Prepare to be spellbound as Leeds transforms into a whimsical Wonderland from July 26 to August 31, 2025, inviting families on an enchanting Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure across the city. Revel in interactive installations, frolic with live characters, and indulge in a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Malmaison, board games at Chance and Counters, and a street food feast at White Cloth Hall, creating unforgettable summer memories for all ages.
What is Leeds’ Wonderland Awaits summer family adventure and what can visitors expect?
Leeds’ Wonderland Awaits is a city-wide, Alice in Wonderland-themed summer event from 26th July to 31st August 2025. Families can enjoy interactive installations, live-action characters, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, board games at Chance and Counters, and diverse street food at White Cloth Hall.
Wonderland Awaits: LeedsBID’s Whimsical Summer Spectacle
From Saturday 26th July to Sunday 31st August 2025, the centre of Leeds will be transformed into a vibrant Wonderland, bringing the enchanting world of Alice’s adventures to life. This city-wide event, orchestrated by LeedsBID in collaboration with Cuddle Creative Works, features a series of interactive installations and playful experiences. According to the organizers, “This free, fun-filled event promises entertainment for all ages, perfect for friends, family and curious explorers alike.”
The immersive Wonderland Awaits experience will greet visitors with iconic scenes and characters. Highlights include a spectacular seven-metre-long tea party table and a giant animatronic Cheshire Cat, guaranteed to delight both children and adults. With installations popping up across the city, visitors can expect every corner to reveal a new surprise. The event’s interactive nature encourages everyone to take part, from donning Alice’s shoes in the Corn Exchange to facing the fearsome Jabberwocky at the Royal Armouries.
For those eager to explore, LeedsBID provides maps to help families and groups navigate the wonder-filled city. Notable stops on the journey include making friends with the caterpillar at the Merrion Centre and hunting for live-action characters around bustling city streets. The wide range of activities, combined with whimsical décor, ensures that everyone can find a piece of Wonderland to cherish during their visit. Find out more about the adventure here.
Celebrate with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Malmaison
After a day immersed in Wonderland, families can indulge in their own Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Malmaison. This elegant setting offers a unique afternoon tea experience for four, blending classic British tradition with creative culinary twists. As described, “You’ll dig into sliders, beef brisket bites, tuna tacos and more, followed by sweet treats like opera cake and creme brulee.” The menu’s variety ensures that there’s something to please every palate, and the playful presentation keeps the magic alive.
Tea takes centre stage, featuring a selection of carefully curated blends, but guests can also enjoy four cocktails or mocktails of their choice. The atmosphere at Malmaison mirrors the whimsical energy of Wonderland, making it an ideal spot for families to reflect on their adventures. The venue’s chic, contemporary décor sets the stage for memorable photos and meaningful conversations.
This tea party is not just a meal—it’s an experience, combining delightful flavours with an air of extravagance. The service is tailored to families and groups, and the special “Mal twists” on the menu provide a taste of something truly unique. For more details about Malmaison’s afternoon teas, visit Malmaison Leeds.
Unleash Your Competitive Side at Chance and Counters
For families looking to extend the fun, the next stop is a four-hour gaming session at Chance and Counters. This board game café is home to over 500 games, from timeless classics like Scrabble and Jenga to innovative strategy and card games spanning nine core categories. As the event organizers highlight, “Board game heaven, with shelves upon shelves of games for you to try out – seriously, there are over 500 to go at.”
Chance and Counters is designed to welcome all levels of experience, making it easy for families and groups to find games that suit their interests and skills. Friendly staff are on hand to recommend games and explain the rules, ensuring even newcomers can jump straight into the action. This community-focused venue encourages laughter, friendly competition, and collaboration.
Whether tackling a cooperative escape room game or outsmarting opponents in a strategic challenge, visitors are sure to create shared memories. The café also serves snacks and drinks to keep energy levels high. For more information about the games on offer, check out Chance and Counters Leeds.
Feast on Leeds’ Best Street Food at White Cloth Hall
After hours of play, appetites will be running high. White Cloth Hall stands ready with £150 for the winning family to spend on an exceptional feast. The venue hosts four kitchens, featuring a diverse array of world cuisines for diners to sample. Options include Sicilian sfincione-style pizza from Morty’s, tacos from Salma’s, and flavourful Sri Lankan dishes from Kuala Lumpur Cafe.
This bustling food hall makes it easy for groups to mix and match, creating their own custom street food banquets. The organizers suggest, “Order something from each of the four kitchens and build your own street food feast!” The communal seating areas are designed for lively gatherings and sharing plates, reflecting the inclusive, welcoming spirit of the Wonderland event.
White Cloth Hall’s menu has options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can join the celebration. With a generous £150 budget, the winning family can sample a wide range of dishes and drinks, turning dinner into a culinary adventure. Explore more about the vendors at White Cloth Hall Leeds.
Travel the City with Ease: First Bus Group Ticket
Navigating a city-wide adventure is effortless thanks to the inclusion of a First Bus Group Ticket in the prize package. This ticket allows for convenient, stress-free travel into and out of Leeds city centre, saving families the hassle of city parking and traffic. Riders are encouraged to “Hop on board, grab a seat and peer out of the window as you cruise into Leeds city centre, keeping an eye out for Alice’s colourful friends.”
First Bus offers frequent service with routes that make all the event locations easily accessible. The group ticket covers multiple passengers, making it ideal for families and groups of friends exploring together. The comfortable buses, reliable schedules, and helpful drivers ensure a smooth journey from start to finish.
Using public transport not only reduces travel stress but also aligns with Leeds’ commitment to sustainability and community-focused events. Participants are encouraged to make the most of the group ticket, exploring as much of the city’s Wonderland transformation as possible. Learn more about planning your trip with First Bus Leeds.
Enter for a Chance to Win the Ultimate Family Weekend in Leeds
To celebrate Alice’s arrival in Leeds, one family will win this unforgettable weekend experience. The prize includes:
- Afternoon tea for four at Malmaison
- £150 to spend at White Cloth Hall
- A four-hour gaming session at Chance and Counters
- A First Bus Group Ticket for convenient city travel
To enter, simply fill out the online form and submit by 5pm on Friday 15th August 2025. All information is handled in accordance with event terms and privacy policies, and entrants will receive updates on news, future offers, and additional competitions. For full details and to submit your entry, visit the official competition page.
With a lineup of unique activities, delicious food, and playful installations, Leeds’ Wonderland Awaits event is set to be one of the highlights of the summer. Don’t miss your chance to win an epic family weekend and make magical memories in the heart of the city.
- Leeds will transform into an Alice in Wonderland-themed city from July 26 to August 31, 2025, for a family summer adventure.
- The event, organized by LeedsBID, features interactive installations like a seven-meter tea party table and a giant animatronic Cheshire Cat.
- Families can enjoy a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Malmaison, offering a unique afternoon tea experience with both savory and sweet treats.
- Chance and Counters, a board game café with over 500 games, provides a four-hour gaming session for competitive fun.
- White Cloth Hall offers a street food feast with diverse world cuisines from four different kitchens, with a £150 prize for the winning family to spend.