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Leeds is the proud home to incredible architecture, world-class culture and art, award winning restaurants, a wealth of attractions and an unrivalled shopping offer with a thriving independent scene. Over the last decade, Leeds has transformed into one of the coolest places in the UK, a reputation built on the bedrock of one of the best shopping experiences in the North – incredibly, there are over 1,000 shops, including lots of independent shops you won't find anywhere else. It’s the ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend away, not least because it’s so quick to get to from other major cities. Trains to Leeds from Manchester take less than an hour and it’s around 1 hour 30 minutes from Newcastle. Discover Leeds and you'll find more than just a city break.
For unlimited bus travel around the city, buy a Leeds Plusbus ticket with your train ticket for £3 (£2 with a Railcard). You can also use First Bus to travel around the city with regular services to places including The Royal Armouries Museum (70), Roundhay Park and Kirkstall Abbey (33, 33A). You'll find taxis at the main entrance to the station.
Hyde Park Picture House is one of the many uniquely charming things to do in Leeds and this gas-lit cinema is one of only a handful left in the country. Hop across the city and you’ll find Tropical World, a family park filled with flora and fauna to rival Kew Gardens. For a chance to see Alpacas, and those that run after them, head to Meanwood Valley Farm who have herds of animals for you to meet and learn about. Learn about legends, swords, firepower and forts at the Royal Armouries Museum.
Leeds was named one of the UK’s best cities for dining out according to the ‘Which? Good Food Guide’, so there’s plenty of food and drink options to choose from. For a fantastic fine-dining experience, the Michelin-starred The Man Behind The Curtain offers a mind-blowing tasting menu. In the mood for something a little more traditional? Then Bibis, a family-run Italian restaurant, café and cocktail bar, is the place for you. The atmosphere is friendly and the food is delicious. For tastes from around the world, the street food at Kirkgate Market and Trinity Kitchen is a must.
When it comes to great places to stay, Leeds has something for everyone. Just 400 yards from the train station you’ll find The Met Hotel. This sumptuous 4-star hotel houses 120 rooms in a magnificent Grade II listed building. Quebecs is ideal for an indulgent weekend away in Leeds with impressively stylish rooms named after sweets like sherbet and liquorice. You'll find all the big names here too, including Hilton, Radisson and Marriott.
Leeds is a beautiful, historic city, with more listed buildings than in any English city outside of London. A great way to explore its heritage is through the Owl Trail, where you can track 25 sculpted owls across the city’s architectural landscape. The Corn Exchange is a Grade I listed building filled with retro shops and is a great place to stop for lunch. Art lovers and culture vultures flock to Leeds Art Gallery and nearby Leeds City Museum. Both are on large neighbouring squares and play regular host to music events and markets, so it also makes a good central point for spotting more things to do in Leeds. Kids bouncing off the walls? Let them work it off at indoor trampoline park Jump! It’s suitable for kids big and small, so everyone can have a go.
Leeds shopping is near legendary. It has 5 miles of shopping streets, one of the UK’s largest pedestrianised zones and ‘The Rough Guide to Britain’ named shopping in Leeds as one of the top 30 things to do in the UK. Why not start your trip at the beautifully ornate Victoria Quarter, an intricate Fabergé egg of an arcade that boasts some of the fanciest brands around. It’s worth coming here for Harvey Nichols alone. Food steals the show at Kirkgate Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. Trinity Leeds is home to 120 Shops, Restaurants, Bars and Cinema.
For more ideas on what to do in Leeds, check out Visit Leeds.
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