And we're in the top five cities for DIY home improvements too.
Bank Holidays often mark the start of huge new DIY home projects in Leeds.
Whether you're choosing to use your bank holiday to repaint your bedroom or upcycle furniture for the lounge, there's no doubt that hundreds of homeowners across the UK will be using their extra day off to take on some home improvement challenges.
Whether you're someone that can see such projects from start to end, or get bored halfway through, here in Leeds we've been recognised as having some of the most enthusiastic DIY and home lovers across the country.
According to Leader Doors, there was a staggering 35% increase in the number of first-time buyers stepping onto the property ladder in 2021 when compared to 2020, and whilst that means that more people than ever are undertaking the challenge of furnishing and improving homes for the very first time, the cost of living crisis also suggests that they're trying to do this on a more limited budget.
New financial limitations, combined with new TikTok hack trends that are making DIY projects accessible in a way that previous generations could not have possible fathomed, was the driving force behind a new survey from Leader Doors into the best UK cities to live if you're a home enthusiast.
Leeds scored an impressive 7th place, pipped by Bradford in 6th. Marked against the number of combined decor and DIY stores and ranked accordingly, this survey was all about accessibility to materials- given there's little point in moving to your dream city if you're a flat-pack lover and there's not an IKEA for miles.
Overall, Leeds has a respectable 68 stores across the city, whilst Bradford totted up an impressive 74 DIY and home improvement stores across the city. Even Wakefield made it into the top ten, with 61 stores counted across the region.
When it came to DIY stores, the survey counted up the number of B&Qs, Homebase, IKEA and Wilkos to discover where cities lay in their ability to upcycle and get creative. Leeds and Bradford scored a joint fifth place with a total score of 21 each- not bad when you account for the size of our cities compared to the likes of London (which came in first with 52 stores across the entire city).
Clearly, we're a city with a lot to offer, but now Leeds can add 'Top UK city for DIY and home improvement' to its accolades- an unusual, but nonetheless exciting, title to have.
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
Leeds
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Sophie Smith -
2nd May 2022 
