A rainy-day guide to Leeds

Get your craft on!

If you’re in the mood for a cosy night in with friends — or just fancy some "me time"— crafting is such a fun and chill option. I’ve been living with the same two friends throughout my whole time at uni, and rainy nights are practically made for our little craft sessions.

We usually hit up The Works or even Poundland (student budgets, am I right?) and grab whatever looks fun — whether it's paint sets, clay, or DIY kits. Then we throw on a movie (or some cheesy tunes), and the night just flies by as we paint, sculpt, or attempt to recreate random Pinterest ideas.

One of our house traditions is painting mugs every season — it’s a hilarious way to update our kitchen's vibe and gives us a reason to laugh when the designs go a bit wrong (which they often do). Honestly, it’s cheap, easy, and such a fun way to bond or just unwind. Plus, who doesn’t love a personalised mug for their morning coffee?

Looking for some action?

Feeling a bit restless and need something to shake off the rainy-day blues? The Light is an absolute go-to for fun indoor activities! My personal faves? Junkyard Golf and Escape Hunt — both are guaranteed to lift your mood.

At Junkyard Golf, a game of mini golf for a student is just £6. Um... yes, please! There are three themed courses to choose from: Pablo, Gary, and Bozo (I mean, just the names alone are great). The courses are packed with quirky, interactive features like mirror rooms and even mini ferris wheels to carry your golf balls. And if you want to take it up a notch, they serve these amazing themed cocktails — happy hour runs all day from Sunday to Thursday, with cocktails as cheap as £6. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this place!

Now, if you’re after something that’ll really get your heart racing, Escape Hunt is where it’s at. If you love a good challenge and the thrill of racing against the clock, this is your spot. They’re always switching up the room themes, so it’s never the same experience twice. I’ve done the Alice in Puzzleland and The Fourth Samurai rooms, and yes, we managed to escape — just in time! Some puzzles are tricky (like, really tricky), but don’t worry, the puzzle masters are there to drop you hints if you need them. Plus, if you’ve got a big group, you can split up and race each other in identical rooms. How cool is that? After you (hopefully) escape, you get to take a victory photo with your friends. It’s such a laugh and the perfect way to turn a dreary day into something exciting!

Food and tunes

For all my fellow music lovers, in my opinion Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen is hands down one of the best places to chill. It’s got such a laid-back vibe, perfect for a rainy day hangout (just maybe skip the rooftop garden when it's pouring!). The food here is like a mini festival — think pizzas, burgers, and street-food. And here’s a little insider tip: at certain times, you can snag free fries or get a slice of pizza for half price.

The music is where it’s at though — there’s always something happening, whether it’s live bands or their stereo system keeping the good energy going. They host events regularly during the day, and prices range depending on the event, but my absolute favourite is when they do free movie screenings. Honestly, if you’re looking for a cosy spot to watch a movie for free while munching on some great food, this is the place.

The whole atmosphere just makes rainy days feel so much better — you get to vibe out, listen to great music, and maybe even meet some new people while you're there. It’s definitely one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Theatre kids, this one is for you!

Last but definitely not least, we have Leeds Playhouse, which if I’m being honest — feels like my second home as a Performing Arts student. There’s always something showing, whether it's musicals, comedy shows, or plays, and sometimes even more offbeat performances. I swear, I find myself here every couple of weeks, especially when the weather’s miserable and I need to get out of the house. It’s like my rainy day escape!

One of the best things about the Playhouse is their under 30s free membership. Seriously, if you haven’t signed up, do it now! It gives you access to tickets for just £5 on most shows, plus discounts on food and drinks — perfect for a student budget. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and funny or you want to dive into a more dramatic performance, Leeds Playhouse has you covered. It’s such an affordable little escape, and there’s something magical about watching live theatre. If you’re a theatre kid like me or you're just looking for a different way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening, this is your place!

I could honestly go on forever about all the things to do in Leeds on a rainy day — there’s just so much to do in this city! But I’ll stop myself here (for now). These spots are definitely worth checking out, and I promise you’ll have a blast, even when the weather’s miserable. Plus, don’t forget to take full advantage of those student discounts — because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love saving a bit of cash while having a good time? So go on, grab your friends (or go solo) and make the most of everything Leeds has to offer, rain or shine!