HOTELS IN Leeds

Culture and history in Leeds

Discover what makes Leeds the unofficial capital of Yorkshire.

• Harewood House

Fans of TV’s Victoria might recognise this 18^th century country home. The Grade I-listed building made the ideal substitute for Buckingham Palace on the small screen and looks just as regal in person. Make sure you book ahead to explore the immaculate grounds for yourself.

• Royal Armouries Museum

Did you spot the unusual elephant mural on York Place? The armour covering Leeds’ most unusual mammal, can be found at the Royal Armouries Museum, a collection that was once housed in the Tower of London in the 15^th century. One of the oldest museums in the world now sits in Leeds Dock and is completely free to visit.

• Kirkstall Abbey

It’s not every day that you get the chance to explore an 800-year-old monastery with the help of a monk. Kirkstall Abbey’s guided tours bring the medieval ruins to life with tales of its unique history from a resident expert. Book your place now.

Shopping in Leeds

Leeds locals are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping destinations. Somehow, we’ve managed to whittle them down to three.

• Trinity Leeds

Named after the nearby Holy Trinity Church, the shopping centre in the heart of the city is a place of worship for all believers in retail therapy. With more than 120 national and international brands, over 600 parking spaces and the first Everyman Cinema in the north of England, Trinity’s got your downtime sorted.

• Corn Exchange

The Corn Exchange is a beautiful oval building that’s home to a host of independent retailers. Expect creatives, cooks and craftspeople in one of the most distinctive spaces in all of Leeds. And don’t forget to explore the nearby Kirkgate Market, a city centre staple since 1857.

• Victoria Quarter

Leeds is famous for its shopping arcades, ornate walkways filled with shops at either side, usually under one beautifully crafted stained-glass roof, and the Victoria Quarter could be the most famous of them all. A Grade-II listed landmark filled with decorative marble, iron and mahogany, and some of the biggest luxury brands in the world.

Eating and drinking in Leeds

The foodie capital of the North delivers all the flavours you could hope for without the need for a fiddly app.

• Trinity Kitchen

Take six street food vans, rotate them every eight weeks and what have you got? Trinity Kitchen, an everchanging selection of eateries where variety is the flavour of every two months. Let’s hope the 16-foot shuffleboards stick around a little bit longer.

• Sheaf Street

More than just a café, Sheaf Street is a bar and event space that somehow finds the square footage to host co-working offices too. This hidden gem on the Southbank of Leeds, doesn’t skimp on the scran either. The daytime and evening menu is cooked in-house in a building filled with creatives and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Bundobust

Looking for vegetarian Indian street food with some craft beer to wash it all down with? Neither were we until we heard about Bundobust. The eatery is a quick hop and a skip from the railway station and serves some of the most exciting vegan and gluten-free dishes in West Yorkshire. Truly delicious.

Things to do in Leeds

Take your pick of the bunch of these exciting activities in God’s Own Country.

• Walk the Leeds Street Art Trail

Keep your artistic eye open as you wander the ginnels (Leeds for alleyway) and back streets of the city, and you might just spot a heavily armoured elephant and a 12-metre-tall Kalvin Phillips (England footballer). Make sure you don’t miss any of the murals around town by following the Visit Leeds’ official trail.

• Swing from the treetops at Go Ape

Go Ape has opened its doors and built its rope swings for the first time in West Yorkshire. Aerial adventures are designed with youngsters in mind, meaning that kids from the age of six can climb and zip their way through challenging outdoor obstacles. Why not get in the swing of things at Temple Newsam?

• Cheer a sporting team from the stands

Leeds is well represented in the nation’s favourite sports. There’s Elland Road for Premier League football action and the Emerald Headingley, home to both the Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. If you book your staycation on an away day, you can always take a stadium tour instead.

• Take In Some History At The Leeds City Museum

Leeds City Museum is a great place to visit and there are loads of different things to see and do. There are four floors, all which have a completely different theme. The museum has got some interesting objects from all around the world.

• See Your Favourite Artist At The First Direct Arena

The First Direct Arena is a large concert venue in Leeds, England. It was opened in September 2013.

The arena has an impressive capacity of 13,000 and is only a 15 minute walk from Leeds Train Station, making it easily accessible by car and public transport. The First Direct Arena has hosted stars including Dua Lipa, Rick Astley and Stormzy

The popular Festival takes place over three days at Bramham Park and over 70,000 people attend each year.