25 Instagram accounts to follow to discover more of Leeds

University of Leeds
University of Leeds
6 min readApr 16, 2021

If your Instagram is a bit predictable, and you find those constant pics of other people’s tea or new haircut is getting a bit boring, then don’t worry. We’re here to help.

We’ve put together a list of Instagram accounts to check out of Leeds and the surrounding area. Whether you’re in Leeds, currently away from the city or considering Leeds as your next step, these accounts are sure to give you the inspiration to get out and explore the beautiful, quirky, historic and fascinating place that is Leeds.

Suburban sunset — looking towards the city from Potternewton, Leeds

The University

There are lots of different accounts to follow at the University. Have a look through and find your new favourite one!

University of Leeds — The University Instagram account shows what a wonderful setting the campus is. Celebrating the diverse buildings, from the Alfred Waterhouse designed red brick of the Great Hall and Baines Wing, through to the brutal angular lines around the futuristic Roger Stevens building, to the sleek modern glass of Marjorie and Arnold Ziff, it’s definitely worth following if you’re not already.

Following the story of life on campus through the seasons, you’ll even meet the occasional duck and donkey. Easy going, welcoming and inspiration for your own pics when you’re on campus.

Parkinson building one freezing morning — University of Leeds Instagram

Leeds University Union — Home of the student union, and a must-follow to keep up to date with what’s on, events, advice and the heart of campus.

GFAL — Beautiful food, easy to make ideas, all from the University.

Leeds, Leeds, Leeds

Fall in love for the first time, or all over again with the city. Here are some accounts to bring your phone to life.

Leeds Life — Curated almost entirely from user-generated pictures, Leeds Life showcases the rich colours of the city, the familiar and the new in an endless scroll of amazing pics of everyday city life. We love this account — it’s inspiring pictures and thoughtful curation have shown Leeds as a fantastic place to visit, study and live. If you’re taking pics in the city, don’t forget to tag them with #leedslife for a chance to get featured.

Reflections in Leeds dock

Igers Leeds — An alternative take on the city, this fascinating account shows off Leeds in a way you might not have seen before. Generated by local snappers around Leeds, it’s great to check out different and alternative angles on old (and new) places. Want to get a chance to be featured? Tag your Leeds pics with #igersleeds.

A view from Leeds Bridge, where the river Aire winds its through the heart of the city.

Visit Leeds — The official tourism body for the brilliant city of Leeds. Sharing images of things to do, what’s on and more! Use #VisitLeeds to share your pics.

Leeds City Council — The official Leeds City Council Instagram account is a great place to keep up to date with the latest goings-on, developments and initiatives in the community. And enjoy some nice snaps of the city too!

An independent city

Leeds Independent Life — Across Leeds there are hundreds of independent businesses and organisations, providing unique and bespoke products, delicious food and drinks, and employing thousands of local people.

A must-follow for anyone who lives here, and a great resource of new, original and different options. Will your favourite coffee/donut/clothes shop appear?

Leeds Welcome — Another great account, curated with the photographs of those around the city who tag their snaps with #bestofleeds. Leeds Welcome promote local independent business too — giving you a chance to discover your brand new favourite coffee shop, or street art.

The Mansion — Roundhay Park

Shopping

Famed for its shops, Leeds is home to a huge range of shops, from guitars to clothes, to vegan supermarkets to houseplants. With something for everyone, here are some places you’ll know, and some you won’t!

Leeds City Markets

Leeds Market — The beating heart of the city since 1857, home of the largest covered market in Europe.

The Corn Exchange — Completed in 1863, The Corn Exchange is the original and unique shopping destination.

Trinity Leeds — Named after the church next door, Trinity is famed for its range of familiar high street stores, and, on occasion, dinosaurs! It’s also home to several rooftop restaurants and of course, Trinity Kitchen — a diverse and global dining experience.

Queen’s Arcade — A charming arcade packed with boutique shopping and dining in the Northern Quarter.

Victoria Leeds — Showcasing the best of Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate.

Get outside

Leeds little free libraries — Hidden around the city are tiny little libraries — in suburban streets, on gate posts and in public spaces. Perfect for picking up something new to read, an opportunity to try a new author, and also great for moving on your own books to their next owner!

Get out, get active — A social activity account from the University, showcasing places to visit in Leeds and wider area.

Out in the country — snow covered lane out past Golden Acre Park

History and heritage

Leeds Museums and galleries — sharing the behind the scenes moments, collections and exhibition previews from the diverse venues across the city.

Leeds Uni Library Galleries — Highlights from The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, the Treasures of the Brotherton & Special Collections

Leeds City Museum — Learn about the amazing history of Leeds and keep up to date with exhibitions at Leeds City Museum, all from your phone!

Sport and leisure

Leeds Sport —Home of the Gryphons, Leeds Sport covers all things sport at the University.

The Edge — Whether you’re looking for fitness motivation, or just want to scroll through videos of people doing all the hard work, get inspired with The Edge’s Instagram account.

The cooling pond — Roger Stevens pond, one of the Living Labs on campus and home to the ducks!

Explore Yorkshire

Welcome to Yorkshire — From the hustle and bustle of Leeds City Centre to the tranquillity of the Yorkshire Dales, this account showcases the very best of God’s Own County. Make sure to tag your snaps with #Welcometoyorkshire or #Walkshire for a chance to feature.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park — Feel transported to this picturesque open-air art gallery which features the work of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.

Damien Hirst, The Virgin Mother, 2005–6, at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park — Yorkshire Wildlife Park regularly shares photos of its cutest residents to help you get your daily animal fix!

Your Yorkshire — Featuring snaps from content creators, Your Yorkshire showcases stunning images of the county from the people of Yorkshire.

Discovering Yorkshire — Discover the beautiful and diverse landscapes Yorkshire has to offer. From flocks of colourful sheep to charming streets, waterfalls to open beaches, this account has it all! Get your photos featured with #discovering_yorkshire.

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