According to a new study by Betway, Leeds is one of the UK's best destinations for second-hand shopping- and for good reason.
Leeds is home to thrift shops and vintage boutiques aplenty, each paving the way for new sustainable fashion trends and reducing the amount of waste created by the fast-fashion industry.
As part of Betway's study: Thrifting Capitals of The World campaign, the team have also found out where exactly we should be shopping for our sustainable garms. Making their judgement by analysing Google ratings and reviews to rank and reveal the top five thrift and vintage boutique stores across Leeds, here are the top picks.
1. Vintage Boutique
Headingley Lane, Headlingley, Leeds, LS6 2AS.
Image: Vintage Boutique
For those soley interested in shopping for second-hand treasures, Vintage Boutique is an unmissable stop. Located right in the heart of studentsville spaces between Hyde Park and Headingley, this vintage store has plenty of hidden diamonds in the rough, just waiting to be uncovered.
Expect a huge array of 70s and 80s bangers, as well as contemporary house mixes amongst old football scarves, retro Nikes and an impressive collection of classic novels.
The Thrifting Capitals of The World gave their two pence on why Vintage Boutique has claimed the hotspot. "Based in Hyde Park, Vintage Boutique takes the crown for being Leeds’ number one shopping destination for any vintage junkie. Specialising in a range of sportswear, accessories, designer labels - and not to mention thrilling vinyl records - this store has lots to offer when it comes to retro pieces that evoke a warm sense of nostalgia.
"This shop in particular is reminiscent of fashions of the 60s, 70s and 80s era. From denim dungarees to the most glittery sequin dresses, Vintage Boutique will take your wardrobe back in time."
2. Cow Vintage
County House, 82 Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 7JH.
Image: Cow Vintage
Cow Vintage is a long-time vintage store that was offering gorgeous redesigned garms long before second-hand fashion was a part of everyday shopping. The brand has therefore has the experience to bring Leeds some of the most innovative designs in the city, all created from thrifted goods- railed alongside quirky homewear and gifts, there's plenty of modern pieces hidden between old 60s pieces that still have plenty of life left in them.
The campaign concluded that: "With stores also located in Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham, Cow Vintage is a booming second hand vintage store that is loved by many.
" an independent establishment that offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, Cow prides itself on offering pieces that are ethically sourced from around the world. What’s more, you can find some truly unique gems here, spanning from the 60s up until the roaring 00s."
3. Blue Rinse
9-11 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7DH.
Image: Blue Rinse
A haven of old school Levi’s, tartan shirts, trinkets, and nearly-untouched pieces from the 70s, the three-floor Call Lane store has been a mainstay for vintage lovers in the city for decades.
Since moving to its new Leeds location, Blue Rinse now spans across a whopping five floors, each with their own unique style and plenty of one-off pieces waiting to be rediscovered.
What the study says: "Specialising in vintage, reworked and thrifted clothing, Call Lane’s Blue Rinse is another sustainable fashion outlet that is a cracker. From baggy flannel shirts to classic denim wear, this place will make your vintage clothing dreams come true. As a proud Northern vintage clothes company, Blue Rinse also has a shop located in Manchester."
Bringing a combination of premium and vintage streetwear to Leeds? BEST, located on New Market Street is the one-stop-shop that's got everyone talking. Expect all the big names: Gucci, Palace, even rare Red Bull pieces between stacks of rare vintage trainers- plenty of which will appeal to Nike collectors.
The Thrifting Capitals of The World campaign says: "Selling a mixture of new, handpicked and pre-owned items from all over the world, this store prides itself on sustainability and offering customers an exciting shopping experience that strays away from the norms of fast fashion."
5. Ryan Vintage
Image: Ryan Vintage
13 Duncan Street, Leeds, LS1 6DQ.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, Ryan's Vintage is a true gem hidden in plain sight.
There's a huge selection of graphic tees of offer here with everything from Hacienda designs to 80s and 90s basketball-style prints: all of which come at a thrift shop price (none of this upselling for second-hand goods seen elsewhere).
Betway's study commented: "Known as the longest-running, best value vintage clothes shop in Leeds, Ryan Vintage is a must-visit if you’re in search of some trendy vintage wear for the festival and warmer seasons ahead. Based on Duncan Street, this store is located in the heart of the city centre and is packed with great vibes - and even greater fashion."
To find out more about where in the world Leeds ranks for its second-hand garms, thift-shop finds and vintage boutiques, you can read the full Thrifting Capitals of The World campaign study on the Betway blog website.
Feature Image- Blue Rinse
Leeds
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Featured Image - Run For All
Leeds
Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.
Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.
This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.
Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'
Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!
The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.
Living The Dream
I'll Not Be Beaten
You Don't Know What You Got
Don't Mind If I Do
The Hand That Leads Me
Ain't Gonna Beg
I Will Always Love You
Islands in the Stream
Jolene
9 to 5
You're My World
Where Is My Husband!
Let the Light In
Cake by the Ocean
Jai Ho!
APT.
Right Where I Belong
How Do I Move On
Beautiful Soul
All By Myself
You Still Lead Me
Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.
What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?
The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
24th May 2022 
