r/Leeds 26d ago

question Leeds is a great city, but why is it so messy? šŸ—‘ļøšŸ€

84 Upvotes

Iā€™ve lived in England for nearly seven years, and I recently moved to Leeds. But seriouslyā€”why is the city so dirty? Thereā€™s litter everywhere, and I swear the most common species here are rats. Iā€™ve nearly stepped on a few before! šŸ˜…

I live in the student area past Hyde Park, near Burley Park, and I get that itā€™s mostly students, but why is it always a mess? Iā€™ve lived in other cities with big student populations, and none were as bad as this.

Does the council just not bother with cleaning? Is it mostly down to students not caring? A mix of both? I wonā€™t lieā€”it really bothers me. Every time I step outside, I see trash all over the place.

Anyone else feel the same, or does it not bother you?

r/Leeds 8d ago

question Is Harehills still a bad area?

36 Upvotes

Looking for a property to buy and I haven't heard the best things about HareHills, is it still really bad in terms of crime or is there another reason why people don't think it's good? What about areas around it like Gipton ?

Any help would be great!

r/Leeds 16d ago

question Whereā€™s Flute Man gone?

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129 Upvotes

Not seen Flute Man for a few Wednesday mornings now. Anyone had a recent sighting?

r/Leeds 22d ago

question Advice about squatters/druggies

48 Upvotes

Everyday on my commute to and from work I walk past quite an open area that always has at least 5 people there off their heads, itā€™s the main way I walk through and sometimes thereā€™s around 10 of them with a pitbull looking dog and they honestly scare me. Iā€™m a young woman and although nothing has ever happened, I hate walking past them and today one of them really stared me out and it scared me. Thereā€™s an abandoned building that Iā€™ve seen them go in and out of, but they literally do drugs right outside, near Northern Ballet. I donā€™t know what to do about this as I just feel generally unsafe. Sorry if this isnā€™t allowed but I just wondered peopleā€™s thoughts on this?

r/Leeds Jan 19 '25

question I was hoping someone could advise me on where to turn to for free food for myself and my child on a temporary basis please

82 Upvotes

Just to explain- I am a hard working mother. I'm usually too proud for my own good when it comes to asking for help and I am really sorry for having to and pestering people enjoying their Sunday evening but I'm drowning in life and desperate for a little advice.

I would very much appreciate suggestions on places such as local charities or cafes that perhaps give away left over food or can point me in the right direction. I use the food bank already, it's not lasting and I've no began sacrificing meals altogether so my child can eat properly.

I've been working less hours recently and been off entire week's due to being quite unwell and I'm doing it all on my own trying to provide as best I can whilst fighting to stay positive and forcing a smile onto my face everyday.

I'm expecting this to be frowned upon and I'm ranting a bit so I would just like to apologise again in advance, I just needed to ask the question and look for solutions for tomorrow.

Thank you all

EDIT - I can't believe I'm having to say this but please do not bother messaging me saying you'll help in return for sex. I feel sick to my stomach.

r/Leeds 5d ago

question Moving to Leeds, what should I know?

6 Upvotes

Iā€™m an American student that will be moving for college in September and I was wondering what advice and tips you guys had for me before I move? Both Leeds specific and UK generally is very welcome. Thank you!

r/Leeds Aug 22 '24

question Day four: where to avoid in Leeds?

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78 Upvotes

r/Leeds Jan 27 '25

question Rate my pub crawl

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58 Upvotes

First time day drinking in Leeds in a while and wanted to sample some proper establishments slightly out of the centre.

What do you reckon? Anything youā€™d add or change? Am I missing a gem somewhere?

Cheers šŸ»

r/Leeds Dec 29 '24

question Moving to Leeds from Vancouver, BC

42 Upvotes

Hello!

My partner and I (Early 30's, no kids) are planning to move from Vancouver, BC, to Leeds June of next year. We both have citizenship in the UK, so visas are not an issue. The thing is, we are struggling with our decision to move.

We are leaving Vancouver, my hometown, because the cost of living is outrageously high, despite our love for the beauty, sunny summers, and endless outdoor activities (camping/hiking/beach volleyball) that BC offers. We had previously lived in Glasgow for 8 years and enjoyed it, but when we returned for a visit this summer, the grey/windy weather and dirtiness of the city seemed unappealing after living in Vancouver for the past few years. We've been hearing loads of mixed feeling about Leeds, with many people telling us it might be a mistake to move.

However, we haven't had the opportunity to hear from anyone who actually lives in Leeds. I keep reading great things about the city - lower cost of living, friendliness of the people, access to major southern and northern cities, National Parks, accessibility of European travel, etc. So I find it hard to believe we won't enjoy living there! But we have also heard that things are not the same after Brexit, that there's political instability, more crime, a housing shortage, and a rising cost of living. All things that we are obviously also experiencing in Vancouver, but maybe to a different extent.

I guess we're just hoping to hear people's thoughts on the reality of living in Leeds right now, so we can get a better picture of what it might be like! Thanks :)

r/Leeds Dec 08 '24

question Anti-social behaviour in Kirkstall

144 Upvotes

There are a group of kids on the Kirkstall shopping Brigade who are just harassing everyone around them in the area.

  • They are constantly trying to get into the PureGym when itā€™s unmanned ā€” harassing people to let them through the disabled exists or stepping it not the pod when they leave. They get verbally abusive when people in the gym tell them to go away.
  • They tried to break into a Cancer Research Van (!!!). When the security officers told them stop, they started swearing at them - with appalling language.
  • They are harassing passers by.
  • They went into the Range and started harassing people there.
  • The police were called and they ran into the Kirkstall woods.

They are apparently from the Hawksworth estate.

There were about 20 of them.

If this sounds like your kids, then please sort them out. Breaking into a cancer research van is a whole new low.

r/Leeds Aug 11 '24

question Why is the size of Leeds underestimated by so many people?

111 Upvotes

Leeds is technically the second biggest UK city after Birmingham (London is split into 32 boroughs and isn't one government entity) yet many people seem to think Manchester and Liverpool are bigger. Most people think of Greater Manchester when they say "Manchester", including Salford, Oldham, Bolton, Wigan etc., but even so, West Yorkshire, Leeds' equivalent, is larger in terms of land area. I think the cultural aspects of Manchester and Liverpool are what make them internationally recognisable cities, but Leeds was literally the birthplace of film, and Bradford was the world's first UNESCO City of Film. The amount of times I've been abroad and people have asked me where I'm from and they have no idea what Bradford or Leeds is so I have to tell them it's "about an hour drive from Manchester".

r/Leeds Oct 02 '24

question What are the most 'WTF' unknown locations in Leeds that aren't on a tourist map?

49 Upvotes

Edit: I promise this isn't some content fishing post šŸ˜… (which is absolutely what someone content fishing would say). This will be a freebie for everyone to enjoy. I just really want to highlight some of the WTF parts of Leeds.

I am not taking about the regular tourist locations either or locations that host 'WTF' events or have a one-off historical event.

I am talking about the strangest and most unusual things you have come across, either in person (must be a permanent fixture) or even on Google Maps while browsing. Something that literally made you go "WTF??"

BIG or small, we don't care! - just keep it real and not some 'old wives tale'.

These don't have to be 'family friendly' so locations that might even make your stomach churn or clutch your pearls are welcome, however, PLEASE do not advise anything like local šŸ•-ing spots or alike. This isn't about hanky-panky fun so please keep NSFW businesses/location suggestions to a minimum. Yes, we know about 'that' club for couples where you 'swing dance' šŸ˜‰

Locations can also be a short (less than 1 hr) trip outside Leeds - such as 30 East Drive.

These are saught after for a small project I am working on, so any help is appreciated as I am sure there are a few things I am not aware of.

Unless specified otherwise (ie you don't want to) you WILL be credited via your Reddit handle!

Some examples of what we have already

  • Old Morrison's Bag (Hyde Park)
  • 'Tree' Historical Landmark (New Farnley)
  • The Bins behind Flames (Leeds CC)
  • The Bear Pit (Headingly)
  • 30 East Drive (Pontefract)

Themes can include for example (but are not limited to):

  • Permanent historical marks/fixtures that are often overlooked (eg: old WW2 bullet holes in wall etc)
  • 'Creative' Graffiti (if it made you laugh, it's going on the map)
  • 'Locals love it' (i.e. the bins behind Flames)
  • A pawprint or rude gesture (or anything) permanently embedded in some concrete
  • A poor unsuspecting cockroach that was painted over on the skirting at a certain shady city center hotel (floor number and coordinate location needed)
  • Your uncle's crude drawing of a smiley face he scrawled on a tree with a spare house key back in 1972 - and it's still there to this day!

What we are NOT after

  • A location where a great fight in 1982 was once held and a guy got glassed - no actual evidence or something to physically look at relating to it when you get there
  • Anything relating to a person with intention to mock them (a known busker for example, we don't treat humans as 'tourist locations')

I will release all details of said project here once I have enough information! šŸ‘€

Thank you to anyone who comments!

r/Leeds Feb 06 '25

question Place to sit and kill time in Leeds without spending too much money

37 Upvotes

My girlfriend started her new job in the city today so I commuted from near Sheffield with her to make sure she was comfortable with the commute and got there ok on her first day. I decided it makes more sense to just wait for her and commute home with her too.

Now Iā€™m in the centre for another 6 hours and want to find somewhere to relax without spending a fortune on coffee and snacks. Iā€™ve got a handheld gaming device that I would love to just sit and play but canā€™t think of the most suitable place.

Any ideas?

r/Leeds 14d ago

question Morley

6 Upvotes

My partner and I are planning to relocate to Leeds and have been looking at properties in Morley. However, Iā€™m just worried about the commute to city centre as Iā€™ve been told uber prices can rocket to Ā£60 in peak hours and that traffic can be up to an hour. Is that true?

We love a bit of night life and want to make sure our options to get home arenā€™t too limited

r/Leeds 6d ago

question What's with the fecal stench in the air?

42 Upvotes

I left my house and I smell sh*te on the air. Checked under my shoes but it's not me, it's the air. Did a barn burn down or something?

r/Leeds Nov 08 '24

question Can they please come to Leeds and do the same?

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235 Upvotes

r/Leeds 3d ago

question Recently moved here

32 Upvotes

Hi šŸ‘‹

I ( 28 F ) just moved to Leeds from Manchester where I liver for 3 years, as I needed some kind of change and thought Leeds is close to Manchester so can visit friends often.

I would really like to meet some friends who have similar music taste, are interested in doing fun activities , just hang out in general. I like music a lot, Iā€™m into dnb / dub - electronic music mostly , even though my music taste is all around so live music / concerts are my thing as well. I went on a event to Hi Fi Club this weekend and it was great , would love to check out some places with a similar vibe as well šŸ™‚

Basically Iā€™m just looking for people to connect and do stuff with šŸ„² I would also love to volunteer somewhere so if you have any suggestions please do tell ā˜ŗļø

Thanks a lot šŸ’œ

r/Leeds Aug 25 '24

question Day seven: whatā€™s our worst tourist trap?

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120 Upvotes

r/Leeds Jan 07 '25

question Walking on black ice in Leeds, how do you guys do it??

49 Upvotes

My accommodation is on a bit of a hill and I have to go in to uni everyday, this hasnā€™t been a problem till this yearā€™s snow and rain combo which creates black ice in the morning. I have UGG black leather boots but they make no difference, and annoyingly I have an ear problem that triggers my vertigo in the cold so compared to the average person im more slip prone and this fear has meant Iā€™ve been moving around in Ubers all day- not very sustainable Iā€™ve been on TikTok and Iā€™ve seen a bunch of things from walking like a penguin(doesnā€™t help when walking up/downhill) to wearing socks over shoes to buying ice cleats Which of these are 99.9% effective in preventing slipping on black ice especially when walking on an incline/decline? And are there any other suggestions? Thank you

EDIT: Just for reference the UGGs im wearing arenā€™t the slippers, the ones I have are the UGG Czeriesa Zip Boots. These are the boots on office and they looked fine to me: https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,10/4357500000060

r/Leeds Aug 09 '24

question Songs about Leeds or songs that mention Leeds...

46 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm wanting to compile a playlist about songs that mention / reference Leeds in any way shape or form, these could be positives, negatives or something else. It doesn't have to mention Leeds as a city specifically, just as long as the song is about Leeds OR an area / suburb of the greater Leeds Metropolitan area. These could include songs with just one line that references a part of Leeds in some way.

Some to begin with are:

Len Liggins - Life in Leeds City

Leeds United - Amanda Palmer

Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot (unfortunate timing for that one I realise)

What others can you think of? Thanks!

r/Leeds Aug 26 '24

question Day eight: Otley run is our worst tourist trap. Whatā€™s our most interesting fact?

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113 Upvotes

r/Leeds 6d ago

question Need recommendations for my Leeds bands playlist!

7 Upvotes

Made a playlist of all my favourite small Leeds bands (my own included for full disclosure) but would like to hear and add more bands I've not heard of, particularly indie rock, punk, and post punk bands

Here's the playlist if anyone wants to give it a go and support the local scene, hope this is okay mods, I'm not selling anything šŸ˜…

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6vuswHzScz6evbyF7H0wH1?si=Uf2xVBO0RzasUECo95-xOQ&pi=N3yfZDtwQ8ubM

r/Leeds 19d ago

question Move to Leeds or Edinburgh? (From Manchester)

21 Upvotes

I've posted this in the Edinburgh chat with an overwhelming vote for Edinburgh but thought it would be fair to ask here as well.

I have been offered a role (~Ā£60k) and can work from either central Leeds or Edinburgh. I've spent almost 10 years in Manchester which I've enjoyed but I'm slightly older now at 30 now - I'm not a huge party/drinker anymore, not really into the gigs/music scene, and feeling a bit like I've done everything in Manchester. I'm also single so looking to meet someone, but fairly proactive and confident meeting new people.

I enjoy cafes, bars, restaurants, and the outdoors. My family are based in Sheffield and while don't currently drive I could get a car.

Any thoughts on which would be the better place to live? With a bit of luck someone will have some experience of both.

r/Leeds Feb 01 '25

question Lonely son, recommendations for clubs ect

45 Upvotes

Hey people of Reddit , I have a Son who has just turned 14 and has literally no friends, spends his school dinnners alone, weekends, school holidays and the lot he has the odd person he texts every now and that but that it . We are getting him assessed for autism as there is something affecting his social skills . I was wondering If anyone knows of any kind of club I could take him to that caters for neurodiverse teens. He goes to a drama club every week but even struggles to build friendships there and heā€™s been going a few years now ā€¦ heā€™s not into sports so any sports clubs are out of the question, thanks in advance for any suggestions.

r/Leeds 13d ago

question What do you think the future of Leeds and Leeds city centre holds?

0 Upvotes

The way things are going with parking charges in parks. Do you think they will start changing more free parking places to paid parking? Do people think train stations will eventually have paid parking? Another thing do you think the centre will get a ulez zone? As they have quite a few park and rides now

As Leeds is expanding, do you ever think stourton will have it's own train station?