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Today marks Yorkshire Day 2026, where ‘God's Own County’ is celebrated - and truth be told, this also happens to be one of the first I’ve been involved in since joining the Yorkshire Evening Post.
But for as much as I might be fluent in popular culture, being a Kiwi means that when it comes to local landmarks, there's always more to learn.
Thankfully, today gives not only me, but anyone who has recently called Leeds their new home (whether you've moved for work or are about to start studying here), a chance to discover the places Loiners hold close to their hearts.
So, after polling the born-and-bred journalists in our newsroom for the spots they’d recommend to permanent tourists like me, we’ve distilled their picks down into 10 key locations - from sporting temples to historic estates.
To celebrate Yorkshire Day, here are 10 places guaranteed to bring out that true Leeds pride.
7. Millennium Square
Constructed as part of Leeds' flagship celebrations for the year 2000, creating a dedicated civic square outside the Civic Hall. It serves as the city’s official living room - hosting everything from summer outdoor gigs and screenings to major public gatherings and cultural celebrations. | YPN
8. Leeds Corn Exchange
Another Cuthbert Brodrick design, this striking Grade I listed Italianate domed building opened in 1864 for the regional grain trade. It stands as one of only a handful of functioning corn exchanges left in Britain, serving today as the ultimate champion and vibrant hub for independent traders.
9. Temple Newsam
Dating back to the Domesday Book, this grand Tudor-Jacobean mansion was the birthplace of Lord Darnley and features 1,500 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. Dubbed the 'Hampton Court of the North', it provides the city with rare access to world-class decorative arts, sweeping green spaces, and centuries of royal heritage. | Charles Knight
10. Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Fully completed in 1816, this 127-mile waterway was the longest single canal in Britain constructed by a single company. It powered the industrial engine of West Yorkshire during the 18th and 19th centuries and today offers a picturesque green corridor for cyclists, walkers, and wildlife. | National World