Thanks to its many places of interest, Leeds is also a popular tourist location.
Many industries have contributed to Leeds' riches, but the city is especially renowned for its clothing trade. There are a number of renowned names associated with the city, which include Thomas Chippendale who began building his renowned furniture there, and Michael Marks - of m & s - who opened his initially Penny Bazaar there in 1884.
In addition to this, it is also home to the historical Kirkgate Market. The market is Europe’s 2nd biggest indoor market after Leicester and is open 6 days a week. There are more than four hundred stalls inside the market and another 200 outside. It attracts over 100 thousand visitors per week.
Kirkgate Market was established in 1822 as an open air market & the initially covered bits were constructed between 1850 and 1875. Unfortunately, most of the structure, except the Vicar Lane frontage, was ruined in a 1975 fire. when, the Market was refurbished in the early 1990s & following this, Kirkgate Market was upgraded from a Grade II to a Grade I listed building.
Frequently named the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’, Leeds is a fabulous location for shoppers! It boasts over 1,000 stores, comprising of Harvey Nicholls, Louis Vuitton and more, scattered around its sophisticated high streets, state-of-the-art malls, Victorian shopping arcades, historical buildings and historic markets.
If you would rather spend your time in Leeds doing more arty activities, you'll be happy to know that the city has nine great museums and galleries. These include the royal armouries museum and the superb henry moore institute, so you are sure to find something to entertain you.
If fast-paced city life gets too much, you'll be happy to know that Leeds has some impressive green spaces and gorgeous parks, which contain the award winning millennium gardens. These impressive gardens were built at a cost of £12 million to celebrate the millennium and were jointly funded by leeds council and the Millennium Commission. The gardens won a prize at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show.
Leeds has fabulous nightlife, which begs to be experienced. Whether you'd rather have a cosy drink in one of the city's rustic pubs or a glass of red wine at one of Leeds' exclusive bars, you will have a great night here.
After you have had your drink, why don't you hit the clubs? Leeds has some fabulous clubs that cater to any style of music, so you will be spoiled for choice.
Leeds also has plenty of venues to see live music, which include the Cockpit. These venues cater mainly to alternative music and attract local and touring bands.
Sadly, we have come to the end of our guide to leeds. when, if you require more info, telephone your nearby tourist information centre, who'll be pleased to help you.
