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Leeds, the largest
city in the historic county of Yorkshire is famed for its excellent
shopping, vibrant nightlife, thriving universities and sports. But in
addition to these, Leeds is an extremely attractive city with wonderful
Georgian, Victorian, 20th and 21st century architecture. There are also
plenty of fantastic museums, cafés, restaurants and theatres to visit,
not to mention easy access to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire
Moors.
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Although not considered a
'traditional' tourist destination, Leeds has plenty to occupy the
visitor for a short break or a longer stay. As well as the main sights,
museums, galleries, shops, parks etc, wandering around the buzzing city
centre to take in the atmosphere and admire the fantastic blend of
architectural styles from the past few hundred years is a pleasure in
itself. Within the city centre the main districts are the civic
quarter, central shopping district, exchange quarter and financial
district.
Millennium
Square.
There is generally something going on! A great public space home to
some gorgeous civic architecture, concerts, exhibitions, ice rinks,
Christmas markets...
St
Anne's Cathedral, Cookridge Street. Small, but an extremely
interesting example of an Arts and Crafts, 19th Century Catholic
Cathedral - unique within the UK.
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St
John's Church,
New Briggate. Hidden away within peaceful gardens lies this true gem,
built just before the English Civil War, it has beautiful ornate woodwork
in its charming interior, and architecturally it is an extremely rare
example of a 17th century double nave design.
Town
Hall, The Headrow. The city's symbol and pride and joy,
one of the world's finest Victorian buildings, and home to a dazzling
array of concerts, particularly during the city's popular and extensive
International Concert Season. The recently restored interior is stunning.
Leeds
Art Gallery and
The Henry Moore Institute, The Headrow. The world of modern and
classical art is at your disposal here in Leeds. It has a small but
interesting range of exhibits, and is a great place to kill half an hour,
and it's free!
Oxford
Place Chapel,
Oxford Place. Lovely 19th Century, red-brick baroque church.
Victoria
Quarter including
County Arcade, Briggate. When the Victorian civic authorities
sought to improve the sights and foul smells of Briggate and the city
centre, they decided to demolish some of the city's dirtiest yards,
alleyways, shambles and lanes and in there place build covered shopping
arcades filled with fine establishments. These were to cater for the
refined tastes of the growing moneyed classes of Leeds. This rebuilding continued
into Edwardian times and the legacy of which are some of Europe's finest,
most elegant shopping locations. Even today these arcades are home to
some of the most exclusive designer shops that Great Britain can offer
(Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Luis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols to name
but a few).
Kirkgate
Market, Vicar Lane. This traditional British market is largest in
Europe. Housed in an opulent late Victorian palace to commerce, it has
both indoor and outdoor stalls. Marks and Spencer had their first
establishment here, originally called, 'Marks Penny Bazaar'.
Corn
Exchange, Call Lane. Shopping in surroundings to rival any of Leeds'
fine arcades. Located just to the south of Kirkgate markets on Vicar
Lane. Designed by Cuthbert Broderick and architecturally based on the
Paris corn exchange. A largely elliptical building, crowned with a great
glass dome roof, that allows light to stream in even on the greyest
Yorkshire winter mornings. (Broderick was also architect of Leeds town
hall and the Leeds Mechanics' Institute, Millennium Square, Two shops
designed by Broderick still survive opposite the Mechanics Institute on
Cookridge Street, now converted into a cocktail bar.)
Parish
Church, Kirkgate. An attractive and fairly large neo-gothic church
with a renowned choir and concerts from time to time. During the
rebuilding of the Parish church in Victorian times, the original Saxon
crosses where Leeds folk would have worshipped in the 8/9th centuries
(well before the first church of Leeds had been founded) were unearthed
in the medieval tower and is permanently on display inside.
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Holy Trinity Church, Boar
Lane. An unassuming location and
exterior hide an elegant baroque interior, built for the merchant class
by subscription and donation so they could worship well away from the
lower working classes of the city. The Iconic spire of Holy Trinity has
dominated the skyline of the city for hundreds of years; and after
undergoing restoration in 2006/7 will continue to do so.
Park
Square.
A lovely Georgian square reminiscent of Dublin, and is often an
overlooked haven of tranquility in the city centre.
Clarence
Dock,
river area. This interesting development of cafés, restaurants, shops
and apartments. Home to Royal Armouries Museum.
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The
Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, river area Clarence
Dock). National museum of all things deadly, from swords and guns to
armoury and pikes, now famous for its regular live jousting. Contains
rare armour belonging to King Henry VIII and a diverse arsenal from the
Royal collection, sourced from a-far a field as China, India and America.
Features rare experimental pistols, and weaponry from many of the world's
conflicts.
Salem
Chapel, Bridge End. Interesting and unique Unitarian chapel. Also the
place where Leeds United football club was founded, replacing the old
bankrupt Leeds City football club.
Leeds
Christmas Illuminations (Leeds Lights). The UK's biggest display, are
an annual display from Nov-Jan comprising both big show lights and the
subtle and beautiful across the city, and are even longer than the
legendary Blackpool Illuminations. read more
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