Leeds is a large, vibrant and bustling city in West Yorkshire.
Leeds has excellent travel links. The train station is one of the busiest in the country and has excellent connections to cities and towns nearby, as well as further afield. It provides easy access to the capital city, with travellers reaching London in just two hours. Leeds is close to the A1(M) to take travellers north, and the M621 runs close to the city giving good access to the M1. The city’s excellent roads links make travelling by car an easy option for commuters; Bradford, York, Sheffield and Manchester are all within easy reach.
Leeds Bradford Airport (known as Yorkshire’s airport) is only eight miles outside of Leeds city centre and offers flights within the UK, but it also has over 70 international flight destinations for those travelling further afield for holidays or work trips.
Leeds has many high-quality schools available for primary and secondary education. There are several further education colleges available, and an impressive number of universities; the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Arts University and the University of Law. These universities have led to the city having one of the largest student populations in the UK.
Leeds has it all when it comes to shopping. It’s home to all of the high street brands but has a fantastic independent shopping scene too. Leeds’ many shopping arcades are an exciting way to explore the city. Built in 1897, The Grand Arcade is the oldest one within Leeds and is packed full of independent outlets, including Our Handmade Collective (a handmade gift shop) and Roots and Fruits (an independent vegetarian café).
The Victoria Quarter is a beautiful arcade built with marble and mahogany and is home to premium shopping brands, such as Mulberry, Kurt Geiger and Rolex. Victoria Gate opened in 2017 and is more modern in style. It has premium brands too, as well as the biggest John Lewis outside of London. Trinity Leeds has over 120 outlets, and Leeds Kirkgate Market is the largest covered market in Europe. Not only that, but it’s also where Marks & Spencer started.
Leeds has an exciting food and drink scene, with many independent eateries. There’s street food options, like Bundobust serving Indian food and craft beer, and restaurants like the Japanese Little Tokyo. There are so many choices here, all the way through to fine dining at the Michelin star The Man Behind The Curtain, created by Michael O’Hare.
Leeds has a vibrant nightlife with something to suit all tastes, including Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen with its rooftop bar. There’s so much to choose from with many cocktail bars, traditional pubs, nightclubs and music venues available within the city centre. First Direct Arena opened in 2013 and has attracted global stars, such as Bruno Mars, The Killers and Kylie who have all performed here.
NHS health services are easily accessible to people living in the city centre, with a walk-in centre available for those who need to be seen urgently. Leeds General Infirmary is in the heart of the city. It’s a large teaching hospital with an A&E department and is housed in an impressive listed building.
There’s so much to do in and around Leeds. Go to The Royal Armouries Museum (and arrive there by water taxi), visit historic houses nearby, such as Harewood House, enjoy live music at Brudenell Social Club, or go bowling at Roxy Lanes. The countryside is within easy reach for those that want to escape the city from time to time too.
For those who enjoy rugby, the Leeds Rhinos’ stadium is based just outside of the city centre, and Hunters Leeds is proud to sponsor the team.
