Bleisure in Leeds: Top Ideas for Extending Your Business Trip into a Local Escape

Bleisure or a mix of business and leisure, is the biggest global hospitality and travel trend today. Many people are opting for this route whenever they plan their business trips to destinations across Europe, including various places in the UK. It’s the same story in Leeds as well; the city is home to numerous landmarks and historical sites, which make it an ideal spot for savouring your taste of Bleisure to the full.

How to Enjoy Bleisure in Leeds-Top Tips

Here are some ways to enjoy your Bleisure to the hilt in Leeds.

1. Green Spaces in Leeds

There are numerous green spaces and parks in Leeds where you can run, walk, jog or even take a charming picnic with your loved ones. Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most popular green spaces with fascinating monastic ruins for you to explore, in addition to a massive 24 acres of grassland beside by the River Aire.

The woods here are excellent for some pristine exploration. You will also love the Roundhay Park in Leeds, with its 700 acres of parklands, lakes, Tropical World, playgrounds, formal gardens, woodlands and several charming cafes.

2. Sports Culture in Leeds

Leeds is also home to a thriving sports culture. It's home to the iconic Brownlee brothers (two-time winners of the Olympic triathlon) and Lizzie Deignan (world champion road and track racing cyclist). The city is home to several teams that represent all leading national sports, including cricket, rugby, football and more.

You can watch the action live at the Headingley Stadium and the Elland Road Stadium whenever you get an opportunity. If you’re into running, check out the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon that happens throughout the year. The Tour de Yorkshire is a popular road cycling event that’s also worth considering.

3. Amazing Day Trips from Leeds

Harrogate is a nearby North Yorkshire town that is known for its lovely Victoria Shopping Centre. You can start your day with some wonderful coffee and shopping, with the mall offering plenty of cafés and shops to keep you engaged. You can also book a group session at the Harrogate Tipple Gin School and explore the lovely grounds of the stunning Ripley Castle Estate. Learning to make your own gin undoubtedly makes for a fabulous experience!

You can also take a train to Swinton Park, which houses the Swinton Cookery School. Just like the gin school, it offers fabulous corporate networking opportunities or just some fun times outside of your daily office schedule.

4. Dining Delights in Leeds

Leeds is a lot about fine dining, as you know (and don’t know) it! Check out several Michelin-starred marvels like The Main Behind the Curtain. It was opened in 2014 and is famous for its unique food and presentations. From performance dining to the finest classic British and global fare, Leeds is where you’ll discover your inner gourmand for sure!

Feast on classic Yorkshire delights here, including Yorkshire pudding, Wensleydale cheese and parkin. Trinity Kitchen is a bustling food hall with several street food vendors, while numerous independent restaurants are located here, offering diverse culinary treats for you to savour. While you’re staying here, don’t miss the classic Yorkshire afternoon tea experience.

5. Retail Therapy in Leeds

Leeds is also a fabulous shopping destination, as you’ll find out. It’s a walkable city and you’ll find several leading brands, boutiques and many other quirky treasures throughout independent outlets and markets.

You’ll discover numerous high-street brands in a cluster, encompassing 120+ global and national establishments and also 40+ coffee shops, eateries, Trinity Kitchen, and bars. You’ll come across several independent boutiques and stores in Leeds Corn Exchange, a Grade 1 listed Victorian building. It hosts several street food festivals and craft fairs regularly.

6. Getting Arty in Leeds

Leeds comes with an amazing art circuit with multiple galleries for you to explore. One of the biggest collections of 20th-century British art is visible in the Leeds Art Gallery. You’ll also discover one of the largest sculpture galleries in Europe here, namely the Harry Moore Institute.

The Hepworth Wakefield, The Tetley, and Harewood House are some of the most popular galleries worth visiting in Leeds. You’ll also love the Abbey House Museum, which is a family-friendly museum in the city.

7. Theatrical Delights

The Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House first started its journey in November 1878. The Grand is famous for its innovative decorations and interiors, while fusing Victorian Gothic and Romanesque styles to perfection. It is a major cultural hub of North England, showcasing amazing West End musicals, comedy, music, and drama.

You can also go on behind-the-scenes tours, which offer fascinating glimpses of how magic is crafted on the stage. Legends like Elton John, Julie Andrews, and Jane McDonald have performed here over the ages.

8. Enjoying the Leeds Music Scene

Leeds is famous for its amazing musical circuit, including pop, rock, jazz, and even indie music. You’ll discover several live music venues catering to several preferences, including the O2 Academy, Brudenell Social Club, and even the Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen. The latter is a stunning multipurpose establishment with live performances, delicious food and beverages, art exhibitions, and a lot more.

9. Historic Experiences

There are several historic experiences that you can enjoy in Leeds. For starters, you can explore the Royal Armouries Museum, which gives you a glimpse of fascinating armour and arms from across the world. Kirkstall Abbey is an iconic attraction, i.e. the ruins of a lovely Cistercian monastery that showcases stunning medieval architecture. You will love exploring the Harewood House with its grand design, gardens, bird garden and lovely layout.

At the same time, Temple Newsam is a historic estate and house, offering lovely parkland and gardens for you to explore. The Leeds Art Gallery also gives you a chance to admire British art dating from the 19th century to the present day.

Book Serviced Apartments for a Memorable Stay in Leeds

Now that you’ve got an idea of the best Bleisure activities to enjoy in Leeds, it’s time to plan your accommodation carefully. Book TheSquare serviced apartments in Leeds to make the most of your trip. Stay in prime locations near major tourist landmarks, recreational zones and business hotspots, while enjoying ample space, privacy and flexible lease terms.

You can also expect reasonable rates for extended stays and impeccable support. Some other plus points include plush furnishings and amenities like high-speed internet, work desks, fully-equipped kitchens and a lot more. On that note, here’s wishing you an amazing trip to Leeds, which is packed with the right balance of work and leisure.