7 Activities In Leeds For Older People

Leeds is a buzzing city in the heart of West Yorkshire, with plenty of history and culture, and it’s surrounded by some beautiful countryside, stately homes, and countless other attractions. 

If you have a loved one who’s a resident at Adel Manor Care Home and want to take them out for the day, there are plenty of activities in Leeds that are perfect for older family members and little ones alike, from fascinating museums to TV set tours and more. Read on to discover our top recommendations for family days out in Leeds.

1. Explore The Royal Armouries

The first of our recommended days out in Leeds for older people is a visit to the Royal Armouries Museum. Home to an expansive collection of armour and weaponry, this museum is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in military history.

See a wide range of exhibits ranging from armour once worn by Henry VIII to the ‘pulse rifle’ made famous in sci-fi favourite Aliens. Join a guided tour to make sure you don’t miss anything, and factor in time to visit the cafe and shop before you leave for a cup of tea and a souvenir to round off your day.

2. Indulge In A Fancy Afternoon Tea

A trip out for afternoon tea always goes down well with older people – and anyone who loves tea and cake! Leeds has some beautiful spots for afternoon tea, with the art deco The Queens Hotel a popular destination, with a gorgeous menu.

The hotel’s high tea menu begins with traditional finger sandwiches alongside retro delicacies like prawn cocktail vol au vents, before you tuck into classic fruit scones with strawberry jam. The cake selection includes treats ranging from sherry trifle to lemon tart – you can even enjoy a glass of champagne with your afternoon tea if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

If your loved one is a lifelong cat lover, Leeds has its very own cat café, Kitty Café, where you can enjoy high tea surrounded by lovable felines. It’s a great spot for lunch or for tea and cake, and it’s somewhere a little bit different for a day out with an older relative. 

3. See A Show At The Leeds Grand Theatre

The Leeds Grand Theatre first opened in 1878 and it’s been entertaining audiences ever since, with a packed programme of musicals, comedy, and drama throughout the year. Situated on New Briggate right in the city centre, you can easily combine a matinee with lunch out in one of Leeds’ many restaurants for a day to remember.

Don’t miss the Waterford crystal chandelier, which features a jaw-dropping 6,389 sparkling crystals – the jewel in the theatre’s crown. 

Leeds Grand Theatre is home to two resident companies, Opera North and Northern Ballet, so there’s something to suit every taste, and plenty of options for family days out for young and old alike.

4. Go On The Emmerdale Tour

For soap fans, the Emmerdale Village Tour is a brilliant day out from Leeds city centre. A bus will pick you up in Leeds city centre and drive you to the secure set location, where you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the Dingles, the Tates, and the Sugdens, visit The Woolpack, and see all of your favourite sets.

There are plenty of opportunities for photos during the tour, so this is a lovely way to create some precious memories together that you can all look back on in years to come. Tickets to the tour would make a great gift idea for soap lovers.

The 90-minute tour does involve a lot of walking, but it is fully wheelchair accessible, although it’s recommended that manual wheelchair users bring an assistant with them. 

5. Take A Trip To Kirkstall Abbey

Located just outside of the city, a visit to Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best activities in Leeds for a multigenerational day out. The historic abbey is a wonderfully preserved Cistercian monastery, dating back over 800 years. The majestic ruins are waiting to be explored, surrounded by beautiful woodland with the River Aire running close by.

A trip to Kirkstall Abbey is a great way to immerse your loved one in history and nature at the same time, with The Abbey Garden the perfect spot for a picnic. Take along some goodies from a local bakery for an extra treat, or refuel at the on-site tearoom.

Combine your visit to the ruins with a trip to the nearby Abbey House Museum, which explores life in Victorian Leeds, with authentic recreations of streets from the era and collections looking at what it was like to be a child during the period – it’s a must-visit for history lovers. 

6. Soak Up Some Culture 

Leeds Art Gallery is located on The Headrow, in the heart of the city centre, and it’s a great family day out. Leeds Art Gallery has something for everyone, young and old, with traditional Victorian paintings presented alongside statues by Anthony Gormley, the artist behind the Angel of the North. One of the star attractions is Damian Hirst’s Black Sheep with Golden Horns from 2009, which has previously been on show in the US. 

The city also has a brilliant museum, Leeds City Museum, located in Millennium Square. Exhibits include over 800,000 animals from tropical birds to tigers, an exhibition exploring Asian culture in Leeds, and collections looking at the history of the city.

7. Visit The Historic Harewood House

Harewood House was built in 1759; today, it’s a stunning stately home with beautiful landscaped gardens designed by the legendary Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The house itself has a fantastic collection of art, including family portraits painted by the likes of Gainsborough and Reynolds. 

Harewood’s extensive grounds include a bird garden, which is home to over 40 different species of bird from around the world, including owls, flamingos, macaws, cockatoos, and more. 

There’s also a farm on-site, where visitors can get up close with alpacas, pygmy goats, and even penguins, which makes a trip to Harewood House one of the best activities in Leeds for all the family to enjoy.

Adel Manor Care Home In Leeds

Adel Manor Care Home in Leeds is the newest of our care homes, with 74 modern bedrooms, all with their own en-suite bathroom. Most ground floor rooms have access to the home’s gardens, and there are spacious communal lounges for residents to socialise in, as well as an on-site restaurant, hair salon, and nail bar.

Our Leeds care home offers residential, respite, dementia, and nursing care in the beautiful rural community of Adel. Contact us today to arrange a visit or if you have a question about any of our services.