Leeds is filled with exciting activities to enjoy once the sun goes down. The city is known throughout the UK for its pulsating nightlife, whether its cutting-edge theater or sampling craft beers. You can find cozy gastropubs in central Leeds, close to landmarks like the City Art Gallery and shopping malls such as Trinity Leeds and the Corn Exchange.

Leeds is unique in the range of nightlife experiences it offers to visitors. You can explore the city’s dark side by embarking on a ghost tour, where you’ll stop by a couple of creepy historic sites – and possibly hear ghostly knocks and bangs. In this article, we will take a look at the best things to do at night in Leeds, with our list sure to include something that’ll strike your fancy.

  • 1

    Simply Ghost Nights

    Embark on a ghoulish ghost walk through the city

    Simply Ghost Nights
    • Nightlife
    • Unusual

    Simply Ghost Nights offer tours of Leeds Round Foundry & Marshall’s Mill estate by night, allowing visitors to see these eerie historical sites of industry. Led by professional ghosthunters Stuart and Rosey, the tour takes in an area said to be haunted by a small boy who was once whipped for being late to work, as well as the site of a devastating, deadly explosion.

    Although terrifying in parts, the walks are generally suitable for children and make a great way to keep youngsters occupied during the evening. Tours take place throughout the year.

    Location: The Round Foundry, Water Lane, Leeds LS11 5WD, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)170 986 0400

    Map

    photo by Redvers (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Wire Club

    One of the city’s most legendary nightclubs

    Wire Club
    • Nightlife

    Wire Club is an intimate venue in the heart of Leeds that has been a key figure on the city’s underground music scene for many years. Playing a mixture of techno, house, dubstep and drum & bass, there is an event for every kind of reveler at this quality club.

    Boasting a Funktion One Soundsystem, audiophiles are well catered for at Wire, with previous guests including Peggy Gou, Four Tet, Ben UFO and many more big names in electronic music.

    Location: 2-8 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 6DN, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)113 234 0980

    Map
  • 3

    Shuffledog

    Activities abound at one of Leeds’s best bars

    Shuffledog
    • Nightlife

    Shuffledog is a branch of the popular Brewdog bar chain, perched in Leeds’ trendy Northern Quarter. At this sprawling watering hole, guests are invited to enjoy a range of activities including shuffleboard, an addictive game played on 22-ft-long tables of which there are 3 here.

    You can also find vintage arcade games and pinball machines, along with an extensive menu that includes a solid range of stone-baked pizzas, 36 delicious craft beers on tap as well as countless bottled variations.

    Location: Crispin House, New York Rd, Leeds LS2 7PF, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 3 pm to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from noon to 1 am, Sunday from noon to 10 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)113 391 2950

    Map

    photo by Mtaylor848 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    The Tetley

    A contemporary art gallery with plenty of nightlife spots

    The Tetley
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    The Tetley is an art gallery with a difference that’s located in the stunning art-deco confines of the old Tetley brewery, just south of the city centre. The onsite bar is known to pull one of the finest pints of Tetley’s ale in town (who would have guessed).

    A visit to one of the gallery’s special evening exhibitions or events followed by a pint of the local brew is as authentic a Leeds experience as it is possible to have. For those feeling hungry, The Tetley’s kitchen serves up a variety of delicious British classics with a contemporary twist, such as the Steak & Nº3 Pale Ale Pie and cheesecake made with local ale.

    Location: Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 7.30 am to 8 pm, Friday 7.30 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)7435 571706

    Map

    photo by Chemical Engineer (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 5

    O2 Academy Leeds

    A live music venue housed in an iconic Victorian building

    O2 Academy Leeds
    • Nightlife

    The O2 Academy Leeds is, without doubt, one of the city's top venues for live music. Situated in the Grade I-listed Coliseum building, this concert hall has been hosting events since 1992. It has welcomed the likes of Blur, The Stones Roses, and Fatboy Slim over the years.

    The intimate setting at the O2 Academy Leeds makes for an intense live experience. Hosting music, comedy and much more, it’s an excellent place to catch a show in Leeds. You can find it on Cookridge Street, right next to the City Leeds Museum.

    Location: 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)113 389 1555

    Map

    photo by Riaft (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 6

    Everyman Leeds

    A slick movie theater with 5 screens and a gourmet burger bar

    Everyman Leeds
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    Everyman Leeds is far from your average movie theater. Boasting 5 boutique screens, plush double armchairs and beverages service, a visit to this city-centre movie theater is a unique experience. Movies showcased at Everyman Leeds range from the cult to the current, with both indie and blockbusters getting equal screen time.

    The movie theater is home to a trendy bar area that serves fine wines and craft beers, as well as a selection of snacks. For those who arrive with a substantial appetite, fancy burgers made with fresh brioche buns and prime Aberdeen Angus beef are available.

    Location: Level 4, Trinity, Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT, UK

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)871 906 9060

    Map

    photo by Mtaylor848 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 7

    Roxy Ballroom

    A bar-cum-events space offering pool, ping pong, shuffleboard and more

    Roxy Ballroom
    • Adventure
    • Nightlife

    Roxy Ballroom is one of Leeds’ most popular weekend hangouts. Home to a huge range of events and activities including pool tables, table tennis, shuffleboard tables, beer pong, mini-golf and more, there is never a dull moment at this city-centre funhouse.

    Roxy Ballroom sells a wide range of delicious craft beers and cocktails, along with an extensive food menu. It's no surprise that the venue fills up most nights of the week. As a result, booking is strongly advised for groups of all sizes.

    Location: 58 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 3 pm to late, Friday–Sunday from noon to late

    Phone: +44 (0)113 467 2200

    Map

    photo by Mtaylor848 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 8

    Belgrave Music Hall

    A trendy venue for live gigs, comedy, movie and art

    Belgrave Music Hall
    • Nightlife

    Belgrave Music Hall dates back to the 1930s, with much of the decor at this meeting point retaining a vintage charm. A quality place to see live music and other performing arts, you can also find 2 bars and a roof terrace with great views.

    Belgrave Music Hall is known throughout Leeds for the quality of its menu, which is best described as luxury fast food. In-house pizza makers Dough Boys serve up freshly made slices to a hip clientele, while gourmet burger purveyors Patty Smith’s sell their irresistible versions of the American classic.

    Location: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP, UK

    Open: Sunday–Tuesday from 11.30 am to 12.30 am, Wednesday from 11 am to 1 am, Thursday from 11 am to 1.30 am, Friday from 11 am to 2 am, Saturday from 11 am to 3 am

    Phone: +44 (0)113 234 6160

    Map

    photo by Sam Saunders (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 9

    Leeds Grand Theater

    Catch a variety of performances at this city-centre institution

    Leeds Grand Theater
    • Nightlife

    The Grand Theater is the quintessential Leeds performing arts venue, home to local productions, global smash hits and everything in between. You can find it in New Briggate, around 500 yards east of Leeds Cathedral.

    The grand confines of this sprawling venue transportation visitors back to the golden age of opera, with the ornate designs of the ceiling worth a visit in themselves. Whether you’re here for a comedy show, a musical or a concert, the history of the Grand Theater is sure to make your visit a memorable one.

    Location: 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)844 848 2700

    Map

    photo by Rcsprinter123 (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Playhouse Theater

    One of the largest producing theaters in the country

    Playhouse Theater
    • Nightlife

    Leeds Playhouse is the definitive venue in town for cutting-edge theater. With a focus on local, national and international talent, this modern venue has become an architectural landmark in Leeds thanks to its unique, Bauhaus-inspired exterior.

    Productions at Leeds Playhouse Theater range from classic stage plays to brand-new and experimental shows. For fans of Shakespeare as well as those seeking something a little more contemporary, this energetic theater is as eclectic as it is exciting. You can find Leeds Playhouse in Playhouse Square, about half a mile north of Leeds Minster.

    Location: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)113 213 7700

    Map

    photo by Mtaylor848 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

James Connolly | Guest Writer