Tourists all over the world look for different places of interest. Some people like historical places, some search for sports resorts especially golf, some look for pure entertainment and some move on business pursuits. There are, however, certain spots on the globe that provide a combination of all these. One of the eight core cities in England, Leeds promises to provide a combination of all the requirements of a tourist. Leeds has an area of 570 square kilometres and a temperate climate, although tourists from certain parts of the world may find it a little chilly!



In terms of tourism, Leeds is considered to be one of the most favoured cities in England. There are numerous spots to be visited. A number of exciting events are there for all sorts of people to enjoy. Shopping is a visitor's delight here. On the other hand there are a number of historical places of interest that would attract any category of visitors who, once experiencing the delight, will certainly come back. There are museums, gardens, country houses and historic buildings. Tours can be made on one's own or may be guided. The city tourism and the county tourism departments take care of all the requirements you might have

Tastes of tourists differ on the type of location they stay in and type of journey they undertake. Some like faster traveling by car, some like guided travel by bus, some prefer trains while others enjoy to cruise. There are a number of tourists who also enjoy trekking and enjoyment of nature using the older travelling modes like the horse, and all of these facilities are available in Leeds. That is the reason why Leeds entertains thousands of visitors every year. Leeds is quite efficient in entertaining them, providing every type of facility and entertainment. The Leeds Bradford International Airport provides links throughout the world and Leeds has got an extensive and well linked road and rail transport system. One most fascinating experience would be travelling on the Bolton Abbey Steam Railway that provides a scenic journey to the Yorkshire Dales.

Throughout the city there are several information outlets, providing information to tourists. The information includes everything that a tourist would look for such as tourist attractions, landmarks, restaurants, travel, sightseeing, transportations and maps for moving from place to place. A lot of information regarding accommodation is also provided in these information outlets, some of which are official information centres.

There are a number of very good, affordable and customer friendly hotels in Central Leeds as well as in the outlying districts. You can see why Leeds has become an absolutely enchanting destination for visitors! You can book a luxury hotel, a middle of the road hotel as well as cheap hotel and lodgings here. There are several inns and travel lodges on the outskirts of the city. You will also find a number of self-catering apartments and a few campsites are there for those who like adventurous travels. You will definitely find accommodation that will fit your budget and requirements.

A vast number of historical places and monuments are available all around Leeds for tourists who are interested in history and archeology. The Leeds City Square is the symbol of all the ancient glories the city once had. It is surrounded by a host of ancient buildings that take you down memory lane. The Leeds waterfront is, on the other hand, a place that has been converted with apt remodelling into a place of repose for tourists and diners who love to spend the evening hours there. In the city centre stands the Leeds Millennium Square. It is so vast that it can accommodate around twenty thousand people. The beautiful Nelson Mandela Gardens is situated inside the Millennium Square. Those who love fashion and design may visit the Victoria Quarter. There are quite a large number of fashion design shops there.

The places which we've mentioned above are some of the main attractions of Leeds. But there are more. For avid tourists there are a number of secondary attractions like the Leeds Tropical World. A main attraction for plant lovers, it contains one of the largest collections of tropical plants in the UK. Close by there's the Lightwater Valley Country Theme Park. People love rollercoasters here! Spectacular gardens and seasonal events mark the existence of Harewood House; an 18th century manor house marvelled at by tourists for its grandeur. The Royal Armories is one of the most important modern landmarks in Leeds history. It has a vast collection of divergent military weapons and instruments. Temple Newsam is a historic mansion house with beautiful paintings, picturesque gardens, parks and natural surroundings.

The summer concerts at Temple Newsam are something to enjoy while the festival of Leeds is a musical bonanza among the world's top events, witnessed by thousands of people in the last week of August every year. Leeds Sunday Funday is a popular event for the children. It has entertainment, puppet shows, face painting, musical and stage shows.

No reference to Leeds tourism is complete without a reference to its awesome and excellent museums. Leading museums in Leeds include the Thackray Medical Museum depicting the history of evolution of surgery throughout the ages, the 18th Century Bronte Parsonage Museum, the National museum of Photography, Film, and Television, the Ilkley Manor House and Museum, and the Eureka Museum for children.

Leeds has something to offer for every type of tourist from every country. It also offers a number of sporting events especially cricket, football and rugby. The Leeds cricket field was one of the most favored of Sir Don Bradman, the legendary Australian Batsman. A tourist interested in sports and sporting events will not be disappointed and any tourist, whether a sports lover or not, will take back home some fond memories after visiting this premier tourist city of England.