It’s no secret that there’s plenty to do in the city. But the outskirts of Leeds also offers up a treasure trove of entertainment, culinary delights, and scenic wonders that’ll take your breath away – with the added bonus of being a little further away from all the hustle and bustle of the inner metropolis. So, on your next free weekend, why not head out into the suburbs? We’ve compiled a handful of activities that you can busy yourself with, so all you really need to do is get yourself there!
FOOD
VESUVIUS:
Bringing Naples straight to your doorstep is Vesuvius, the Neapolitan pizzeria that never fails to impress. Loved by locals and revered by the critics of TripAdvisor, you won’t be able to go wrong by coming here – so long as you like pizza! Their dough is made from Italian flour and a variety of other secret ingredients, and then baked in a pizza oven imported directly from Naples itself. They also provide diners with a whole host of Neapolitan-style Street food, such as Fritatina and Tris Montanarine. Does it get any more authentic than that? Find their restaurant on Main Street in Garforth next time you feel those hunger pangs and live like a real Italian for a day!
CASA MIA:
Run by husband & wife team Francesco and Marta Mazella, Casa Mia has earned itself a reputation as Chapel Allerton’s go-to Italian restaurant. They’ve got 20 years’ worth of experience in hospitality, and now they even branch into the world of teaching, providing pasta-making masterclasses that anyone can sign up to. So not only can you head over to Casa Mia for great food, but you can also learn exactly how to make it for yourself. Two birds, one stone! And with gluten free and veggie options available alongside those meat-filled favourites, you can be sure to find something for almost everyone’s liking at Casa Mia’s.
WALKS
ROUNDHAY PARK:
Once you’ve done all that eating in those fabulous Italian restaurants, you may find yourself with a hankering to walk some of those calories off. And what better place to do that than the scenic Roundhay Park? With over 700 acres of parkland, it’s earned its place as one of the biggest urban parks in the world, and it’s got plenty of activities for you to get involved in while covering all that ground. Gardens, lakes, butterflies, birds: the list goes on. And isn’t it just nice to leave the city for a little while and immerse yourself in some beautiful Yorkshire nature? Whatever your reasoning may be – hobbies, relaxation, or just a change of pace – you can easily find your inner peace at Roundhay Park.
KIRKSTALL ABBEY:
This historic site was built over 800 years ago, and its ruins still prove to be awe-inspiring in this modern day. As one of the most intact Cisterian monasteries in Britain, it’s a haven for history buffs, but also deeply insightful for any regular Joe who may be interested in exploring the complex past of early British religion. Kirkstall Abbey regularly hosts a variety of events both for families and for the general public; including guided tours, meditative walks, and a local market which takes place on the last weekend of each month between March and November. So there’s plenty of excuses for you to head over there! Find the monastery on Abbey Road in Kirkstall – you can’t miss it, I promise.
SHOPPING
CHIRPY:
Who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy? The people running Chirpy certainly do – they built their whole business around it. Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this independent retailer provides Leeds residents with all kinds of gifts, trinkets and knick-knacks to keep those serotonin levels boosted. They also do workshops of all kinds, including bird painting and coaster-making, just in case you weren’t already zen enough upon walking into their welcoming shop front. With its colourful signage and warm atmosphere, it’s the perfect escape from a rainy day… or a sunny one, or a cloudy one, or any kind of weather at all, really! Take a peak at what they’ve got on offer by popping into their store on Harrogate Road.
TRAD COLLECTIVE:
With a firm focus on providing the people of Leeds with good quality, sustainable clothing, Trad Collective is a must-visit for anyone looking to create a more ethical wardrobe. Their pieces aren’t just fashionable and on trend, but they’re made slowly, carefully, and with the environment in mind. That’s a garment you can wear with pride. And with an in-house tailor, you can also go to them for any adjustments you may need as well. Trad Collective is your one stop shop for all things fashion. So whether it’s shirts, trousers, bucket-hats or earrings you’re after, head to their lovely shop in Headingley Central and browse to your heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that you’ve done your part to create a better system for all involved.
Images- @vesuvius_garforth, @casamiachapelallerton, @friendsofroundhay
