From cinemas and parklands to Leeds biggest pub crawl, Headingley is home to so much more than students and a stadium.
It’s a student hangout favourite, home of the Leeds Rhinos, seemingly unlimited places to eat and drink, as well as hosting some of the best games of international cricket in history (dare we say it), so it’s safe to say there’s always something exciting going on in the little neighbourhood just north of Leeds.
For students it's a welcoming place where you're never far from your peers.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, there’s new events on each and every night in this tiny suburb: from all-night student raves to the quieter, more sophisticated afternoon art workshops or brunch menus from Leeds’ independent bakeries.
Make sure to look up on your walk across the suburb and you’ll see Kevin Sinfield on the walls as you wander onto the high street where you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink – and we can almost guarantee you’ll bump into at least one group of people in fancy dress (believe it or not the Otley Run can run any day of the week).
Things to do
Catch a game at Headingley Stadium
Image: Yorkshire County Cricket Club
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.
Leeds Street Gallery have created a huge mural of the Leeds Rhinos player in Headingley above the 24 hour store, located between pubs Headingley Taps and Manahatta. The mural pays tribute to the sports personality and the lasting impression he has left on Leeds, even after leaving the club.
Led by avid Leeds Rhinos fan Dan Whitley, the group of fans have raised all the costs for the mural and have enlisted the skills of Leeds Street Gallery and James Archer (JA Murals) to bring their concept to life.
Home of pre-loved books that are still in good condition, Oxfam Books is where books find a new home and all the proceeds go to charity. It’s the recycling eco-friendly bookstore that actually has a decent selection of new and old favourites.
The selection here is far from your average charity shop shelf, there’s aisle upon aisle of fiction, including vintage Penguin classics, as well as shelves of University-level textbooks, cookery books and niche topics like politics, history and languages piled high.
This is Leeds oldest and only, truly, independent cinema, so you can bet this is old picture house has bags of character. Heading into here is like travelling back in time: capturing all of the charm of an 80s theatre, the cinema only shows two different movies per week- a mixture of indie up-and-coming cinematic films, 'live by satellite' screenings and classic mainstream movies.
The Cottage Road Cinema is tucked down a side road in the Far Headingley area and remains our favourite spot on a rainy day.
Buy Nowt LS6 believe we can all make an environmental difference by borrowing instead of buying.
So the idea is you can share resources, meet people in your local community and borrow stuff with a pay-as-you-feel donation. Not only does this lower carbon emissions but it helps your back pocket too. In their first eight weeks ago, they have loaned over 155 items over 16 days in total. This equates to saving over £3000 in the local community and approximately 3 tonnes of carbon.
It’s not just foodie items you can borrow either: the lending library has everything from Otley Run costumes to hedge trimmers. There are hundreds of items to choose from, all loaned on a pay-as-you-feel basis. One happy customer has turned their hand to tidying gardens for winter, another made their own ravioli.
The Otley Run is infamous in Leeds and all over the country as one of the best bar crawls around.
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.
Pick a theme, find a hilarious costume, get all your friends together, and let’s take a stroll (or a bus) down the entire Otley Run route.
Residence opened just a few months ago but is quickly becoming a popular brunch spot – and there’s everything from a full English to pancakes on the menu. By night this place serves burgers, small plates and cocktails too.
And for a hangover cure that's already become an institution nursing students back to health after a big night out, Munch's big breakfasts are fifteen years in the making.
If it’s a chippy you’re after, head over to St Michael’s Fisheries on St Michael’s Lane or POCO Sicilian offers Italian treats to takeaway on Otley Road. Pho 37 is a Vietnamese cafe with quick service and is ideal for those looking to grab and go between innings.
And if you’re staying in the area and after a sit down dinner, Salvo’s is the family-run Italian restaurant that truly transports you overseas, with a huge menu of pastas, pizzas and wine. Other popular dining options include Zaap Thai, Heaney & Mill and Kuala Lumpur Cafe – and are all within five minutes of each other.
POCO. / Images: The Hoot Leeds
Residence.
Pubs and drinks
Pubwise you’re truly spoilt – besides the infamous Otley Run that covers 15 different pubs starting in Far Headingley, eight of which are right here in Headingley - those wanting to grab a pint in the sunshine hae plenty of choices. Most notably, BOX’s new rooftop terrace has just added an extra 100 seats to one of the suburb’s busiest sports bars.
The Original Oak’s impressive beer garden and huge TV screens also make it the perfect watering hole to catch the cricket over the weekend if you want all the atmosphere of Headingley on match day but didn’t manage to bag yourself a ticket.
The Original Oak. / Images: The Hoot Leeds
BOX Headingley Heights.
How to get to Headingley
Headingley is two miles north of Leeds City Centre from the train station, and takes between 45 minutes and an hour to walk up. For those taking public transport, here's how to access Headingley by bus, train or driving...
Bus: Catch the number 1, 6, 8 or 28 from Leeds and get off at St Michael’s Church or Headingley Arndale
Train: Catch the train from Leeds Train Station and get off at Burley Park for a short 5-10 minute walk up Cardigan Road, or get off at the next stop in Headingley for a slightly further but (usually) less cramped walk back to Otley Road.
Driving: Whilst there's plenty of residential parking spots for locals, you'll find that gridlock and traffic jams do often occur around busy match days around Headingley Stadium.
Whether you're a fan of a classic Mr. Whippy or after something a bit more artisanal, we've got you covered in this list of the best ice cream places in Leeds.
It's hot enough to warrant a treat, we'd say, and if you're going to do it you might as well go the whole hog and truly indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer.
Keep reading to discover the very best ice cream spots in Leeds.
Melting Point
The Corn Exchange, Leeds
New to Leeds and new to the Corn Exchange is the fabulous Melting Point, an independent ice cream and gelato serving up weird and wonderful flavours.
It's like Willy Wonka if he made ice cream instead of chocolate, and we're absolutely obsessed. The list of flavours change daily, so not visit is the same but you can rest assured each one is delicious.
Tsujiri
17 Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up authentic flavours like matcha and hōjicha, Tsujiri is one of our new favourite dessert spots in Leeds.
This Japanese dessert house offers everything from classic soft serves to more adventurous sundaes, with an array of toppings to customise your treat. Options include boba pearls, cracker, genmai, kinako, kuromitsu, red bean, sesame, shiratama. Perfect for those seeking a unique and refreshing dessert experience.
Knoops
Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion St, LS1 6HX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you adore chocolate, you'll be thrilled to know that Knoops has ventured into ice cream. Their soft serve is a dreamy treat topped with your choice of chocolate flakes – whether you prefer milk, white, or dark chocolate, you get to pick the chocolate you love the most, all finished with a signature Knoops chocolate disc.
Their ice cream also stars in their thick, creamy milkshakes. Choose from six different chocolate percentages and add extra flavours for a personalised indulgence. Perfect for those who love to mix things up.
Mr Whippy Leeds
Around Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Mr Whippy Leeds has been around for over 50 years, operating the largest fleet of modern ice cream vans and trailers in Leeds.
Mr Whippy Leeds is, simply put, iconic. The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they've noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options - now they are creating thee 'super Sundaes' which you can pick up from one of the trucks around the city.
Ice Scoop Gelato
From Ferrero Rocher to Kinder Bueno, if you fancy a naughty chocolate ice cream Ice Scoop Gelato has you covered. Honestly, there's a whole host of amazing flavours here. All are available to enjoy by the scoop or in a cone, or alternatively push the boat out and order yours with a crepe or waffles.
Amorino
Victoria Gate, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Image: Amorino
This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds city centre and beyond
Clementine Hall
Kick-off for the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us so it's time to find out in Leeds where we'll be watching, preferably with a pint in hand.
International tournaments are always a special occasion we eagerly await to come around and while we’re sure you could walk into any old pub and enjoy yourself, there are some seriously good venues showing the 2026 World Cup this year.
So, with that in mind, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to watch the World Cup in Leeds. You’re welcome.
Get yourself on one of Leeds' best terraces to enjoy a spritz or two before heading into the main bar to watch the matches.
Meanwood Tavern
607 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, LS6 4HQ
Over in Meanwood, the much-loved Meanwood Tavern will be showing the games with screens at the front and back of the pub. Walk-ins welcome but booking encouraged.
BOX
15 Infirmary St, LS1 2JS
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It's an absolute classic, but BOX will of course be showing all the games on their multitude of screens. We also recommend booking a table for this spot as it's always a busy one.
Hyde Park Book Club
27-29 Headingley Ln., Headingley, LS6 1BL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A favourite amongst students, Hyde Park Book Club will be showing every England game and more on the big screen.
Trinity Kitchen
27 Albion St, LS1 5ER
Image: Supplied
Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer.
The space is getting ready to be transformed into an evening fan zone with three super-size screens, a brand-new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters.
The space will be completely free to attend and will open just in time for the start of the tournament on Thursday 11 June.
This fantastic events venue will be showing all the England World Cup Games, so get your tables booked and make sure to head for some food at Galleria beforehand.
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Tetley's Brewery Wharf, 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' newest pubs right by the canal will be showing all the England games, booking is recommended.
The Melbourne
476 Roundhay Rd, Roundhay, LS8 2HU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're in Roundhay then The Melbourne is the place to be. They'll be showing all the England games on their swanky new 75inch telly and they'll even have some new beers on the lines to celebrate the occasion.
This absolute gem of a pub will be showing all the England World Cup games on multiple screens, including some big ones. If you're a fan of a huge beer garden, then this is the spot for you.
This fabulous pub on the edge of the River Aire will be showing the footy on a huge screen in their expansive beer garden. If that doesn't scream summer, we don't know what does.
Brudenell Social Club
33 Queen's Rd, Burley, LS6 1NY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' most iconic gig venues will be showing the footy both outdoor and indoor, they'll also of course be providing plenty of pints, pies and good vibes.
Brotherhood
54 New Briggate, LS1 6NU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' most iconic sports bars will be showing every single match of the World Cup alongside plenty of drink deals and food on offer to keep you fuelled up.
If you're looking for a proper fan zone atmosphere, than Beaverworks is your best bet. For £5 a ticket, expect BBQs at each game, beer towers, DJs and a free beer or cider.
4TheFans at the O2 Academy
55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW
Image: 4TheFans
4TheFans will be creating the ultimate atmosphere at the O2 Academy, expect a production and sound experience built for global superstars, combining the noise, the passion and the atmosphere into one electric, next-level fan experience.
Sophie Smith -
12th September 2023 
