'Leeds. The UK's best shopping destination.'
Rough Guide to Britain 2006
Leeds combines a fast-paced, buzzing city centre with the serenity of calming countryside in easy reach. Rich local history, world class sports, fantastic shopping and a diverse programme of public events are just some of the things that make Leeds such a great place to enjoy.
Unrivalled visitor attractions and experiences on offer vary from jousting at the Royal Armouries to the outstanding collections on display at the city’s many galleries and museums.
Leeds is a shopaholic’s dream – from the elegant domed structure of the Corn Exchange to the exquisite Victoria Quarter and the endless mountain of goodies within Kirkgate Market, the city centre caters for every taste and budget. Out of the city centre, the White Rose Centre offers many major brands under one roof with easy access and free parking. Further afield lie the market towns of Otley and Wetherby.
As one of Europe’s greenest cities, Leeds has acres of parkland to discover. Temple Newsam, one of England’s great historic estates, offers 1,500 acres of woodland, farm and gardens as well as guided tours of the magnificent Tudor-Jacobean house.
Roundhay Park incorporates 700 acres of rolling parkland, lakes, woodlands and gardens, and is one of 13 ‘historic landscapes’ in Leeds. Harewood House offers outstanding art collections, fascinating exhibitions, formal gardens, a bird garden and an adventure playground, as well as the new Yorkshire Planetarium.
The picturesque ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian monastery, provide an atmospheric backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Leeds City Art Gallery has “probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London.” The Times
Leeds Rhinos Rugby League and Leeds Carnegie Rugby Union share the world-famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium with Yorkshire County Cricket Club First XI
Xscape Castleford is one of the biggest indoor ski slopes in the country
Leeds has a fine selection of 21 public and private golf courses
Brazilian Soccer Schools started in Leeds in 1996 and now has 600 schools worldwide
Wetherby racecourse was established in 1891 and is considered one of best jump courses in the country
Bramham Horse Trials attracts some of the world’s best riders for dressage, show jumping and cross country trials
Leeds facts:
717,000 residents live in the Metropolitan District – the second largest of any in England (Leeds City Council)
The city is the diverse and multicultural – home to more than 75 different nationalities (Leeds City Council)
People love living in Leeds. 91% of residents state that it provides a great quality of life, and 94% say they are proud of their city. (Leeds City Image Survey 2003)
A national survey recently crowned Leeds the UK’s most ‘female-friendly’ city. (Future Laboratory ‘Tigra Town’ Research 2006)
Leeds city centre has 3.5 million sq ft of retail floorspace, five miles of shopping streets and one of the country’s largest pedestrianised shopping areas
Over two-thirds of the Leeds Metropolitan District is designated green belt land and the city centre is less than 20 miles from the Yorkshire Dales National Park