Leeds City Guide, Including Leeds Hotels

Leeds, capitol of Yorkshire, is an often times overlooked holiday delight. Easily accessible by air and auto with a wide variety of recreational and sport activities, Leeds offers fun for the entire family. Golf enthusiasts, art lovers and those who study British history will all find ample diversion within miles of this financial and industrial hub.

Prestigious art galleries and historic homes are to be found in both Leeds proper and within a short driving distance of the city.

Leeds Art Gallery. Dating to 1881, this museum houses French Post Impressionists, Victorian works and a widely hailed collection of modern British artists. The Craft Centre and Design Gallery, outlet for contemporary British craftsmen, shares the space. Free admission for most exhibitions and events.

Henry Moore Institute. Adjacent to the Leeds Art Gallery. A well regarded centre for the display of all types of sculpture, the Institute also conducts distinguished research. Top grade exhibitions make frequent visits. Many collections and tours are free. Advanced booking for groups is advised.

Harewood House. Residence of the Queen’s cousin, the Earl of Harewood, this home has a fine array of art as well as beautiful formal gardens. The house itself is also open for guided tours. Recent additions include boats on the lake and a children’s playground. Paid admission. Family tickets available.

Temple Newsam. This Tudor-Jacobean manor anchors more than 1,500 acres of park, wood and farm land. The world renowned house and gardens are open to the public for a modest charge. The estate is also the location of one of the world’s largest Rare Breed Farms which shelters nearly four hundred animals.

Royal Armouries Museum. Exhibits including a set of King Henry VIII’s armour are displayed here. Many other instruments of war are on view. Costumed re-enactments and actual jousts take place April through October. Paid admission for some events. Advanced booking advised.

After a day filled with cultural pursuits, a visitor on holiday in Leeds might want to take in a little shopping or a play. Leeds is no slouch in either department.

The Corn Exchange. Originally designed by renowned Yorkshire architect Cuthbert Broderick in 1862 the Exchange was retrofitted in 1990 as a wide ranging shopping centre.

The Victoria Quarter. This upscale centre is a destination in itself as well as Yorkshire’s premiere shopping experience. Prada, Hugo Boss and more than eighty other stores sit underneath a breathtaking Brian Clarke stained glass ceiling.

Headrow Shopping Centre. Headrow shopping street has managed to retain much of its original architecture while incorporating some of the best shopping in the country. The centre itself boasts the largest sporting goods store in England as well as Yorkshire’s biggest music shop.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse. This young but internationally respected theatre sees more than 250,000 patrons annually. It has two theatres, a restaurant, and a bar in the real ale tradition and rehearsal facilities.

Northern Ballet Theatre. This distinguished company was founded in 1969 and has experienced a consistent growth in reputation and repertoire.

From a friendly pub to world class restaurants and trendy celebrity clubs, Leeds has it all. A traveller looking for a quiet beer, a family friendly nosh or a fine dining experience will find it in Leeds.

Tetley’s Brewery Wharf. Tetley’s has been brewing beer in the UK since 1822. Not actually a drinking establishment a tour of its visitor centre built at a cost of nearly 10 million American dollars will give insight into the art of brewing before heading off to a true pub.

Whitelocks. Licensed since 1715 this small pub offers ambience and prize winning brew.

The Angel Inn. For a good price and a good pint in an old fashioned setting with a true beer garden, this pub can’t be beaten.

Salvo’s. A Leeds favourite since it opened in 1976, this Italian restaurant boasts desserts and a robust wine list; recently named one of the UK’s Ten Best Pizza Restaurants.

Simply Heathcote’s. Located in the Granary Wharf section in a renovated grain house this moderately priced restaurant offers traditional British cooking with both a kiddie menu and a wine list.

Parisá Café Bar. Sandwiches, sides, full dishes, beer, wine, reasonable prices, casual atmosphere; what more could a weary traveller desire?

Leodis. Laid back but totally top drawer, this upscale eatery serves fine food well done with a wine list to match.

Leeds Hotels and Accommodation

Accommodation in Leeds range from friendly and funky self cater establishments to the high end. In between there are numerous mid-level chains. Best not to visit without a reservation; University, sports, financial and cultural concerns keep most lodgings near capacity year round.

Ascot Grange Hotel
Malmaison Hotel Leeds
Express by Holiday Inn Leeds City Centre
Quebecs, The Leeds Boutique Hotel
Golden Lion Hotel
Weetwood Hall Conference Centre & Hotel
Comfort Inn Leeds
Merrion Hotel
42 The Calls
The Met Leeds
Highbank Hotel
Harman Suites 1 & 2, Self-Catering Apartments, Nea
Ramada Leeds Parkway Hotel
Ramada Leeds North Hotel
The Butlers Hotel
Village Hotel & Leisure Club Leeds
Craiglands Hotel
Oulton Hall
Haley's Hotel and Restaurant
Radisson SAS Hotel Leeds
The Queens Leeds - A QHotel
Riva Hotel
Park Plaza Leeds
Novotel Leeds Centre
Crowne Plaza Leeds
Jurys Inn Leeds
Woodlands Hotel
Harewood Arms

Besides culture, sports, shopping and food, what else does Leeds have to offer? Just a wide variety of sporting and entertainment venues, that’s what!

Rugby, Football, Cricket. Leeds is an enthusiastic nucleus of professional sports. Two rugby teams, Rhinos and Tykes, are based in Leeds. Football devotees will enjoy a rousing Leeds United Football Club match. Cricket fans should stop by the Yorkshire County Cricket Club where the game has been played since 1890.

Golf. Several excellent courses pepper the Leeds countryside with Alwoodley Golf Club being among the best. Designed by Dr. Alister Mackenzie, who would later configure Augusta National and Royal Melbourne, it is one of Leeds’ best kept secrets.

Millennium Square. As the name suggests, this 12 million American dollar multi-use facility was built to mark the year 2000. During the winter season it hosts the Ice Cube skating rink and notables from entertainers to politicians throughout the year.

Roundhay Park. Situated on 700 acres, Roundhay welcomes sporting events, concerts and fireworks to Roundhay Park Arena. This natural venue has seen crowds of up to 100,000 for artists including the Rolling Stones and Madonna. In addition to the amphitheatre, Roundhay encompasses parks, lakes, woods and gardens and plays host to skaters, bikers, tennis players and golfers. Fishermen troll; it’s Waterloo Lake.

Anyone making holiday plans should not dismiss spending a few days in Leeds. A true Yorkshire treasure, it has activities for all ages and interests. For an entertaining, educational and relaxing holiday, visit surprising Leeds.