Students in Headingley

Location

Transport

Amenities

Entertainment

Nightlife

FAQs

Headingley - About the Location

Headingley, a suburb located northwest of Leeds city centre, lies just beyond the University of Leeds and en route to the Headingley campus of Leeds Beckett University. Known for its vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere, it is a popular choice for students and is steeped in literary and historical significance. Tracing its origins back to 1086, as first mentioned in the Doomsday Book, the suburb has been home to notable literary figures such as Arthur Ransome, known for his "Swallows and Amazons" series, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Alan Bennett, contributing to its rich cultural heritage. Situated approximately 2 miles from the city centre, Headingley's appealing location and historic charm make it a unique and desirable place to live.

Transport in Headingley

Car - The main road running through the centre of Headingley, the A660, is more commonly known by its name, the Otley Road. This is one of the main arteries running into the Leeds Ring Road, so transport into the city is straightforward. Taking about twenty minutes by car.

Public Transport - Well-served by bus routes 1 and 6, offering a direct connection to Leeds city centre. The journey by train is approximately 4 minutes, with Northern Rail operating frequent services.

Cycle - Cycling is also an option, taking less time than the car journey if you take the main road but also with many bike-friendly roads. Leeds provides a list of cycle routes you can browse on their site.

Train - The train line from Harrogate to Leeds passes along the suburb's western corner. Headingley station is just ten minutes from Leeds' centre, and it'll take you around half an hour to reach the historic spa town in the other direction.

Airport - Leeds Bradford Airport is about 6 miles away, offering convenient air travel options.

Amenities

Headingley's bustling commercial area is mainly located along the main road. It boasts a comprehensive range of amenities, including a library, a Post Office, a fitness centre, a Premier Inn, and Headingley Central, formerly known as the Headingley Arndale Centre. If you want to shop, you'll find Sainsbury's, Wilko's, Superdrug, and Pizza Express nearby. Additionally, there are plenty of independent shops and charity shops to explore. Although the area lacks any parks within its boundaries, it's close to Beckett Park and Beckside Gardens, and both Meanwood Park and Woodhouse Moor are easily accessible. For your grocery needs, there's a large Morrison's just a mile away in Kirkstall.

Entertainment

Headingley Stadium is the most significant landmark in the area, home to both Headingley Cricket Ground and Headingley Rugby Stadium. The former is the residence of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, while the latter is where you can catch the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League team and many Rugby Union matches. If you want to experience the excitement of an international game, you can head over to the stadium or take a tour of the grounds. If you're looking for a quirky destination, the Headingley Bear Pit is an excellent option. Once part of a Victorian Zoo, this spot was where the bears used to live. For a more cultural experience, visit the Cottage Road Cinema. Since 1912, this independent cinema has been showing the latest releases and regular classic film nights. Lastly, for the more artistically inclined, the Bowery is a visual arts centre that offers galleries, cafes, and workshops.

Don't forget to watch for student discounts, as most places offer them!

Nightlife

Headingley is known for its lively nightlife and diverse dining scene, with the famous Otley Run being a must-try for those who like to pub-crawl. The run comprises 15-16 venues from Headingley to Leeds City Centre, where students dress up and enjoy drinks at each stop. Whether you prefer a quieter evening or want to be part of the action, Headingley has it all. You can choose from many pubs and cocktail bars, such as the Original Oak and Sky Rack, or head to Manahatta and The Box for a buzzing atmosphere. The Original Oak is particularly famous for its large beer garden and outdoor screen, perfect for a summer night out. When it comes to food, Headingley has something for everyone. You can savour Indian street food at The Cat's Pyjamas (one of our favourites), Bangladeshi cuisine at Voujon, or authentic Malaysian dishes at the Kuala Lumpur Cafe. Brett's Fish Restaurant serves classic fish and chips for those who love traditional British food, while Catch offers a more sophisticated seafood experience. Headingley's entertainment and dining options are diverse, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of social and culinary enjoyment.

Housing

The area boasts an array of housing options, ranging from spacious detached houses to luxurious apartments. Still, the most common type of housing is the grand Victorian terraces that line the streets. Being a hub for student life, it is no surprise that plenty of shared houses are on offer, with many landlords specialising in student lets. It is a popular choice for families, professionals, and students alike. The average house price is approximately £215,107, with recent market trends indicating a strong return on investment.

Headingley FAQs

The suburb of Headingley is a lively and diverse area that is home to many students, who attend the nearby University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. The students come from a variety of backgrounds and study different subjects, but they all share a friendly and welcoming environment. This creates a community that is supportive and inclusive, where everyone is close-knit and gets along well.

Getting around Headingley is a breeze for students, thanks to its excellent public transportation system. Bus routes 1 and 6 run frequently and provide easy access to Leeds city centre and other parts of the city. Additionally, Headingley has its own train station, making travel to nearby areas a breeze. Many students also find cycling to be a great option due to the suburb's bike-friendly routes.

Students in Headingley have access to various fitness and sports facilities. The area has several gyms, yoga studios, and sports clubs. Additionally, the proximity to parks and green spaces like Beckett Park offers outdoor sports, jogging, and cycling opportunities.

Headingley has plenty of charming cafes and public libraries ideal for studying or co-working. Many of these places offer free Wi-Fi and an environment that is conducive to learning. Additionally, university campuses in close proximity also offer various study spaces and libraries.

Headingley is known for its lively social scene and nightlife, particularly popular with students. The Otley Run, a famous pub crawl route, starts here. There are numerous pubs, bars, and clubs catering to diverse tastes, from quiet, cosy pubs to bustling nightclubs.

Students in Headingley have many opportunities to get involved in their community. They can participate in community events, join local sports teams, volunteer with community organizations, or attend workshops and events at places like The Bowery. Headingley also has cultural and leisure activities, such as visiting local art galleries, watching movies at the independent Cottage Road Cinema, and attending various events and festivals throughout the year.

Yes, several healthcare services are available in Headingley, including GP practices and pharmacies. The proximity to the university campuses also means that students have access to university health services, which often include counselling and mental health support.