Leeds, capitol of Yorkshire, is an often times overlooked holiday



delight. Easily accessible by air and auto with a wide variety of

recreational and sport activities, Leeds offers fun for the entire

family. Golf enthusiasts, art lovers and those who study British

history will all find ample diversion within miles of this financial

and industrial hub.

Prestigious art galleries and historic homes are to be found in both

Leeds proper and within a short driving distance of the city.

Leeds Art Gallery. Dating to 1881, this museum houses French Post

Impressionists, Victorian works and a widely hailed collection of

modern British artists. The Craft Centre and Design Gallery, outlet for

contemporary British craftsmen, shares the space. Free admission for

most exhibitions and events.

Henry Moore Institute. Adjacent to the Leeds Art Gallery. A well

regarded centre for the display of all types of sculpture, the

Institute also conducts distinguished research. Top grade exhibitions

make frequent visits. Many collections and tours are free. Advanced

booking for groups is advised.

Harewood House. Residence of the Queen's cousin, the Earl of

Harewood, this home has a fine array of art as well as beautiful formal

gardens. The house itself is also open for guided tours. Recent

additions include boats on the lake and a children's playground. Paid

admission. Family tickets available.

Temple Newsam. This Tudor-Jacobean manor anchors more than 1,500

acres of park, wood and farm land. The world renowned house and gardens

are open to the public for a modest charge. The estate is also the

location of one of the world's largest Rare Breed Farms which shelters

nearly four hundred animals.

Royal Armouries Museum. Exhibits including a set of King Henry

VIII's armour are displayed here. Many other instruments of war are on

view. Costumed re-enactments and actual jousts take place April through

October. Paid admission for some events. Advanced booking advised.

After a day filled with cultural pursuits, a visitor on holiday in

Leeds might want to take in a little shopping or a play. Leeds is no

slouch in either department.

The Corn Exchange. Originally designed by renowned Yorkshire

architect Cuthbert Broderick in 1862 the Exchange was retrofitted in

1990 as a wide ranging shopping centre.

The Victoria Quarter. This upscale centre is a destination in

itself as well as Yorkshire's premiere shopping experience. Prada, Hugo

Boss and more than eighty other stores sit underneath a breathtaking

Brian Clarke stained glass ceiling.

Headrow Shopping Centre. Headrow shopping street has managed to

retain much of its original architecture while incorporating some of

the best shopping in the country. The centre itself boasts the largest

sporting goods store in England as well as Yorkshire's biggest music

shop.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse. This young but internationally

respected theatre sees more than 250,000 patrons annually. It has two

theatres, a restaurant, and a bar in the real ale tradition and

rehearsal facilities.

Northern Ballet Theatre. This distinguished company was founded in

1969 and has experienced a consistent growth in reputation and

repertoire.

From a friendly pub to world class restaurants and trendy celebrity

clubs, Leeds has it all. A traveller looking for a quiet beer, a family

friendly nosh or a fine dining experience will find it in Leeds.

Tetley's Brewery Wharf. Tetley's has been brewing beer in the UK

since 1822. Not actually a drinking establishment a tour of its visitor

centre built at a cost of nearly 10 million American dollars will give

insight into the art of brewing before heading off to a true pub.

Whitelocks. Licensed since 1715 this small pub offers ambience and

prize winning brew.

The Angel Inn. For a good price and a good pint in an old fashioned

setting with a true beer garden, this pub can't be beaten.

Salvo's. A Leeds favourite since it opened in 1976, this Italian

restaurant boasts desserts and a robust wine list; recently named one

of the UK's Ten Best Pizza Restaurants.

Simply Heathcote's. Located in the Granary Wharf section in a

renovated grain house this moderately priced restaurant offers

traditional British cooking with both a kiddie menu and a wine list.

Parisá Café Bar. Sandwiches, sides, full dishes,

beer, wine, reasonable prices, casual atmosphere; what more could a

weary traveller desire?

Leodis. Laid back but totally top drawer, this upscale eatery

serves fine food well done with a wine list to match.

Leeds Hotels and Accommodation

Accommodation in Leeds range from friendly and funky self cater

establishments to the high end. In between there are numerous mid-level

chains. Best not to visit without a reservation; University, sports,

financial and cultural concerns keep most lodgings near capacity year

round.

Besides culture, sports, shopping and food, what else does Leeds have

to offer? Just a wide variety of sporting and entertainment venues,

that's what!

Rugby, Football, Cricket. Leeds is an enthusiastic nucleus of

professional sports. Two rugby teams, Rhinos and Tykes, are based in

Leeds. Football devotees will enjoy a rousing Leeds United Football

Club match. Cricket fans should stop by the Yorkshire County Cricket

Club where the game has been played since 1890.

Golf. Several excellent courses pepper the Leeds countryside with

Alwoodley Golf Club being among the best. Designed by Dr. Alister

Mackenzie, who would later configure Augusta National and Royal

Melbourne, it is one of Leeds? best kept secrets.

Millennium Square. As the name suggests, this 12 million American

dollar multi-use facility was built to mark the year 2000. During the

winter season it hosts the Ice Cube skating rink and notables from

entertainers to politicians throughout the year.

Roundhay Park. Situated on 700 acres, Roundhay welcomes sporting

events, concerts and fireworks to Roundhay Park Arena. This natural

venue has seen crowds of up to 100,000 for artists including the

Rolling Stones and Madonna. In addition to the amphitheatre, Roundhay

encompasses parks, lakes, woods and gardens and plays host to skaters,

bikers, tennis players and golfers. Fishermen troll; it's Waterloo Lake.

Anyone making holiday plans should not dismiss spending a few days in

Leeds. A true Yorkshire treasure, it has activities for all ages and

interests. For an entertaining, educational and relaxing holiday, visit

surprising Leeds.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams

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Biography: Maria writes for - providers of .