Leeds puts breastfeeding on the map with new city centre trail

The Leeds Milk Trail is a free route around the city centre, taking families on a journey of exploration, learning and fun while raising awareness of the value of breast milk and breastfeeding.

Participants can follow a map of breastfeeding-friendly venues which each host hidden answers to a series of themed questions.

Nine venues are taking part in the trail: City Library, City Museum, Art Gallery, Henry Moore Art Gallery, The Light, Trinity Leeds, Kirkgate Market, Leeds Playhouse and the Royal Armouries.

All are part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Leeds Scheme – a city-wide initiative which recognises businesses, community venues and public spaces which actively welcome and support breastfeeding.

As well as raising awareness of welcoming venues and encouraging families to have fun exploring the city centre, the Leeds Milk Trail also aims to help normalise breastfeeding through education and signpost to support available across the city.

Evidence shows breastfeeding plays an important role in helping children develop a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of longer-term health conditions such as diabetes, cancer and obesity and supporting the creation of strong emotional bonds between mother and baby.

Those taking part in the trail do not need to have breastfed or currently be breastfeeding – everyone is invited to take up the challenge.

The trail will be launched during Baby Week, an annual initiative which runs November 14-20 to showcase the wealth of support and activities on offer locally for babies, toddlers, new parents and families of children aged five and under.

Baby Week was first held in Leeds in 2016 and has grown into a registered charity now emulated in many other regions across the UK.

This year the theme is ‘Chat, Play, Read With Me’, with the fun beginning this weekend, November 14 and 15, at The Leeds Big Showcase for Little Ones at Temple Newsam.

Running both days from 10.30am to 3.30pm, the showcase is a new event this year for Leeds Baby Week, featuring free estate entry, family stalls, sensory zones and special children’s activities.

Visitors on the Saturday will be able to find out more the Leeds Milk Trail and pick up some associated branded goodies.

Councillor Emma Flint, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equalities, adults and health, said: “This new trail is a fantastic, visible and fun way to showcase our city’s support for breastfeeding and reinforce our work to ensure Leeds is child, family and breastfeeding-friendly.

“This has been a real partnership effort, bringing together organisations across the city to create something enjoyable, educational and engaging for families.

“Breastfeeding in public is a legal, protected right and Breastfeeding Friendly Leeds venues go one step further by creating a positive, welcoming environment where babies can be fed comfortably and confidently.

“We hope families enjoy taking part, learning facts about breastfeeding and making happy memories along the way.”

The Leeds Milk Trail follows similar initiatives in cities such as Hull and Doncaster.

The project forms part of ongoing work towards Leeds City Council’s Best Start and Beyond Strategy – a ten-year action plan launched last year with partners from the NHS and voluntary sector, to improve health and education outcomes and reduce inequalities among children from conception to age five.

For more details on the Leeds Milk Trail visit leeds.gov.uk/leedsmilktrail, where venues and businesses can also find information on how to get involved in the Breastfeeding Friendly Leeds Scheme.

Full details of Leeds Baby Week 2026 events can be found at https://babyweek.co.uk/leeds/.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007