With the two main universities in the area and the local community embracing art, literature, music and film there are plenty of things to see and do in Headingley. The town centre has a range of independent shops and cafes.
The station is located on the line from Leeds City Centre to Harrogate and is a short distance from Headingley Stadium for rugby and cricket. Services are provided by Northern Rail.
The Famous Suburb
Headingley is a cosmopolitan suburb with plenty to do. Home to the University of Leeds and the Leeds Beckett University, Headingley is a popular area for students to live and play, so it’s no surprise that it’s also full of bars, cafes and restaurants to suit everyone. The influx of cash-rich students and young professionals who rent in the area gives Headingley an exciting yet sophisticated vibe.
The area is home to some of the best pubs and restaurants in the city, including The Original Oak, Skyrack, and Arcadia Bar. Headingley’s dining scene ranges from British classics to international cuisine, with everything in between. You can enjoy classic fish and chips from Brett’s, hearty pies at The Box Tree, and roast dinners at the Three Horseshoes. For something different, there are several independent eateries in Headingley, including the Italian-style Salvo’s and Thai Aroy Dee.
The area is also well known for its selection of charity shops and trendy vintage stores, many of which are located along Otley Road. You can find anything from books, vintage clothing and records to general bric-a-brac here. There’s also a local farmers’ market that’s open on the first and third Sunday of each month. This is a great way to support the community and get some fresh produce at the same time.
Burley Park Station
Burley Park Station is the first stop on the Harrogate Line and is a popular commuter station into Leeds city centre. The station is also a ten-minute walk to Headingley Stadium, so is often used by rugby and cricket fans on event days.
The station is operated by Northern Rail and trains to / from here are available on weekdays. There are 38 scheduled train journeys each way on a typical weekday, with the fastest taking 6 minutes.
There are some great things to do near Burley Park Railway Station, including:
It’s a popular spot for dog walkers too, with plenty of open space to let their furry friends run free. You can also enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park with your family or friends, and you might be lucky enough to pick up some fruit from the well-kept community gardens and orchards.
The station was opened in 1988 and features two platforms, both with ramped access and sheltered seating areas. It’s generally unmanned but does get staff on hand at peak times during the day and when there are events at Headingley Stadium. It’s a busy commuter station but the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
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The Railway Station
The railway station at Headingley dates from 1849, and was built on the Leeds & Thirsk Company’s line to Harrogate. It was designed by the company’s engineer, Thomas Grainger and was typical of its time with a large stone building on a platform. It had a cutting through the hillside, a tunnel under Kirkstall Lane and a huge goods yard with coal sidings and drop-off.
In 1921 the local North Eastern Railway became part of the larger London & North Western Railway (LNER) and onward connections improved. But when the Beeching axe fell in 1965, the lines to Otley and Ilkley were closed, as well as the original Harrogate-Church Fenton line and the connection to York.
Headingley is a buzzy suburb and student hotspot, with the famous campus of Leeds Beckett University and the world-famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium (home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the Leeds Rhinos rugby league team). The high street is packed with pubs, bars and vintage shops, while the nearby Woodhouse Moor, Woodhouse Ridge, Meanwood Park and West Park Fields are great places for outdoor recreation.
The station is on the Leeds to Harrogate line, and is just two stops from Leeds City Station. Northern Rail services operate here, with hourly departures in each direction.
The Local Area
A buzzing neighbourhood tucked away to the northwest of Leeds city centre, Headingley is an affluent and vibrant community with plenty of heritage sites and landmarks. Known for its vibrant arts scene and thriving food and drink culture, there’s always something to see and do in Headingley.
One of the most popular things to do in Headingley is to shop the local market. Headingley has a number of outdoor markets that sell everything from fresh produce to clothing and homewares. You can also find a number of independent shops and boutiques selling a range of goods.
Another great thing to do in Headingley is to visit the various museums and art galleries. The area has a rich and varied art scene, with several notable exhibitions and events that showcase the talent of local artists. You can even catch a talk from a famous author at the Headingley Literature Festival, which is held annually and draws visitors from across Yorkshire and beyond.
Headingley also has a number of beautiful parks and green spaces, including Cottage Road Park and Woodhouse Ridge Nature Reserve. The latter is a hidden gem that’s home to a wide range of habitats and wildlife, and it’s a great place for hiking and exploring the outdoors. Headingley also has a number of great cafes and restaurants, such as The Cat’s Pyjamas and Global Tribe Café. These places offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, so you’re sure to find somewhere to eat in Headingley that suits your dietary requirements.
