Leeds Dock has emerged as a student and visitor hotspot in the city in recent years. It offers water taxis which run every day, on boats Twee & Drie which ferry eager passengers between Granary Wharf and the dock. They run every 15 minutes and cost £3 per person per journey, but are free for children under five and dogs are welcome.Leeds Dock has emerged as a student and visitor hotspot in the city in recent years. It offers water taxis which run every day, on boats Twee & Drie which ferry eager passengers between Granary Wharf and the dock. They run every 15 minutes and cost £3 per person per journey, but are free for children under five and dogs are welcome.
Leeds Dock has emerged as a student and visitor hotspot in the city in recent years. It offers water taxis which run every day, on boats Twee & Drie which ferry eager passengers between Granary Wharf and the dock. They run every 15 minutes and cost £3 per person per journey, but are free for children under five and dogs are welcome. | Jonathan Gawthorpe

15 hidden gems you'll only know about if you're from Leeds

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 28th Dec 2024, 16:00 GMT
Updated 28th Dec 2024, 16:00 GMT

Leeds has a wealth of hidden gems that, all too often, only those who call it home will know about.

From underground jazz bars to gardens bursting with vibrant colours and independent cinemas tucked away on side streets your city is full of surprises. How many of these are you aware of? READ MORE: 15 Leeds landmarks we’ve loved, lost and why LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Visitors to Leeds often flock to the city's expansive Roundhay Park for long walks and sport events. But based between Adel and Bramhope, Golden Acre Park offers another beautiful green attraction. The park is set across 179 acres of woodland and offers gardens, views of its stunning lake and trails.

7. Golden Acre Park

Visitors to Leeds often flock to the city's expansive Roundhay Park for long walks and sport events. But based between Adel and Bramhope, Golden Acre Park offers another beautiful green attraction. The park is set across 179 acres of woodland and offers gardens, views of its stunning lake and trails. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson

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This intimate restaurant, on Meanwood Road in Meanwood, serves a selection of sushi. HanaMatsuri was recognised for serving high quality food in the 2021 Michelin Guide, awarded the prestigious Michellin Plate mark. Judges said: "The chef-owner serves a wide range of sushi and sashimi crafted from good quality imported ingredients."

8. HanaMatsuri

This intimate restaurant, on Meanwood Road in Meanwood, serves a selection of sushi. HanaMatsuri was recognised for serving high quality food in the 2021 Michelin Guide, awarded the prestigious Michellin Plate mark. Judges said: "The chef-owner serves a wide range of sushi and sashimi crafted from good quality imported ingredients." | Simon Hulme Photo: Simon Hulme

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It's well-documented as the city's oldest pub and is understood to have first opened in 1715. Whitelock's Ale House is still a busy watering hole in Leeds city centre but it is hidden down a sidestreet called Turk's Head Yard, just off Briggate.

9. Whitelock's Ale House

It's well-documented as the city's oldest pub and is understood to have first opened in 1715. Whitelock's Ale House is still a busy watering hole in Leeds city centre but it is hidden down a sidestreet called Turk's Head Yard, just off Briggate. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty

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A string of Leeds United-themed murals have popped up across Leeds following the club's promotion to the Premier League. Pictured is a mural depicting Whites legend Gary Speed. The artwork, painted by Claire Bentley-Smith, was unveiled by Leeds United Supporters Trust and is located on Railsfield Mount in Bramley.

10. Leeds United mural: Gary Speed

A string of Leeds United-themed murals have popped up across Leeds following the club's promotion to the Premier League. Pictured is a mural depicting Whites legend Gary Speed. The artwork, painted by Claire Bentley-Smith, was unveiled by Leeds United Supporters Trust and is located on Railsfield Mount in Bramley. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding

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Nestled behind Headingley's busy Otley Road, Cottage Road Cinema is understood to be the oldest independent cinema in Leeds and the UK. It shows a selection of the newest films and has been doing so since 1912. Pictured is Gary Benn, manager and Steven Moore, assistant manager.

11. Cottage Road Cinema

Nestled behind Headingley's busy Otley Road, Cottage Road Cinema is understood to be the oldest independent cinema in Leeds and the UK. It shows a selection of the newest films and has been doing so since 1912. Pictured is Gary Benn, manager and Steven Moore, assistant manager. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding

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Headrow House is a popular city centre bar based on The Headrow in Leeds. It has various floors but a lesser-known feature is its rooftop terrace, which offers a brilliant view of the city centre from above.

12. Headrow House's rooftop bar

Headrow House is a popular city centre bar based on The Headrow in Leeds. It has various floors but a lesser-known feature is its rooftop terrace, which offers a brilliant view of the city centre from above. | Jonathan Gawthorpe Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

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