Historical Shopping Venues Tour (Self Guided), Leeds

Leeds is a shopaholic’s paradise and a true world of retail scaled down to the size of a downtown area. Compactly located within a walking distance from each other, the city's best boutiques are never far away from an eager shopper.

Here, the biggest brands and small independents are housed in some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Among them is the historic Kirkgate Market, the birthplace of Marks & Spencer. One of the largest covered markets in Europe, renowned for its unique atmosphere, it comprises over 400 stalls where you can buy pretty much everything, from textiles and loose leaf tea to fresh flowers and street food.

Those keen on designer garments will find their fix in the splendor of Victoria Leeds, incorporating the stunning Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate, the most vibrant destination at the heart of the Leeds shopping area. Apart from the Victorian Arcades, the city’s fierce independent spirit manifests itself also in the abundance of makers and creators found at the majestic Corn Exchange, a beautifully restored haven for independent shops and tempting tasty treats.

Other prominent shopping locations include Queen's Arcade – home to an array of Leeds' favorite boutiques, cool independent shops, and high-street names; Thornton’s Arcade – a historical block of shops built by Charles Thornton in 1873 and refurbished in 1993; and the Grand Arcade – one of the oldest shopping arcades in the city center, established since 1897.

If you are looking for some special gifts, cool and quirky finds, whilst in Leeds, take our self-guided walking tour to find all of these and more at the shopping venues featured herein.