Win a first-class trip to Leeds and find out why it’s one of the most exciting city breaks right now

Win a dreamy trip to one of the UK’s most vibrant cities
Photograph: Visit Leeds
Photograph: Visit Leeds
Written by Time Out. Paid for by LNER and Visit Leeds
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What would appear on your perfect city break checklist? Beautiful streets you can easily get lost in? Unparalleled food and drink, a thriving cultural and music scene and strong local pride? Unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else? Well, put your passport away – you only need to travel as far as vibrant, compact Leeds. 

Whether you’re looking  to soak up the atmosphere of the city, sip independently brewed beer in a heritage pub, eat Michelin-starred food or watch undiscovered bands in eclectic venues, the Yorkshire city has some of the best music, art and food scenes in the country. It's a place where cutting-edge, world-class culture sits beside a fiercely independent spirit – and all within easy reach of breathtaking countryside. Now LNER and Visit Leeds are giving you the chance to win an exclusive trip that will let you get under the skin of this fascinating place. 

What you can win 
LNER and Visit Leeds are giving away two First Class train tickets to Leeds where the lucky winners will be treated to a luxury stay in The Dakota, alongside a wealth of fabulous experiences including theatre tickets, a food tour around the city, a shopping experience at Victoria Leeds, and meals in the best restaurants Leeds has to offer. Phew. Simply fill in your details below to enter. 

This competition has closed. Check out our other competitions here

Terms and conditions apply

Photograph: LNER
Photograph: LNER

Getting there
The answer is simple: an LNER train. Not only is it the fastest way to travel – you can step into the heart of Leeds in as little as 2 hours and 13 minutes* from London King’s Cross. There are also plenty of amenities on board from free Wi-Fi and comfy seating to food and drink delivered straight to your seat, all freshly prepared and sourced locally along the route. Plus, it’s a greener travel option that reduces your carbon footprint compared to going by car. It all means that your relaxing city break starts as soon as your journey does.

Photograph: LNER First Class menu (various throughout the year)
Photograph: LNER First Class menu (varies throughout the year)

What not to miss this autumn and winter in Leeds

There are surprises around every corner in Leeds, literally. Follow the city’s Street Art Trail to find colourful murals hiding in weird and wonderful places. Catch independent films at the atmospheric Hyde Park Picture Housethe only remaining gaslit cinema in the world, or explore the ruins of the eleventh-century Kirkstall Abbey just on the edge of the city centre. 

Explore the city’s high-end culture like world-class sculpture gallery The Henry Moore Institute or sit down to a show from Opera North and Northern Ballet at The Grand Theatre. Otherwise, get to know Leeds‘ untapped, alternative side by seeing work from up-and-coming talent at artist-led exhibition space Screw Gallery and discovering the city’s unrivalled underground music scene bubbling away in institutions like leftfield gig venues Brudenell Social Club, Wharf Chambers and Left Bank Leeds. Plenty of venues also have special events happening this year for Leeds Year of Culture 2023, like Versa Leeds Studios’ hypnotic storytelling show ‘The Gifting’.

Leeds is a paradise for food lovers, whether you’re after high-concept Michelin-star spots like Man Behind The Curtain, beautifully crafted small-plates from quirky joints like Eat Your Greens or want to gorge on indie street food from local favourites like Manjit’s Kitchen, tucked away in the beautiful wrought-iron masterpiece of Kirkgate Market. Pair it all with pints from the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Drink a selection of local tipples at cosy pubs like the storied Whitelock’s Ale House or get a fresh bev from the breweries themselves like Northern Monk Tap Room

Make time to fill your bags at the city’s unique collection of ornate covered arcades: the Victoria Quarter is the place to find luxe designer brands, while Thornton’s is the place for cool independents like Village Bookstore and Weekend Skate Store. And don’t leave without checking out The Corn Exchange, packed full of food and shopping experiences. And that’s only scratching the surface. After one visit, you’ll be back for more. Trust us. 

Find more inspiration for your London-Leeds city break.

*Most common journey time between London King's Cross and Leeds, Monday to Friday.

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