Leeds city guide

Leeds has a great deal to offer anyone looking for a cosmopolitan break in the UK. As well as being the only English city outside London with its own repertory theatre, opera house and ballet companies it has a large selection of designer shops and a vibrant nightlife.

Getting there…

Leeds is at the centre of a busy motorway network, has an international airport and a busy city centre train station, making it one of the most accessible cities in the UK.

The motorway benefits the city with excellent connections in all directions with the M1 and A1 linking it to the north and south and the M62 linking it with the east and west.

Getting around Leeds

Leeds is fairly easy to navigate with the main shopping area at its centre and the majority of hotel chains near or around the loop road; but, to save yourself time gaining your bearings, pick up one of the city maps. These, as well current information on local events and attractions, can be found at the Leeds Visitor Information Centre located at the train station.

Because of its size and layout getting around the city, especially if taking in the museums, can be exhausting. It's an idea to take advantage of the free city bus service that provides complimentary travel around the city centre. This is especially useful on days where the weather is not too good or when your feet are still recovering from the night before.

Accommodation

The best way to make the most of what Leeds has to offer is by staying in one of the centrally located hotels. The Hilton, Bewleys, Crowne Plaza and Park Plaza are all examples of medium priced hotels within walking distance from the city centre.

If looking for more of a budget hotel Leeds also has an Ibis and several Premier Inns. Another option is the centrally located Roomzzz serviced apartments with prices ranging from £51-£80 per night room only.

Culture and history

While in Leeds why not take a look at what will be showing at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Considered one of Britain's most exciting producing theatres it has established a reputation both nationally and internationally.

The newly refurbished Leeds City Art Gallery is a free entry attraction and houses a large collection of contemporary work including work by Turner and Henry Moore and has regular special exhibitions. The Henry Moore Institute is located next to the gallery and has historic and contemporary sculpture on display.

Located near Millennium Square within the city centre is the Leeds City Museum. Exhibitions at the Museum include the Life on Earth Gallery, The Leeds Story Gallery and Ancient Worlds Gallery. As well as the permanent exhibitions there is also a changing programme of special exhibitions. Admission to the museum is free and the recommended time you allow for a visit is one to three hours.

The Royal Armouries Museum houses a world-famous collection of arms and armour numbering over 8,000 exhibits, including some of Britain's oldest armour and military equipment. As well as the exhibits there are live action events and costumed demonstrations to enjoy.

Alternative entertainment

Another attraction worth a visit while in Leeds is Tropical World, one of the UK's most popular garden tourist attractions. It is home to one of the largest collections of tropical plants outside Kew Garden as well as meerkats, butterflies, birds and iguanas.

If, after hours of shopping and taking in all that Leeds has to offer, you want to spend some much needed time relaxing, why not unwind at Waterfall Spa, the luxury ladies only day spa. They have a number of different packages and treatments to offer and are sure to make you feel pampered.

Festivals and events

One of the most well-known events in Leeds is the Leeds Festival. This music festival typically takes place around the August Bank Holiday and sees festival-goers flock to the city in thousands. Tickets sell-out well in advance so if you are interested be prepared to be well-planned. Previous line-ups have included Radiohead, Kings Of Leon and The Prodigy.

The annual Leeds International Film Festival, now in its 23rd year, takes place in November at a variety of venues across the city.

Shopping

The central pedestrian shopping area is located on Brigate and Commercial Street where you will find Borders, Debenhams, Next, River Island, Top Shop and Faith to name a few. Near hear you will also find Thorton's Arcade and Queen's Arcade as well as The Victorian Quarter.

The Victorian Quarter houses a number of exclusive designer stores including Louis Vuitton, Karen Millen, Paul Smith and Ted Baker. Whether within your budget or not, a walk around these exclusive shops is a must, besides anything else you won't be able to resist a glance at some of the price tags.

There are also several shopping centres located in and out of the city centre.

The Light - located near Primark and offers designer clothing and several restaurants and bars, including Bagel Nash, ideal for a break from shopping.

The White Rose Shopping Centre - offers the convenience of late night shopping and offers a range of high street stores within close proximity of one another.

Clarence Dock - described as Leeds's newest and most exciting shopping and leisure destination, located a 10 minute walk from the city centre shops include All Saints and G Star as well as Prada.

Eating out

For lunch head to The Light shopping centre. Here you will have a choice of Nandos, Browns, Cafe Rouge and Bagel Nash. A tasty alternative is to head upstairs in Harvey Nichols where you will find Yo Sushi.

For evening meals Park Row and Greek street have a number of good options. La Tasca serve Spanish tapas in an intimate setting with a real Mediterranean feel. Slug and Lettuce and Prohibition both serve simple bar meals at reasonable prices alternatively The Living Room is a great option for high quality traditional food.

If you do fancy something a bit special there is also Anthony's at Piazza which has both a good lunch and dinner menu. Harvey Nichols 4th Floor restaurant also comes highly recommended.

Nightlife

Leeds has a vibrant and lively nightlife with a wide choice of pubs, bars and clubs to cater for all tastes.

On Greek St there are a number of popular bars including Prohibition, a chic and trendy bar you can relax in, Henrys and, round the corner from these, The Sports Bar. To the north of the city you will also find a number of good bars.

If you like your cocktails try Mojo on Merrion St, renowned as one of the best cocktail bars in the north. Alternatively, if you aren't one for the pub crawl try Tiger Tiger which, with several themed bars, a restaurant and nightclub, should be able to cater for all your needs in one place.

Call Lane is the popular area of the city for a night out and is also home to most of the city's gar bars and clubs. A friendly yet lively area with different venues to cater for all tastes, here you will find the very fashionable Bar Room Bar, the relaxed Doctor Wu's and the popular Revolution Bar.

Also, do make time to check out what is happening at Jongleurs Comedy Club.

More information:

www.leedsliveitloveit.com
www.leedsfestival.com
www.visitleeds.co.uk