Once upon a time Leedswas drab industrial city. Now it’s a cultural and commercial hub where you’llfind free festivals, a lively waterfront and pedestrianised streets lined withshops, bars that bring in the partygoers, restaurants selling dishes fromaround the world and Leeds Festival, sister festival to the legendary ReadingFestival.
Leeds city centre is ashopper’s paradise, offering visitors everything from sparkling shoppingcentres to big brand retailers and independent boutiques, many being housed in renovatedEdwardian and Victorian-era buildings. You’ll find over 200 shops around the TheCorn Exchange, Victoria Quarter and Trinity Leeds.
After all that shopping you’re likely be famished,and Leeds’ restaurants are some of the best placesto refuel in the country. Drawing influences from up to 130 nationalities, hereyou can sample cuisine from China, India, Mexico and Pakistan plus traditionalBritish dishes. The Waterfront is an exciting area with cafés, restaurants andfast-food joints.
If you’re coming to Leeds to enjoy a night on thetown, then head toward the Exchange Quarter. Trail around Leeds traditionalEnglish pubs, chic lounge bars, dance clubs and live music venues for a nighton the town you’ll be recounting for years to come.
If you’re visiting Leedsfor culture, then the city has a great selection of attractions for you. Explorethe beautiful architecture surrounding City Square and Millennium Square. Enjoysculpture from 20th Century sculptors at the Henry Moore Instituteand peruse masterpieces by great British painters, such as John Constable, atthe Leeds Art Gallery. Learn about Leeds’past and browse artefacts from the ancient world at LeedsCity Museum. Visit The Royal Armouries Museum, which has over 8,500 objects of armourand weapons.
If you’re into sport the Leedshas you covered. Watch the cricket at Headingley or a bit of football at EllandRoad. If music is more your thing, check out one of the countless summer musicfestivals, both free and paid-for. The epic LeedsFestival welcomes international acts of all genres while Opera in the Park andClassical Fantasia are both free events focussing more on classic music.
Trains and buses provide direct services to Leedsfrom major British cities, including Bristol, Liverpool and London. You caneasily explore the city on foot or use public buses to visit areas outside thecity centre. Among these are the lush Roundhay Park, Harewood House andKirkstall Abbey.
