The best things to do in Leeds when it’s raining
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
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.
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.