You don’t have to go anywhere to start learning something new. There are options online, and options across Leeds if you’d rather learn in person or meet people while you do it.
Learn online
- Leeds Libraries has online facilities free to library members – reference websites, ebooks, magazines and audiobooks.
- The Open University’s OpenLearn offers free courses on all sorts of subjects, from beginners’ French to psychology.
- BBC Sounds Podcasts has thousands of free podcasts to choose from – history, science, true stories, comedy and more. Good for learning something new while you’re on the move, doing the housework, or just relaxing.
- WEA runs local and online courses, often low cost or free for people on a low income.
- Recovery College Online offers free courses on topics like sleep problems, anxiety and stress.
- Leeds Recovery College offers free courses and workshops, online and in person, focused on mental health and wellbeing.
- Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service has online courses, group and face-to-face psychological therapies and workshops to help with problems such as stress and anxiety, panic attacks and depression, for people aged 17 and over.
- Swarthmore Education Centre offers online and on-site courses, including creative and wellbeing classes.
- The Royal Horticultural Society has tips on growing houseplants, if you fancy testing your green fingers indoors.
- Leeds Museums and Galleries has exhibits you can explore virtually.
- University of Leeds galleries – the Stanley and Audrey Burton sculpture collection is viewable online via artuk.org, which also hosts many other UK art collections.
- Science and Media Museum, Bradford, has objects and stories to discover online.
No computer or smartphone? Your nearest library has free computers you can use, along with drop-in sessions and free digital learning support. Find out more from Digital Inclusion Leeds.
Learn in Leeds
- Community centres and hubs across Leeds run groups, classes and activities for all ages, local to you.
- Cultural Community College, run by Slung Low in Holbeck, is a place to learn, free at the point of use.
- Leeds Adult Learning, run by Leeds City Council, helps you find courses of all types across the city.
- Leeds City College has courses for adult learners wanting to build a career or try something new – access courses, GCSEs, diplomas and degrees.
- Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) offers free courses, group and face-to-face therapies, and workshops for common mental health problems.
- Lifelong Learning Centre, University of Leeds, supports mature and part-time learners returning to education.
- Linking Leeds, the city’s social prescribing service for people aged 16 and over, can help connect you to local activities.
- Swarthmore Education Centre runs courses onsite too — computer skills, art, craft, languages, yoga and more.
- WEA runs local courses in Leeds, often low cost or free for people on a low income.
Feeling creative? See our Get creative page for groups and activities across Leeds.
Where to get support
If you’re struggling and need more than self-care tips, MindWell can help you find the right support in Leeds.
Last updated: July 2026