It's time for another city break and this time we're heading north to explore Leeds. Leeds is one of the biggest cities in the UK and popular for its shopping, culture and close proximity to nature reserves and country retreats. Follow this handy travel guide to enjoy the best activities and vegan food that Leeds has to offer.

Best way to spend your day

Eat Your Greens, greengrocers by day and restaurant by night, is a ten-minute walk from Leeds train station, their menu which changes regularly always includes vegan options. They’re open for brunch 12-2 pm Wednesday to Friday and 12-3 pm on Saturdays (if you fancy dinner instead they also serve it 5-9 pm Tuesday-Saturday).

Eat Your Greens

Wherever we roam, if we find a Bundobust we'll be sure to stop; Leeds is also home to an Indian Tiffin Room restaurant, both serve Indian street food, have a large amount of vegan options and are a 5-10 minute walk from the shops. For lunch on the go try Humpit, a hummus and pita bar in The Corn Exchange. Back in the day The Corn Exchange was the one-stop shop for alternative clothing, music, accessories, posters, tattoos, piercings and more. Nowadays the Victorian building is home to lots of trendier shops, check out a list here. 

Now that you're fuelled up and ready for the day, we'd recommend checking out the shops. Trinity Leeds is a shopping centre just a two-minute walk from Leeds train station, boasting hundreds of shops, you’ll find more than 120 national and international brands under one iconic roof. You’ll also find more than 40 coffee shops, bars and restaurants including The Alchemist, Wagamama, Nando's, and YO! Sushi which all have vegan options. 

To shop in beautiful surroundings visit the Victoria Quarter, built between 1898 and 1904, the arcades are celebrated for their mosaics and marble, as well as Britain's largest stained glass roof covering.

Head to Kirkgate Market for everything from fresh food, flowers, jewellery, clothing and fabrics to hair and nail salons and so much more, including Fat Annie's, choose from delicious vegan breakfast, burgers, hotdogs, loaded fries, and shakes.

Fat Annie’s

Take in some culture at one of Leeds' museums. Leeds City Museum is a ten-minute walk from the shops and train station and shops, learn more about Leeds and its history in their six galleries, find out what's on here. The Royal Armouries is a 15-minute walk from the city centre, they have five galleries dedicated to how arms and armour have shaped society, art, and culture throughout history. Their Interpretation Team runs live combat demonstrations to show you how they were used. Back in the city centre Leeds Art Gallery hold a significant collection of modern and contemporary British art, find out more about their events and exhibitions here.

If you prefer the great outdoors we'd recommend a trip to Kirkstall Abbey. Hop on a bus from Leeds bus station (the 508 bus which takes 35 minutes) to visit the ruined Cistercian monastery, set in a public park. Walk around the grounds of the 12th-century abbey with views of the River Aire and woodland trails to enjoy along your way.

Paul Marshall/Unsplash

A visit to Leeds wouldn't be complete without visiting Doner Summer, who serve some of our favourite vegan junk food, their Buttermylk Fried Chick’n is second to none! Cantina Leeds in the city centre is the perfect spot for all-vegan dinner and drinks, serving burger meals, loaded fries, sides, and of course desserts.

You can also order some of the best vegan food in Leeds straight to your hotel, Friends Of Food serve delicious burgers, fries, fish n chips and more for you to collect or have delivered via Deliveroo.

Time for some nightlife! 

It's 5 o'clock somewhere right? Whether you're planning a night on the tiles or you fancy a quick drink we've got you covered. Leeds' LGBTQIA+ nightlife is thriving; head to Queens Court, the biggest gay club in Leeds, to check out their themed nights and enjoy cocktails with some of the city's best drinks deals. See a show at Leeds Grand Theatre or head to The Light on The Headrow where you'll find a Vue Cinema, Junkyard Golf, Escape Hunt and Roxy Lanes bowling.

If you enjoyed our Leeds travel guide, you'll love best way to spend 72 hours as a vegan in Manchester and Edinburgh and Glasgow's best vegan food.