Mint Festival

For visitors arriving by train or coach, Leeds city centre is very accessible. The main Leeds railway station is a short walk from Leeds Minster and offers frequent trains from major cities like London (approx 2–3 hours by high-speed train) and Manchester (about 1 hour). From the station, you can easily hop on a local bus or take a quick taxi into the city centre. Several bus routes stop on Kirkgate and Boar Lane, just a few blocks from the Minster. Long-distance coach services (such as National Express or Megabus) arrive at Leeds Coach Station, which is also close to the city centre.

For those flying in, Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is the closest, about 8 miles northwest of the city. LBA has flights to many domestic and European destinations. From LBA, a shuttle bus or taxi can bring you to central Leeds in roughly 30–40 minutes. Another option is Manchester Airport (about 50 miles away), which has frequent trains directly to Leeds (around a 1-hour journey). Some visitors use East Midlands Airport (around 60 miles) or even London airports; if you fly into London, you can catch a direct train from London King's Cross or St Pancras to Leeds.

If you’re driving, Leeds is well connected by major motorways. Use the M1 (from the south) or M62 (from the west) to reach the M621 into the city centre. The approach into Leeds can be busy, so plan for extra travel time. Parking in the city centre (around Kirkgate LS2 7DJ) is limited. It’s advisable to use city car parks (for example, Merrion Centre car park or the Q-Park at the railway station) or one of the park-and-ride sites (such as Stourton or Elland Road) and take public transit into the centre. Always check local parking information ahead of your trip.

Accommodation in Leeds is plentiful. The area around Leeds Minster has a wide range of places to stay, from large hotels near the train station to cozy guesthouses and self-catering apartments around the city centre. The nearby Georgian Quarter and Kirkgate areas offer many B&Bs and boutique options. Budget travelers and families will find hostels and inns in the city. Because this festival falls on a popular bank holiday weekend, rooms can book up fast – it’s best to reserve early. Many hotels also advertise special deals or event packages if you mention the festival when booking.