If you’ve been considering heading to the North for a weekend away recently then I’ve got your back. I recently headed to Leeds for an awesome overnight stay and to check out a city I’ve not seen in years.

During the university years, Leeds was a favourite for catching up with friends and having a few beers. This trip was a chance to see the place during the daytime! And to check out all of the good stuff, this awesome, northern city has got going on.

Whether you’re a shopaholic, a coffee lover or a bit of an all-rounder, there’s something here to suit everyone!

1. Mrs Atha's

If you like good coffee, Mrs Atha's should definitely be on your to-visit list. Placed on Central Road, just off from some of the main high street, it’s easy to miss this small but perfectly formed coffee shop. Heading up Mrs Atha's is the super cool Warren Jones. Part time sneakerhead and full-time coffee shop owner. Warren has put his on twist on the coffee shop scene and made this space an instant favourite of mine.

2. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is actually one of the largest parks in Europe, with over 700 acres of woodland, parks, lakes and gardens for you to visit. A park might not be about to set the world on fire but on a nice day, you can’t beat getting outside and topping your FitBit step record!

The park dates back to the early 1900’s and even has castle ruins, a soldier's field and both tennis courts and a golf course for the sportier types.

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3. Friends of Ham

Beer, meat, cheese and bread. What’s not to like? Seriously, Friends of Ham is legit one of the best places I’ve been in a while. These guys know how to make a guy happy.

Friends of Ham is kept super simple of the inside, with a cosy, relaxed feel. Everything’s table service but you can go in and grab a pint of craft beer at the bar if you prefer. The food is delicious and with 20+ craft beers to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find a winner.

Bonus points are awarded for the fact I bought a pint in here for £3.30. £3.30 in a city centre bar!

4. Trinity Shopping Centre

If you’re fan of huge shopping centres and haven’t been to Trinity you’re slacking! Trinity is one of the nicest shopping centres I’ve been in. Spread over several floors and with various shops going between the outdoors and the in. Trinity almost feels like it’s own micro-city within Leeds city centre. Regardless of your tastes, there’s something here for everyone.

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Tired of shopping and need a refreshment? Trinity is also home to super swish cocktails bars, The Alchemist and Angelica!

5. Kirkgate Market

Kirkgate Market for me is the Boqueria of northern England. It’s actually Europe’s largest covered indoor market and has history dating back to 1822. Another super cool fact is that it is the founding home of Marks & Spencer. That’s right, that super posh store where we all buy yellow label reduced food from started at Kirkgate Market in 1884.

Kirkgate Market now sees over 100,000 visitors weekly and if not for the building alone is definitely worth checking out.

Hopefully, I’ve suggested at least one thing you’re yet to tick off your Leeds list. For me the city of Leeds is somewhere I could definitely see myself living, it has so much to offer without the craziness of typically ‘larger’ cities. So go check it out and don’t say I never recommend you anywhere good to go!

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Mural: Nathan Evans Illustration (n-evans.com) Photography: Bokehgo (bokehgo.com)