Leeds Top Ten

Economic powerhouse of Britain's north, Leeds isn't the most beautiful of cities. Nor is it the easiest to instantly 'get'. In fact, if it was a business seeking private equity funding, it would have called the branding experts in long ago, for a much needed style overhaul.

Refreshingly, however, Leeds is doing very well despite everything. Financially, it's in a stronger position than media-friendly Manchester. And, we think, it's a far more enjoyable place to spend a weekend. Especially if you follow our advice. 

 

 

 

 

1.Shopping

Address: Leeds, Yorkshire 
Shopping in Leeds is a healthy pursuit. You have do cover a fair bit of ground, some of which uphill, but you're usually en route to somewhere fabulous, so it's all part of the fun. Its glazed Victorian galleries offer wide, covered avenues home to stores selling high-end skincare (Jo Malone's perfumes are wonderful), funky shoes and delicate gifts. Try Queens Arcade. Dubbed the Knightsbridge of the North, Leeds is a northern outpost of  Harvey Nichols department store, and designers Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood have stores in the handsome arcades of the Victoria Quarter. Granary Wharf's warren of underground market halls is the place to head for kitsch, retro and alternative stuff. The Light (Hadrow) is the city's latest addition - a £100million development encompassing great fashion, bars and restaurants. The Corn Exchange features up-and-coming designers, street wear jewellers and gift wear. Kirkgate Market's 800 traders make it Europe's biggest undercover bazaar.

2.Sunny Days

Address: Leeds, Yorkshire
Parks are plentiful in and around Leeds. Golden Acre Park (Arthington Lane) is a firm favourite with strolling families and young groups of friends. It's home to the national collection of lilacs, should that clinch it for you. Grandest of all parks is undoubtedly Harewood House, (Harewood - Adults £11, Children £6 , Senior Citizens £9.50 - admission to house and gardens). The grounds offer 1,000 acres of park designed by Capability Brown. Perfect for picnics, woodland rambles and horticulturalists: the mixed borders are stunning.

3.Museums

Address: Leeds, Yorkshire
Leeds is well served by a clutch of excellent museums. Check out Thwaite Mills restored water mill in Stourton, with its pair of huge 17th century watermils - used for powering the city's booming cotton trade (Adults £3, Children £1) for more thrills, the Royal Armouries (Armouries Drive, 08700 344 344) is bristling with arms, armour, and all manner of military paraphernalia. The Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall offers the chance to stroll down Victorian streets and glimpse the Leeds of 150 years ago (Tel 0113 230 5492).

4.Leeds by Night

Address: Leeds, Yorkshire
From the colourful, riotous independent bars of the city's Northern Quarter (try Mojo's vintage rock 'n' roll and the cool but cosy North Bar) to the glittering neon palaces of the Corn Exchange, Leeds comes alive after dark.  Call Lane is lined with popular hotspots, such as Jake's Bar and Gril. Top name local DJs play at Elbow Room, while Lower Briggate is the heart of the city's gay scene. Clubbing is very much alive here -  on Saturday nights, renowned Leeds institution, Basics, takes place at Rehab while venerable Mint Club dishes up a tasty menu of house and techno. SpeedQueen is a straight/gay/everyone welcome bash at the Warehouse - dress up. Live music forms the centrepiece of joints such as the HiFi Club and The Wardrobe.

5.History aplenty

Address: Leeds, Yorkshire 
Home of the Queen's cousin the Earl of Harewood, Harewood House is Leed's premier historic house, with its lavish interiors and walls hung with Turner watercolours and guilt-framed old masters. Look for the houses' stunning Chippendale furniture, its fine Adam interiors and its fascinating - recently opened - 'Below Stairs' exhibition. 1,000 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, and an Italianate Terrace by Sir Charles Barry, make a visit even more delightful in fine weather. ( Adults £11.30, Children £6.50, Senior Citizens £10)

6.Leeds Performs

Address: Leeds, Yorkshire 
Britain's best preserved, and longest-running music hall, The City Varieties is a real gem. Home of the BBC's 'The Good Old Days', the theatre still stages sell-out old-time shows (0113) 243 0808, while the Northern Ballet Theatre, (0113) 274 5355, is determined to breathe life into classical ballet with its strong performances and dramatic stage sets, more contemporary fare is on offer at the Pheonix Dance Theatre (0113) 242 3486. Director Darshan Singh Bhuller and guest choreographers produce an eclectic range of innovative work.

7.Henry Moore Institute

Address: The Headrow, Leeds, Yorkshire 
The striking futuristic facade of the Henry Moore institute is at odds with the organic, sensual sculptures within, but this black marble building, is a real treat. A centre for the study of sculpture, galleries feature temporary exhibitions and a sculpture reference library. (0113) 246 7467

8.Leeds City Art Gallery

Address: The Headrow, Leeds, Yorkshire  
Critics say that Leeds' civic collection is the strongest display of 20th century British art outside London. Judge for yourself at this fine, newly refurbished art gallery. Watercolours, prints, paintings and scultpure take in Moore, Hepworth, Gormley, Turner and Hockney.  It also features a magnificent restored Victorian tiled hall including a great cafe. (0113) 247 8248

9.A Touch of the Tropics

Address: Roundhay Park, Leeds, Yorkshire
Get steamy in Roundhay Park, as Tropical World contains a beautifully recreated slice of the jungle, here in West Yorkshire. You'll see banana trees, a waterfall, butterfly house and all manner of rare and delicate orchids. The attraction also features various habitats, from arid desert to South American rainforest, and an aquarium. (0113) 266 1850

10.Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Address: West Bretton, Leeds, Yorkshire 
Just outside the city, but well worth the trip, this ground-breaking concept was Britain's first large-scale outdoor sculpture gallery and now contains a vast array of modern and recent British sculpture, within 500 acres of historic gardens and parkland. An all-weather visitor centre sets the pieces in context but, actually, the real fun is just to wander around and chance upon the pieces at random. Some challenge your perception of what, actually, is 'sculpture', but you're sure to come away having discovered a few favourites. Open daily, 10am-5pm (6pm in summer) admission free. Tel 01924 832 631