Things to do in Leeds in January
January can seem like the Monday of months in lovely Leeds, with the holiday season packing away its baubles and festivities hibernating until life’s next excuse to party. Fear not, though, whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of things to do in Leeds to banish those post-holiday blues! Grab your coat, your hat, and let’s dive into the delightful experiences waiting for you this January.
Explore Harewood House
Yes, it’s winter, and yes, it’s outdoorsy, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing one of Leeds’ crown jewels. Harewood House is the kind of place where you half expect Mr. Darcy to pop out from behind a tree—minus the dripping wet shirt. Their spectacular grounds, winter gardens, and art collections await those bold enough to brave the chilly charm. Remember, woolly jumpers are your best friend.
Head to the Leeds Winter Gardens
If you want nature but aren’t so keen on losing any extremities to frostbite, take a jaunt over to the delightful escape that is the Leeds Winter Gardens. You can bask in warmth amidst the greenery and perhaps pretend you’re somewhere sunny for just a moment! Not to mention the Insta-worthy backdrop that’s bound to make your followers envious.
Shop Till You Drop at Kirkgate Market
Even if your main concern this year is to tighten your purse strings, nothing says being frugal like making a meal with fresh fare from Kirkgate Market. As the largest covered market in Europe, it offers something for everyone—well, everyone who likes eating and buying things. With everything from cheese so strong it’ll grow legs and walk off your plate, to artisanal soaps, it’s a shopping haven.
Get Your Culture Fix at Leeds Art Gallery
The Leeds Art Gallery is like Leeds’ very own mind-expanding TARDIS—constantly bigger on the inside with new wonders to explore around every corner. Brush up on your art history while staying warm and dry; it’s truly a win-win situation. No prior art degree is needed—just loads of curiosity and appreciation for fine expressions of the human condition.
Catch a Show at Leeds Grand Theatre
Why not take in a show and say goodbye to your screen-induced cabin fever? The Leeds Grand Theatre is an architectural masterpiece in itself, let alone the place to catch top-tier performances from plays to operas. A night here is bound to add a bit of dramatic flair to your life—besides the kind brought on by a lack of heating in January!
Sample the Dining Scene in Leeds’ Restaurants
After a day stuffed with culture and exploration, dig into some of Leeds’ food scene. Whether you crave street food or something posher, Leeds won’t disappoint. Every cuisine imaginable can be found at the reverberating heart of this city, often with seasonally inspired dishes ready to warm both body and soul. Who can resist a menu that reads like a literary masterpiece of culinary genius?
Join the January Jigsaw Challenge
For a relaxed and somewhat humorous twist, why not partake in the “January Jigsaw Challenge?” A friendly event where folks willingly tackle colossal puzzles for reasons quite unknown. It’s the perfect indoor activity, widely popular among locals as a New Year’s tradition aimed at pulling people together (and not just by the brain cells).
Pulse-Raising Ice Skating at Millennium Square
If tumbling on ice isn’t your past-time of choice, think of ice skating at Millennium Square as an opportunity for comic relief rather than exercise. Glide, pirouette, or just skate in whatever fashion gravity permits! Perfect for photographers capturing those mid-air triumps and tumbles alike.
Start a Museum Quest
Make the most of January’s quieter pace by ticking off Leeds’ stellar museum spots. With Leeds City Museum, the Royal Armouries, and more, you can fend off the chill while filling up on historical brilliance. It’s a journey through time without having to invent a flux capacitor.