Leeds Date Ideas: 10 Unique Things to do in Leeds for Couples

There are so many fun things to do in Leeds for couples! Leeds city is always buzzing, everywhere you turn there’s something going on. If you are tired of the usual sightseeing recommendations, then this guide is for you! See Clayton Hotel Leeds suggestions for fun date ideas in Leeds & unique things to do as a couple in the city.

Everyman Cinema

Catch a film and eat some amazing pizza at Everyman Cinema. Here you can swap soft drinks and bad quality hotdogs for a nice glass of red and a slice of freshly made pizza – served right to your seat.

They show a wide array of mainstream, independent and classic films along with special events, launches and a calendar of live satellite broadcasts. There is something for everyone at Everyman. It is on the top of this list for couples activities in Leeds.

Harewood House 

Visit the Humboldt penguins at Harewood House. Built in the 18th century it is one of the Treasure Houses of England. Located just outside Leeds in the heart of Yorkshire, visitors of Harewood House can enjoy art exhibitions, the Rare Bird Garden, Farm Experience and over 100 acres of well-manicured gardens. It is a must on the places to visit in Leeds.

The Humboldt penguins are the star attraction of the Bird Garden. Pop by to see the colony of 13 penguins swimming, sliding, and snacking on some sardines!

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the penguin feeding experience is currently unavailable. More information visit the Harewood House website.

Play a round of mini golf

Want a fun day out in Leeds with your other half? The 9-hole golf courses at Junkyard Golf Club are created from preloved and unwanted materials. The courses are:

1. Pablo: a jungle themed adventure set in a tropical world

2. Bozo: a twisted carnival with circus freaks, scary clowns and dark fairground features

3. Gary: a scrapyard challenge. Putt your way through towers of tyres, written-off cars and auto parts

You can grab bites such as hot dogs, nachos and salted caramel popcorn at the Bunker Bar and wash them down with a boozy cocktail served in their signature red cup. And remember – loser buys the drinks!

Take a romantic walk around Temple Newsam

Looking for a places to visit in Leeds? Allocate an afternoon to explore the 1,500 acres of woodlands and gardens surrounding Temple Newsam – a Tudor Jacobean mansion built in the year 1500. The estate is home to rich collections of art and regularly hosts exhibitions.

There’s also a working farm, café and stunning walking trails at Temple Newsam. Nearly 400 animals live at the farm and the piglets can be found running free in the yard. The garden is renowned for its Rhododendron and Azalea walk and features the National Plant Collections of Delphinium, Phlox and Aster novi-belgii. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy after your stroll at one of the provided picnic tables.

Dine on some delicious street food at Kirkgate Market

Kirkgate market is in the centre of the city right beside Leeds city bus station. Here you can experience street food cafés serving up tasty treats from across the world. Vendors include:

• Bánh & Mee Vietnamese Street Kitchen – traditional Vietnamese recipes with a Yorkshire twist

• Fat Annie’s – handmade sausages with artisan bread, pickles and sauces

• Jenny’s Jerk Chicken – specialising in BBQ Jerk chicken wraps, wings and legs

• Manjit’s Kitchen – award-winning vegetarian Indian cuisine

• Mr Mackerel – street food Istanbul style: grilled mackerel sandwiches and salmon burgers

• Teapot – specialist tearoom serving sweet and savoury treats

• Yorkshire Wrap Company – the focus point of the market, roast meat wrapped in Yorkshire pudding and smothered in gravy

• Zm Zm – Asian bakery providing diners with pizza, naan and tikka pastries.

Want to explore Yorkshire’s famous dishes? Read our guide to Food Tours in Yorkshire.

Dirty Martini Cocktail Bar

Sip on an Instagram-worthy cocktail at Dirty Martini Leeds, its plush interiors, late night DJs and happy hour deals are amazing. Happy hour takes place from 4pm to 8pm on Monday to Thursday, 3pm to 8pm on Friday, 12pm to 7pm on Saturday and 12pm to 8pm on Sunday.

Selected cocktails are half price during these times and bottles of wine cost just £12.50. Prosecco is £20 a bottle at happy hour and bottled beers and ciders are reduced to £3.50. You can’t argue with that!

Fancy learning to make your own cocktails? Dirty Martini host cocktail making classes for £25 a head, a fun activity to do as a couple.

Cocktail making classes are currently on hold due to government guidance.

Catch a show at The Grand Theatre Leeds

Showcasing everything from musicals to comedy shows and ballet to opera, there’s something for everyone at The Grand Theatre. Expect West End productions such as Kinky Boots, Grease, The Full Monty and West Side Story.

Is comedy your sort of thing? Laugh your socks off at Russell Kane. Into opera? We recommend seeing The Magic Flute. Whatever you end up seeing at The Grand Theatre – you will not be disappointed!

Experience an Asian inspired Afternoon Tea like no other at Issho

This Japanese afternoon tea is served on the gorgeous rooftop terrace of Issho providing you with an eagle eyed view of the city. Tea costs £25 per person and includes sweet dishes like:

• Chocolate and matcha green tea brownies

• Caramel purin

• Yuzu meringue kisses

• Mochi ice cream balls

And savoury bites like:

• Temari sushi balls

• Edamame beans

• Sliced sea bass ponzu

• Miso braised lamb shoulder pancakes

Celebrating an anniversary, engagement, or birthday? Upgrade your afternoon tea to include free-flowing processo for an extra £15 – cheers!

Enjoy a night of wild entertainment at The Wet Spot Burlesque and Cabaret

Not your usual date idea, The Wet Spot is Leeds biggest and longest running Burlesque and Cabaret show. Presenting the very best in Burlesque, guests are promised an evening of fun, laughter and total entertainment.

You can pre-buy show tickets online and collect them at the venue before showtime and tables can be reserved. If you choose to sit up front be prepared to take part in the action! Shows start at 8.00pm with two intervals during them. The resident DJs kick off at 11.30pm and play until the bar closes at 2.00am.

Watch a movie on the massive outdoor cinema screen at Millennium Square

Millennium Square lies in the centre of Leeds both geographically and culturally. It’s an award-winning outdoor public space and live entertainment venue. Home to multiple festivals and events, there’s always something happening at Millennium Square.

Typical events include:

• Sport events screenings and fan zones

• Leeds Food and Drink Festival

• Outdoor cinema screenings

• Concerts

• Musicals

• Leeds Ska and Mod Festival

Find out what’s on during your visit to Leeds and soak up some culture!

Raise a glass and join in the Leeds tradition that is POETS day at the Inkwell Bar

Enjoy the ultimate couple’s experience with on overnight stay in the city centre at the four-star Clayton Hotel Leeds. Treat yourselves with our range of special offers on couple’s packages. The hotel is an 8 minute walk from Leeds train station and has onsite parking.