Leeds City What to do!

.Art, culture
& heritage
• Leisure
• Sightseeing
• Food & drink
• Celebrities
• Secret Britain
• Itineraries
• 2012 Games
• Cheap &
free Britain
• Premier League
There are many fantastic museums, cafés, restaurants and theatres to visit
Leeds Bradford International Airport
Leeds
LS19 7TU

• Leeds Rail East Coast [11] - serve London (Kings Cross) (2-2.5hr).
• First TransPennine Express [12] - serve Dewsbury, Huddersfield (30 min), Stalybridge, Manchester (1hr), Hull, Manchester Airport (see above), Liverpool, York (20-30 min), Scarborough (90 min) and Newcastle (90 min).
• Northern Rail [13] - serve Bradford, the scenic Settle-Carlisle route and intermediate stations to Manchester.
By coach
• Megabus [16] - to/from London.
• National Express [17] - to/from London and other cities and towns.
• Yorkshire Coastliner (bus) [18] - to/from York and the beautiful Yorkshire coast.
• Millennium Square. There is generally something going on! A great public space home to some gorgeous civic architecture, concerts, exhibitions, ice rinks, Christmas markets. edit
• St Anne's Cathedral, Cookridge Street, [24]. Small, but an extremely interesting example of an Arts and Crafts, 19th Century Catholic Cathedral - unique within the UK. edit
• St John's Church, New Briggate. Hidden away within peaceful gardens lies this true gem, built just before the English Civil War, it has beautiful ornate woodwork in its charming interior, and architecturally it is an extremely rare example of a 17th century double nave design. edit
• Town Hall, The Headrow, [25]. The city's symbol and pride and joy, one of the world's finest Victorian buildings, and home to a dazzling array of concerts, particularly during the city's popular and extensive International Concert Season [26]. The recently restored interior is stunning. edit
• Leeds Art Gallery and The Henry Moore Institute, The Headrow. The world of modern and classical art is at your disposal here in Leeds. It has a small but interesting range of exhibits, and is a great place to kill half an hour. Free. edit
• Oxford Place Chapel, Oxford Place. Lovely 19th Century, red-brick baroque church. edit
• Victoria Quarter including County Arcade, Briggate, [27]. When the Victorian civic authorities sought to improve the sights and foul smells of Briggate and the city centre, they demolished some of the city's dirtiest yards, alleyways, shambles and lanes and built covered shopping arcades filled with fine establishments. These catered for the refined tastes of the growing moneyed classes of Leeds. This rebuilding continued into Edwardian times and the legacy is some of Europe's finest, most elegant shopping locations. Today these arcades are home to some of the most exclusive designer shops in Great Britain (Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Luis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols to name a few). edit
• Kirkgate Market, Vicar Lane, [28]. This traditional British market is largest in Europe. Housed in an opulent late Victorian palace to commerce, it has both indoor and outdoor stalls. Marks and Spencer had their first establishment here, originally called, 'Marks Penny Bazaar'. edit
• Corn Exchange, Call Lane, [29]. Shopping in surroundings to rival any of Leeds' fine arcades. Located just to the south of Kirkgate markets on Vicar Lane. Designed by Cuthbert Broderick and architecturally based on the Paris corn exchange. A largely elliptical building, crowned with a great glass dome roof, that allows light to stream in even on the greyest Yorkshire winter mornings. (Broderick was also architect of Leeds town hall and the Leeds Mechanics' Institute, Millennium Square, Two shops designed by Broderick still survive opposite the Mechanics Institute on Cookridge Street, now converted into a cocktail bar.) edit
• Parish Church, Kirkgate, [30]. An attractive and fairly large neo-gothic church with a renowned choir and concerts from time to time. During the rebuilding of the Parish church in Victorian times, the original Saxon crosses where Leeds folk would have worshipped in the 8/9th centuries (well before the first church of Leeds had been founded) were unearthed in the medieval tower and is permanently on display inside. edit
• Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane. An unassuming location and exterior hide an elegant baroque interior, built for the merchant class by subscription and donation so they could worship well away from the lower working classes of the city. The Iconic spire of Holy Trinity has dominated the skyline of the city for hundreds of years and was restored in 2006/7. edit
• Park Square. A lovely Georgian square reminiscent of Dublin, and is often an overlooked haven of tranquility in the city centre. (Hard to find without a map) edit
• Clarence Dock, river area, [31]. This interesting development of cafés, restaurants, shops and apartments was completed during 2008. Home to Royal Armouries Museum. edit
• The Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, river area (Clarence Dock), [32]. National museum of all things deadly, from swords and guns to armoury and pikes, now famous for its regular live jousting. Contains rare armour belonging to King Henry VIII and a diverse arsenal from the Royal collection, sourced from a-far a field as China, India and America. Features rare experimental pistols, and weaponry from many of the world's conflicts. edit
• Salem Chapel, Bridge End. Interesting and unique chapel. Also the place where Leeds United football club was founded, replacing the old bankrupt Leeds City football club. edit
Central Shopping District
Exchange Quarter
Financial District
Other attractions
• Thackray Medical Museum, Beckett Street (next door to St James' Hospital), [34]. Award winning. The best of its kind in the country, with all manner of exhibits and the chance to experience the life of a Victorian child or mill-worker (and their often gruesome medical history). If you've got children, you'd be mad to miss it! edit
• Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay, [35]. Great for a rainy day as it's all indoors, this extensive menagerie has animals, birds, fish and insects from across the globe in thoughtfully themed zones. edit
• Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road (off Selby Road), [36]. One of the great historic estates in England. With over 1500 acres landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century, it is a large Tudor–Jacobean mansion housing a large collection of works of art. The garden has some excellent walks and houses a working Rare Breeds farm. edit
• Harewood House, Harewood Village, [37]. This huge estate, complete with extensive gardens, lake, lovely café and bird gardens, is owned by the Queen's cousin. The opulent roccoco house itself is well worth a look around. edit
• Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Kirkstall,, [38]. Largest abbey in the North of England - see below. One of the UK's biggest and best preserved abbeys, recently restored with a new visitor centre. It's 3 miles out of town but lovers of history and architecture, or those in search of a beautiful and peaceful spot in the city won't regret making the trip. Buses (33/33a) every 10 minutes from the city centre. Opposite is Abbey House Museum [39]. edit
• Armley Mills, Canal Road, Armley,, [40]. Excellent museum of industry and Leeds' (major) role in the Industrial Revolution. edit
• Thwaite Mills, Thwaite Lane, Stourton, [41]. Rare example of a former stone-crushing mill, now an excellent working museum. edit
• Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet, [42]. The oldest working railway in the world. Situated in South Leeds between Middleton and Hunslet, it used to carry coal from the coal mines to the south of the city to the factories of Hunslet and central Leeds. You can now have a ride on the historic rolling stock. edit
• Church of St John the Baptist, Church Lane, Adel, [43]. Whilst a long way out of town, this leafy and extremely affluent suburb has some lovely houses, and is a world a way from the bustle of the city centre - nearby York Gate garden is beautiful and well worth a visit), this lovely and well-preserved early Norman church set in verdant grounds is a hidden treasure edit
• Bramham Park, Wetherby, [44]. Another such stately home to the north-east of Leeds with a long history and lovely gardens and grounds. edit
[edit] Future attractions
N.B. under construction or planned for the future:
• Holbeck Urban Village, [45]. The complete renovation and restoration of an entire city district. In the south-west of central Leeds, this historic area was key to the Industrial Revolution, and has many buildings and sites of interest, including the stunning Egyptian-style Temple Mill and Italianate Tower Works. The restoration and redevelopment has already begun with the Round Foundry, a new-age village of offices, flats, cafés and media centres complete with traditional paved streets and 200-year old buildings. A plethora of other developments promise that this area will become more and more of an exciting new destination. edit
• Lumiere, Wellington Street, [46]. Construction halted in July 2008.. Planned to be the tallest residential building in Europe, Lumiere also included a winter garden, numerous shops and restaurants. It was to be a dramatic new addition to the city's skyline (and at 52 stories the tallest UK building outside London). If construction starts again at a later date, it will no doubt grab the attention of visitors and residents alike. edit
The City Museum, Art Gallery, Henry Moore Institute, Markets, Library and Royal Armories are all free, indoors and walkable in the city centre. Tropical World is cheap, indoors and warm in Roundhay. Also in the city centre, many of the shops are undercover due to being in arcades or shopping centres. The following route means it is possible to shop without getting too wet: the Merrion Centre, St Johns Centre, the Core, Queens Arcade, Victoria Quarter, Debenhams then M&S. edit
cottage
Hyde park picture house
Theatre & comedy
• The Carriageworks, Millennium Square, [57]. Home to the city's impressive range of amateur dramatic and musical groups, including the acclaimed Leeds Youth Opera [58] edit
• Jongleurs, [59]. The Leeds branch of the national comedy club chain. edit
• City Varieties Music Hall, [60]. World famous and has even had Charlie Chaplin tread the boards. Home to a mix of shows. edit
• Grand Theatre, [61]. Major shows (often straight from the West End); also this is the home of the world famous (and extraordinarily good) Opera North who perform a wide repertoire of operas and operettas. edit
• Seven, Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, [62]. A new theatre and arts centre due to open soon on Harrogate Road in Chapel Allerton edit
• West Yorkshire Playhouse, [63]. More adventurous and often performs world premiers and encourages local talent - well worth a visit. Lucky travellers may arrive in time for one of the themed, almost festival-style programmes. edit
[edit] Live music
The city's music scene is burgeoning at the moment, and Leeds is a great place to see up-and-coming talent, with recently successful bands such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Kaiser Chiefs and Sunshine Underground. Leeds is home to many live performances from big-name stars, mostly at outdoor concerts. Millennium Square in the city centre regularly has gigs with a 7,000 capacity. Leeds is planning to build an indoor concert arena of around (or possibly over) 14,000 seats. See also: Clubs, for example The Cockpit and HiFi.
• Harewood House, [64]. Summer. edit
• Leeds Festival, [65]. Northern twin of the famous Reading festival. 3 days of live bands and stars from around the world play to 80,000 people every summer bank holiday weekend. You can camp over, or attend just one day. edit
• Leeds Irish Centre, York Road, East Leeds. Regular concerts from a variety of different types of musical acts. edit
• Leeds Metropolitan University (Leeds Met), [66]. edit
• Roundhay Park. edit
• Temple Newsam. Every year, Temple Newsam plays host to the UK's original Party in the Park pop extravaganza featuring big name chart stars of the minute. Opera in the Park is a massively popular outdoor festival of opera and songs from the shows, also at Temple Newsam. edit
• Leeds University Refectory. Hosts a huge number of concerts from medium-large bands across the year. It is famously where the Who recorded their seminal live album Live at Leeds. edit
• The Wardrobe, Quarry Hill. Famed for its diverse range of quality live music, including a strong jazz offer. edit
• Leeds International Pianoforte Competition, Leeds Town Hall, [67]. Every 3 years (2012). One of the world's most prestigious piano contests, held every 3 years in the magnificent Victorian Town Hall, this event attracts the world's best piano players. Next due to be held 2012. edit
[edit] Sport
There are plenty of leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools across the city, though unfortunately there won't be a public swimming pool in the city centre until the University one is completed. Major city centre fitness/leisure centres are deluxe Esporta, LA fitness and the ubiquitous Virgin Active. Some hotels have great leisure facilities or agreements with local centres for free access for guests.
• John Charles Centre for Sport, South Leeds, [68]. International standard facilities for all four jumping disciplines: triple jump, long jump, high jump and pole vault. As well as an area for javelin throwing, an indoor throwing cage is available for discus and hammer. The centre also has its own specific weights area, designed specifically for use by athletes, dedicated to high performance and strength training. An eight lane all weather outdoor athletics track conforms to full International Association of Athletics Federations specifications. Six indoor tennis courts and six outdoor floodlit courts provide the ideal tennis environment either for the complete beginner or the established player. Leeds has a brand new (2007) 50 metre pool and diving centre. edit
• Cricket (Yorkshire County Cricket Club), Headingley, [69]. April-September. Also a Test Match venue. edit
• Leeds United Football Club, [70]. August-May. Currently in the Championship (the second tier of English League football), edit
• Rugby League (Leeds Rhinos), Headingley, [71]. Best supported Rugby club in the UK (League or Union). World Champions 2005 & 2007, Superleague Champions 2004, 2007, 2008 & 2009. edit
• Ice Cube, Millennium Square, [72]. January-March. Outdoor ice skating. edit
• Pole Position Indoor Karting, [73]. edit
• Rugby Union (Leeds Tykes), [74]. September-May. Currently in the Guinness Premiership (the top tier of English Rugby Union) - Powergen Cup Winner 2004. edit
• Xscape Castleford, Colorado Way, Castleford, [75]. Real snow indoor ski slopes (with designer outlet, cinema and nightlife). Indoor real snow skiing, Ice climbing wall, cinema and restaurants! edit
ny European city other than Vienna).
• Roundhay Park, [76]. Huge picturesque park with 2 lakes, café, flower gardens and walks. Right next to Tropical World, and the lovely formal Canal Gardens, be sure to visit them all in one day. edit
• Golden Acre Park, North West Leeds, [77]. Gardens and café set around huge lake. edit
• Hall Park, Horsforth. Some distance from central Leeds, has lovely Japanese Gardens and is accessible by bus. edit
• The Hollies Arboretum, North West Leeds, [78]. Large botanical garden set in lush woodlands with a wonderful selection of plants. edit
• Kirkstall Abbey Park, Kirkstall. Picturesque riverside park containing the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey (see above) edit
• Lotherton Hall, [79]. Deer park, extensive and interesting bird garden, historic hall and café. Museum. edit
• Meanwood Valley Trail, [80]. edit
• Otley Chevin, Otley , North Leeds, [81]. edit
• Temple Newsam, East Leeds, [82]. Country mansion, wonderful parkland and rare breeds visitor farm (excellent for kids) - all within the city boundary! edit
• Woodhouse Moor, Central/North Leeds. The closest big park to central Leeds, between Leeds University and Hyde Park Corner. In summer months it is packed to be are large fields, small formal gardens and a skate park. edit
• Victoria Quarter, Briggate, city centre, [86]. Home of Harvey Nichols [87], North Face, Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood [88] and much more, the upmarket (and architecturally stunning) jewel in the crown of Leeds' shopping district. edit
• Thornton's Arcade and Queen's Arcade, city centre (opposite Victoria Quarter). Opposite the Victoria Quarter offer a range of interesting (if mainly fairly pricey) shops including some great boutiques and one-off places. edit
• Corn Exchange, city centre, [89]. A stunning domed interior and a range of shops to please both label-lovers and teenagers, as well as stalls and cafés. There are occasional concerts, exhibitions, fetes and the Christmas decorations are lovely. edit
• Market, Kirkgate, city centre, [90]. The biggest cover market/market on one site in Europe. Fascinating even just for the atmosphere of a traditional British market. Largest indoor market in Europe and also is a beautiful Victorian building and a landmark in Leeds it also has a outdoor market which sells everything from food to clothes to electronics and accessories. Fresh seafood are highly recommended. edit
• Granary Wharf, (literally under the railway station). By the canal, has a selection of interesting boutiques, restaurants, exhibition space, a small concert venue, street performers and more in a unique subterranean setting. There is also a regular market. The waterfront area is undergoing redevelopment but the range of shops on offer is set to only get bigger. edit
The districts of Chapel Allerton, Headingley and Roundhay also offer a smaller (but worthwhile) range of boutiques and other shops. Crossgates in East Leeds has a medium sized shopping centre and many highstreet shops and cafés, and Horsforth in the North West offers a range of shops and eateries.
[edit] Food

• Chinese. There are a number of Chinese food shops around Vicar Lane and the Templar Street Chinatown Arcade - including a well-stocked oriental supermarket on Vicar Lane itself. The best restaurants around are Tong Palace on Vicar Lane, and Red Chili on Great George Street. edit
• Harvey Nichols Foodmarket, Briggate, city centre, [91]. Small, squashed between Fourth Floor Restaurant and Yo Sushi, but it has lots of expensive goodies for that extra special something. edit
• Out of this World, city centre. Excellent, well stocked, fair-trade organic mini-market offering all the food you could want, but tastier, healthier, more ethically responsible and, admittedly, more expensive.p edit
• Pickles & Potter. Sandwich shop par excellence, this award winning little place just off Lands Lane gets mouths watering. The chocolate brownies are genuinely the best you will ever have. The roast beef sandwich is also highly recommended. Some of the most expensive Pork Pies ever encountered! edit
• Salvo's Salumeria, Headingley. Range of fine authentic Italian produce. edit
• Dock Street Market, Dock Street, city centre. Exclusive but excellent deli-cum-mini market. edit
• Kirkgate Market, Kirkgate, city centre. Kirkgate market (see also above) has a massive range of traditional food stalls - including "Butcher Row" featuring numerous traditional Yorkshire butchers all next door to one another, and a number of well-stocked and good value fishmongers, fruit & veg stalls, and other food outlets. edit
The lively area of Harehills (bus no 12, 13, 49 or 50) in East Leeds has a bad reputation locally for crime and poverty, and whilst the visitor should be aware that it is maybe best not to flash expensive items or visit the area after dark, it is worth visiting for its fantastic range of food shops, cafés and restaurants from across the world. A true cultural melting pot, the area has everything from Jamaican grill-houses to Indian restaurants, Persian tea-shops to Eastern European supermarkets, and if you want to experience authentic international food or simply see another side of the city, it is an interesting place to go - and prices are far lower than in many other areas.
[edit] Books, CDs, DVDs
Leeds has all the major chains such as HMV, Waterstones, WHSmith, etc and also a variety of smaller independent shops including Crash Records on The Headrow and Jumbo Records in the St. John's Centre, which hosts fairly regular instore performances (there's also lots of second hand places - including a massive, well-stocked Oxfam Books & Music in Headingley)
[edit][add listing] Eat
This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget Under £10
Mid-range £10-£20
Splurge Over £20
There are many restaurants in central Leeds that everyone can find something to their taste and budget. There are all the usual chains (many of which have several branches in the city) and a huge variety of one-off places, including many award-winners. Headingley, Chapel Allerton, Roundhay and various other districts outside the centre food delivered from a selection of top Leeds restaurants for a fee [92].
Café culture is thriving in Leeds, with a great number of places for a lunch or lighter meal, and there are also many fine curry houses in the city, due to the large South Asian population.
Leeds has a successful annual food and drink festival, held at the end of August, with many free events bookable in advance.
[edit] Restaurants
• Aagrah, Quarry Hill, city centre, [93]. Is an expanding Bradford-based chain of quality curry houses. edit
• Akbars, Eastgate, city centre, [94]. A chain of excellent curry houses. Try the masala fish! edit
• Arti, 285 Roundhay Road, ☎ 0871 8115354, [95]. Simply stunning Indian restaurant with authentic and tasty food. Very popular with Asians and Indians; this can only be a good thing. Wonderful relaxed atmosphere; the rice is absolutely stupendous and must be tried - the owner also runs the post office next door! edit
• Arts Café, exchange quarter, [96]. One of the oldest establishments in the Exchange Quarter, with a friendly-relaxed vibe and food to die for at very reasonable prices (the desserts are especially delicious). edit
• Bibis, city centre, [97]. Wonderful Italian food served in a fantastic Art-Deco restaurant - packed with local regulars who know a good thing when they eat it! edit
• Café Guru, Brewery Wharf, river area, [98]. Design-lead swanky new Indian restaurant. edit
• Casa Mia, Casa Mia Grande and Casa Mia Millennium, Casa Mia and Casa Mia Grande: Chapel Allerton, North Leeds; Casa Mia Grande: Millennium Square, city centre. Locally famous for their top-notch Italian fare. edit
• The Clock Café, Hyde Park. This wikitraveller has found it difficult to fault this restaurant despite several visits. Anything on the menu is delicious and the service and beers (no weak fizzy lager here!) are outstanding, ranging from traditional English to renowned Czech produce. The setup is basic with benches and tables but the atmosphere is pitched just right for small groups and couples - recommended. If there were popularity contests for bar staff, this place would win. edit
• The Flying Pizza, Roundhay, [99]. North Leeds institution. In the centre of Roundhay, this fantastic Italian restaurant has been going for well over 30 years. edit
• Curry Lounge,Roundhay,North Leeds popular Indian Restaurant,In the heart of Roundhay serving popular Indian Dishes
• Georgetown, [100]. Behind the striking clockmakers' facade lies a subtropical palace to colonial opulence, decked out in impeccable but tasteful old world grandeur and serving delicious Malay cuisine: an experience for all the senses. edit
• Hansa's, North Street. Acclaimed vegetarian Indian restaurant with curries to die for. Service can be extremely slow. On two midweek visits, we had a one-hour wait for the main course. edit
• La Rosa Restaurant & Bar, Pudsey, Leeds, ☎ 01274 66 55 06 ([e-mail]), [101]. Home of authentic Italian food. edit
• Little Tokyo, Exchange Quarter. Multi-award winning Japanese place. edit
• Livebait, The Calls, city centre, [102]. Excellent seafood restaurant with simple, traditional style and decor and emphasis on quality food. edit
• The Mill Race, Kirkstall, West Leeds (5min walk from Kirkstall Abbey). Hearty organic fare in a beautiful building, this place often needs reservations but the food is breathtaking. edit
• L'Oranaise, Hyde Park, [103]. This Algerian restaurant offers authentic atmosphere and eating. The food is amongst the best this Wikitraveller has tasted in Leeds. Teas and coffees can be taken upstairs amongst the low tables and scatter cushions. edit
• The Red Chilli, Electric Press/The Carriageworks, Great George Street, city centre. Highly recommended Chinese restaurant. The most SNOBISH Chinese restaurant in Leeds. edit
• Restaurant Bar & Grill, City Square, city centre, [104]. Simply named, this restaurant sits in a stunning location in the Old Post Office conversion, and exudes style and elegance, offering a range of fantastic quality meals and drinks. edit
• Safran, Kirkgate, city centre. Fantastic authentic Iranian cuisine. edit
• Salvos, Headingley, [105]. Italian restaurant and salumeria/café two doors down. Both fantastic simple food, great atmosphere. edit
• Simply Heathcotes. Exclusive but incredibly good waterfront restaurant. edit
• SiSushi, Great George Street, city centre and Harrogate Road, North Leeds, [106]. Great sushi restaurant and takeaway. edit
• Tampopo, financial quarter. Ever-popular swanky noodle restaurant. edit
• Truffles, Kippax, [107]. A 20-minute journey out of town to this award winning restaurant, twice voted best restaurant in Leeds. Book now, waiting list of about 4 months. Serves the finest Traditional English as well as imaginative dishes to die for! A welcoming warm atmosphere with lashings of luxury! edit
• Viva Cuba, Queen Square, city centre and Kirkstall Road, West Leeds. Excellent, acclaimed Cuban Tapas restaurant. edit
[edit] Budget
• Brio, Great George Street and The Light Plaza, both city centre, [108]. Popular Italian restaurant with generous portions and great pizzas. edit
• Cuban Heels, exchange quarter. Beautiful, relaxed little restaurant-café-bar with buckets of charm, great food and a lovely, intimate location in railway arches on a cobbled site street. Inexpensive with midweek offers. edit
• Lucky Dragon, Chinatown Arcade, Templar Street, city centre. Authentic Chinese restaurant. edit
[edit] Mid-range
• Akbars, Eastgate, city centre. Award-winning Indian food served in cosmopolitan surroundings - and at reasonable prices too! Focus is on portion size rather than taste, however, and although the interior is gorgeous, it is often simply too full - one always feels rushed here. edit
• Maxi's, The Light Plaza, city centre. Renowned Chinese restaurant. edit
• Room, (near railway station). Surprisingly affordable stylish restaurant deservedly popular with the city's rich and famous, serving modern takes on traditional British food. edit
[edit] Splurge
• Anthonys, city centre, [109]. Michelin star rated. If
• Brasserie Blanc, [110]. New to the Leeds restaurant scene and owned by world famous chef Raymond Blanc. edit
• Fourth Floor at Harvey Nichols, Briggate, city centre, [111]. Renowned Leeds branch restaurant has been going strong for years with an culously pricey. edit
• La Grillade, 27 Wellington St, [112]. French food with perhaps the best steaks in Leeds. Small menu that concentrates on meat, small wine list, the bottle we had was one of the best New Zealand sauvignons I have had, I would assume the rest are also well chosen. Fantastc cheese board, concentrating again on French, the Epoisse was very ripe. The staff were attentive without being fussy. The clientele it being a Wednesday appeared to be mainly business men. Not cheap but very tasty. edit
• Mio Modo, financial quarter. Plush Italian restaurant oozes style and whilst not cheap the excellent food easily makes it worth the prices. edit
• Sous Le Nez en Ville, financial quarter (near railway station). Fantastic dining experience below street level in this exclusive-but-well-worth-it restaurant. Does a very good value early bird menu, but you need to book in advance at the weekend. edit
[edit] Cafés, coffees and light meals
As well as a plethora of fine restaurants, Leeds also has a huge range of cafés and placut here are a pick of some Leeds cafés:
• Bagel Nash, City Square; The Light Plaza, The Headrow and Swan Street, all city centre. Rapidly expanding Leeds bagel chain, with a massive range of bagels and fillings, all extremely tasty. edit
• Citrus, Corn Exchange, city centre and Headingley. Ever-popular café-bar. edit
• French Connection, County Arcade, Victoria Quarter, city centre. Pleasant café. edit
• Harvey Nichols' Café, Briggate, city centre, [113]. High quality treats that won't break the bank. edit
• Just Bean. More of a coffee stand, this nonetheless was titled best place for coffee in the city, with its organic drinks at reasonable prices. edit
• Philpotts, St Paul's Street, financial quarter, [114]. Top quality sandwich deli and juice bar. edit
• Roots & Fruits, Grand Arcade, city centre. Quality vegetarian café with a relaxed atmosphere. edit
• Sahara, Eastgate, city centre. All-day and all-night, it may look a tad grubby but you can't argue with the food (or the sheesha). edit
• Tiled Hall Café, The Headrow, city centre. A magnificent tiled hall linking the city library and city art gallery next to the Town Hall. A must for any visitor, and pop in the gallery and library for a free look round. edit
• Wrappid, city centre. Fajita/wrap café. Free Drink eg. coffee refills. edit
[edit][add listing] Drink
Leeds' two large universities means there is a vibrant, diverse and thumping nightlife scene ir clubbing [116]. All areas (indeed, most streets) of central Leeds offer something in the way of nightlife, but the main areas are:
• Call Lane in the Exchange Quarter (one of the city's main nightlife districts), offering a range of bars (which many would argue are the best in the city) from chic to bohemian. The area around the Calls and the Parish Church has overspill from Call Lane and some great waterfront bars and restaurants
• The 'yards' off Briggate are home to both traditional pubs and modern bars and clubs. Boar Lane is for the most part made up of standard chain bars and more downmarket drinking establishments, but a few buck the trend. Architecturally lovely Assemng with many hot new venues.
• The Civic Quarter has everything: flashy bars in the Electric Press, traditional pubs, and loud, trendy bars and clubs above Millennium Square
• The financial district has a number of dispersed, chic watering holes. Park Row continues along the same lines as Greek Street
• Brewery Wharf on the south bank is growing as a drinking destination
• Lower Briggate is the centre of the gay community, and a variety of establishments in the area reflect this, though most are welcoming (and many are popular with) the straights.
Out of the city centre, the districts of Headingley and Chapel Allerton are extremely popular for bars and restaurants. Exclusive Street Lane in Roundhay is also becoming increasingly popular. (See their respective guides for details on specific drinking spots in these areas.)
[edit] Pubs and bars
Leeds Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) [117] offer free pub guides from their website. What follows is a selection of some of Leeds' highlights, but it is by no means definitive or all-inclusive!
• The Adelphi, Dock Street, river area. Great selection of British beers, interesting decorative mix of Victorian pub architecture and 70s retro decor. A gem! Gay friendly. Good food too (including a few veggie options) at reasonable prices. edit
• Baby Jupiter, York Place. Ultra-stylish bar which exudes class and has beautiful interiors to match. edit
• Boutique, (off Call Lane), [118]. Fantastic range of cocktails. edit
• The Duck and Drake, (near market). A 'locals' pub. edit
• Epernay, Electric Press/The Carriggeworks, Great George Street, city centre. High-quality champagne bar. edit
• Fab Café, (south of Leeds Metropolitan University). Great place to visit if you like your music away from the mainstream, and they actually have what seems to be an original 'Star Wars: The Trilogy' arcade cabinet! edit
• Further North, (North Leeds, Chapel Allerton). Hidden gem owned by the people who brought you North Bar. excellent beer selection in a cosy Belgian style corner bar. edit
• Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen, Millennium Square, city centre. Gay-friendly, trendy - a place to meet your date. edit
• Call Lane, city centre, [119]. Thought of by many as having the best drinks in the city, and is on one of the city's busiest bar strips.
• Norman, Call Lane, city centre. Sexy and stylish, has bucket-loads of atmosphere and great drinks. edit
• Milo, Call Lane, city centre. Bohemian, has bucket-loads of atmosphere and great drinks. DJs and often a bit of dancing too. edit
• Mojo Bar, northern quarter, city centre, [120]. Old favourite still going strong with a wonderful, friendly atmosphere and drinks to die for. edit
• North Bar, 24 New Briggate, city centre, [121]. Unrivalled beer selection! Recently named best place to drink in Britain by The Observer. edit
• The Oracle, Brewery Wharf, river area, [122]. Swanky new waterfront bar has a glittering reputation founded on its outstanding cocktail and champagne menu, exclusive members bar, ultra-cool interior design, gourmet burgers, chauffeur service and lovely riverside setting. edit
• The Palace, (near bus station). edit
• Prohibition, Greek Street, city centre. If you like to flash the cash, Greek Street is the place for you - and Prohibition one of its best bars. edit
• The Reliance, North Street, city centre. Laid back, loungy bar, also does great food. edit
• The Scarbrough Hotel, (near train station). Leeds CAMRA Pub of the Year 2003/4. edit
• Strawberryfields [123]. Not your usual brewery owned pub.This family run and owned continental style bar is very popular with students, pre drinkers to Halo, otley runners. Located on the main road between met and uni.
• Victoria Family and Commercial Hotel, city centre (behind Town Hall). A refurbished Victorian gem. edit
• Whitelocks, off Briggate, city centre. A great historic pub, one of the most impressive (and oldest) in Leeds. edit
Leeds' thriving gay village (the city's first annual Pride festival launched in 2006) has a number of venues, including the ever-popular old stalwart Queen's Court, Lower Briggate housed in a fine 17th century building, amongst notable others including Fibre, The Bridge Inn, Blayds Bar, The New Penny, The Viaduct and Religion to name a few.
[edit] Clubs
Leeds was voted Best UK City for Clubbing, certainly not for nothing! People flock to the city from all parts of the country for a bit of the action. It is common to meet clubbers from London on a night out. The city centre is packed to bursting with bars and clubs, ranging from cutting edge chic to indie and alternative to cheesy tunes for the drunken masses to small select places for people who really like their music (house is still very much in vogue in Leeds, but whatever your musical taste is, you are guaranteed to find something). Here is a short list of some of the best and/or most popular places in the city at the moment:
• Baja Beach Club. If you are drunk and want to hear Chesney Hawkes, it’s the place for you. edit
• The Cockpit, city centre, [124]. edit
• Discotheque by Gatecrasher. Very popular Saturday nights. £10-£15 entry Sat. Night. edit
• Halo, city centre. Student nightclub located in a former church near the university entrance, where you will find Voodoo and Skewed Circus events. Skewed Circus [125] is the pan-Northern funky alternative cabaret event run by theatre, comedy and musical promotions company Komedy Kollective [126] held monthly in Leeds, at the Halo nightclub. Similar high profile monthly events are held at Manchester and Bradford. A mile from the city centre. Voodoo is also always packed and a great night. More mainstream dance. edit
• Hifi. Good range of live music, particularly jazz. Regularly voted the best club in the city, has a range of quality nights out with quality music in easy-going yet chic surroundings...everything from jazz to reggae to hip hop. edit
• Mint. Quality dance music nights. Much to eet. edit
• Mission. Very trendy. Ranging nights, from Glasshouse to Purrfect Electro this has it. It also has some gay nights. edit
• My House. (aka Stinky's Peephouse) - new home for one of the UK's biggest club nights: Back to Basics (Sa). edit
• Oceana. Huge, has many rooms, overpriced (like all other big nightclubs in Leeds) but still fun. 19+ Friday night, 21+ Saturday night. Upstairs can be hired out for private events until 10PM when it opens, but this is a cheap way to get friends (people or under 21) in on a Saturday night. edit
• Rehab, Assembly Street, city centre. After a shaky period, this club is picking itself back up, having poached ever-popular nights Speedqueen and Fruity. edit
• The Space. Great Thursday nights (Habit) and great weekends sometimes too! Although Fridays and Saturdays are to be avoided unless you know it will be busy, its not really a Friday or Saturday night place. edit
• Townhouse. Very trendy bar (and pseudo-club) for the beautiful (and well-dressed) with a range of music and great drinks. Upstairs can be hired out for private events. edit
• Wire. Quality indie, rock and alternative club. edit
There are several gay nights (and fully gay venues) in clubs on and around Lower Briggate, including Mission, Fibre and Queen's Court.
The West Indian Centre on Chapeltown Road has a reputation for great fun nights of a less-mainstream kind, including ever-popular monthly Subdub. Whilst the venue itself is friendly and safe (or as safe as can be expected from a club), Chapeltown has a bad reputation, and to avoid trouble, go in fairly large groups and don't wonder around outside. It is best to take a taxi or at least a bus. Don't walks the two miles from the centre as it is very difficult to find the place, and it is near rough estates.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Budget
There are currently no Youth Hostels in Leeds except during the summer months when a temporary city centre hostel operates. However plans are afoot for a permanent hostel to open shortly. There are a number of B&Bs behind the university on Woodsley Rd, 20 minutes walk from the city centre and less than half an hour from the station. Cardigan Rd in Headingley also has a range of B&Bs, right next to the Cricket Ground, minutes from the shops, bars and restaurants of central Headingley and on the 18 & 56 bus routes into the city centre.
• Etap Hotel Leeds Centre, 2 The Gateway North, Crown Point Road, ☎ [phone], [127]. From £36. edit
• Express by Holiday Inn Leeds Armouries, Armouries Drive, Clarence Dock, city centre, ☎ [phone] ([e-mail]), [128]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. From about £50. edit
• Glengarth Hotel, 162 Woodsley Road (Take Free City Bus to Dental School, right on Hyde Terrace, left on Woodsley.), ☎ [phone], [129]. Nice location among University of Leeds buildings, free wi-fi, friendly staff. £45. edit
• Ibis Leeds Centre, Marlborough Street, city centre, ☎ [phone], [130]. Pay WiFi. From about £49. edit
[edit] Mid-range
• Roomzzz Leeds City West, 2 Burley Road, Leeds, LS3 1JU, ☎ [phone], [131]. Leeds City West is an award winning Aparthotel that occupies a prime location only 15 minutes' walk away from the vital centre of Leeds and close to Leeds universities. There's a choice of superb studio apartments, individually designed to provide you with the space you need to relax, in complete comfort. LCD TV, free Wi-fi, and free Grab & Go Breakfast. edit
• Bewley's Hotel, [132]. edit
• Headingley Lodge, Headingley, [133]. Overlooking the world famous Headingley Cricket pitch. edit
• Jury's Inn, city centre, [134]. edit
• Leedslet, 26 La Salle, Chadwick Street South, Leeds, LS10 1NJ (Located just 2 minutes walk from the Royal Armouries), ☎ 0845 680 1063 ([e-mail], fax: [phone]), [135]. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 11:00. Luxury 2 bedroom apartment sleeping 4 and overlooking Clarence Dock. All mod cons and facilities including free WiFi and fully fitted kitchen. Just 10 minutes walk to to Leeds city centre but surrounded by designer shops and restaurants From £79. edit
• Merrion Hotel (Merrion Hotel Leeds), The Merrion Centre, Wade Lane, Leeds, ☎ 0113 243 9191, [136]. A comfortable 3 star hotel situated in a convenient city centre location. edit
[edit] Splurge
• Roomzzz Leeds City, 10 Swinegate, City Centre, ☎ [phone], [137]. Located just a short walk from the train station, Harvey Nichols, and the finance district. Award winning Aparthotel right in the heart of Leeds' vibrant City Centre in the Swinegate area. LCD TV, Apple Mac computers, free Wi-Fi and free Grab & Go Breakfast. edit
• 42 The Calls, 42 The Calls, city centre, [138]. Award winning establishment has now been going for years offering boutique luxury in a quiet waterfront setting only minutes from the bars and clubs of the Exchange Quarter and the city centre shops. edit
• Malmaison, city centre. Three minutes walk from the City Rail Station, located in the Swinegate area of the city. edit
• Met (formerley Hotel Metropole). Exudes class and style. edit
• Park Plaza, city centre (opposite railway station), [139]. Funky hotel in a prime location with great views on the upper floors. edit
• Quebecs, city centre, [140]. Stunningly refurbished building housing one of Leeds' finest and most luxuriant hotels in a prime location. edit
• Queens Hotel, City Square, city centre, [141]. One of Leeds' oldest hotels, its dramatic Art Deco facade and old world charm and style ensure it remains a favourite. edit
• Radisson SAS, The Light Plaza, The Headrow, city centre, [142]. edit
• Residence 6*, City Square, city centre, [143]. Serviced apartments in The Old Post Office. edit
[edit] Self Catering
A useful alternative to hotels can be to stay in self catering accommodation. There are a number of serviced apartment providers in Leeds, with many apartments in the city centre.
• Roomzzz Headingley, 361 Burley Road, Leeds, LS4 2SL, ☎ [phone], [144]. Roomzzz Headingley is an award winning Aparthotel that occupies a prime location only 5 minutes' walk away from Headingley Stadium and close to Leeds universities. There's a choice of superb apartments individually designed to provide you with the space you need to relax, in complete comfort. Minimum of three nights stay, includes LCD TV, free Wi-fi and free secure parking. edit
• Citybase Leeds Apartments, Whitehall Road, Leeds, ☎ 0845 226 9831 ([e-mail]), [145]. Over 30 apartments available, in 9 individual apartment blocks. All apartments are in city centre locations, and all are en-suite. From £50 per night to £150 per night. edit
• One-UK Leeds Apartments, 2 Cherry Tree Walk, The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EB, ☎ 0113 234 4111 ([e-mail]), [146]. Provide apartments in the city centre. edit
[edit] Stay safe
Leeds is known as a friendly city, but as with any other city, the usual tips about exercising a degree of common caution apply: leave no valuables unattended, avoid going to badly lit/shady/unknown places by yourself or walk around alone at night, etc.
There are some notorious areas of Leeds at night with seedy reputations, including much of East Leeds, the unrejuvenated areas of Chapeltown (particularly Spencer Place, a red light district), Holbeck and Mabgate. Whilst by and large these places are safe by day, it is best to avoid risking trouble.
It is also advisable to avoid displaying any memorabilia or clothing of football team Manchester United (the city's football rivals), particularly in the more sulubrious parts of town (though one can expect few problems around the city centre). Similarly, Leeds is an extremely proud city and disrespecting the area will almost certainly result in a hostile reaction to such comments. If you do encounter any trouble, the emergency services (police, ambulance, fire) number is the same as for the rest of the country: 999, or the new European wide emergency number: 112.
If you do happen to get ill in Leeds, there are of course NHS and private medical practices all across the city, with the first major healthcare centre in the city centre to be built as part of La Lumiere (see above). Leeds is also home to two of Europe's largest hospitals - Leeds General Infirmary (in the Civic Quarter) and rapidly expanding St James' (a couple of miles east of the City Centre and just south of Harehills), as well as numerous smaller hospital and PCTs across the wider city area. As with the rest of the UK, tap water is safe to drink, and you are unlikely to come across any major health risks other than speeding traffic and the effects of alcohol.
[edit] Cope
The main tourist information office for the city is in the railway station, but there are various other information points across the city (e.g. Central Lending Library, The Headrow). For foreign visitors Leeds has a range of consulates, including: Danish, 6-7 Park Place, city centre; Dutch, 12 King Street, city centre, [147]; German, 1 Whatehall Road, city centre, [148] and Greek, 8 Street Lane, Roundhay.
[edit] Get out
Leeds is the railway hub of much of Northern England, and railways serve York, Harrogate, Knaresborough, most of West Yorkshire and parts of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. The Leeds-Settle-Carlisle railway is one of the most scenic routes in the country. By road, the A64 leads to York, the A61 to Harrogate and the A65 to the Dales - there are plentiful bus services to these destinations.
• Todmorden - A lovely Victorian town about 50 minutes away by train. A bustling market, fine restaurants and striking natural beauty are all included within the town. Population : 14,000
• Kingston Upon Hull, usually called Hull for short, a 700-year-old major port city and regional capital of East Yorkshire and the Humber. Many free museums in the cobbled old town, and the most successful millennium project in the country with the spectacular aquarium, The Deep, [149] [150]
• Bradford, [151] - including National Media Museum (formerly the National Museum of Film and Photography), [152].
• Ilkley - attractive spa town is easily accessible by bus or train and lies on the edge of the Dales, with the beautiful Ilkley Moor above the town, incorporating the (climbable with equipment) Cow and Calf rock formations. The town itself is a small, genteel and attractive place with an outdoor lido (pool) popular in the summer months; Bronte Country [153] and Haworth.
• Saltaire, Bradford, [154]. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Yorkshire Sculpture Park, [155].
• Harrogate. A lovely, affluent spa town with a range of upmarket and independent shops and restaurants in its elegant Victorian town centre ringed by lovely parks (including the lush and extensive Valley Gardens). Picturesque Knaresborough is a small medieval market town dramatically located on the side of a gorge dropping to the river Nidd. A castle, viaduct, cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and thriving market only add to the charm. It is pleasantly under-visited by tourists and is easily reachable on the train from Leeds.
• Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, [156]. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yorkshire dales national park

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