Hotels in Leeds, United Kingdom

Leeds: A Metropolis of Shopping, Festivals and Fun

Leeds is one of the largest and most developed cities in the United Kingdom. With many attractions, events, shops and dining choices – and thanks in part to being supported by an international airport near to the city centre, major railway lines and numerous hotels – the area has proven to be a hit with many travellers across the country and further afield. So, whether you want to experience Leeds Festival or enjoy the wonders of Kirkstall Abbey, there is something for everyone in Leeds!

Attraction Highlights

If you are travelling to Leeds, you are certainly not short of attractions and places of interest to visit. One such place is the Royal Armouries Museum. As well as being free to enter and one of the most acclaimed things to do in the city, this stunning museum houses the nation’s collection of arms and armour. Speaking of museums, the city also has plenty of others worth visiting including the Leeds City Museum, Thackray Medical Museum and Abbey House Museum. Leeds also has an envious selection of venues, with the modern First Direct Arena – a 13,000 seater that opened in 2013 – a regular host of major live events. And although it is situated a little further outside the city centre than most attractions, a journey to Roundhay Park is certainly recommended. This park, along with the exciting Tropical World, is typically seen as a scenic area that is a great way to escape the general hustle and bustle of Leeds.

Festivals & Events

From major music festivals to those revolving around food, one city that is never short of live events is Leeds. The largest annual music festival in the city – and one of the UK’s in general – is the Leeds Festival. Taking place over the bank holiday weekend in August, this festival attracts some of the biggest acts in music. Live at Leeds and Slam Dunk Festival are other major music festivals worth adding to the calendar. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017, the Leeds West Indian Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and takes place every August. For a change of pace, May’s Leeds Indie Food Festival – where you can sample the best from independent food and drink brands – is the largest of its kind in the country. Along with many others that take place throughout the year, festivals such as the Kirkstall Festival, Light Night and Leeds Festival of Science are also certainly worth checking out.

Shopping Splendour

With it often regarded as one of the best places in the UK for shopping, Leeds is well-known as a haven for purchasing treats and gifts. Whether you are in search of trendy designer goods or bargain buys, the city is home to a seemingly endless supply of diverse stores that sell everything you could require. If you want a concentrated hub featuring your favourite high street retailers, the Trinity Leeds shopping centre is the number one destination for many. Situated in the heart of the city, the eye-catching Trinity Leeds contains over 120 famous brands and even its own cinema. Yet this isn’t the only shopping centre Leeds has to offer. A short walk from the Trinity is the vibrant Victoria Leeds, while further afield is the highly regarded and expansive White Rose shopping centre. But don’t ignore the high street for opportunities to fill up your hotel room with goodies. Here, you will find an exciting mix of independent boutique shops and established retailers.

Dining & Drinking

With a multitude of restaurants, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Leeds. Whether it is award-winning eateries, familiar franchises, cheap eats, those doubling up as hotels, or exotic international cuisine, you will find it amongst the approximately 1,500 restaurants available in the city. With that said, and although it’s impossible to list all of them, there are some places worth spotlighting. These include The Man Behind the Curtain, the deliciously innovative restaurant that recently became the first in Leeds to claim a Michelin Star in a decade. Another acclaimed establishment is Salvo’s. Positioned north of the city centre in Headingley, this restaurant has been serving locals contemporary Italian cuisine for over 40 years. As far as nightlife goes, and thanks in part to a thriving university population, you are spoilt for choice when visiting Leeds. From traditional pubs to fashionable nightclubs, the city comprises everything you could want for a late-night drink.