Plan your visit to Holbeck, Leeds
The redbrick and terracotta architecture recall Leeds’ industrial past, while the soccer club and its impressive stadium look to the future.
Holbeck is a fascinating part of Leeds, known for the soccer stadium of Leeds United and the U.K.’s first legal red-light district. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through the heart of the district, creating a serene and picturesque setting on sunny days. Stroll beside the canal in the Holbeck Conservation Area and admire the various listed structures dating back to the industrial era.
Among the architectural highlights of the area are the Temple Mill and the redbrick Tower Works. Consider how the various railway lines meandering through the zone add to its industrial feel. Marvel at the terracotta style of the Holbeck Public Library, which is no longer open to the public.
Soak up the sense of community and history at the Holbeck Working Men’s Club, which claims to be the U.K.’s oldest of its kind. The club puts on a great range of family-friendly events and parties.
In the southwestern corner of Holbeck is Elland Road, the world-famous stadium of Leeds United soccer club. Get a glimpse behind the scenes on the Elland Road Stadium Tour or attend a match with up to 38,000 roaring fans. Outside the eastern stand of the stadium, you’ll find the Don Revie Statue, which pays tribute to its namesake player and manager of the team in the 1950s and ’60s.
Note that the red-light district was introduced in Holbeck in 2014. It later featured in the BBC documentary, Sex, Drugs & Murder: Life in the Red Light Zone.
Holbeck occupies the southwestern corner of the central part of Leeds. From the Leeds Railway Station, ride a bus southwest for about 15 minutes to reach the center of the area. Continue south for other treasures such as the South Leeds Golf Club in Middleton and the White Rose Shopping Centre.
With its rousing community atmosphere and industrial design, Holbeck offers a visit that is like stepping into a bygone era.
University of Leeds - Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.
First Direct Arena - Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.
O2 Academy Leeds - If music is your religion, this impressive entertainment venue may become your place of worship; its Gothic façade even looks like a church.
Royal Armouries - Discover the world of weaponry at this purpose-built museum, which contains the national collection of arms and armor from throughout the ages.
Temple Newsam House - Uncover 500 years of history at this magnificent Tudor-Jacobean country mansion that looks out upon a scenic estate and is filled with artifacts and decorative arts.
Leeds Grand Theatre - The Gothic features of this tiered theater make a glorious setting for the diverse array of plays, music gigs and stand-up acts that are performed on its stage.
Roundhay Park - One of the largest city parks in Europe has a huge expanse of parkland, woods, lakes, gardens and lush tropical glasshouses to explore and enjoy.
Harewood House - Explore the great outdoors at Harewood House, a lovely green space in Leeds. Visit the area's shops or amble around its college campus.
Leeds Scavenger Hunt: Leeds Landmarks! - Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences.
Daily Leeds City Centre Walking Tour - Get your bearings and discover Leeds through a local’s eyes, with a local, expert guide every day at 10:30am. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel back through the centuries to discover how our city has developed to the cultural paradise you see today.
Leeds Food Tours: Local Leeds - This guided food tour will take you to six of the best independent eateries in Leeds city centre, with plenty of food included at every stop and a couple of drinks included too.
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York Walls Private Walking Tour - Covid-19 Update : Please note that as this is a private walking tour (just you and your guide) and the entire tour is outside, so we are happy to confirm we comply with all social distancing rules making this the perfect way to explore York.
Shadows of York: Award winning historical ghost walk - Dare you take a trip into the past and uncover some of York’s turbulent and tragic history? A past that manifests itself in the unexplained sightings of shadows haunting our streets and buildings. Let us take you on a journey through the streets and snickleways and tell you about the shadows of York.
The Bloody Tour of York - Tourism Award Winner 2022, Experience of the Year - The Bloody Tour of York is the multi award winning* tour of the City. Join Mad Alice as you wander down the medieval streets hearing the gruesome history the city has to offer. Ghosts, Witches, murderers, Kings and Queens have all left their bloody footprints.
The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York: Visit York Award Winner 2022 - The Deathly Dark Tour of York is a family friendly, grim and theatrical walking tour, perfect for those who have a bit of a wicked streak and are looking to explore the dark history of the city with one of our guides, famous for their wonderfully dark sense of humour.