What to do in Roundhay

Activities, attractions and tours

Tropical World featuring a park as well as a small group of people
Tropical World featuring animals
Tropical World showing animals
Roundhay
Roundhay Park which includes a park
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Top places to visit

1. York Minster

York Minster is a Gothic masterpiece and among the largest and most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Climb the Minster’s historic tower, tour its underground chambers and discover 2,000 years of history. The current structure dates back to the 12th century and features medieval stained-glass windows.
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York Minster featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a square or plaza

2. Shambles

The Shambles is a medieval street in York’s center with a topsy-turvy layout full of shops and restaurants. Stroll down the quaint cobblestone road that runs through the narrow street to see the lopsided 15th-century buildings jutting out overhead. Many visitors compare the jumbled arrangement of the street to Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter saga. In 2010, the Google Street Team voted it the most picturesque street in Britain.
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Shambles which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

3. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
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Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

4. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometer) park.
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Roundhay Park featuring a garden, a fountain and a river or creek

5. Tropical World

Tropical World is a fun-filled family attraction in the expansive grounds of Roundhay Park, where you can explore rainforests, deserts and nocturnal habitats. Discover a vast array of tropical species and lush foliage in the glasshouses, spot reptiles and meerkats in their enclosures and marvel at the myriad colors of butterflies.
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Tropical World featuring a park as well as a small group of people

6. Canal Gardens

The Canal Gardens consists of a walled set of grounds with colorful flower beds surrounding a waterway. The grassy slopes of the canal banks are dotted with benches overlooking ducks paddling on the water. Stroll along the paths running alongside the banks of the waterway and appreciate the gorgeous scenery.
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Stone bridges, fountains and daffodils decorate this charming and historic park, whose canal contains small turtles and a range of fish.

What to do in Roundhay

Popular places to visit

University of Leeds

University of Leeds

4/5(117 reviews)

Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

University of Leeds
First Direct Arena

First Direct Arena

4.5/5(225 reviews)

Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.

First Direct Arena
Headingley Stadium

Headingley Stadium

Catch an event at Headingley Stadium during your trip to Headingley. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its entertainment choices.

Headingley Stadium
Royal Armouries

Royal Armouries

4.5/5(133 reviews)

Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.

Royal Armouries
Roundhay Park featuring a garden, a fountain and a river or creek

Roundhay Park

4.5/5(86 reviews)

One of the largest city parks in Europe has a huge expanse of parkland, woods, lakes, gardens and lush tropical glasshouses to explore and enjoy.

Roundhay Park
Harewood House

Harewood House

4.5/5(22 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Harewood House, a lovely green space in Leeds. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Harewood House
O2 Academy Leeds

O2 Academy Leeds

4/5(20 reviews)

If music is your religion, this impressive entertainment venue may become your place of worship; its Gothic façade even looks like a church.

O2 Academy Leeds
Leeds Grand Theatre

Leeds Grand Theatre

4.5/5(20 reviews)

The Gothic features of this tiered theater make a glorious setting for the diverse array of plays, music gigs and stand-up acts that are performed on its stage.

Leeds Grand Theatre
Temple Newsam House featuring a castle and interior views

Temple Newsam House

4/5(58 reviews)

Uncover 500 years of history at this magnificent Tudor-Jacobean country mansion that looks out upon a scenic estate and is filled with artifacts and decorative arts.

Temple Newsam House

Explore areas of Roundhay

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Oakwood

If you're spending some time in Oakwood, Roundhay Park and Leeds Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Oakwood
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Gledhow

While there might not be top attractions in Gledhow, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Roundhay Park and Thackray Museum of Medicine.

Gledhow
Roundhay Park which includes a park

Lady Wood

If you're spending some time in Lady Wood, Roundhay Park and Canal Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Lady Wood
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Lidgett Park

Lidgett Park might not have many top sights, but Roundhay Park and Tropical World are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lidgett Park
Tropical World featuring a park as well as a small group of people

Park Villas

If you're spending some time in Park Villas, Roundhay Park and Tropical World are top sights worth seeing.

Park Villas

Day trip destinations from Roundhay

Corn Exchange featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Leeds

Frequently asked questions

Is Roundhay worth visiting?
Famous for its walking trails and family-friendly attractions, finding fun things to do in Roundhay is a breeze. Make sure to add Leeds Grand Theatre to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Roundhay?
After you've visited leading attractions like Tropical World and Hollywood Bowl, spend some time exploring Roundhay's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Roundhay?
Leeds Grand Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Roundhay and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Roundhay?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off the leading city attractions, including Leeds Grand Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Tropical World. The average stay in Roundhay is two days. If you have the time to extend your holiday, York isn't far away.
Is Roundhay a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to see and do in Roundhay. Several attractions, like Leeds Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Roundhay's best neighbourhoods, Leeds City Centre is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Harehills is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Roundhay with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all of your group, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Roundhay with kids.

What to do in Roundhay for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Roundhay for adults including First Direct Arena and Briggate.
Are there free things to do in Roundhay?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Roundhay. If you need inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Hollywood Bowl is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.