Car Rental Leeds

The city is in a great position on the M62 and M1 motorways, and Sheffield, Huddersfield and the major city of Manchester can be reached in less than an hour, while London is several hours’ drive to the south. For more rural day trips, the beautiful Yorkshire Dales national park lies close by, just 30 kilometres to the north.

Driving around Leeds is simple once you get the hang of the one-way system around the city. The inner city road network is essentially a large ring road with exit and entry points placed throughout the route.

You’ll find that roads, places and attractions are well signposted, and there are a large number of traffic lights that help manage the flow of traffic and make it easier to navigate. To visit the quieter suburb of Headingley, follow the A660 north of the city centre. Here you can enjoy sports games at Headingley Stadium, including the celebrated Leeds Rhinos Rugby team and Yorkshire Cricket Club.

If you’re in Leeds to shop or to enjoy the city’s excellent dining opportunities, we recommend parking up and exploring the centre on foot. There are plenty of multi-storey and underground parking lots around the city, including at the impressive Trinity shopping complex and Victoria Gate.

Driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road, and speed limits are displayed in miles per hour. The limit for driving in built-up areas is generally 30mph (48km/h), but you’ll find that lower limits of 20mph will sometimes be signposted in residential zones.

On motorways and many dual-carriageways the maximum is usually 70mph (112km/h), while rural roads often have a limit of 60mph (96km/h), signalled by white signs with a black diagonal line. Always check signs however, as limits can vary.

This city boasts a variety of great cultural attractions, with things to do both day and night.

From fantastic museums and galleries to an exciting mix of sport to see and enjoy, rent a car in Leeds to discover out of town wonders, and enjoy the fantastic shopping and dining opportunities around the area.

Unique outdoor attractions

One of the city’s most delightful attractions, Kirkstall Abbey is nestled between the Kirkstall and Hawksworth neighbourhoods, and the medieval ruins are a much-loved site to explore for visitors and locals alike. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the city centre too, making it perfect for a morning activity.

Wander through the remaining stone structure, where tall gothic archways give you an insight into how this building looked centuries ago. It’s said that nearly 400 monks once lived and worked in this 900-year-old monastery, and you can visit the Abbey House Museum to find out more about their living and working lives.

Another great outdoor venue is Roundhay Park, which boasts flourishing woodland, pruned gardens and a huge collection of tropical plants over three square kilometres of scenic greenery. Pay a visit to Tropical World to witness colourful, spectacular species of plants and birds from around the world. There’s plenty of nature to discover, with resident meerkats, a butterfly house and reptiles also calling this place home.

Explore interesting museums and galleries

Hosting a rich collection of more than 8,500 artifacts from across the world, the Royal Armouries museum is a fantastic day out.

Marvel over Henry VIII’s armour, see historic weapons from across the centuries, and enjoy expert talks and exhilarating demonstrations of sword-fighting – and even jousting at certain times of the year.

There’s also an impressive collection of armour from 19th-century China, and insights into famous battles such as Agincourt. The museum is also located near the River Aire, which is the ideal location for a picturesque stroll.

Leeds has a wealth of art on display too. The Henry Moore Institute is home to an important collection of contemporary work inspired by the famous abstract sculptor. In the heart of the city centre, visit the museum to see rolling exhibits from famous and up and coming artists, such as textile and sculpture artist Renee So and 20th-century rural painter Sir George Clausen.

Next door, meanwhile, you’ll find fine art from across the centuries in the extensive Leeds Art Gallery.

Indulge in some retail therapy

Leeds has a number of shopping malls to enjoy within the area. For designer brands and small boutiques, visit the architecturally stunning and recently rejuvenated Victoria Quarter. Designed by architect Frank Matcham in the late 19th century, it’s a masterpiece of wrought iron embellishments, gleaming marble flooring and delicate mosaics.

The designer boutique arcade now connects to the futuristic Victoria Gate. This offers a wealth of high-end brands and department stores such as Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood and Aspinal of London. Take your time window shopping or indulge in top fashion brands.

Elsewhere in the city centre, the impressive Trinity shopping mall has plenty of its own delights, including eateries, a top-floor cinema and a looming horse sculpture.

Make the most of your time in the city and its surrounding areas with car rental in Leeds. Reserve direct today and plan your trip.