Leeds is full of the authentic British spirit and secrets. Leeds is by no means a small town, but you can get around its centre in just a couple of hours, stopping at every building. It has its own unique atmosphere. Sometimes, it seems that this city was specially created for true fans of Great Britain. Learn more at ileeds.
Locals enjoy Leeds attractions and are proud to live here, while tourists like to visit the city and dream of coming back again. Lovers of a good recreation will definitely find what to do in and around the city. Here, you can satisfy literally every need, from hunger to a desire in the spectacle. The above-mentioned information is noted by Yorkshire.com.
Leeds features architecture of the Georgian, Victorian and modern eras. In general, everyone will feel comfortable in the wonderful conditions of a developed metropolis. The city preserves amazing traces of antiquity and embodies its living and eventful history.
Go Ape Temple Newsam
Children and adult rebels who love extreme and adventures will definitely appreciate this awesome place. The temple is located on the 500-year-old estate grounds, which is four miles from the Leeds centre. Here, you can spend a great time with your family moving between trees on ropes.
Visitors are invited to test their own strength high in the treetops, moving through suspension bridges, tricky crossings and ziplines. This is a great opportunity to immerse in the world of wild nature and feel your unity with the surrounding world. Thus, you don’t have to take long trips to experience active recreation because all the most interesting things are nearby.
A time spent on over 1,500 acres of scenic parkland can’t be boring in any way. Here, everyone can overcome their fear and feel like Tarzan.
Kirkstall Abbey
This abbey is the ruins of an ancient Cistercian monastery in Leeds. It was founded in 1152 and stopped operation in 1539. The building was restored in the 19th century. It is one of the few mediaeval Cistercian abbeys that have been preserved and even in a ruined form reminds us about those times. The local park with a total area of 24 hectares allows you to have great recreation, immersing in the atmosphere of old England.
The monastery is located in a public park on the north bank of the River Aire. The historical site is quite popular among tourists. In addition, there is the Abbey House Museum, which attracts lovers of antiquity as well. The Leeds Shakespeare Festival and other events take place here every year.
The Royal Armouries Museum
Another local attraction, which is worth paying attention to, is The Royal Armories Museum. This institution is the oldest national museum in the UK that houses the National Collection of Arms and Armour. Leeds’ museum houses the bulk of the collection.
It is known that the history of the collection dates back to the construction of the Tower of London in the 11th century. However, it wasn’t available to the public until 1660. The exhibition in Leeds was opened in 1996 in a new building, to which most of the exhibits were transferred from the Tower.
The museum has five galleries, namely War, Tournament, Self Defence, Hunting and Oriental. Next to the museum, there is a site for the demonstration of mediaeval military and sports events, as well as hunting.
Kirkgate Market
The market is located on Vicar Lane and is the largest covered market in Europe. It has 800 stalls that serve more than 100,000 visitors every Sunday. Here, you can not only buy local food products, clothes and shoes but also enjoy the beauty of late 19th century architecture. In 2011, the market was recognised as the Best Shopping Centre by the Leeds Retail Awards. Since 2010, it has housed the Ministry of Food of world-famous chef Jamie Oliver.
The Leeds Corn Exchange
This building is a fine example of the Victorian era. It is one of the few markets in the UK where you can find a wide variety of goods, from everyday items to musical instruments. A huge number of local small shops allows you to buy everything you want in one place.
Cathedral Church of St Anne
It is the main Roman Catholic church on the territory of Leeds and the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds. It also serves as a parish church. This majestic building is located in the very centre of the city. Leeds doesn’t have an Anglican cathedral, so St Anne’s is the only cathedral in the city.
There was another Roman Catholic church on the current site of the cathedral. It was built in 1838. However, it didn’t exist for a long time due to the reconstruction and expansion of the street. In 1904, the architect John Henry Eastwood built a new structure made of stone with limestone detailing.
In 2006, the cathedral experienced a large-scale reconstruction. In particular, the unique organ, which had not worked for 20 years, was repaired. The Cathedral Church of St Anne represents the neo-Gothic style and is a protected architectural monument.
Harewood House
This place is a Leeds historic landmark and the pride of local residents. This monumental castle on the city outskirts is owned by the Earls of Harewood. It is filled with a special energy of antiquity and has a majestic and beautiful appearance.
Earls’ residence was designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam in 1759-1771. It represents the classical style. The Earls of Harewood, who got rich from slave ownership, didn’t spare any funds for their estate decoration. The landscaping of the garden was done by Lancelot Brown and Charles Barry. The furniture was made by the famous master Thomas Chippendale.
As of 2011, the estate was owned by the 7th Earl of Harewood, who is the grandson of King George V and cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
The given list of interesting and historically significant places is far from complete. We should also mention the Armley Mills Museum, which attracts visitors with a mill on the Aire River. Other places worth visiting are the Leeds Art Gallery and West Yorkshire Playhouse.
A walk along the city’s Embankment would be a perfect idea for nature enthusiasts and admirers of picturesque landscapes. Local cosy cafes will please you with quality dishes as well as help you relax and rest. In addition, local Roundhay Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, is a perfect solution for inspiring walks alone or with a loved one.
Getting around Leeds is quite easy thanks to the well-thought-out public transport system. The city features an extensive bus network. In addition, you can quickly reach other cities thanks to Leeds railway station. Walking or cycling are often the most convenient option within the city limits. The city also has taxi and car hire services. Sometimes residents decide to share a car, which greatly simplifies their lives and allows them to save money.
It’s easy to find accommodation in Leeds. There are affordable hostels on the basis of the university campus as well as the possibility to stay in unusual and business hotels. Budget accommodation is also located in the city’s north-west student suburb, Headingley, thus, everyone will find what they need.