Cheap Things to do in Leeds

Leeds is the place to be in Yorkshire and has a whole host of cultural offerings and unique days out to choose from. But, whilst some of the best things in the city can often set you back a pretty penny and a lot of the free things to do often revolve around museums and walking around (which can be amazing, but sometimes you're after a bit more); we want to let you in on some of our favourite things to do at the lower price points!

So whether you want to laugh the night away with some of the city's finest comedians, explore the gorgeous grounds of an old manor house, or maybe even see a movie inside an old Abbey. There's an array of incredible opportunities awaiting you in Leeds, so have a scroll and start planning your next trip!

Find your next favourite band at Brudenell Social Club

Image: Brudenell Social Club on Facebook

Price: Dependant on the gig, but there are loads for under £15

Where: 33 Queen's Rd, Burley, Leeds LS6 1NY

Live music is one of the best things that life can offer us, don't you think? But, whilst you may love going to see the bands that pepper your Spotify playlists, going and seeing the up-and-comers is a great way to support both the venues and artists within the grassroots scene. When in Leeds, there are few better places to do this than the Brudenell. the venue is one of the cornerstones of the Leeds live scene, and with tickets usually being around the £10-£15 mark (will be more expensive for the more established names, but that isn't what this is about), its a proper good option when looking for cheap things to do in Leeds. It's also a pretty good pres before visiting one of the city's famous nightclubs.

Find tickets for events at Brudenell Social Club - here

Get crazy at Junkyard Golf

Image: Junkyard Golf on Facebook

Price: £8.50 a game at off-peak times, £10 a game at peak times

Where: The Light the Headrow, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 8TL

Who doesn't love a bit of mini golf? But, with the oversaturation of the market in recent times, many of them feel very similar, well, that's where Junkyard Golf comes in. A neon-soaked mini golf paradise, with multiple themed holes, each as uniquely designed as the other, it's a proper good laugh to be had with anyone and everyone. Plus, there's a pretty good USP with Junkyard, you can drink to your heart's content as you go around! (now if that's not a good sell we don't know what is.)

Find tickets for events at Junkyard Golf - here

Meet the incredible animals at Tropical World

Image: Tropical World on Facebook

Price: Adult £7.60, Child £3.80

Where: Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 2ER

There are few things that bring such widespread, unabridged joy than going to see live animals. But, zoos can often be expensive and overcrowded, well, that's where Tropical World comes in. With tickets under a tenner, and a unique range of species that focus on the smaller animals in our world, it is a fantastic option when looking for cheap things to do in Leeds. Plus, it's one the kids will absolutely adore. Let them go and look at the meerkats, play with the creepy crawlies and gawp at some quirky amphibian life. A must visit in the city if your after cheap time without any sacrifices on quality!

Laugh your socks off at the Hifi Club

Image: Hifi Club on Facebook

Price: £15 per person for their Comedy Sessions

Where: 2 Central Rd, Leeds LS1 6DE

Who doesn't love a good laugh eh? Well, whilst Leeds isn't that well known for its comedic output (sorry guys but you know it's true) they still put on some ace shows at the Hifi Club. The night in particular we recommend is their 'Comedy Sessions'. A chance to see some of the biggest and best comedians alongside some of the best up-and-coming talents on the scene, these nights see three comedians and a compare come together for a night full of laughs, and all for just £15, that's less than £4 an act! More names than we can list have graced the stage here over the years, a must-visit for any comedy fan.

Find tickets for events at the Hifi Club - here

Get lost in the grounds of Harewood House

Image: Harewood House on Facebook

Price: Adult £13.50, Child £7.50 (online prices, it will be more expensive at the gate.)

Where: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG

With acres of space to traverse, a massive adventure playground, penguins, flamingos and even a cool collection of parrots there’s no shortage of adventure awaiting at Harewood House. Once you venture inside the Georgian estate, you will also be greeted with some stunning architecture, art and bags full of history. Its a true delight when you are looking for cheap things to do in Leeds, just make sure you book online to save the much more expensive gate fee. 

Find tickets for events at Harewood House - here

Kick back and relax at one of the many Beer Gardens and Rooftop Bars

Image: Headrow House on Facebook

Where: Check out our lists of the best Beer Gardens and Rooftop Bars in Leeds below

For those of you more inclined to chill out and have a boozing session when you're visiting another city, then, when looking for cheap things to do in Leeds, then there are few better things to do than relax in one of its rooftop gardens, or beer gardens. Whether you're after stunning skyline views of the city, a quaint backyard bevvy, or a sprawling rooftop drinking complex, Leeds has you covered. It's the perfect place to relax for an afternoon and then realise quite just how much you've had to drink when you eventually stand up and it all rushes to your head. 

Find our list of the best Rooftop Bars in Leeds - here

Find our list of the best Beer Gardens in Leeds - here

Watch a classic movie with the stunning backdrop of Kirkstall Abbey

Image: Sneaky Experience on Facebook

Price: £16.50 for an early bird ticket

Where: Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH

Everyone loves going to the Cinema, but, whilst outdoor cinemas are nothing new, I can't imagine many of you have been to see a cinema in an old ruined Cistercian monastery. Well, Sneaky Experience is here to offer just that. With a range of classic films on show from The Shining Halloween Specials, to short film festivals, it's bound to attract casual moviegoers and cinephiles alike. It's a truly unique experience and one of the coolest cheap things to do in the city (although not quite as cheap as going to the actual cinema but come on now, just look at the picture above!) Just make sure to look at the forecast before booking, the Abbey has lost a bit of its roof over the years...

Find tickets for events at Kirkstall Abbey - here

Unleash your inner child at the Arcade Club

Image: Arcade Club on Facebook

Price: Adult £16, Child £8 (Unlimited free games whilst inside)

Where: Abbey Retail Park, Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3RP

It's essential British culture to go to the arcades when you're a kid, so why should that change when you grow up? Well, if this sounds like guitar hero music to your ears then you should deffo check out the Arcade Club in Leeds. Whilst you may not think £16 is cheap for a few attempts on the claw, when you realise it gets you free access to every game in there for as long as you like, it starts to make more sense. Endless fun for both you and your kids (but don't worry they don't have to come), it ranks high with cheap things to do in Leeds. So what are you waiting for... Go recapture the gamer of your youth!

To find even more events happening across Leeds in 2022, click or tap - HERE

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.