The former gritty powerhouse of the industrial revolution has been transformed into a glossy modern city, with glamorous restaurants and shops in beautifully restored old buildings amid an amazing array of cultural attractions.
A shopping revolution
The grandest industrial buildings in Leeds have become stylish hotels or trendy boutiques, warehouses are now galleries and factories have been reborn as arts centres.
You’ll find the restored heart of Leeds has become one of Britain’s most popular shopping areas, with grand Victorian arcades housing designer stores like Harvey Nichols, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood.
Look out for the more independent fashion outlets housed under the huge dome of the circular Corn Exchange nearby. Just outside the city centre, you'll find the White Rose Shopping Centre and Junction 32 Designer Outlet.
When you need a break from shopping there are scores of stylish cafes and restaurants in central Leeds, including the Thai-themed Zap, complete with its own rickshaw and the Michelin Star-winning The Man Behind The Curtain.
And in the suburb of Guiseley you can find another type of restaurant: the first fish and chip shop run by early 20th century entrepreneur Harry Ramsden. It’s a great place to visit for a taste of old Yorkshire.
The world famous Royal Armouries
Don’t expect rows of dusty suits of armour at the Royal Armouries Museum. It’s a memorable award-winning, purpose-built attraction that has become internationally famous.
Inside, you’ll find everything is displayed in a modern, interactive way as you make your way through history, from the medieval era all the way up to the 21st century. Watch real jousting displays, live falconry and even hand-to-hand combat. You can walk or drive from Leeds city centre.
Visit Saltaire
Further afield, you’ll be able to see some of the finest attractions in the north of England. Just north of the neighbouring city of Bradford, amid more industrial era architecture, you’ll find the World Heritage Site of Saltaire.
The intact canalside mill and workers’ homes were built as a ‘model village’ by a well-meaning Victorian industrialist. Today it’s a wonderful place to explore and the old mill buildings house bohemian traders and galleries.
Cafes and bars line the cobbled streets while inside the main mill building you’ll find an acclaimed collection of contemporary paintings by celebrated Bradford-born artist David Hockney.
The walled city of York
To the north-east, the ancient city of York makes the perfect day trip from Leeds. You’ll find the charming old historic capital of the north is clustered around its fabulous Minster church within intact city walls dating back to the Romans.
You’ll find a castle, a railway museum and narrow medieval streets where the upper floors of timber-framed houses extend out over the cobbles below.
A beautiful spa town
Sedate Harrogate is a short drive north of Leeds. It’s a pretty old spa town with elegant parks, tree-lined streets and a glorious old-fashioned Victorian spa that’s still open to visitors.
You will even find a famous Yorkshire institution: Betty’s. This is an award-winning, long-standing traditional teashop serving classic English afternoon tea.
Nearby is the pretty village of Ripley, built in a simple pattern to house rural workers hundreds of years ago. There’s a castle and extensive grounds to explore, ancient country pubs and, of course, more classic Yorkshire tea rooms.
