Everything you need to know about a family friendly city break in Leeds.
With Leeds practically on our doorstep we had never considered a family staycation / city break in Leeds… but I’m so glad we did.
**AD / PR stay**
This summer holiday we had the absolute delight of staying overnight at the Hilton Leeds City Hotel.
Why Leeds?
Leeds has to be one of the most underated city breaks. It is so compact and easy to navigate that it makes it really easy to explore with the kids, taking the stress out of everything. It is well served by public transport, and easy to drive around meaning you can stay central or head out very easily. Surrounded by green space, think lakes, woodland and open space. Or stay central and soak up the culture, history and attractions. Perfect for whatever weekend you have in store on this family friendly city break in Leeds.
Why the Hilton?
The Hilton Leeds City hotel is situated a stones through from Leeds train station. Right out the southern entrance and round the corner you will find the hotel. Perfectly situated right in the city centre so you are walking distance from everything.
The Hilton Hotel is a trusted brand. Their reputation has been built on decades of consistent quality, reliable and excellent which is why it is a world leader in the hospitality game. Having stayed in a few different Hilton hotels, one thing you know is that you are guaranteed to find the same familiar high standards. To ensure your family friendly city break in Leeds goes without a hitch then Hilton Hotels are an obvious choice to stay.
Public transport in Leeds
We arrived Sunday morning on the train, and what an experience that in itself was! Having a car and driving everywhere means we really do take for granted how exciting days out on public transport are for the kids! We caught the train from Skipton very easily, had lots of space to chat about our trip, of course open the snacks and just watch the world (literally) go by.
Leeds is well served by rail with it being a main hub for the North with direct trains to a lot of other cities. The city is also well connected with buses. If you didn’t want to arrive by public transport then the city is easy to navigate by car around the city centre loop and direct access to the motorways.
Once we arrived in to Leeds we tagged out of the station and dropped our bags at the hotel.
Arriving at the Hilton Leeds City Hotel for our family friendly city break in Leeds
Walking into the Hilton Leeds City Hotel and catching the escalator up to the reception was super easy. Straight into the reception and bar areas, the atmosphere was chilled, calm and reassuring. Dropping our bags was no effort at all and all the staff were friendly, attentive and charming.
Where to explore first?
Granary Wharf, Leeds city centre
Heading off for a little explore of the city we had so many ways we could go but we opted to explore Granary Wharf with its restaurants along the waterfront. Grabbing a drink and pizza for lunch, sat in the sunshine overlooking the canal. The water taxi then situated on the river right next to the canal was an obvious next choice.
Jumping aboard Twee (or Drie?!) we headed down the river towards Leeds Dock. The water taxi is great for the kids (and adults alike). £3 pp (smallest free) and took 12 minutes gliding down the river under the many bridges.
Leeds Dock
Arriving at Leeds Dock this area has really grown since my last visit. Less offices, more apartments which means more weekend visitors so a much better vibe. There was organised paddle boarding lessons in the river. Bars and cafes were open and buzzing, a new boat book shop and of course the reason for our visit, the Royal Armouries. The Hold Fast book shop was a proper delight. A tranquil garden on top leading down into the book shop which was huge! The selection of books was wonderful and we couldn’t help but buy one each.
The Royal Armouries which is free to enter has been a staple in Leeds for as long as I can remember. A arms and armour museum, it is stacked out with military regalia, displays, with reenactments going on and more. You can explore thousands of objects from the past to the present day. These include Japanese samurai armour and swords, famous movie props, the armours of Henry VIII, and even a huge armour for an Indian war elephant. Suited mainly for older kids and adults meant the little one whizzed round quickly so we enjoyed an ice cream outside in the sun whilst Daddy and my eldest looked round soaking it all in. There’s a cafe, toilets and gift shop too.
City Centre exploring
Walking back down the river is a lovely leg stretch and within 15 minutes you are back in the city centre (via the Corn Exchange). Walking down Briggate, the Headrow, Victoria Quarter and through Trinity shopping centre there is an abundance of shops to pass the time. The city centre is worth a wander just to soak up all the history. The grand arches, beautiful old buildings, striking architecture plus the modern twist with the new John Lewis store. There is a whole range of food outlets, family freindly restaurants, cafes, sweet treats, bakeries and dessert spots too to tickle your fancy.
Check in made simple
Heading back to the hotel to chill out (and escape the heat) was definitely on the cards now. Checking in was a breeze and again the attentiveness of the staff at the Hilton Leeds City hotel was top notch.
We were shown our room, on the 10th floor. An interconnecting room which was ideal with the kids. They also have premium suites which may be better suited for some families so you are all in one room, with more space and a family bathroom including a bath. For us though with our kids at age 3 and 7, the interconnecting room was better.
The hotel has undergone a refurb recently so all the communal areas are tastefully decorated, the rooms are spacious, clean and the beds are exceptionally comfy (and huge!!). We had a view out over the city which was great to look out over the hustle and bustle.
Facilities in the hotel
City 3 Bar
Afternoon drinks in the bar area was very relaxing. Think comfy sofas, informal feel and being provided with endless activities for the kids. Activity packs, games and more meant that they weren’t the nagging tinkers or screen hermits they usually are, instead they were so busy preoccupied that we could actually enjoy a drink.
City 3 Restaurant
For evening meal we ate in the City 3 Restaurant. A relaxed brasserie style restaurant in a gorgeous setting with our own booth which felt oh so private so we didn’t feel like we were imposing on other diners. There was a table set up next to us with more activity packs for the kids so between courses / waiting for the food they could play games to their hearts content. The attention to detail with this and the kids menu definitely didn’t go unnoticed. We weren’t imposing really impressed with the menus having a wide range of food to suit all tastes. The kids menu too was suitable for my fussy eaters.
The food arrived relatively quickly, hot and delicious. The staff were attentive, friendly yet not over bearing which was the perfect amount for us. The food was delicious. I had the Teriyaki Blackened Salmon, hubby had the British Sirloin Steak and the kids had fish & chips and pizza. The portions were big but plates were cleared it all tasted that good. Deserts were ordered all round which finished the meal off nicely.
Hotel room
A night cap then off to bed… late for the kids, early for us. But the beauty of having the interconnecting rooms was that the kids could go to bed whilst we could chill and watch tv in bed before getting the best nights sleep ever. Waking up feeling utterly refreshed is the best feeling.
Breakfast buffet
Down for breakfast in our pjs was one of the highlights for the kids. They absolutely love a buffet!
With a selection of breakfast items available they had a field day picking a bit of this and a bit of that. One opted for cornflakes, bacon and cherry tomatoes after his starter of Nutella on toast. The other had egg on toast (assisted by his big bro), followed by raisins, cornflakes and a side of crumpet!
Full English for us with everything fresh, hot and they even had black pudding. Fresh squeezed juice, Yorkshire tea and a selection of fruit. Ideal start fueling us up for another day exploring the city.
Final thoughts
Packing up was a sad affair, the kids really didn’t want to leave. Neither did we. A very relaxing time which felt like a mini holiday. A staycation, home from home. This definitely was a family freindly city break in Leeds.
Thank you to the Hilton for hosting us so well and thank you to all the wonderful staff for making our stay so enjoyable.
Cannot recommend the Hilton hotels enough, or this specific location.
What else can you do on a family friendly city break in Leeds?
Leeds is such a a hands on city with lots of interactive and engaging museums, a lot of them free. The city is a perfect balance of city energy and family friendly charm. It is affordable, welcoming and full of activities that appeal to every generation ensuring that the whole family can enjoy the stay. That’s what makes this the ideal family friendly city break in Leeds.
If you are looking for more family friendly places to visit during your stay why not try;
- Royal Armouries, Leeds Dock – free to enter museum with interactive exhibits, special events and shows
- Maths City – an interactive discovery centre in Trinity
- Leeds City Museum – free to enter
- Free walking trails in the city centre – including free Alice in Wonderland on throughout summer. The Owl Trail and Street Art trail
- Hidden Village – beautiful designed role play village for under 5s
There’s also plenty within a short bus journey from the city centre
- Thackray Museum of Medicine – an interactive museum with the amazing exhibition Poo!
- Tropical World – an unforgettable journey through jungles, deserts and mangroves
- Roundhay Park – green space, lakes and playgrounds
- Temple Newsam Houe and Estate – green space, woodland walks, farm and more
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out another of my blogs; An adrenaline fueled family weekend on the Yorkshire Coast, a 5 day family friendly itinerary for a stay on the Northumberland Coast or Staycation in Ripon, Yorkshire.
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