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POINT OF INTEREST

Leeds Kirkgate Market

George St, Leeds, England

Kirkgate Market is a bustling shopper’s paradise in Leeds and one of the largest covered markets in Europe. With more than 800 stalls offering everything from fresh produce to clothing, jewelry, crafts, and delicious street food, it's a treasure trove for visitors. It also has a claim to fame as the birthplace of the iconic British brand—Marks & Spencer.

The basics

Some visitors explore Leeds Kirkgate Market on private guided tours that delve into the city's architectural and historical highlights, including Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Cathedral, and Leeds Kirkgate Market as key stops. Food tours also explore the market, alongside other local eateries and breweries. For independent exploration, self-guided scavenger hunt games offer a fun option, while shared walking tours provide a cost-effective means to discover the market and city highlights in a few hours.

Things to know before you go

  • The market is covered, so no umbrella is required.

  • Visitors can explore the birthplace of Marks & Spencer at the M&S Market Stall and follow the M&S Leeds Heritage Trail.

  • The market is a good choice for families as everyone in your group can choose their own meal—from fried chicken to pizza to fish and chips.

How to get there

Multi-story car parks are nearby, and the NCP New York Street Car Park is the closest. It’s also easy to get to the market by bus, with the Corn Exchange G stop being right outside (served by bus Nos. 4, 16, and 64). The Leeds City bus station is also a 2-minute walk away, while Leeds City Railway Station is a 10-minute walk.

When to get there

The market is open from Monday to Saturday, offering a bustling atmosphere from morning until late afternoon. Fridays and Saturdays are especially vibrant, so arriving early allows you to beat the crowds and snag the best deals before items run out. While the market is typically closed on Sundays, there’s a great Sunday farmers’ market to enjoy nearby.

Best places to eat at Leeds Kirkgate Market

Leeds Kirkgate Market offers a plethora of options for food enthusiasts. Gifford’s butchers provide premium locally sourced meat to take away, while Hayes Seafood is renowned for its superb fish selection. If dining in, indulge in roasted meat wrapped in Yorkshire pudding at the Yorkshire Wrap Company, savor plant-based burgers from Fat Annie’s, or enjoy pizza at Pollini’s Pizza Slice.

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