A Visit To Leeds – Five Things To Do Posted by Guest Blogger on 24th, September 2012

When people think of the UK they often think that there’s London and then the rest is just country side. But, whilst London is no doubt one of the world’s best cities, the UK has so much more to offer. There are a number of cities that have become extremely popular over the past few years, one of which is the Northern city of Leeds.

About Leeds

Leeds, born out of the roaring wool trade and then the industrial revolution has a rich history and heritage, which accounts for some of the fabulous architecture. Today it is one of the biggest cities in the UK, with well over half a million people living in the city. As well as being large geographically and in terms of population, it is also one of the most important financial and cultural centres in the UK. It also has a huge student population which really adds to the vibrancy of the city.

Five Ways to Enjoy Leeds

It doesn’t matter why you are in the city or who you are there with, there is plenty to do. Below are just a few ideas of how to spend some time in the city.

In no particular order;

1. Shopping & Retail

Leeds is well known for its shopping. Every year it draws in hundreds of thousands of shoppers from across the north and the wider UK. The city has a number of popular shopping areas including the city centre, Kirgate Market and the famous Victoria Quarter. Outside the city centre is the White Rose shopping centre. What will be Europe’s largest mall, Trinity Leeds, is currently under construction and is set to open in 2013.

2.Sports

Leeds is a city well known for its sports. It’s fair to say that times have been better in terms of performance but the passion has never died out. Football, cricket and rugby are all well represented in the city so it provides foreign visitors with a great opportunity to get to know British Sport.

3.Night on the Town

Leeds is famous for its nightlife. Since the 90’s Leeds has been known for its dance music scene. There are a number of clubs that fly the flag including Mint and Mission. If you’re no that into dance music there are hundreds of bars, pubs and clubs to go to in the city centre. The student area of Headingley is also a popular night spot, attracting a younger crowd with perhaps a tighter budget.

Things To Do In The UK | England Things To See

London On A Budget

4.Museums & Art

If you’re looking for something more cultural than shopping, sport or partying fear not. Leeds has plenty to offer when it comes to museums, theatres and galleries. The Royal Armouries and the Leeds City Museum are both free entry attractions that are definitely worth a visit. If you want some live theatre then the City Varieties Music Hall, Grand Theatre and the West Yorkshire Playhouse won’t disappoint. There is even a small independent cinema, the Hyde Park Picture House, showing art house pictures.

Things To Do In The UK | Trip To Great Britain

London Travel Tips

5.Historical Houses, Gardens & Parks

Due to its history Leeds and the surrounding area is home to some of the best places of historical loginterest in the UK. Temple Newsam House is a fabulous Tudor-Jacobean mansion located just out of the city centre. It features dozens of rooms open to the public and gardens by the world renowned landscape architect Capability Brown. Roundhay Park, one of Europe’s biggest city parks, has been attracting visitors for over one hundred years. There are various gardens, lakes and follies across the 700 acre park and even a tropical house with birds, butterflies and reptiles.

When it comes to booking a hotel in Leeds there are plenty to choose from. Like any big city there are hotels, hostels, B & B’s and self-service apartments so whatever your needs you’ll be able to find the perfect accommodation in Leeds for you.