Leeds Orientation Tour

Discover Leeds: A Walking Tour Through History and Culture

This Leeds Town Tour is the perfect way to explore the heart of the city. From grand Victorian landmarks to modern shopping arcades, the walk introduces students to history, culture, and everyday life in Leeds. Along the way, you’ll visit famous sites such as the Town Hall, Leeds Art Gallery, Kirkgate Market, and the Corn Exchange. You’ll also learn fun facts about owls, statues, and even where Marks & Spencer was first founded!

The tour is designed to help students get to know Leeds, feel more at home, and learn where to shop, study, and socialise safely. With stories, jokes, and local tips, your Activity Leader will bring the city to life.

Orientation Tour Itinerary

0:00 – Meet at The University of Law’s common room for a welcome and safety briefing by Activity Leaders.

0:05 – Walk to CES Leeds, Introduction to the school building as the main centre.

0:10 – Arrive at Park Square: Activity Leader explains its use for picnics and winter snowman competitions.

0:15 – Stop at Leeds Town Hall: history, architecture, and the famous lion statues.

0:20 – Arrive at Leeds Art Gallery & Henry Moore Institute.

0:30 – Walk to Millennium Square and Civic Hall. Discussion of owls

0:35 – Arrive at Leeds City Museum.

0:45 – Head down Albion Street: highlight The Light, post office.

0:50 – Continue to The Headrow: orientation on Leeds’ main street.

0:55 – Walk through Thornton’s Arcade and Victoria Quarter.

1:10 – Explore Kirkgate Market: learn about Marks & Spencer’s beginnings.

1:15 – Visit the Corn Exchange; story of trade and restoration.

1:30 – Final stop at Briggate, Boar Lane, and Trinity Shopping Centre before finishing at City Square & Train Station.

1:45 – Tour ends, return to The University of Law or free time in the city.

Park Square

A peaceful Georgian square in the city centre. It’s popular for summer picnics and even snowball competitions in winter.

Look out for: The elegant Georgian townhouses surrounding the square.

Fun fact: Park Square is one of the best-preserved green spaces from the 18th century in Leeds.

2. Leeds Town Hall

A grand Victorian landmark built in the 1850s, once home to law courts, police, and concerts.

Look out for: The giant lion statues outside.

Fun fact: The Town Hall was the starting point of the Yorkshire leg of the Tour de France in 2014!

3. Leeds Art Gallery & Henry Moore Institute

Home to classical and modern art, and a celebration of Henry Moore, a famous Leeds-born sculptor. Entry is free!

Look out for: The impressive sculptures inside the Henry Moore Institute.

Fun fact: Henry Moore’s work is displayed all over the world, but he was born right here in Leeds.

4. Millennium Square & Civic Hall

A large square used for concerts and festivals, with the impressive Civic Hall at one end.

Look out for: The golden owls on top of the Civic Hall – owls are the symbol of Leeds.

Fun fact: Leeds was one of the first cities to let women study medicine at university.

5. Leeds City Museum

A free museum covering natural history, world cultures, and local history.

Look out for: The famous Egyptian mummy on display.

Fun fact: Out of respect for the dead, photos of the mummy are not allowed.

6. Thornton’s Arcade

A Victorian arcade built in 1877, once used for fruit and vegetable stalls.

Look out for: The clock at the far end with Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, King Richard, and Little John striking the bell.

Fun fact: When the clock is working, the figures move in sequence every quarter-hour.

7. Victoria Quarter (County Arcade)

A luxurious shopping arcade restored in the 1990s, home to designer shops like Louis Vuitton.

Look out for: The white Yorkshire Rose on the green railings – the emblem of Yorkshire.

Fun fact: The glass roof of the County Arcade is decorated with paintings that show Leeds’ history.

8. Kirkgate Market

The largest covered market in Europe with more than 800 stalls.

Look out for: The Centenary Clock, marking 100 years of Marks & Spencer.

Fun fact: Marks & Spencer started here in 1884 as a small market stall!

9. Corn Exchange

A beautiful domed Victorian building designed for grain trading.

Look out for: The curved roof inside – it’s a masterpiece of architecture.

Fun fact: Today it’s home to vintage shops, cafés, and independent businesses instead of corn traders.

10. Briggate & Trinity Shopping Centre

One of the oldest streets in Leeds (from 1207) alongside the city’s newest shopping mall, opened in 2013.

Look out for: Holy Trinity Church next to the shopping centre.

Fun fact: Trinity has a “world kitchen” on the top floor with food from across the globe.

11. City Square & Train Station

The final stop of the tour, a busy hub for travel, statues, and meeting points.

Look out for: The statue of the Black Prince on horseback.
Fun fact: Leeds Station is one of the busiest in the UK, with over 30 million passengers a year.

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