Home to over 750,000 people, and 119,000 businesses, Leeds is one of the largest cities in the UK.
Referred to as the “digital capital of the north”, due to its tech sector’s worth of £1billion; there are plenty of opportunities to carve out your digital marketing career here.
In fact, it’s never been a better time to move to Leeds. With large companies such as Channel 4 and HMRC moving their offices here, and the ever-growing skyline due to new flats being built all the time; Leeds is about to get a whole lot more exciting.
From big brands to innovative agencies, the opportunity to forge a digital career in Leeds is huge – no matter whether your passion lies in SEO, content, PR, social media, PPC, or any other strand of digital marketing.
To get you started, here are our top 10 agencies in Leeds that can offer you fantastic career progression, the opportunity to work with some cool clients, and the chance to work with some of the best digital experts in the city!
Does degree subject matter?*
0 %
Have degrees
0 %
Have marketing degrees
0 %
Have business degrees
Other
Degrees include PR, media and law
*stats from included agency owners/managers
From monthly digital marketing meet-ups to conferences, there are several events you can attend in Leeds to learn more, speak with other like-minded marketers, build your networking circle to progress in your career.
Leeds is catching up with Manchester and London as a cool, creative place to live – and the benefit is, it’s not as expensive.
In fact, it’s 154% cheaper than London, and offers more value for money than Bristol, Brighton, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£659.78 (city centre)
£494.67 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£56
Monthly gym membership
£26.14
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
£12.50
Average cost of a cappuccino
£2.52
Average cost of 0.5l beer
£3.50
*stats from Numbeo
Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 8AG
The West Yorkshire countryside is right on your doorstep in Leeds, and one place we’d recommend exploring is the Adel Dam nature reserve.
Located next to Golden Acre Park, spend an afternoon strolling around this woodland and wetland nature reserve.
From high canopy trees, to the resident woodpeckers, mandarin duck and kingfishers, there’s so much to see. The walk is a circular route so don’t worry about getting lost – but don’t wander into any boggy areas, and keep to the path to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Where? Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 8AG
Cost: Free entry
Website: ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/adel-dam-nature-reserve
20-34 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4HT
This truly is a unique facility, as it’s the only independent black and white analogue darkroom in Leeds that’s open to the public.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or expert photographer, you can come to the Aire Street Darkroom to develop your prints.
They run regular training courses in darkroom techniques, and using a film camera correctly, and there are drop-in facilities available for the more experienced photographer too. To book a course or see when drop-in times are, head on over to their website.
Where? 20-34 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4HT
Cost: Induction is £10; drop-in sessions are £20
Website: airestreetdarkroom.co.uk
Swan Lane, Leeds, LS16 8AZ
Opened in 1999, Leeds is home to one of several donkey sanctuaries across the UK.
Open to visitors during designated hours, you can go and visit the donkeys as they graze in the fields. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them playing ball together!
If you’d like to find out more about the donkeys, then the staff are always on-hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also adopt a donkey if you want to, starting from just £3 a month.
Where? Swan Lane, Leeds, LS16 8AZ
Cost: Free entry – donations welcome
Website: thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/
Elland Road, Leeds, LS11 0ES
If you’re a football fan, then you’ll no doubt want to watch Leeds United play a game on their home turf.
The fourth largest stadium in the UK outside the Premier League, it’s been home to Leeds United FC since 1919.
They also run stadium tours, where you can go behind-the-scenes and hang out in the players’ dressing rooms, as well as walking up to the tunnel.
Where? Elland Road, Leeds, LS11 0ES
Cost: Enquire online
Website: leedsunited.com
Harewood House, Leeds, LS17 9LE
Built in the 18th century, Harewood is located in the heart of Yorkshire, and boasts some of the finest art collections in the country.
But art isn’t the only thing you’ll find here. There’s over 100 acres of garden to explore, which also houses a rare bird garden, and a farm.
There are lots of events held in the grounds, ranging from concerts to car shows and festivals – you can find the full list on their website.
Where? Harewood House, Leeds, LS17 9LE
Cost: £15 on the gate
Website: harewood.org
19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU
Tucked off The Headrow in a historic yard, Headrow House is located in a former textiles mill; a nod to the city’s past.
Set across four floors, you’ll find a beer hall that serves over 60 different types of beer, two roof terraces perfect for long summer evenings, and a Michelin-recommended restaurant that serves up steak and chips for £5. Headrow House is the perfect place to visit, whether you’re after cocktails, beer, or a bite to eat. Plus, their happy hour is pretty good too – two double gin and tonics for £9? Yes please!
Where? 19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU
Cost: Free entry
Website: headrowhouse.com
Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS2 7HY
One of the largest indoor markets in all of Europe, over 10,000 visitors visit the 800 stalls every single week.
Just a stone’s throw away from Briggate – the main shopping street – doors are open between 8am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday, where you can pick up everything from clothes and jewellery, to flowers, food and drink, and haberdashery.
From time to time, Kirkgate market puts on events such as food and drink festivals, and vintage fashion fairs.
Where? Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS2 7HY
Cost: Free entry
Website: leeds.gov.uk/leedsmarkets
The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA
Located in the city centre, visit Leeds Art Gallery and you’ll get to see a collection of 20th century British art that was deemed by the government as “of national importance”.
There are several events and exhibitions that run at any one time, including sculptures, and informal chats, where you can meet like-minded people to discuss art.
Where? The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA
Cost: Free entry – donations accepted
Website: museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-art-gallery/
Ring Road, Beeston Park, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 3TN
Operated by the Cycle Pathway CIC, the Urban Bike Park offers multiple cycling trails in and around Leeds, suitable for everyone from beginners to total pros.
With an on-site shop, you can either hire a bike, or speak to one of the mechanics if you have a bike that needs repairing.
There’s an on-site coffee shop serving a range of hot and cold food, and if you’re a true cycling enthusiast, you won’t want to miss their annual Bridge Jam festival in the spring, featuring music and food… and of course, cycling!
Where? Ring Road, Beeston Park, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 3TN
Cost: Free entry. Bike hire £15-£35
Website: leedsurbanbikepark.com
Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DE
We couldn’t mention coffee shops in Leeds and not mention Mrs Atha’s!
With its high ceilings and exposed brick walls, it’s got a cool, Scandi hipster-vibe; making it the perfect place to relax and unwind with a cup of coffee and a cake.
Independently owned, this place is always packed, and it’s easy to see why. Try walking past the freshly baked cakes and not resisting getting one – we bet you can’t!
Where? Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DE
Cost: Free entry
Website: mrsathasleeds.com
33 Leeds Dock, The Blvd, Leeds, LS10 1PZ
Located in the popular Leeds Dock, North Star was the first coffee roastery in Leeds to dedicate themselves to providing the highest quality coffee, by working with specialty focused producers worldwide.
They also offer barista courses, which you can find out more about on their website.
It’s not just coffee that will keep you coming back though – their freshly made breads and cakes are delicious… and they make one of the best cheese toasties you’ll ever taste!
Where? 33 Leeds Dock, The Blvd, Leeds, LS10 1PZ
Cost: Free entry
Website: northstarroast.com
Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7PA
Leeds is home to Northern Ballet, who tour across the UK with their contemporary ballets such as Dracula, Victoria and Cinderella.
Living in Leeds, you’ll find it easy enough to catch a show a few times a year – whether it’s at the Grand Theatre, Leeds Playhouse – or, for smaller productions, the studios they dance in themselves.
If you fancy more than just watching, you can sign up for adult ballet classes. Held in the evenings, class levels range from beginners right through to advanced. If you’d like to attend a class, you just need to register in advance.
Where? Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7PA
Cost: Vary – head on over to their website
Website: northernballet.com
1 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7DH
Perhaps once Leeds’ best-kept secret, while it may not be quite as discreet as it once was, it’s still well worth a visit!
This prohibition bar is hiding in plain sight on Call Lane. Find it, and you’ll get to drink sophisticated cocktails in a stylish venue. The bartenders are award-winning, and it’s not difficult to see why once you’ve tried the concoctions they’ve created – our personal favourite is Bed of Roses.
Our top tip? Head over on a weeknight so you can see the decor of The Maven in its full glory – oh, and you’ll get your cocktails served much quicker too!
Where? 1 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7DH
Cost: Free entry, £8-£10 per cocktail
Website: themavenbar.com
Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ
There’s something for everyone at The Tetley, and we guarantee if you move to Leeds, you’ll be spending most of your weekends there!
Located in the art-deco headquarters of the former Tetley brewery, The Tetley is first and foremost a space for contemporary art, hosting several exhibitions and events over the year.
Of course, it’d be wrong to visit and not sample the beer, which you can do at The Tetley Bar and Kitchen.
In the summer, it gets especially popular with its BBQs on the terrace, and micro-festival held in June: The Tetley Weekender.
Where? Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ
Cost: Free entry
Website: thetetley.org
Whitlock’s Ale House, Turks Head Yard, Leeds, LS1 6HB
Famed as being the oldest pub in Leeds, The Turk’s Head offers a surprising array of spirits, independent beers, and sophisticated cocktails.
Once you’ve had a few drinks at The Turk’s Head, you can then venture over to Whitelock’s Ale House, which is just a 30 second walk away.
Where? Whitlock’s Ale House, Turks Head Yard, Leeds, LS1 6HB
Cost: Free entry
Website: turksheadleeds.co.uk