An Insider's Mini Guide to Living in Leeds

Leed's Best Bits

A vibrant city full of variety and excitement, Leeds is a truly great city. The unofficial capital of the North, there’s always a packed calendar of festivals and events taking place, meaning that there’s always plenty to see and do in this proud northern city.

Arts and Culture in Leeds

Leeds 2023 is a year long celebration of culture in this extraordinary city. Part three of Leeds’ Year of Culture gets underway in September and runs through to December. This third and final instalment of the year-long programme centres around the theme of dreamers with a number of events taking place. And in October, the biggest and longest running light festival will return better than ever. 

But whilst 2023 is set to specifically celebrate all things art and culture, there’s plenty worth exploring whatever the time and year. There’s Leeds Art Gallery in the heart of the city, which is home to major collections of British modern and contemporary art. Leeds is also home to four major theatres, including Leeds Playhouse and Leeds Grand Theatre, the latter of which is home to Opera North and Northern Ballet. You’ll also find a world class arena in this city, alongside many independent venues too! 

Leeds’ History and heritage

Although a modern city with sleek architecture dominating the skyline, Leeds’ history and heritage is rich and proud and can be found all over the city. 

The iconic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey are well worthy of a visit. The Abbey is the most complete Cistercian monastery in Britain, and whilst exploring the Grade I listed building, visitors can learn about the history of the Abbey and the lives of the monks who once lived there through the interactive visitor centre. 

Leeds is also home to Temple Newsam, a Tudor-Jacobean mansion and one of Britain’s most celebrated historic houses. Visitors can explore over 500 years of history in the house itself, and there’s also nature trails ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding to enjoy in the acres of parkland surrounding the house. Residents and visitors of Leeds can also stop by Harewood House, another of Leeds’ historic houses. Built between 1759 and 1771, this Grade I listed building hosts a range of events throughout the year for visitors and families to enjoy. 

An architectural landmark to be found in Leeds’ centre is the Corn Exchange, a grade I listed building. Once a historic centre of commerce, today the building has a new identity and purpose. It’s now home to a variety of independent vendors selling things from fashion, books and homeware to records. 

Food and drink in Leeds

The city has an incredible and thriving independent food scene. With so much to choose from, there really is a place to suit everyone, so whether it’s fine dining you’re after or if you’re looking to grab some great food on the go, this city has got you covered. Trinity Kitchen offers visitors the chance to explore a range of cuisines under one roof. And whilst there’s permanent eateries set up in the space, there’s also new street food vans rotating in every eight weeks to keep the choice fresh and vibrant. Serving up simple but imaginative dishes which showcase some of the best Yorkshire produce, Ox club opened in 2016 and located in Headrow House is another venue well worth stopping by. And if you’re looking for somewhere truly special to eat, we recommend Man Behind the Curtain, Leeds’ only Michelin star restaurant opened by chef Michael O’Hare in 2014. 

With so much going on in this thriving city, it’s a fantastic place to visit and an even better place to call home. So if you’re thinking of moving to a brand new home in Leeds, don’t waste any time as homes here don’t hang around for long. Here at Strata we’ve currently got three collections of beautiful, contemporary and luxurious homes to choose from: Desire, Kudos and Identity. So why not book a viewing today and make living in this great city a reality?