Visit Leeds - Yorkshire's Capital City

Visit Leeds – Find a world of culture, art and shopping in this impressive city, steeped in culture. Leeds is West Yorkshire’s beating heart, and is the biggest city in all of Yorkshire.

Yorkshire’s 21st century capital offers everything you would expect from one of the UK’s leading cities, and more. Visit for a weekend and you’ll be rewarded with some of Britain’s best shopping, sightseeing, sport, art and nightlife.

The city is a hub for culture, boasting a plethora of museums, art galleries, and theatres, as well as a thriving music scene. Leeds also offers a wide range of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to independent stores, and a food scene that caters to all tastes.

Within Leeds, you will find a vibrant student area around the sporting venues in Headingley, as well as an amazing city centre, served by a main line train station, for arrival and onward travel.

Venture slightly further afield from the city of Leeds and you will come to Otley and Wetherby – two of Yorkshire’s most picturesque towns. Also see our article on things to do in Leeds city centre, and things to do in Leeds with kids.

Discover Leeds

A shopper’s paradise awaits with all the big high street retailers, markets and many more designer boutiques fill the multiple shopping centres and arcades and that reside in the centre.

The nightlife is what Leeds is truly famed for, visit Call Lane for edgy bars and music, Greek Street for cocktails or check out one of the many rooftop bars looking over the skyline filled with breathtaking architecture. If you’re looking for a spot off the beaten track there are many independent hidden gems all around the city!

If hitting the bars isn’t your cup of tea, there are acclaimed art galleries, the Grand Theatre and Opera House that show award-winning national theatre and dance companies. They sit right in the city centre if a cultural excursion is what you’re seeking. Also make sure to visit the Kirkgate Market and our Garforth page.

Leeds is easily accessible by public transport with a train station in the heart of the city centre.

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Hotels in Leeds

If you prefer a more homely option, try Bed & Breakfasts or holiday apartments in Leeds.

View more hotels in Leeds here.

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Events in Leeds

Here are some events taking place in and around Leeds – all the biggest acts have played here – alongside community events and new bands:

To see more events in Yorkshire click here.

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About Leeds

Leeds is the biggest city in West Yorkshire. On the south bank of the River Aire, the Royal Armouries houses the national collection of arms and artillery. Across the river, the redeveloped industrial area around Call Lane is famed for bars and live music venues under converted railway arches, known locally as the Dark Arches. Leeds Kirkgate Market features hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls.

Fun Fact: Leeds Castle is not actually in Leeds.

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Pictures of Leeds

The owl is the symbol of Leeds – you’ll see it in much of the architecture of the city, alongside grand new building schemes and historic works:

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Things to do in Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city with a full range of attractions from grand theatre productions and fine dining through to country houses and beautiful golf courses:

There’s many more attractions in and around Leeds. Click here to view them all.

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Leeds FAQ’s

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Leeds on the map

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Fact Pack – Leeds, West Yorkshire

1. Leeds is a city in the northern English county of West Yorkshire.
2. It is the largest city in West Yorkshire and the third-largest city in the United Kingdom by population.
3. The city is known for its rich history in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.
4. Leeds has a diverse economy with the service sector now dominating over the traditional manufacturing industries.
5. It is home to the University of Leeds, which is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK.
6. Leeds is also known for its shopping, nightlife, universities, and sports, being home to Leeds United Football Club and Leeds Rhinos rugby league team.
7. The city has a number of museums and galleries including the Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds City Museum.
8. Leeds has a large student population, contributing to its vibrant culture and economy.
9. The city is well connected with excellent transport links, including a busy train station and Leeds Bradford Airport.
10. Leeds is also known for its music scene, having produced bands such as the Kaiser Chiefs and Soft Cell.

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Where Next after Leeds?

Having visited the vibrant city of Leeds in West Yorkshire, there are numerous other fascinating locations nearby that are worth exploring. Leeds is a short drive away from Harrogate and Knaresborough – great places to have dinner after a long day shopping. You could head to the historic city of York, renowned for its stunning cathedral, the York Minster, and its well-preserved medieval walls. Alternatively, you could venture to the charming town of Harrogate, famous for its Turkish baths and beautiful gardens. If you’re a fan of literature, Haworth, the hometown of the Bronte sisters, is a must-visit. For nature lovers, the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails. Lastly, don’t miss out on visiting the coastal town of Whitby, known for its atmospheric Abbey ruins and connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. All these places offer a unique taste of what Yorkshire has to offer.