Leeds is an excellent city for both the cosmopolitan atmosphere and as a gateway to Yorkshire. There are many things to entertain you from the attractions to shopping, to the clubing and the real ale pubs. Leeds is a rejuvenated city with an abundance of style and culture. The old waterfront itself has been imaginatively transformed from derelict warehouses to fashionable bars, restaurants and shopping, only 15 minutes walk from the main shopping area.
Leeds is buzzing with music, art, dance and theater, with a host of venues including galleries, riverbanks, streets, and parks. Leaving little doubt why this city is a major European cultural center. With over 1000 shops, when you have shopped till you drop there is always one of the many enchanting cafés, bars, pubs, and restaurants to refresh yourself before you starting again, or simply spend the day relaxing or people watching. With relaxed licensing laws and dance scene legends you can carry on living it up right through the night and day.
The surrounding countryside of Leeds is beautiful with its quaint villages and towns. You will be delighted at how close you are and how quickly you can reach the wide-open space of the Yorkshire Moors and the valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. Only a leisurely drive into the country will take you to picture post card villages, open countryside and wildlife. The near by village of Haworth was home to the famous Bronte sisters, and was the inspiration behind Emily Bronte's book "Wuthering Heights". Today it is home to the award winning Bronte Parsonage Museum, which is well worth a visit if you wish to explore the world of these amazing novelists.
Henry Moore Institute Enjoy from four gallery spaces devoted to the exhibition, study and promotion of sculpture of all periods. Location: 74 the Headrow Leeds city center Telephone: 0113 234 3158
Leeds City Art Gallery A delight in the visual arts with an array of world class exhibits. Location: The Headrow Leeds city center Telephone: 0113 247 8248
West Yorkshire Playhouse Location: Playhouse Square, Quarry House Telephone: 0113 244 2111
Grand Theatre Location: 46 New Briggate Telephone: 0113 245 6014
Civic Theatre Location: Cookridge Street Telephone: 0113 247 6962
City Varieties Location: Swan Street Telephone: 0113 242 5045
There are many activities to be enjoyed by the whole family in Leeds from parks and gardens, to stately homes and museums.
Harewood House and Bird Garden Explore and enjoy this wonderful historical house and 14 acres of lakeside bird garden Location: Harewood, Leeds (7 miles from Leeds on the A61) Telephone: 0113 288 6331
Tropical World Experience the tropics in this recreated tropical world. Wonder among the trees, reptiles and butterflies, and absorb the atmosphere. Location: Canal Gardens, Roundhay Park Telephone: 0113 266 1850
Royal Armouries See the Tower of London's world famous collection of arms and amour, plus many more exhibits and displays. Location: The waterfront Telephone: 0113 220 1996
Thackray Medical Museum Discover the history of medicine and public health. Find out what surgery was like without anaesthetic and walk through a recreated Victorian slum of Leeds with convincing smells, sound and sights. Location: Beckett Street Telephone: 0113 244 4343
Temple Newsam Enjoy this Tudor-Jacobean mansion, which stands in 1000 acres of parkland. The gardens form one of Europe's largest parks. Location: Temple Newsam Road (4 miles from the City center) Telephone: 0113 264 7321
Thwaite Mills There has been a mill on this site since 1641, the one that stands today replaced this and was built in 1823. The mill continued to operate until 1976, and today is open for demonstrations. Location: Thwaite Lane, Stourton (2 miles south of Leeds city center off the A61) Telephone: 0113 249 6453
Middleton Railway Here you can see the oldest working railway, which was opened in 1758 and was originally used to carry coal from local pits to Leeds. Location: The Station, Moor Road, Hunslet. Signposted from A653 Dewsbury Road and A61 Hunslet Road and exit 5 of M621. Telephone: 0113 271 0320
Kirkstall Abbey Founded in 1152 by Cisterian monks from Fountains Abbey and today is one of Britain's best preserved Abbeys. Location: Abbey Road, Kirkstall, (3 miles west of Leeds City center on the A65. Telephone: 0113 263 7861
Armley Mills Learn about the City's industrial past from exhibits of 18th and 19th century history of textiles, clothing, manufacturing and much more. Location: Canal Road, Armley (2 miles west of the city center, off the A65)
Leeds is without a doubt one of Britain's "Clubbing Capital". To cheek out opening times, programs and admission costs contact the venues. Listed below is a sample selection of what is on offer.
The Elbow Room Location: 64 Call Lane Telephone: 0113 245 7011
Liquid Location: 2 Central Street Telephone: 0113 246 9595
The Underground Location: 55 Cookridge Street Telephone: 0113 244 3403
When it comes to pubs Leeds has it all, from traditional Ale houses to trendy music pubs to stylish bars. Tucked away in one of the many yards off Briggate you will fined old style traditional pubs with friendly service and plenty of character. During the day you will fined the city center pubs alive with office workers catching a pint, shoppers taking a break, young and old alike. Many of the pubs serve quality food and bar meals, but check first to avoid disappointment.
Whip Inn A traditional pub with lots of character. Location: Bowers Yard, Duncan Street Telephone: 0113 245 7571
The Ship Inn Cosy atmosphere. Location: Ship Inn Yard, Briggate Telephone: 0113 246 8031
The Wrens A choice of guest ales served from three traditional bars. Location: 61 New Briggate Telephone: 0113 245 8888
The Viaduct Frequented by real ale buffs, this pub serves quality food with an extensive menu. Location: 11 Lower Briggate Telephone: 0113 245 4863
Adelphi A listed Edwardian Building Location: 3-5 Hunslet Road Telephone: 0113 245 6377
Eldon Situated in the student quarter of the city opposite the university Location: 190 Woodhouse Lane Telephone: 0113 245 3387
Courtyard A popular 'trendy' bar with a fine outside drinking area, with late license to 2am on Friday and Saturday. Location: 25-37 Cookridge Street Telephone: 0113 242 7588
Conservatory A very cool cellar bar Location: Albion Street Telephone: 0113 205 1911
The Fenton Unpretentious pub with mixed clientele, including students and lecturers. Location: 161 Woodhouse Lane Telephone: 0113 245 3908
The Guilford An exciting decor with blue lights and stained glass windows. Location: The Headrow Telephone: 0113 242 3468
The George A Traditional pub spanning two floors. Location: Great George Street Telephone: 0113 245 3232
The Bridge A Quality local pub, with a good sized beer garden Location: 1-5 Bridge end, Horsforth Telephone: 0113 244 4734
The Palace A no-frill venue close to the market, perfect for a quick drink while shopping. Location: Kirkgate
Telephone: 0113 245 2212
Wharf Street A trendy and contemporary pub with guest ales and an extensive range of wines, fruit teas and coffees. Location: 38 Wellington Street Telephone: 0113 245 3660
Slug & Lettuce Bright and airy modern pub with a lively atmosphere. Location: 159 The Headrow Telephone: 0113 244 2320
Sparrows Wharf This waterfront bar is set in a 160-year-old warehouse, giving unique views of the River Aire. Location: The Calls Telephone: 0113 244 2320
Leeds Bradford Airport is not far from the city and there is regular public transport connecting the city with the airport. Telephone: 0113 250 969
Car
Leeds is easily accessed by car from the M1, and A1, which in turn are easily accessed by many roots. Ones in the center there are many car parks to choice from in different part of the city, all of which are sign posted and pay and display.
Coach
Leeds bus station is in the center of the city of George Street. Here there are regular services to and from all over the City. National Express Coach services run all over the U.K. offering a good service from a wide range of pick up points and destinations. Telephone: National Express - 0990 80 80 80
Rail
Leeds train station is situated close to the center and there are services to each from all over the U.K. Telephone: 0345 48 49 50
