Leeds is rich in history, the arts and great places to visit for a day out, especially public parks. Add to that the numerous activities that are available both in the city and its surrounds and you have pretty full-on location for fun, interest and intrigue.
Activities near Leeds
Escape Games
Leeds has embraced the new and exciting trend of escape games with six separate and very different venues offering an impressive variety of escape room experiences. Basically you are locked in a room (the door is not actually locked) and to escape you must solves the puzzles, tasks and conundrums set. The rooms are themed to add to the atmosphere and tension. Themes like Zombie Hunt, Alice in Wonderland, Unsolved Murder and the Ghost of the Manor.
Climbing Walls
There are five climbing walls in the Leeds area, all of which offer the challenge and excitement of climbing walls that soar above you. You can use a belay to make your way up the rock face on your own or practice lead climbing or bouldering. The surfaces are textured and have hand holds, indents, bulges or for the more experienced there are overhangs and underhangs. Providing great fun, but also getting you in shape as it takes energy, stamina and a firm grip to succeed.
Hot air ballooning
Take a magical journey over the Yorkshire countryside in a hot air balloon. As you float quietly above the ground you will see sweeping views of parkland, woodland and farmland below. No other experience is quite like it. The hot air balloon flights take place in the early morning or at sunset, but whichever you choose, the experience will be quite magical. The seasons, with their changing colours and differences in the landscape add another dimension to this exciting activity.
Paintballing
A choice of four sites in and around Leeds, paintball offers massive adrenaline pumping fun for the whole family. Yep, even the kids as young as 8yrs can have a go with special power-adjusted guns. The game zones are varied as are the games delivering a fresh new twists on classic paintball challenges. For example there is the ‘Hobbit Trail’, where you have to protect Frodo and ensure he doesn’t get attacked and the ring stolen. Or maybe the Tank Assault where you have to employ your best paintballing skills to defend a life-size tank from being overrun by enemy snipers.
Bubble football
A crazy group activity that is sweeping the nation, bubble football is nothing like the real game. For this game you wear a huge zorb bubble over the top half or your body and then proceed to try and score a goal. It’s very like human dodgems, because when you go for the ball so do you teammates and they will crash into you before their feet make contact with the ball. So, there is a lot of bumping, laughing and rolling around like a stranded turtle. Hilarious fun so bubble football is highly recommend if you have a group activity in Leeds.
4X4 driving
Leeds can offer the ultimate 4×4 off-road experience. Only five miles from the city centre there is over 100 acres of woodland to explore with many challenging scenarios for you take on. Splashing through deep mud-pools, clambering over rocks and pushing your 4X4 to the limit up steep inclines. The 4×4 vehicles are provided, but have you got the guts to take on the obstacles and challenges on this rugged 4×4 circuit? You must have a driving licence to take part in this activity, so for adults over the age of 17yrs only.
Quad biking
Nine quad trekking venues around Leeds offer you the mud squelching, rock conquering fun of quad biking. Taking in the spectacular Yorkshire scenery, your quad ride will take you through woodlands, over hill and dale and through some tricky mud soaked terrain that will really test your mettle. One of our venues offers quad experiences to kids as young as 6 years, but for most venues the youngest rider allowed on these beasts is 12 years. Definitely wear old clothing and shoes as you will definitely get muddy.
Go karting
You have the choice of indoor karting circuits with all the lights, bells and whistles that an indoor circuit can lay on with ramps, tunnels and bridges. Inside and away from the elements, indoor go karting is an all-year-round activity and is very popular for individuals as well as groups such as stag parties or corporate groups. Outdoor karting is often said to more like real racing and that is what attracts many to our Yorkshire outdoor circuits. Speed is the second reason as the faster outdoor karts are usually petrol driven. It is also very exhilarating having the wind in your face as you tear down the straights and take corners as fast as you dare.
Archery vs combat archery
Archery is very well catered for in Yorkshire. We have five traditional archery ranges in Yorkshire and three combat archery operators. The ancient art of archery is a very popular activity with our instructors changing up the experience with different targets. Combat archery is a cross between dodge-ball, paintball and archery and is an adrenaline packed activity for groups. The arrows are foam tipped so apart from a quick thump of an arrow hitting home you won’t end up looking like a pin cushion. The games are just like paintball so you can expect some real challenges and a lot of fun.
High rope courses
You can use our Yorkshire based high ropes course as young as 8 years so this can truly be a family event. These aerial adventures way up there amongst the trees takes your breath away, not only because of the views but adrenaline-pumping challenges on offer. Expect to find a Tarzan Swing, tree-to-tree zips and the free-falling Plummet. The course is adapted for age and experience, so don’t worry we will help you find your tree climbing feet. Great as a team challenge for corporate groups and a fun part of a stag or hen do too.
The above are just a taste of the hundreds of activities you can choose. Others to consider are clay pigeon shooting, bungee jumping, kayaking., segway, rally driving etc. For the full list of what activities are available in and around Leeds, head over the the Geronigo® website or download the Geronigo® app – then you’ll have every action adventure right there in your pocket.
A city with lots to offer
Leeds is one of the most vibrant and interesting cities in the UK. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, a huge range of shops, eclectic nightlife or amazing countryside, it has it all.
The city is filled with beautiful parks and gardens
Roundhay Park is massive, beautiful and surrounded by quaint country pubs and home to the amazing Tropical World. Stay all day and enjoy all it has to offer, bring a picnic, football or other games and while the day away having fun. Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a little out of the city but still an essential visit for anyone looking to witness some of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. This park plays host to many sculptures by renowned artists such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. There is also an indoor museum and a rotation of exhibitions makes it fresh every time you visit. Pack a picnic as the park takes a full day to truly explore. At Temple Newsam you can roam over 1,500 acres of stunning woodland, parkland and gardens landscaped by the famous 18th century gardener Capability Brown. Have your picnic in the lakeside gardens, or get carried off on the scent of roses in the romantic Georgian walled garden. Visit the greenhouses to see the national plant collections, herbaceous borders and beautiful seasonal displays
Leeds and the arts
Leeds Welcome Art Trail offers free art for you to appreciate and then there are the iconic galleries such as the Henry Moore Institute and a scattering of independent galleries spread across the city,. If sculpture is your thing you should explore the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle – the Hepworth Gallery and Yorkshire Sculpture Park are only a short drive away.
The music scene is vibrant and ever changing
Leeds showcases a broad range of music from heavy metal to jazz, country to indie. Up and coming singers and bands can find a welcome at many venues during open mike sessions. Clubs and pubs host live music so the city comes alive at the weekends with an eclectic and exciting music options.
Eat drink and be merry
Leeds is a veritable smorgasbord of every kind of food from Indian street food to up market restaurants, tapas, asian cusine or pub grub. Street food is often available with pop-up food stalls, farmers markets and the popular monthly feast at Belgrave Music Hall with the best street vendors that Yorkshire can provide. It would be true to say that you eat out every night of the week for a month and still have many more restaurants that you you didn’t try.
Yorkshire ale is legend
Yorkshire folk love their beer and Leeds delivers some of the best brews. Leeds is fortunate to have many microbreweries that supply the local pubs and bars , you can always be assured of the best craft ale available. Try a bit of a pub crawl to taste them all and then get a taxi home. Many pubs date back many years and provide the right atmosphere to enjoy your pint. Don’t miss the once famous brewery, The Tetley, which is now an art gallery and bar.
Leeds – home to one of England’s most iconic festivals
If music festivals are your scene chances are you know all about the Leeds festival at Bramham Park. Hosting the best in indie, rock and metal music, the park is taken over every August bank holiday weekend with music fans from far and wide.
By CJ