Car Hire Leeds

Parking in Leeds

• Sovereign Square Q Park (LS1 4AG) is open 24/7, close to Granary Wharf and a 15-minute walk from the Royal Armouries Museum.
• Leeds The Core NCP (LS1 6AD) is open seven days a week and parking can be pre-booked. Close to Leeds Grand Theatre and The Victoria Quarter.
• Roundhay Park (LS8 2WF) offers free parking for anyone visiting the lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes and playgrounds of the park.

Key roads in Leeds  

• M1 motorway connects London to Leeds, where it joins the A1 (M) near Aberford to continue on to Newcastle.
• M62 motorway connects Leeds with Liverpool and Manchester to the west and Hull to the east.
• A65 runs northwest from Leeds through Horsforth, Ilkley, and Skipton, and terminates at Kendal in Cumbria.
• A64 is a major road that links Leeds to York and Scarborough in the northeast.

How to get from Leeds to York

It takes around 45 minutes to drive the 29 miles from Leeds to the historic city of York.

1. Leave the Leeds South Hertz car hire park at Pottery Road.
2. Get on the M1 from A61 and A63.
3. Continue on the M1 and then take the A64 to the A19 in York.
4. Take the exit for the A19 from A64 and continue on the A19 to arrive.

How to get from Leeds to Manchester

Manchester is around an hour and a half drive away from central Leeds via the M62. Take the A58 out of the city centre and follow as it becomes the A643. When you reach the Elland Road Interchange, take the slip road onto the M621 to Manchester. Follow until it merges with the M62, which will take you to the outskirts of Manchester and the A56 into the city centre.

Best hotels in Leeds

Leeds Marriott Hotel

4 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6ET

If you’re looking for a desirable city centre location and a hotel that combines modernism within a charming historical setting, then the Leeds Marriott is an outstanding choice with its extensive range of rooms and suites. The 24/7 fitness centre is the perfect way to work up an appetite before dining in the relaxed, exposed brick setting of the Cast Iron Bar & Grill.

Crowne Plaza Leeds

Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL

Truly in the beating heart of Leeds, this chic hotel is brimming with amenities including its on-site pool and luxurious spa, as well as multiple impressively appointed meeting rooms. A short walk from all Leeds has to offer both in terms of shopping and sightseeing, the Crowne Plaza’s modern rooms provide the perfect place to rest after an active day.

Malmaison Leeds

1 Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG

A boutique experience is the order of the day at Malmaison Leeds. Its stunning Victorian exterior houses individually crafted rooms and suites that exude comfort and luxury, with a decadent urban loft feel throughout. A few steps out of the door and you can experience the ambient riverside restaurants and nightlife.

Best restaurants in Leeds

Bibis Italianissimo

Criterion Place, Sovereign Street, Leeds, LS1 4AG

This opulent venue is a true Leeds staple, due to its reputation for delivering top class, authentic Italian Cuisine in its art deco setting. The menu is packed with Italian staples and chef’s specials, like the king prawn and saffron risotto. This bustling restaurant even offers entertainment on weekends.

Shears Yard

11-15 Wharf Street, The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EH

Building a strong reputation for its Sunday lunch, Shears Yard is an independent kitchen with a special setting due to its understated décor and stylish lighting. The contemporary fare includes appealingly diverse tasting and seasonal set menus, crafted from locally sourced produce.

Ox Club

Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU

With its aim to showcase the best of Yorkshire produce, this award-winning restaurant within the former textile mill now known as the popular Headrow House offers adventurous takes on British classics. Menus change seasonally and the rustic, smoky flavoured dishes are a delight.

Best things to do in Leeds

Harewood House

Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG

Harewood House is an oasis of calm set among 1,000 acres of lush lawns and fabulous flowerbeds. Home to one of the finest Italian Renaissance art collections in Britain, the estate’s Bird Garden is worth a visit to discover an array of tropical species from penguins to flamingos.

Royal Armouries Museum

Armouries Dr, Leeds, LS10 1LT

Home to the national collection of arms and armour, this is a chance to step back in time and wonder at some of the world’s oldest battle relics, including Henry VIII’s very own suit of armour. There’s even a crossbow range for those who want a more interactive experience.

Haworth Bronte Parsonage Museum

Church Street, Haworth, Keighley, BD22 8DR

The home of the world-famous Bronte Sisters, the house still beautifully evokes the atmosphere of the era in which their literary works were created. The rooms are largely unchanged and filled with collections of their personal possessions and furniture, making it a delight for Bronte fans.