Leeds is one of the many growing cities in the UK. A city that is full of history, whilst also embracing modern art and culture. Not to mention, it is still a city that hasn’t been engulfed in tall concrete buildings and still embraces its greenery. This is why it is the perfect destination for a weekend break or part of your travels in the North of England.
Top Things to See and Do
Leeds is one of the many cities that has a lot to offer, and you could say that it is the capital of Yorkshire. You have the main shopping street, Briggate, that has a fantastic mixture of high-street brands and independent shops, a great mixture for any kind of shopper.
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Visit the Royal Armouries Museum
One of the main attractions of this city is the Royal Armouries Museum, which has an amazing collection of arms and armour from all over the world. The best bit about it all is that entry is free. Not to mention that they offer free demonstrations that bring all of the history to life.
Discover Leeds Art Gallery and The Henry Moore Institute
For those who love art, Leeds is certainly the place to be. It offers a stunning collection of modern and contemporary British art located in its Leeds Art Gallery. Next door, the Henry Moore Institute focuses on sculptures and celebrates the life of Henry Moore and his artwork.
Relax in Roundhay Park
Up next, you have Roundhay Park, which is actually one of the largest urban parks in Europe. With lakes, woodland, garden and open field, which are all great for enjoying nature and picnicking. Even a short walk in this park would be perfect.
Take a Trip to Kirkstall Abbey
Just a short distance from central Leeds is the wonderful Kirkstall Abbey, which is a well-preserved Cistercian monastery. The riverside setting is perfect for a morning stroll or to capture some stunning views.
Food and Drink in Leeds
Another great benefit of Leeds is that it is growing a reputation for its food, offering a great variety of dining and street food. Kirkgate Market is certainly worth a visit on the weekend as it is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. It also offers a great mixture of global cuisine, fresh produce, and local favourites. Not to mention their world-famous Yorkshire pudding wraps.
For your more sophisticated dining experiences, consider Call Lane, The Calls, and Headingley. A great variety of trendy cafes, international restaurants, and vegan-friendly eateries. It also has an independent coffee scheme, so consider some of the fan favourites such as Laynes Espresso, North Star Coffee Shop, and Mrs Atha’s.
For those considering going out in the evening, the nightlife of Leeds is something else that is great. It has your traditional pubs and cocktail bars, but also has something for the music lovers. The Brudenell Social Club is the place to consider for live music, and then you have the Belgrave Music Hall with rooftop drinks.
Shopping in Leeds
Leeds is one of the most highly regarded shopping destinations outside of London. Here, it has a great mixture of shopping arcades and modern shopping centres. You have Victoria Leeds, Trinity Leeds, and White Rose Shopping Centre, which is located just outside of the city centre.
Best Forms of Travel In Leeds
Leeds is very easy to navigate around as it is very compact and everything is within walking distance. Not to mention that the public transport is extremely reliable and frequent. It also has fantastic links to the cities around, such as Manchester, York, London, and Edinburgh. When exploring the nearby countryside, choose to rent a car if you’re going a fair way out of the city; however, many places are accessible via a train or a bus.
Day Trips from Leeds
If you want to explore other areas in Yorkshire, then you can certainly do that from Leeds. York, Harrogate, Ilkley, the Yorkshire Dales and Haworth are all very accessible.
Best Time to Visit
There is no best time to visit Leeds as there is something for everyone, all year round. That being said, Spring, throughout Summer to early Autumn, when the temperature is warmer and Leeds hosts festivals, seems to be a great period. For the winter lovers who enjoy the festive period, Leeds certainly gets into the festive spirit. The warm and cosy pubs located in the city centre offer a great atmosphere where you can really feel that festive spirit.
Summary
There is no doubt that Leeds is one of the best spots to visit in the UK. It has so much to offer, and certainly has something for everyone. During your trip, you could be exploring the historical architecture of the city, going on a shopping spree in Victoria Leeds or eating at some of the fantastic Leeds restaurants. Leeds even has something for the food lovers, so it is definitely a place to visit on a weekend trip. No matter what you choose to do, we can guarantee you will love your time there.
