll Love It:
Roundhay Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe, offering 700 acres of beautiful parkland, lakes, woodland, and gardens. It's a great spot for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or simply lounging on the grass with friends.
Activities:
Stroll around the picturesque lakes.
Explore Tropical World, which houses exotic plants and animals (entry: £6 for students).
Enjoy the various free events and concerts held during the summer.
Cost:
Entry to the park is free, making it a budget-friendly option for a day out.
2. Leeds Dock
Why You'll Love It:
Leeds Dock is a modern, vibrant waterfront destination perfect for socialising. With its chic atmosphere and various activities, it's an ideal place for a fun day out.
Activities:
Hire a water taxi for a unique view of the city (around £1 per person).
Visit the Royal Armouries Museum (free entry).
Enjoy the restaurants and cafes along the dock.
Cost:
Activities vary in price, but many options, like the museum, are free, making it a versatile spot for any budget.
3. Kirkstall Abbey
Why You'll Love It:
This stunning medieval Cistercian abbey is surrounded by beautiful parkland along the River Aire. It's a peaceful escape from the city and offers a glimpse into Leeds' historical past.
Activities:
Explore the abbey ruins (free entry).
Enjoy a picnic in the surrounding park.
Visit the Abbey House Museum to learn about Victorian Leeds (entry: £4 for students).
Cost:
Entry to the abbey is free, while the museum has a small admission fee.
4. Otley Chevin Forest Park
Why You'll Love It:
For those craving a bit of nature and adventure, Otley Chevin Forest Park is the perfect getaway. With its stunning views and extensive walking trails, it's a great place to relax and reconnect with nature.
Activities:
Hike the trails and enjoy panoramic views of Wharfedale.
Try your hand at orienteering.
Bring a barbecue for a cookout with friends in designated areas.
Cost:
Entry to the park is free. Just bring your hiking boots and maybe some snacks for the journey!
5. Trinity Leeds
Why You'll Love It:
If you and your friends are in the mood for some retail therapy or fancy a meal out, Trinity Leeds is the place to be. This shopping and leisure centre in the heart of the city offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Activities:
Shop at over 120 stores, from high street to high-end brands.
Catch a movie at Everyman Cinema (ticket prices around £12 for students).
Enjoy a meal or drinks at the rooftop bar with stunning city views.
Cost:
Shopping and dining costs can vary, but the centre offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
Leeds truly has something for everyone, whether you're a city slicker or a nature lover. So, grab your friends, head out, and make the most of what this fantastic city and its surroundings have to offer this summer!
