The Black Prince Statue

Leeds

Leeds is highly regarded as the best shopping centre in the North of England, with stores such as Harvey Nichols, Flannels and exclusive designer shops located in the Victoria Quarter all adding to the excitement of the city. Leeds hosts four theatres and its own opera and ballet companies, maintaining a status as a city of culture. The Leeds festival is held annually over the August bank holiday and showcases the global music scene. The Town hall also offers a variety of entertainment throughout the year. Leeds City Art Gallery has some fine displays and the Royal Armouries is world famous for its unique collections. In the winter months, the newly converted ‘Millennium Square’ hosts an ice-rink known as the ‘Ice Cube’ which has proved to be very popular with both locals and tourists. Outside of Leeds are places of interest such as Harewood House which is open to the public from March to October. Pretty little towns such as Ilkley offer a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, and Harrogate, another picturesque spa town which is also known for its shopping. The historic city of York is only half an hour away on the A64. Leeds is also well known for being the home of Yorkshire Cricket where Headingley hosts the headquarters and of course, Elland Road is the home of Leeds United Football Club. Leeds is a major business centre and has attracted all the major hotel groups so there are plenty to choose from - many even offer weekend breaks at discount prices. There are also lesser known establishments and bed and breakfasts on the edge of the city centre offering good value. There is an excellent, refurbished, city centre train station right in the heart of Leeds and a shared International Airport with Bradford, just 8 miles from the city centre.