Leeds Travel Blog
It may be that the city of Leeds in the North of England has not been at the forefront of your mind for a UK short break, but with a direct Aurigny Airlines flight from Guernsey straight into the heart of Leeds Bradford Airport, maybe now is the time to visit the largest and most vibrant city in “Gods Own County”, Yorkshire.
But what is the Leeds of today known for? Football, rugby, textiles, railways, canals, the first Marks & Spencers in the UK, gravy on everything, or simply that good old cup of Yorkshire tea. Well, all of those of course, but today there seems to be a whole lot more brewing than just that legendary cuppa!
Considered to be one of the jewels of the north, Leeds delivers a blend of both old and new. Its Victorian Quarter with its delightful markets and shopping arcades is now accompanied by modern contemporary buildings and a trendy cool vibe. A variety of historical and family-friendly museums welcome visitors, while world-class stadium and event venues attract the cream of sport, music, and entertainment. This industrial powerhouse is now a champion of the arts, and is a city revitalized through retail, digital, commerce, and its university.
The friendly, welcoming Leeds folk are known as ‘Loiners’ or ‘Leodensians’ which comes from the term ‘Old Leodensians’ for those who attended the Boys Grammar School. Straight talking and no messing is how I have always found them and do you know what, in this day and age, that’s exactly how I like it!
Let’s now discover just some of the places, attractions, and events that make Leeds and the surrounding area, a UK city break worth visiting.
Leeds Map
Accommodation
I was staying at the centrally located Doubletree Hilton in Granary Wharf. Located next to Leeds City Centre railway station, this stylish hotel with a choice of high-quality rooms and a superb service caters perfectly to both business and leisure travellers. The Lock Kitchen and Bar on the ground level delivers a lovely relaxed outside seating area overlooking the canal. The hotel Skybar on the 13th floor provides not only great cocktails, wines, and spirits, but also fine food, all with spectacular views across the city.
Many other well-known hotel brands are in this central area, including Jurys, Hilton, Marriott, and Malmaison.
Getting Around
Leeds City Centre is surprisingly small, with all the key sites easily accessible in a day. This surprised me, and on reflection, I feel it is one of the major attractions of the city that everywhere is so easy to reach on foot. Leeds Bradford Airport is just a 30-minute bus or taxi ride away.
Bus services are frequent and great value for money, while for those driving, there are plenty of car parks in the city centre.
The Old Post Office
Located in City Square, just a stone’s throw from the main Leeds Railway Station is The Old Post Office, which is one of the most impressive Victorian-era buildings in the city.
Today it comprises two busy stylish restaurants – the Restaurant Bar & Grill and The Banyan. Both attract business and leisure customers who can enjoy not only the atmosphere and location but also a quality alfresco meal in classy and sophisticated surroundings.
Leeds Town Hall
On “The Headrow” street you will find several attractions close together. The Leeds Town Hall where many of the city’s most important concerts and events take place is currently undergoing major refurbishment and is set to re-open in 2024.
Alongside the Hall are the Central Library, The Art Gallery, and the Henry Moore Institute. Also located here is the Leeds Visitor Centre where you can pick up all the latest news as to what is taking place in the city during your stay.
Leeds Civic Hall
Just 5 minutes from the Town Hall, past the Mandela Gardens, and, overlooking Millennium Square, is the Civic Hall. With its two towers and Roman Portico styling, this imposing building hosts many ceremonies and events including weddings if you want to tie the knot in style.
Leeds City Museum
This free museum offers a range of different exhibitions to attract visitors. Discover The Leeds Story where you can immerse yourself in the city’s inventions, sporting accolades, and textile heritage. The Life on Earth Gallery showcases our natural world.
The Collectors Cabinet tells the story of collecting in Leeds from 1700 onwards. The World View – Voices of Asia, highlights Leeds connections with its Asian culture.
Finally in the Ancient Worlds Exhibition, learn the history of the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.
Leeds Minster
The beautiful grade 1 listed Leeds Minster, is an early Victorian church, and the oldest in the city dating back to the 7th century.
Situated on the north bank of the River Aire and surrounded by a delightful park, it is a centre for music and worship.
River Aire
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is the longest canal built as a single waterway (127 miles) in Britain. The canal runs from Liverpool, passing through East Lancashire, the Pennine countryside, and the Yorkshire Dales before arriving in Leeds.
The days when it was used for transporting coal, stone, and textiles are long gone. However today you can take a brief 15-minute trip on the canal costing just £1 when taking the journey from the Leeds Dock up to the Granary Wharf, on one of two funky yellow boats – the Twee and the Drie.
City Centre Shopping
Leeds is the perfect city if you are looking to enjoy some serious retail therapy. Within the heart of the city are various areas all offering something a little different from each other.
The showpiece centre is the Victoria Leeds area which comprises both Victoria Gate and the Victoria Quarter. High-quality well known retail brands include Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, John Lewis, The White Company, and Molton Brown.
Alongside Victoria Leeds are the cast iron and marbled Arcades which are worth visiting, if only to admire their beauty, although you are bound to be distracted by the choice of classy shops that lie within. The main Briggate pedestrian walkway that passes each arcade is full of market stalls, musicians, and people all going about their daily business.
The Leeds Corn Exchange is situated in one of the city’s finest Victorian structures. This architecturally stunning building is full of unusual retail stores from independent music shops to some beautiful hand-crafted jewellers.
Leeds Kirkgate Market needs to be seen to be believed given its sheer scale! There are simply hundreds of stalls selling everything and anything. The Merrion Centre is home to several value for money brands while The Trinity Centre provides over 120 well-known shops like Marks and Spencers, Next, and Primark.
The Royal Armouries
The Royal Armouries Museum displays the National Collection of Arms and Armour. Spread over six themed galleries, visitors, who enter for free, can explore arms and armour from across the world with over 8,500 objects, including pieces dedicated to hunting, peace, war, tournaments, as well as oriental pieces.
Abbey House Museum & Kirkstall Abbey
One of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today is the Kirkstall Abbey. This Grade 1 listed building attracts historians, artists, and visitors to the city. There is an interactive visitor centre that invites you to learn about life as a monk and discover the history of the abbey.
The Abbey House museum explores social history and childhood growing up in Victorian-era Leeds. The sets and displays showcase the streets, houses, and shops from days of old. Throughout the year the museum hosts exhibitions so do check out their website for what’s on while you a
