Leeds

Leeds Travel Guide

• About Leeds

While quaint and historic York up the road gets more attention from tourists, Leeds is easily Yorkshire’s economic and cultural superior. Much of Leeds’ transformation over the last couple of decades has to do with its growth as a high street hub. It was the first northern outpost of upmarket department store Harvey Nichols, earning it the nickname ‘Knightsbridge of the North’. Then Trinity Leeds opened in 2013, covering three floors and offering over 100 stores, while the elegant domed Corn Exchange and the glass-fronted Victoria Arcade still offer endless appeal to shoppers. Today’s Leeds is Yorkshire’s capital of nightlife, boasting dozens of cool bars and clubs. You’ll find sophisticated drinking holes alongside traditional pubs and student haunts – the city’s university is one of the country’s biggest. Then there’s the music, with plenty of gig and concert venues, including the striking, fan-shaped Leeds Arena, which opened in 2013. There’s Leeds Festival for lovers of guitar music, and free events such as Opera in the Park and Classical Fantasia have made their names here. As for Leeds’ modern and exciting dining scene, there’s a swathe of award-winning restaurants serving up classic British and Yorkshire cuisine, as well as Indian, Pakistani, Thai and more. The gastronomic renaissance is celebrated with an annual food and drinks festival. Beyond the nightlife, there are many museums to explore including the Henry Moore Institute and Armley Mills, one of the world’s largest woollen mills. There are also lots of quirky tours such as the walk through the archives of Marks and Spencer, which sprang from a penny bazaar in the city over a century ago, or the owl trail spanning 25 locations.

• Leeds History

Leeds has a long history dating back to the Romans. It was first mentioned by the Venerable Bede in Anglo-Saxon times when it was called Loidis, thought to mean ‘people of the river’. Before Anglo-Saxon rule it was part of the Celtic kingdom of Elmet, though by 1086 its population was estimated at around 200 people in the Domesday Book. The settlement steadily grew in both size and stature over the following centuries, developing on the back of agriculture and the burgeoning wool and cloth trades. By the Middle Ages, Leeds was one of the largest towns in the region, attracting traders and businessmen. The famous streets of Kirkgate and Briggate were already in existence by 1560, along with a lane that later became Headrow. In the 1770s, the town was responsible for 30% of the country’s woollen exports, most of it bound for Europe via the Humber estuary. The population had risen to 30,000. During the Industrial Revolution, Leeds’ cloth mills went into mass production and the population increased to over 88,000. Many of the city’s splendid Victorian buildings date from this boom period too including Leeds Town Hall, the Civic Theatre and the iconic domed Corn Exchange, built in 1861. In the early 20th century, clothing factories sprang up in the city, employing 25% of all women by 1911. They were instrumental in kitting out the British army in military uniform during WWI, and by the 1930s, one factory in Leeds was turning out 30,000 suits a week. But as the 20th century progressed, fewer textile mills and clothing factories were able to survive. As industry declined, Leeds developed into a financial hub, and nowadays is the second largest legal centre in UK. More recently, it has become particularly associated with retail. 21st century Leeds is vibrant, with shopping, leisure and entertainment options that match any of its neighbours in the north.

• Did you know?

The early inhabitants of Leeds, who are thought to have been Celtic, would have spoken Welsh. Leeds was exporting cloth to Holland and Germany as far back as the 17th century, in the days before the great mills that made the city rich and famous. Jelly Tots were accidently invented in Leeds in 1967 when scientist Brian Boffey was trying to produce an instantly setting jelly.

• Weather in Leeds

Leeds is a great place to visit all year round, but head there in summer and you’ll get better weather, plus you can try to make it to the Leeds Music Festival, one of the highlights of the year. It’s cold and often snowy in winter, while the weather tends to be rainiest in the autumn. Anytime from February on is good for sporting fans, as this is when football fixtures begin to kick off.

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Things to see in Leeds

Attractions

• Royal Armouries Museum

Home to over 8,000 artefacts that span more than 3,000 years of military history, this free attraction houses the national collection of arms and armour. From Henry VIII’s tournament armour to an armoured battle elephant, this fascinating collection aims to educate visitors about the causes and consequences of conflict. There are plenty of interactive displays and live battle re-enactments ensuring that is a great hit with younger visitors too. There’s also an outdoor falconry display and jousting and horse shows from April to October. Address: Armouries Drive, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 220 1916 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.royalarmouries.org Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey

Built in 1152 by Cistercian monks on land that was originally bequeathed to Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Kirkstall Abbey has had many famous owners and inhabitants over the years including Henry VIII, who took it over in 1539. Today, the house and abbey form part of a living, breathing museum complex with plenty of interactive displays and exhibits offering a glimpse into life in Victorian England. The abbey itself is one of the most complete examples of a Cistercian abbey in Britain and is set in wonderful parklands by the River Aire. A market is also held in the grounds once a month between March and October. Address: Abbey Road, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall. Telephone: +44 113 535 2219 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.leeds.gov.uk Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Tropical World

Located by sprawling Roundhay Park, this is a must for animal-lovers. Check out the cute family of meerkats, the stars of the attraction, as well as crocodiles, lemurs, exotic fish, reptiles, butterflies, bats and snakes amid a steamy, sticky jungle environment. It’s a fantastic place for families. Address: Canal Gardens, Roundhay Park, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 535 2132 Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00. Website: www.leeds.gov.uk Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Thackray Museum

This award-winning museum tells the story of the history of medicine through the use of interactive exhibits and displays. Learn about 19th-century amputation procedures, bedbugs and other common illnesses and ailments, about the developments in assisting childbirth since the Victorian era, about modern operating techniques, and much more. One of the highlights is the children’s interactive Life Zone, with a dedicated room for the under-fives. Address: Beckett Street, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 244 4343 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.thackraymuseum.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Henry Moore Institute

Entered through a doorway in an imposing black granite wall, the Henry Moore Institute is dedicated to sculpture. Exhibits range from classical sculpture through to contemporary works and include pieces by Henry Moore, who was born in the nearby town of Castleford. The building contains a research area, library and sculpture archive and hosts a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year. Address: 74 The Headrow, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 246 7467 Opening times: Tues-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk  Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Leeds Art Gallery

Home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British Art outside London, the Leeds Art Gallery offers art lovers a great mix of works ranging from traditional prints and watercolours to paintings and sculptures. Address: The Headrow, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 378 5350 Opening times: Tues-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.leeds.gov.uk Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Leeds City Museum

Explore four floors of galleries in this diverse museum. Highlights include a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, fossils, Roman statues and Greek pottery. There’s also a special exhibition on Africa until the end of the year and a chance to learn about Leeds’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. Address: Millennium Square, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 378 5001 Opening times: Tues-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website:www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Middleton Park Visitor Centre

Address: Town St, Middleton, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 378 1142 Opening times: Daily 10:15-14:15. Website: www.visitleeds.co.uk

Tourist passes

Available from

• Leeds City Council

Telephone: +44 113 222 4444 Website: www.leeds.gov.uk  the LeedsCard entitles the bearer to discounts and special offers at some of the council’s sport and leisure facilities, visitor attractions, museums and concert halls.

Things to do in Leeds

• Cycle over those Yorkshire fens

Bikers in Yorkshire are spoiled for choice. One of the popular routes is the West Yorkshire Cycle route, a 240km (150 mile) circular route that roughly follows the county boundary. The terrain varies but each section is graded; if you’re not sure contact the

Holmfirth Cycling Club

Website: www.holmfirthcc.com  and someone will give lend you their ears.

• Go urban exploring

Your penchant for this may depend on your feelings about creeping around abandoned buildings, but urban exploring (known as ‘urbex’) is big news in the UK. It involves the exploration of generally abandoned man-made structures, and the forum boards at: The Emmerdale Village Tour Website: www.emmerdalevillagetour.co.uk will furnish you with advice on the best local places – Cookridge Hospital is very popular.

• Lace up your hiking boots

Leeds and its surroundings are a mecca for avid walkers, and Leeds Country Way is a 101km (62 mile) circular route that can be walked in either direction. Other popular walking routes include Otley Chevin, Almscliffe Crags, and Harewood Estate. The good folk at the; Tourist Information Centre Telephone: +44 113 378 6977 Website: www.visitleeds.co.uk will see you right with maps and routes.

• Ride a sunrise balloon

The 18th-century estate of Temple Newsam Country Park has over 1,500 acres of lush land and forest, making it the perfect place from which to take a hot air balloon. Telephone: +44 1952 212750 Website: www.virginballoonflights.co.uk You’ll also drink in some views of the city skyline and the River Aire if the wind is blowing the right way.

• Watch the UK’s best bands at Brudenell Social Club

Any local music fan will speak about Brudenell Social Club in hallowed tones. Almost singlehandedly, it has flown the flag for independent music venues in the area and puts on brilliant acts seven nights a week: previous bands to stalk its stage include the Kasier Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand and The Cribs.

Leeds tours and excursions

Leeds tours

• Stadium tours

Guided Tours of Leeds United Football Stadium are available throughout the year. Places of interest include the media areas, director’s box, international board, dressing rooms and pitch side. Tours are conducted at 3pm on Fridays and 2pm on Sundays and last around 90 minutes. Telephone: +44 871 334 1992 Website: www.leedsunited.com  M&S Heritage Trail This rather quirky tour of Leeds starts from the M&S Stall at Kirkgate Market where the company started 129 year ago, before you trace the trace the history of one of Britain’s most iconic high street department stores through the city, from its birthplace to the state-of-the-art Michael Marks Building housing the Marks in Time Exhibition. Tours last 90 minutes  ( Telephone: (0208) 718 2800 ).

• Walking tours

Leeds’s relatively compact centre makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Free maps can be picked up from the tourist office and it’s a quick and easy city to get acquainted with and find your way around. But to get a real sense of Leeds’s history with all its quirky eccentricities and unusual anecdotes, the services of a local guide are invaluable. Michael Barber Telephone: +44 113 271 3421 Ken Goor Telephone: +44 113 252 6807 are both registered tour guides who have plenty of local knowledge and can put together tailor-made tours of the city. The Tourist Information Centre can help with organising a tour guide. Website: www.leedsliveitloveit.com

Leeds excursions

• Harewood House

This stunning 18th century Georgian house lies only 11km (7 miles) from Leeds and features art galleries, a renowned bird garden featuring penguins, owls and flamingos, and over 100 acres of gorgeous gardens as well as the Yorkshire Planetarium. Built on the back of the West Indian sugar trade by the Lascelles family, highlights of a visit include fabulously ornate fireplaces, Chippendale furniture, family portraits and tea rooms. Telephone: +44 113 218 1010 Website: www.harewood.org

• Leventhorpe Vineyard

Wine lovers should head out to Leventhorpe Vineyard, Bullerthorpe Lane, Woodlesford, the country’s most northerly commercial vineyard. Established in 1985 and spread over five acres, it produced red and white wines and is open daily Telephone: +44 113 288 9088 Website: www.englishwineproducers.co.uk Yorkshire Sculpture Park The Yorkshire Sculpture Park in West Bretton, Wakefield is home to modern and contemporary art set within 2 sq km (500 acres) of wonderful 18th-century parkland. Telephone: +44 192 483 2631 Website: www.ysp.co.uk

Shopping in Leeds

What really sets Leeds apart from its neighbours are the opportunities to shop. From the main high street chains to the smaller designer stores and boutiques, shops in Leeds are among the city’s best assets. There are two miles of pedestrianised streets in the city and over 1,000 shops in total.

• Key areas

Another place well worth a visit, if only to marvel at the incredible architecture, is the Corn Exchange on Call Lane, which is home to lots of one-off shops and independent traders, mainly clothes and accessories. It was formerly a corn grading and trading market (hence the name), the roof was designed so as to prevent direct sunlight falling on the grain so it could be accurately judged, and is a work of art in itself. The Light, a new development on the Headrow, and Clarence Dock, Armouries Drive, also offer a wide selection of designer brands.

• Markets

Leeds’ farmers market is held at Kirkgate open market, George Street, on the first and third Sunday of every month. Granary Wharf offers some of the best independent shopping in Leeds, thanks to the Pannier Market held on the last Saturday of every month, featuring more than 50 stalls selling fashion, arts, antiques and more.

• Shopping centres

The latest addition to the city, opening in 2013, is Trinity Leeds covering three floors and offering over 100 stores from international brands to boutique designers. It is spread over three streets – Briggate, Albion and Commercial Street. The Harvey Nichols store on Briggate is the city’s flagship shop; it was the first Harvey Nics outside London and the Fourth Floor Cafe inside is popular with the hip and fashionable set. The renowned Victoria Quarter, also on Briggate, houses over 70 top names from Vivienne Westwood to Ted Baker and Karen Millen. Other shopping centres in Leeds include: the White Rose shopping centre, St John’s Centre and Leeds Shopping Plaza.

• Opening hours

Most of the larger department stores are open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm or 8pm and from 10:30am or 11am till 5pm on Sundays.

Restaurants in Leeds

Leed’s dining scene has mushroomed over the last decade, with exciting culinary gems to be had, provided you know where to go. There are now over 100 restaurants in the city. The restaurants below have been classed into three different pricing categories: Expensive (over £40) Moderate (£20 to £40) Cheap (up to £20) Prices are based on the cost of a three course meal for one including a half bottle of house wine (where available).

Expensive

• Crafthouse

Cuisine: British Set in the new Trinity Leeds leisure complex which opened in 2013 is this fifth floor restaurant, which is part of the highly acclaimed D&D London global restaurant chain. Its seasonally-changing menu offers classic British fare sourced within a 96km (60 miles) radius from lobster to steak and oysters. Under the auspices of Yorkshire chef Lee Bennet, this place is worth splashing out for. There are also fixed price, two- and three-course lunch options. Address: 70 Boar Lane, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 897 0444 Website: www.crafthouse-restaurant.com 

• Malmaison Brasserie

Cuisine: British The sloping roofs, dark wood interior, open fire and below-ground location give this a really cosy, snug feel. The menu features good quality produce that’s prepared in a modern and inventive way. Expect classic British dishes with a twist such as Yorkshire pudding, whilst there is a French influence to some dishes too. Address: Malmaison leeds, 1 Swinegate, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 426 0047 Website: www.malmaison.com

• The Restaurant Bar and Grill

Cuisine: European This classy establishment serves good quality food in an elegant and relaxing environment, with an open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work. There is also a great breakfast brunch menu with exceptional fruit juices and smoothies. Located in the Old Post Office building in City Square, the setting is equally impressive. Address: 3 City Square, The Old Post Office, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 244 9625 Website: www.therestaurantbarandgrill.com

Moderate

• Chaophraya

Cuisine: Thai Part of a chain of Thai restaurants, Chaophraya serves mouth-watering Thai cuisine and has a super deluxe bar called the Palm Sugar. Always busy and with dishes full of flavour, you can’t go wrong eating here. Address: Blayds Court, Swinegate, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 430 0122 Website: www.chaophraya.co.uk

• Fourth Floor Cafe at Harvey Nichols

Cuisine: Brasserie This newly-refurbished cafe offers striking vistas of the city via floor-to-ceiling windows, metallic touches, teal leather seats and wooden floors to create a refined setting for excellent Yorkshire produce on a seasonally-changing menu. Address: 107-111 Briggate Harvey Nichols, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 204 8000 Website: www.harveynichols.com

• The Cross Keys

Cuisine: gastropub/British This charming bistro pub boasts exposed brickwork, exposed beams, a stone fireplace and an outdoor space featuring a vintage ice cream truck. Serving British cuisine with panache, it enjoys a loyal local following. Address: 107 Water Ln, Holbeck, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 831 3156 Website: www.thecrosskeysleeds.co.uk

Cheap

• Bill’s Leeds Restaurant

Cuisine: European Contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus. choose from our private dining area or pretty outdoor terrace. Our menu is guaranteed to get you excited, with tasty treats at every turn, whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, brunch or dinner. We cater for a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Come and experience delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere at Bill’s in Leeds. Address: 1 Albion Pl, Leeds. Telephone: +44 208 054 5400 Website: www.bills-website.co.uk

• Mowgli Street Food Leeds

Cuisine: Indian Mowgli Leeds is one of our most popular northern homes, Leeds received her fairy lights in 2020. She is full of trees, roped swings, and an amber twinkle from hanging lanterns that gives off a warm glow. You must visit the rustic beauty of our Yorkshire Mowgli and dine amongst others as if you were in your own home. Address: Unit C, 32 Boar Ln, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 403 3215 Website: www.mowglistreetfood.com

• Tattu Leeds

Cuisine: Chinese Tattu Leeds is an evolution of our original concept. The design is visually inspired by the progression of body art, namely the delicate line work and the detailed techniques used today, reflected in the use of the beautiful natural materials and intricate finishes that surround you. In the art form, the cherry blossom is a symbol of good luck and life whilst our white roses symbolise love in dedication to the Yorkshire emblem. At Tattu Leeds attention to detail is always a priority, from the Chinese-inspired cuisine to the innovative. Address: Minerva, 29 E Parade, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 245 1080 Website: www.tattu.co.uk

Leeds Nightlife

Leeds is a city that likes to party, with Leeds nightlife offering everything from old fashioned drinking dens to swanky cocktail bars to more laid back student affairs.

Bars in Leeds

• TGI Fridays 

Located in the heart of the city, within the Leeds Trinity shopping centre, our TGI Fridays Trinity Leeds restaurant is the perfect place for you and your friends and family to catch up over a cocktail and a great meal. Address: 406 Albion St, Trinity, Leeds. Telephone: +44 330 460 5518 Website: www.tgifridays.co.uk

• North Bar

Small glass fronted bar serving over 50 whiskies, 10 gins, 30 rums and loads of hard to find beers. For a more laidback cafe-bar vibe, try the award-winning North Bar recently acclaimed by a national newspaper to be ‘Best Place to drink in the UK’. Address: 24 New Briggate, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 517 7490 Website: www.northbar.com

• MOJO

Time to choose your weapons Leeds. Let our specially trained Mixologists dazzle your taste buds with our massive range of cocktails and rare liquors. Lively rock ‘n’ roll-themed cocktail bar hosting cocktail-making events & hen parties. Address: 18 Merrion St, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 360 4810 Website: www.mojobar.co.uk

Clubs in Leeds

• HiFi Club

Student-friendly weekend venue for regular club nights and early evening Saturday comedy sessions. The HiFi Club is an award-winning nightclub and live music venue, offering DJ led and eclectic live music nights including soul, funk, jazz, indie, rock and hip hop. Address: 2 Central Road, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 244 5867 Website: www.thehificlub.co.uk 

• PRYZM

Chain nightclub with high-tech sound & lights & a regular lineup of themed dance music events. PRYZM is probably one of the best clubs in the north of England. the club has an amazing feel in its main dance rooms, a sumptuous VIP room and a huge outdoor terrace. Address: 16-18 Woodhouse Ln, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 243 9510 Website: www.pryzm.co.uk

• Sandinista

Casual bar serving exotic cocktails and beers with a Latin-inspired tapas and sharing plate menu. This is a popular choice for revellers, with a Latin-inspired menu to boot. Address:  5a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 824 1500 Website: www.sandinista-leeds.co.uk

Live music in Leeds

• First Direct Arena

Buglike arena architecture for hosting all the biggest touring bands, comedians and touring shows. This brand new, 13-000 seater arena opened in the heart of the city in 2013. Its opening year includes a host of big names such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Kaiser Chiefs and Andrea Bocelli. Address: Arena Way, Leeds. Telephone: +44 844 248 1585 Website: www.firstdirectarena.com

• Oporto

Flame-grilled, Portuguese-style chicken, plus made-to-order salads & wraps, in a relaxed chain cafe. Oporto is a popular live music watering hole guaranteeing a cracking night out. Offers a good selection of beers and cocktails. Address: 33 Call Lane, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 245 4444 Website: www.oportobar.co.uk

• The Wadrobe

The Wardrobe is a bar, kitchen, venue, and arts space located in the heart of the cultural quarter in Leeds city centre. Another good venue to see live music in a laidback environment is The Wardrobe. Slap bang in the middle of the city’s Creative Quarter, it first opened in 1999 housed in a semi-derelict building once used for storing the West Yorkshire Playhouse’s props and costume department – hence the name. The building also used to be a wallpaper manufacturers, with the curved corners of the exterior walls designed to guide horses around for deliveries. Today it is a rather hip spot, with a restaurant and bar too. Address: 6 St Peter’s Square, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 383 8800 Website: www.thewardrobe.co.uk

Theatres in Leeds

• The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds

Classically proportioned theatre hosting Opera North’s productions and touring shows. Opera North is an innovative Leeds-based touring company which regularly performs at the spectacular Grand Theatre Leeds. Built in 1848 as a backlash to music hall, it took 13 years to complete and features an architectural mix, including gothic spires and Romanesque and Scottish baronial exteriors. Address: Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 243 0808 Website: www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

• The Carriageworks

A venue for contemporary theatre. Forward thinking theatre venue tasked with advancing audiences for live performance in the region. Carriageworks Theatre is part of Leeds City Council’s Arts Events and Venues service, with ticketing provided in-house by Leeds Ticket Hub: Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD. Address: 3 Millennium Square, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 376 0318 Website: www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

• West Yorkshire Playhouse

Dynamic theatre producing an eclectic range of new works alongside more established favourites. Since opening in 1990, West Yorkshire Playhouse has established a national and international reputation, and often sees West End productions. We are a place to experience world-class theatre that is pioneering, invigorating and relevant. A place where people and communities come together to tell and share stories – a creative hub for the city and beyond. Address: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds. Telephone: +44 113 213 7700 Website: www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Leeds Food And Drink

Food In Leeds