As soon as there’s an opportunity to head up to a rooftop terrace or grab an ice cream, it doesn’t matter what city you’re in, everyone’s clearing their plans to make the most of those rays of sunshine (because, let’s face it, we’re in Britain and it never lasts long).
The truth is there's seemingly unlimited spaces to spend our days basking in the sunshine in Leeds, if you know where to look.
The city and its suburbs are packed with natural beauty, but regardless of whether you’re just visiting or a long-time Leeds local, it can feel overwhelming choosing a space to soak up the sunshine.
That's where our handy guide comes in. We've rounded up some of the best places in the city to hang out whatever your day looks like. From beer gardens and rooftop terraces to parks and ice cream shops, keep reading to find our top picks for the summer in Leeds…
Rooftop Terraces
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: The Hoot Leeds
Rooftop bars are something Leeds does best - how many other cities (well, cities of our size) can say that they host live DJ sets, frozen cocktails and all with skyline views of the city all around the centre?
Naturally Headrow House and Belgrave are an easy go-to.Always recommended to our team by locals and packed with daytime drinkers looking for a cocktail offer at Headrow and a side of loaded fries to share over wine at Belgrave, it's a must try for newbies on a day trip to Leeds.
Having been open for 10 and 8 years respectively, the rooftop bars are sharing our city's love for drinks in the sky with the likes of Green Room hidden on Wellington Street. Having been open for just over a year, this place has already been named as one of the best rooftops in Europe - and with beautiful greenery intertwined between long benches and a bar stocked with local draught pints.Plus, there's also the newly opened IF... Rooftop bringing frozen margaritas and BBQ classics to the masses, having taken over the former East Parade Social site just a few short months ago.
Parks
When it comes to green spaces, Leeds welcomes plenty of benches to nip out for an alfresco morning meeting or spend the afternoon playing around with the whole family alike.
Naturally, Roundhay Park is often a popular choice. As one of the biggest city parks in Europe, spanning a whopping 800 acres, Roundhay has welcomed guests to its children’s play area, woodland walks or riverside strolls for just over 200 years. Av
Park Square is the metropolitan hangout for office workers seeking sunshine on their lunch hour and is often packed out with deck chairs and picnic blankets - grab yourself a sarnie or salad from indie Italian kitchen La Piola just on the corner and truly transport yourself to the Mediterranean without leaving Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Festival goers might recognise Temple Newsam as home of Live At Leeds: In The Park and Slam Dunk North festival, but there's plenty of walking routes to explore through the estate too. The 4.7km walk around the perimeter offers strolls through peaceful fields, all just five miles from the city centre.
Leeds Dock isn't just for boats and walking around the Royal Armouries, if you head over to Knight's Way Bridge you'll find a little spot of grass between where the River Aire and canalside that's a little picnic point - just be careful since it's near the water's edge.
Beer Gardens
These days it feels as if you can't walk two steps without finding a pub on the corner - but how do you strike the perfect balance of a friendly but bustling atmosphere without picking a space too cramped?
Waterlane Boat House on Granary Wharf has been recognised as one of the best beer gardens in England, according to Big 7 Travel - and with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the canalside, it's no wonder it's one of the busiest watering holes in the city on a summer day.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those familiar with the Netflix smash hit movie Bank of Dave might recognise the Duck and Drake on Kirkgate as one of the city's favourite beer gardens. Between quirky details like old maps of Leeds and shaded corners to seek refuge from the sunlight, it's everything you'd want from a good old fashioned pub.
Over in the suburbs you're not short of big beer gardens either - famous for its cricket viewings and as an Otley Run stop on the weekends, the Original Oak in Headingley as well as The Mustard Pot in Chapel Allerton are both perfect for whiling the afternoon away in sun drenched settings.
And who could forget about the plethora of breweries with huge outdoor spaces, welcoming punters with open arms over the summer months? North Brewing Co's Springwell is perfect for soaking up the sunshine over in Sheepscar whilst Kirkstall is home to (you guessed it) Kirkstall Brewery, which boasts plenty of outdoor seating - and it's only a breezy 15 minute walk from the city centre.
Ice Cream Shops
Who doesn't love an ice cream in the sunshine? With much-loved the Mr Whippy van now departed from Roundhay Park, we've been on the hunt for a new ice cream regular - but luckily we're not short of places to visit in Leeds.
Kult Gelato serves bright purple ube ice cream, either as soft serve or by the scoop on the cone or even inside a brioche bun to make a 'doughlato'.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside Leeds Kirkgate Market, you'll find Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato where a whole host of different seasonal flavours of gelato are created every day. Combining the best produce from Yorkshire and Tuscany, there's not just gelato here but coffee, sarnies and even ice cream for four legged friends.
And for those looking for a truly Insta-worthy ice cream, Amorino creates gorgeous ice cream cones in the shape of flowers. Choose from unique flavours like organic blood orange, amaretti biscuit, tiramisu and bergamot, or even get your ice cream fix inside a cake, crepe or macaron.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And there's just no stopping them, as North Star is expanding into both Great George Street and the historic Victoria Quarter. Hurrah!
The Great George Street site will open as a takeaway-focused kiosk and retail store, designed to slot into your every day morning routine for that quick on-the-go brew.
They'll also be serving up house-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakes, and a curated selection of retail coffee, brewing equipment, and accessories.
The Victoria Quarter location will offer similar, set amongst the Quarter’s tiled arcades and heritage storefronts, the site will reflect a more visible presence for the business within Leeds’ evolving food and drink landscape.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible.As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Suburb guide: Ten things to do in Headingley at the weekend
Clementine Hall
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Sophie Smith -
20th July 2023 
