Well, it seems like the summer heatwave is over - for now at least. Perfect timing, just as the summer holidays begin and all the kids are off school.
We thought we'd get ahead of the curb and start researching some rainy day activities ready for the inevitable midsummer down pour - and aren't you lucky we did.
Keep reading to discover some of our top picks for things to do in Leeds when it's raining, from the best places to soak up a bit of culture to gaming spots and more.
Leeds Art Gallery is packed out with some gorgeous and historically important art works / Image: Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery
This striking building on the Headrow is one of Leeds' most beautiful - containing above its doors the city's oldest civic sculpture: a marble statue of Queen Anne that dates back to 1712. Inside the Grade II-listed building, you'll find an impressive collection of 20th-century works deemed by the British government in 1997 to be of 'national importance.'
Team Sport Go Karting
Adrenaline junkies can't go wrong with a spot of go-karting at Team Sport. After watching a quick safety video and getting all your driving equipment, you'll be in your kart zooming around the court in no time living out your best race car driver life. The track here is state of the art with flyover and electronic timing, so you know you'll be taken good care of.
Jack Rabbits Pottery
Painting pottery is a great way to relax and while away an afternoon when it's pouring it down outside. The way it works at this paint-your-own pottery studio is you pick a piece from one of their creations - be that a jug, a plate, piggy banks, animals, plaques, baubles, coasters - to paint, then one of their team members will guide you through the process to ensure you leave with something you'll be proud to display at home.
Roxy Lanes
If bowling is your thing, you can't go wrong at Roxy Lanes. Here you'll find four full-size bowling lanes, priced at £8/10 per person per game depending on whether it's on or off peak. The perfect way to while away a few rainy hours in Leeds, we're sure you'll agree.
If bowling is your thing, you can't go wrong at Roxy Lanes / Image: Luke Toney 94
Roxy Ball Room
We're pretty spoilt for Roxy's here in Leeds, with four in total spread across the city. Down at Roxy Ball Room on Boar lane, you'll find a whole host of games including shuffleboard, beer pong and 'Roxy golf'. The ideal spot if you want to play games but can't make up your mind - they've got it all going on down here.
The Royal Armouries
The Royal Armouries has some seriously incredible artefacts, but the most impressive has to be the 16th century elephant armour on display. Brought to the UK in 1801 by the Governor of Madras' former wife, it's the biggest known piece of animal armour to exist in the world. Find it at The Royal Armouries alongside a host of other ihntriguing displays.
Shuffl at BOX
Shuffleboard fans are in for a treat at BOX, which boasts two of the biggest tables you can find in the city. The sports bar is also known for its cracking pizzas, so if you're heading down might as well make an afternoon of it and get one of their signature chicken katsu bad boys down you whilst you play a few games.
The Hyde Park Picture House
For movie lovers, there's nowhere better to go in Leeds than the Hyde Park Picture House. This gorgeous Garde II-listed building is a local landmark and can always be relied upon to show some solid indie gems. First opened in 1914, it lays claim to the title of the UK's last gas-lit cinena and is a truly iconic piece of history right here in the city.
News
Deliveroo to bring robot food deliveries to Leeds in major UK rollout
Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are set to bring robot deliveries to Leeds through a new strategic partnership.
Next time you order a takeaway...let's just say, it could look a little different.
In the new exclusive partnership, Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are launching in multiple locations, beginning with Canary Wharf in London this October, before launching here in Leeds as well as Milton Keynes, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham in the coming weeks and months.
The rollout marks Coco Robotic's entry into the UK, extending the company’s broader expansion across Europe.
While the majority of orders will continue to be fulfilled by Deliveroo’s rider network, Coco’s fully electric robots are suited to short-distances and navigating urban environments, offering additional flexibility to local businesses on Deliveroo’s platform.
The robots operate at walking place, meaning they're able to move safely through busy streets whilst carrying orders directly to customers.
Image: Supplied
Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and Head of DoorDash International: “London is where Deliveroo was born, so it feels fitting that we’re launching our first UK autonomous delivery service with Coco Robotics here before expanding our exclusive partnership to more towns and cities nationwide, building on our partnership in other geographies.
“We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand. We firmly believe that robot and drone technology should benefit High Street businesses of all sizes, helping them remain competitive and meet consumers in new ways.”
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: "Our council is determined to embrace the opportunities offered by emerging technology. This approach has already helped establish Leeds as a location for hosting and advising on robot delivery trials.
“Supporting innovation means attracting investment. That's why we are now pleased to be working with Coco Robotics regarding the city’s future involvement in the UK rollout of their partnership with Deliveroo.
“We look forward to exploring the benefits that the rollout can bring to Leeds and its residents.”
Tesco unveils Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026 and confirms official launch date
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has officially unveiled its Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026, and has revealed when it’ll be arriving in stores.
Spooky season may not have even arrived yet, but it won’t be long before the most wonderful time of the year is here and most of the UK’s major supermarkets have already started stocking their shelves with Christmas food, drink, and gifts galore.
Tesco has now unveiled all the sandwiches and snacks forming part of its iconic lunchtime meal deal selection.
10 new seasonal mains and sides have been launched this year, as well as some classics and returning fan favourites too.
Images: Tesco
The retailer says its food on-the-go experts have worked hard to bring a variety of festive flavours and great-quality ingredients together this year, with something on offer to cater to all tastes and preferences.
Available in stores and online from next week, with Tesco Clubcard members paying just £3.80 or £5.50 to upgrade to a Premium Meal Deal, some of the all-new main options you can choose from in 2026’s festive lineup include the Fully Loaded Chicken, Stuffing, Braised Red Cabbage & Cranberry Sauce Sandwich, the Christmas Triple Sandwich, and the Pork Meatball Wrap with smoky sage and onion mayonnaise.
Other returning favourites include the Brie and Cranberry Sandwich, the Currywurst Sausage Sub, and the absolute classic Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich.
For veggies and vegans, there’s a new Tesco Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap, and for those who follow a gluten free diet, you can grab the Gluten Free Festive Chicken & Trimmings sandwich.
When it comes to snacks to accompany those mains, the festive Mini Pork Pies and Pig in Blanket Sausage Rolls are returning to the lineup this year, alongside some new additions like the Pretzels with Salted Caramel Soft Cheese Dip, and Mini Cheese Twists.
The 2026 Tesco Christmas Meal Deal range will be in stores across the UK from Monday 12 October, and there’s thousands of combinations to try.
Georgina Pellant -
7th August 2021 
