Although many of us are still taking our first tentative steps back out into the beginning of the return to normality, we can be assured that the places we’ve missed so dearly are ready and waiting to welcome us back with some brilliant things on offer.
Whether you’re just hoping to get out and about on the bus to enjoy the ride, or pay a long overdue re-visit to your kids’ favourite museum, or even making a full day of it and stopping out for food, drinks, and *drinks drinks*, consider this your guide to where, when and how to find the best deals in Leeds.
Things to do
A firm favourite amongst the majority of Leeds’ population of children, the Royal Armouries museum is free admission to all! The museum is open 10am – 5pm Wednesday – Sundays, and all of the museum’s galleries are open to the public – War, Tournament, Hunting, Self Defence, Oriental and the Hall of Steel.
Another museum with free admission is the much-loved Leeds Art Gallery, where you can explore their permanent collection and temporary exhibitions set amongst the stunning architecture of their unique gallery spaces. This Spring, Leeds Art Gallery is celebrating their grand reopening with a new exhibition named ‘Moon Poetics 4 Courageous Earth Critters and Dangerous Day Dreamers’ from Canadian-born artist Zadie Xa; the exhibition draws from a range of fields including ecology, science fiction and ancient religions.
Even better still, you can find another deal in the gallery’s cafe; Tiled Hall Cafe. Offering a mighty 50% off until the end of May, you can pick from pastries, cakes and coffees, to light lunches and enjoy all within the stunning surroundings of the grand Victorian tiled hall. But be quick -the offer ends on May 29th!
For access to more deals at some of Leeds’ best day-tripping spots, we’d suggest purchasing the May edition of the Gardener’s World Mag, where you’ll find 2 for 1 entry offers on over 360 gardens, some of which are on our doorstep here in Leeds!
Included in the list of 360 gardens is Harewood House; with exciting outdoor installations as well as a new circular walking trail, there is always something for everyone and anyone to enjoy at Harewood, whether you’re looking for a moment of peace in the stunning grounds and gardens, or you’re out to enjoy a day of outdoor family fun, you can be sure to find it here! And better still, at half the price!
York Gate Garden in Headingley is also included in the Gardener’s World 2 for 1 offer. Known as one of Leeds’ best kept secrets, this hidden gem is a magical one-acre garden created by the Spencer family between 1951 and 1994. Frederick and Sybil Spencer along with their son Robin, laid out and nurtured what is now one of the finest small gardens in the country. York Gate has been granted Grade II national heritage status in a list of post-war gardens and landscapes for England. You can access the gated garden with 2 for 1 admission, as well as pay a visit to the cafe and plant shop which is also housed on the premises.
Getting there
With thanks to First Bus’ aptly named ‘First Taste of Freedom’ ticket, you can be sure to be getting a deal whilst getting the bus! The ticket can be purchased through the First Bus app, and then can be used by yourself and 4 other people throughout the day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, allowing you, and your nearest and dearest, to enjoy this first taste of freedom together!
Another transportation deal in Leeds has got to be the city’s famous yellow water taxis. Imported all the way from Amsterdam, these dutch boats ferry passengers from the dock just outside the back entrance of the station (near Waterlane Boathouse), all the way to Leeds Dock (near Royal Armouries). The water taxi charges £1 per person and children under 5 can travel for free!
Food & Drink
At Merrion Street’s Yard & Coop, you can bag yourself one of the best deals in Leeds; exclusive to their downstairs bar, Yard & Coop are offering 10p wings all day everyday. Nothing more needs to be said! 10p!
Over at Waterlane Boathouse, the deals continue. The much-loved venue are serving up a helping of pizza and bottomless prosecco every Friday from the 21st May. This exclusive deal is for bookings between 4pm – 6pm every Friday; you can enjoy a pizza of your choice and as many glasses of prosecco as you can manage within the two hour time slot.
So, why not make a night of it? Head to Belgrave or Headrow house for 2 for 1 offers on cocktails, G&T’s and Spritz! Belgrave have recently launched their new menu of 2 for 1 cocktails, including Vegan White Russian, Rhubarb Negroni, Hibiscus Fizz, Rum Punch and more! Over at Headrow House, you can fill your boots with their Redondo Beach cocktails, including Redondo Kiss, Berry Collins, Headrow Goblet, Tropiko, Spring New Fashioned and again…many more! 2 for 1 deals at both venues available all day, everyday!
Getting a bargain in Leeds? Deal!
Images: Leeds Dock Water Taxi, Tiled Hall Cafe, York Gate Garden, Waterlane Boathouse
