In Leeds over the winter break?
Whether you live in or around Leeds all the time, are staying in halls or private accommodation during the holidays, or have just arrived, there’s a fascinating city waiting — parks to discover, quirky and interesting spots to find.
There’s also a fair bit going on too, so if you’re looking to do something different — online, or out and about, this holiday is the perfect time to switch things up and tick things off your bucket list and get out and explore. What are you waiting for?
Get to know campus
Campus isn’t just about studying! It can be a place to explore, a place to unwind, a place to walk away from traffic. From hidden graveyards to goldfish, a totem pole and a fantastic collection of public art, whether you’re already a student or have just arrived, there’s so much to offer.
The University has a hugely diverse range of buildings too — from up to the minute labs, brutalist concrete structures from the 1960s back to the classical red-brick buildings like the Great Hall and Baines Wing. We’ve put together 20 of the most Instagrammable spots on campus to get your best pic, and also some perfect walls if you fancy refreshing your feed.
We’ve got just the app for you! Designed just for you, it’s a perfect in-your-hand guide to take you around the campus, pointing out the important, the interesting and the secret places that you’ll want to know about! The Discover Campus app has been put together by our Get Out, Get Active team — don’t worry — there’s no need for a tracksuit or expensive gym kit — just your phone and you. (If you’d like to explore with your friends, always keep an eye on the local rules)
Park life, street life
When you look at a map of Leeds, you can see them everywhere; those patches of green, the squares, playgrounds and parks that are the lungs of the city, where you can walk or exercise, or just sit and enjoy being outside. With plenty of choice for whatever you need, we’ve put together a guide to getting outside in Leeds, which not only has parks, but notable points of interest on the streets of Hyde Park and Headingley.
If you fancy a wellbeing walk, why not follow in the footsteps of third year student Georgie, who’s written about walks you can do near the University, where you can see something new.
Get Out, Get Active (GOGA) have also put together a guide to the ten best parks in Leeds to visit. Which one is your favourite? Why not tag us on social media?
Do you get hungry when you’re out and about? GOGA have also created a great selection of snack ideas too!
More of a woodland fan? Here’s 21 glorious Leeds woodlands on your doorstep!
Cycling
Got a bike in Leeds, or borrowed one from the Bike Hub on campus? Exploring the local area on two wheels gives you plenty of options to go further afield. The Sustainability team have created a great article all about exploring, and with a section on cycling, it definitely worth a read. It’s not just road or local cycle routes information, there’s urban biking too! Don’t forget your safety gear though — lights and helmet are essential, especially in winter when conditions might be wet and dark.
Get active
Ever done any climbing? You can book a slot at The Edge over the holiday, or if you’re keen on swimming, then you’re able to book a slot at the pool too! They’re also putting on at home exercise classes too — so no need to even leave your room on those cold days! View The Edge holiday timetable.
Don’t forget to check out their 12 days of winter wellbeing advent calendar too!
What’s happening in Leeds
This depends on a number of things, and the tiers are one of them! They and reviewed regularly and you can find out how the tiers affect you in Leeds, and which tier we’re in.
One of the most damaging effects of the pandemic has been on the hundreds of independent businesses globally, and of course, here in Leeds. If you’re looking for presents, take-away food and drinks, or buying things, here’s how to support your local indie — all 870+ of them!
There are some great websites to find out what’s going on:
What’s open and what support is there at University over the holiday?
Lots of support and activities are available over the winter break. Whether you’re new to Leeds or already know the campus and the city well, we’re here for you — online and in person, on-campus.
- There’s also a series of events taking place — if you’re in Leeds over the holidays, these are a great opportunity to meet new people and do something different.
- Maintaining your mental health — a guide written by the Student Counselling and wellbeing team at the University.
- Leeds City Council — coronavirus restrictions explaining the current information
- Gov.uk — the UK Government website. Find up to the minute information including Covid-19 and Brexit.
- National Health Service (NHS) and Leeds NHS — health information in the UK, and services available in Leeds.
- University Coronavirus website — information for staff and students
- Online shopping in Leeds — a guide specifically for online shopping in Leeds
Happy holidays!
However you spend your holidays, have a wonderful break. So many people come to Leeds for a term, a year or for their degree and look back with incredible fondness of a city that they’ll always call home. Take the time to do something new this holiday, to get out and walk if you can, or to go somewhere you’ve not been to before.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to University in 2021.
Read about the latest plans for January 2021 at University.
Happy new year!
