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Explore city life in Leeds

Roundhay Park and Tropical World is a short distance from Leeds city centre, a thriving metropolitan borough. If you’re looking at booking UK breaks, Leeds offers up the chance to explore country life whilst enjoying all the trappings of the city. It is easily accessible by air from Leeds Airport which flies to many European destinations and its railway station is one of the busiest stations in the UK.

Located in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Leeds is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. The city has a rich heritage and has held fast to the ideals of the past whilst developing and moving into the new age. Leeds came into its own during the Victorian era, a fact which is plain to see as you explore the city as many of the buildings from the age have survived and are stunning examples of Victorian architecture. There is a strong focus on industry in Leeds but it also has an impressive cultural scene.

For those with a love of the arts, the city has much to offer. The Leeds Art Gallery has an impressive collection of paintings ranging from the late 19th century through to modern day whilst next door to the gallery, the Henry Moore Institute pays homage to one of the city’s most famous sons. Leeds also plays host to the Leeds International Film Festival which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011. Now the third largest film festival in the UK, be sure to catch the festival on its run during two and a half weeks in November. The city also has a thriving music and theatrical scene to enjoy.

The Leeds City Museum anchors the city’s heritage which is celebrated throughout the city itself. To explore the industrial history of Leeds, head to The Armley Mills Museum, which once was one of the world’s largest woollen mills. Here you’ll see original equipment in working order to give a real sense of the industry that put Leeds on the map. If you wish to delve deeper into Leeds’ history, you can visit The Royal Armouries Museum which even has some of Henry VIII’s armour on display or head to the Thackray Medical Museum which looks at how medical treatment has progressed through the ages and also gives a real sense of what life in the Victorian Leeds slums was like. You can also visit Harewood House, an 18th Century Georgian house which features an award-winning garden in its grounds and also the beautiful Kirkstall Abbey ruins.

If you want to explore the natural landscape of Leeds, head off on the Leeds Country Way which takes you 62 miles through the rural outskirts of the city. Taking in woodlands and lakes, the walk is easily split into sections if you don’t quite feel like taking in the full 62-mile walk in one go! Nearby is the Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve where you can grab your binoculars to spot the many different species of wildlife that have set up home here.

 

Natalie Likness' love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.