Leeds Walking Tour: City Highlights, Arcades & Kirkgate Market

Summary

Leeds stories in every step from Georgian squares to Kirkgate Market

You’ll wander Leeds’ historic streets with a local guide who brings stories alive — from sleepy stone lions at Town Hall to the golden-lit arcades and bustling Kirkgate Market. Expect laughs, small surprises, and sensory moments that linger long after you leave the city center.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how our guide, Tom, didn’t even wait for us to settle in before launching into a story about the old Town Hall. He pointed up at the stone lions — said they were meant to look fierce but honestly, one just looked sleepy. I laughed and almost tripped on the uneven pavement (watch your step near those cobbles). Leeds feels like it’s always moving; there’s this low hum from buses and street musicians drifting through.

We ducked into one of those glass-roofed shopping arcades — the light in there is weirdly soft, kind of golden, and you can smell coffee mixing with perfume from some fancy shop. Tom told us about Frank Matcham and his obsession with curves (in architecture, not people — he made a joke about that). The group got quiet for a second when we hit the Georgian square; it’s smaller than I expected but somehow grander? A couple of locals nodded as they passed, like this was just their normal Tuesday.

I didn’t expect to be so taken by Kirkgate Market. It’s loud and smells like spice and fresh bread — someone handed me a free sample of something I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it). The place is huge, almost dizzying. We ended up in this elliptical space filled with tiny traders selling everything from vinyl records to handmade soap. By then my feet were tired but I didn’t really want it to end. I still think about that view down the arcade, sunlight catching on all the brass details. Leeds gets under your skin a bit — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Leeds city highlights

• Visit Leeds Georgian Square
• See Cuthbert Brodrick's Town Hall
• Explore award-winning city centre space
• View Contemporary Art Collection
• Walk through Leeds' earliest Shopping Arcades
• Marvel at Frank Matcham Gem
• Visit stunning 21st Century Arcade
• Explore Leeds Kirkgate Market
• Discover elliptical space with traders

Top questions

How long does the Leeds walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is the Leeds highlights walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include entry to Kirkgate Market?

The walk includes visiting Kirkgate Market as part of the route.

Are children or infants allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers.

Is there public transportation nearby for this Leeds walking tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point.

Who leads the Leeds city highlights walking tour?

A professional local guide leads each tour.

What are some key stops on this Leeds day trip?

You’ll see Georgian Square, Town Hall, historic arcades, and Kirkgate Market.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk led by a professional local guide through central Leeds landmarks like Georgian Square and Kirkgate Market; it’s suitable for all fitness levels and accessible for wheelchairs or strollers—just show up ready to explore on foot.