Shopping, nightlife and much more in West Yorkshire

Leeds is known for its vibrant nightlife, great shopping, and flourishing universities, yet there is much more to discover in Yorkshire’s largest city. Architecturally Leeds enjoys a wonderful blend of Georgian, Victorian and 21st century styles. There are hidden gems such as Park Square with formal gardens and corner building with turrets and Islamic design. Leeds is also home to one of the country’s greatest estates, Temple Newsam. As well as the 1500 acres of grounds and Tudor-Jacobean mansion, the estate hosts an art collection and music festivals. Of course, shopping is a huge draw and a walk down the main shopping street of Briggate, with its flagship Harvey Nichols store is testament to this. The city has a vibrant and energetic nightlife; from the stylish restaurants on Call Lane to the top-notch West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds has it all.

Why Go?
Leeds has an excellent shopping district, a compact city centre and incredibly vibrant nightlife. With an estimated 180 city centre bars and around 30 nightclubs, there is a venue to suit all tastes. It’s also a great place from which to explore the stunning Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire Moors and the Peak District.

When to Go?
As with other places in the UK the weather in Leeds can change on an almost daily basis. One day can be dry and sunny, the next cool and rainy. But, generally speaking, the favourable weather is in the summer months of June, July and August when the temperatures are around 18C. This is probably the best time to visit Leeds. Spring and autumn are also pleasant but prone to rain.

How to get there?
Leeds is served by Leeds-Bradford International Airport (LBA). The airport is 10 miles north-west of the city centre. Budget as well as scheduled airlines operate in and out of the airport. Taxis are available to take passengers into the city centre, as are buses. Bus number 757 will take you into Leeds in around 40 minutes.

Must see
Visit the award-winning Thackray Medical Museum and see items from the Victorian operating theatre and modern surgical equipment. It’s slightly gruesome but very interesting. Browse the stores at Briggate and in the boutiques near the Corn Exchange. Marvel at the beautiful sculptures and artworks in the Henry Moore Institute – admission is free. If it’s raining, Tropical World is a fun excursion with an aquarium, tropical birds and butterfly house.