Experiencing
Leeds
The perfect city break destination
Leeds is a vibrant, welcoming city in West Yorkshire, England, and one of the largest urban centres in the UK. It is known for its rich industrial history, cultural attractions, lively arts and food scene, and excellent shopping.
It is the unofficial capital of Yorkshire. A city at the heart of the action, bursting with life and cultural energy. A vibrant creative community, with award-winning national theatre and dance companies, a world-class arena, and a thriving independent food scene you won’t find anywhere else. A renowned retail destination, where big brands meet Victorian arcades. And a welcoming host for international sporting events, colourful carnivals, and a packed calendar of festivals and events. A skyline filled with breathtaking architecture, and a destination easily reached by road, rail and air. These are the things that make up Leeds.
If you have time before or after the conference, make sure to make the most out of your visit to Leeds!
Top 7 places to visit in Leeds
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Leeds is famed for its breathtaking Victorian Arcades rivalling those in Milan, Budapest and the Burlington in London.
Located in the heart of Barnsley town centre, The Victorian Arcade provides a unique shopping experience with a traditional feel - its cobbled paving, Victorian Tea Rooms, traditional Irish Bar and Bakeries remind you of the Barnsley of old whilst it oozes sophistication with an array of designer boutiques, salons, modern and traditional coffee shops.
Whatever the purpose of your shopping trip, The Victorian Arcade, Barnsley, is somewhere a little bit special that must be experienced!
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A one-stop shop for all that is cool, quirky and independent in Leeds.
Home to a collection of vendors who do things their own way, and a community of customers who prefer the personal touch.
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One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate is a shopper’s paradise from fresh food, drink and fashion to jewellery, flowers, hardware and haberdashery.
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Discover the colour and creativity brought to the city centre by its amazing array of street art. Explore the artistic talents adorning walls, walkways and towering above on buildings.
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The flagship visual arts gallery for the city with a significant collection of contemporary and Victorian art and sculpture.
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From The Netherlands these cute water taxis take you along the river Aire to Leeds Dock past landmarks such as Leeds Bridge, where the first ever film was created by Louis Le Prince in 1888.
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A fun and free place to visit in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Sister museum to The Tower of London housing the magnificent Hall of Steel and the UK's most prestigious national collection of arms and armour.
Explore thousands of objects from the past to the present day. These include Japanese samurai armour and swords, famous movie props, the armours of Henry VIII, and even a huge armour for an Indian war elephant.
Check out our daily live shows and fight demonstrations that make history come to life.
Ready-made itineraries & things to do in Leeds
From 2 hours to 72 hours, VisitLeeds offer helpful guides so you can make the most of Leeds and enjoy the city to the fullest before or after the Wildfire2026 conference, whatever time you have available.
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Restaurant Guide
There’s a reason Leeds is known as the foodie capital of the North. At our heart is a thriving independent food scene, renowned for its diversity, energy and innovation. Passionate people, known for their craft, serving up plates to be proud of.
You’ll find it in the street food stalls of Kirkgate Market and the abundance of independent restaurants and cafes across the city centre places like Manjits Kitchen, Empire Café, Fint, Eat Your Greens and Sarto, plus popular coffee spots like Laynes and North Star.
For fine dining experiences you’ll be spoilt for choice for award-winning restaurants combining unique menus and stellar service, like Ox Club, Chef Jono at Vice & Virtue, Fazenda and Tharavadu.
Looking for a place to stay?
Wildfire2026 have partnered with Conference Leeds, the convention bureau for the city, to provide delegates attending the Wildfire Conference 2026 in Leeds with negotiated rates at a selection of city centre hotels.
Bedrooms will no longer be available on the website latest by the 9th of October.
Want some more suggestions?
The city is packed full of things to see and do. Above is just a small selection of days out, attractions and unique venues that will be sure to pique your curiosity. However, if you’re looking for something not listed here, try the visiting the website below. It contains a plethora of information to help make your visit unforgettable.
Visit Leeds
Visit Leeds is the official tourism website for all things Leeds, containing guides and itineraries for experiences, the outdoors and more.
