Leeds is a lively city, known for its shopping and variety of pubs and clubs.

 

Highlights

 

• Victoria Quarter - Open: 9.00am – 6.00pm. Entry fee: free.

 

• The Corn Exchange - Open: 9.00am – 6.00pm. Entry fee: free.

 

• Henry Moore Institute - Open: Tuesday - Sunday: 11.00am - 5.30pm Entry fee: free

 

• Leeds Art Gallery - Open: Every day 10.00am – 5.00pm, except Wednesday, 12.00pm – 5.00pm and Sunday, 1.00pm – 5.00pm. Entry fee: Free

 

• City Varieties Music Hall - Open: Performance times vary. Entry fee: ticket prices vary.

 

• Roundhay Park - Open: Daily, 7am – dusk

 

Description

 

Leeds is a city of contradictions; from charity shops to designer label department stores, rowdy student pubs to up market cocktail bars, you’ll find it all here.

 

For shopaholics, the city is a joy. You’ll find all the usual high street shops, plus designer shops such as Vivienne Westwood and Harvey Nichols in the very elegant Victoria Quarter, which is lavishly decorated with gilding, mosaic, mahogany and fountains. It has the biggest stained glass window in Europe! Have a look at The Corn Exchange for individual boutiques and jewellery shops, housed, as the name suggests, in what used to be the city’s Corn Exchange. They hold regular vintage and craft fairs. Both of these places have plenty of venues to eat and drink in.

 

Leeds is also home of the Henry Moore Institute, a gallery which permanently houses many Henry Moore sculptures, paintings, drawing and sketchbooks, as well as correspondence and personal diaries of the world famous artist. Immediately adjacent is Leeds Art Gallery, a grand building housing many famous paintings and artworks. It also has a wonderful tiled café with marble pillars; quite a grand place for a cup of tea!

 

To relax, take a stroll in Roundhay Park. One of the largest parks in Europe, it houses a tropical butterfly house, and there’s lots to take in on a wander around. It has loads of events on through the year, from dragon boat racing to fireworks, farmer’s markets to traditional brass bands, so you’re sure to catch something fun.

In the evening, book a ticket for a show at the City Varieties Music Hall, which holds, well, a variety of shows that are well worth seeing. The venue is a Grade II Victorian music hall, complete with plush red seats and gilding. Have a drink beforehand in one of Leeds’ bars. It has a huge choice, from student geek themed pubs to elegant cocktails bars.