Introduction



Leeds is a playful city that is full of fantastic cultural and historical sites, which are thrilling to explore. More than 100,000 people visit the city to work in the city centre every single day and 1000s more visit the city to shop, eat out or just to enjoy the range of attractions Leeds has on offer.



Many industries have contributed to Leeds' riches, but the city is particularly famous for its clothes trade. There are a number of famous names associated with the city, including Thomas Chippendale who began creating his famous furniture there, and Michael Marks - of Marks and Spencer - who opened his very 1st Penny Bazaar there in 1884.



As well as this, Leeds is also home to the historic Kirkgate Market. The market is the second biggest indoor market in Europe after Leicester and is open six days a week. There are over 400 stalls inside the market and a further two hundred outside. It attracts over 100 thousand visitors per week.



Kirkgate Market 1st opened in 1822 as an open air market and the first covered bits were built between 1850 and 1875. Unfortunately, much of the structure, except the Vicar Lane frontage, was ruined in a 1975 fire. Despite this, the Market was refurbished in the early 1990s and after this, Kirkgate Market was upgraded from a Grade II to a Grade I listed structure.



Things to Do in Leeds



Often named the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’, Leeds is a wonderful place for shoppers! It has over 1,000 stores, which include Harvey Nicholls, Louis Vuitton & more, scattered around its sophisticated high streets, state-of-the-art malls, Victorian shopping arcades, historical buildings & Edwardian markets.



If you'd rather spend your time in Leeds doing more artistic pursuits, you'll be happy to know that the city has 9 wonderful museums & art galleries. These include the Armley Mills Industrial Museum & the great 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 stunning green spaces & gorgeous parks, which include the award-winning millennium gardens. These stunning gardens were constructed at a cost of £12 million to commemorate the millennium & were jointly funded by Leeds city council & the Millennium Commission. The gardens were awarded a prize at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show.



As well as exciting shopping & culture, Leeds also has fabulous nightlife. From elite bars & quaint pubs to gay venues & amazing clubs, the city really boasts something for everyone.



If you'd prefer to have an early night, you will be happy to know that the city also boasts some exciting luxury hotels, including Quebec’s. These hotels offer a real treat, so you cannot fail to get a great rest & lovely breakfast.



Getting to Leeds



Whether you are travelling by car or public transport, you will find getting to Leeds is simple. It is well served by Leeds Railway Station, also known as Leeds City, as well as boasting frequent bus & coach services.

Author: Haley Softie

Haley Softie is a former beauty model from Leeds. Previously she worked as a Leeds glamour model for a reputable model agency in Leeds.