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Thriving and cosmopolitan. A haven for diners,
 A tranquil corner |
Princes Avenue Princes Avenue Leeds LS8 2ER United Kingdom +44 113 266 1850 |
Just a stone's throw from Roundhay Park, these small, enclosed gardens are definitely worth a visit if you want a break from city life. The walled garden - a veritable sun trap - is a delight, enclosing a rectangular ornamental pond and displays of bedding plants and shrubs expertly tended by horticultural experts from the North of England National Rose Society. Prepare yourself for a feast of colour and fragrances. The Canal Gardens are adjacent to an exquisite tea room. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Turton  |
 Photo: Deborah Moran |
 Photo: John Blakey |
 Photo: Sue Yorks |
 Photo: Mark |
 Photo: Paul Adlam |
 A hive of activity |
Infirmary Street Leeds LS1 United Kingdom |
Constructed to celebrate Leeds' elevation to city status in 1893, this public space is home to one of the city's most formidable landmarks - the statue of Edward, the Black Prince. The square is flanked by impressive buildings including the Italianate Post Office building to the north, the 1930s Queen's Hotel to the south and No. 1 City Square - a striking high-tech commercial building at the edge of the city's financial center. The hub of the city, this is a great place to sit on a bench and watch the world go by - as long as you don't mind the traffic fumes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Seb Barber |
 Photo: gael |
 Photo: Piotr Dul |
 Photo: Mark Skeet |
 Photo: Richard O'Brien |
 Photo: Phillip1976UK |
 Photo: Ross Edwin Thompson |
 Photo: Martin Newstead |
 Tex-Mex in the Exchange Quarter |
28-30 Assembly Street Assembly Street Leeds LS2 7DE United Kingdom +44 113 234 6115 |
This Mexican restaurant is ensconced just off the fashionable Calls, behind the Corn Exchange. With its rich colour scheme, you know it must be Cuban. The bar is always very popular thanks to its cosy, intimate atmosphere. Whether the menu is particularly Cuban or just Mexican is open to question, but either way, the food is good. Cajun Blackened Swordfish is a tastebud treat - very highly recommended. Vegetarians and wine drinkers are well catered for. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Stylish cafe in Leeds' most elegant department store |
107-111 Briggate Victoria Quarter Leeds LS1 6BG United Kingdom +44 113 204 8888 http://www.harveynichols.com/ |
More middle class than cool—the Espresso Bar is in perfect tune with the shoppers who frequent the expensive Victoria Quarter shopping arcade. A fully licensed establishment, the Espresso Bar is more expensive than other cafes. Choose a mouth-watering sandwich for around with fillings like roast beef and Harvey Nichols mustard or smoked salmon and cream cheese. A good selection of pastries and cakes come with excellent Harvey Nichols service. Food is served until one hour before closing time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: the detestrian |
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An architectural tour de force |
Kirkgate Leeds LS2 7DJ United Kingdom +44 113 245 4012 |
This splendid example of Gothic Revival architecture has been Leeds' parish church since 1841, when it was built to replace a medieval church that had fallen into disrepair. Thanks to some unsympathetic town planning, the church is somewhat cut off from the city centre but it is definitely worth taking the time to find. The interior is particularly stunning - look out for the original Victorian fittings that reinforce the High Church atmosphere. Guide book available. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tony Preece |
 Photo: Guy Hatton |
 Photo: paul bevan |
 Photo: Elizabeth Wawrzyniak |
 Photo: kowalski84 |
 Photo: Steven Feather |
 Photo: Phil Songa |
 Photo: conxxion |
 1960s shopping centre |
Merrion Street Leeds LS2 8LV United Kingdom |
Built in the early 1960s, the Merrion Centre was one of the first indoor shopping complexes in England and one of the most glamorous places in Leeds. The sparkle has gone now and the Merrion Centre houses shops like Superdrug, Morrison's and Poundstretcher. If you want to see a different side of shopping in Leeds, go out the back of the Merrion Centre where you'll find the Merrion Superstore, a small indoor market. Crammed with fancy dress and stage make-up, hardware, sweets, clothes, haberdashery and record stalls, the superstore is a must for any bargain-hunting shopaholic. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Lyth |
 Photo: Thomas Mathie |
 Photo: Ali Lewsley |
 Photo: Sam Saunders |
 Photo: thermionic |
 Photo: alphaxion |
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The city's newest landmark |
Calverley Street Leeds LS1 3HE United Kingdom |
Leeds finally has its own version of Trafalgar Square. It hit the headlines thanks to Nelson Mandela, who came to Leeds to open the city's newest landmark. Flanked by the Civic Hall, the Civic Theatre and the Leeds General Infirmary, the square can hold up to 20,000 people. The Nelson Mandela Gardens, opposite the Felon & Firkin, are a welcome splash of greenery, but if you want to get away from the traffic, head for the top of the square where you can sit under the rowan trees and watch the world rush by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna Hardcastle |
 Photo: Martin Cogley |
 Photo: Stephen Osmotherley |
 Photo: Eduardo Munive |
 Photo: Piotr Dul |
 Photo: Gillian Graham |
 Photo: Tim Duckett |
 Photo: bUttsHAk3r |
 Photo: Ken Manson |
 Photo: Tracey |
 Photo: Tony Trent |
 Photo: Dean Collins |
 Photo: ..Goose.. |
 Photo: Bokmun Chan |
 Photo: Tracey Madden |
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A perfect place to get away from it all |
Off St Paul's Street Leeds LS1 2JG United Kingdom |
At the end of the 18th century this elegant square was the most fashionable and salubrious residential area of Leeds. Typically late Georgian in style and character, its secluded garden and surrounding terraces of red-brick houses remain largely unspoiled by later development, making it a popular lunchtime spot for local office workers. It is especially lovely in the spring and summer when the attractive flower beds burst into a riot of color and fragrance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin McCarthy |
 Photo: Iain Davidson |
 Photo: Jan Dolan |
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Leeds' favourite public park |
Princess Avenue Roundhay Leeds LS8 2ER United Kingdom +44 113 266 1850 |
This has been the city's favourite public space since it was first opened in 1872. It is the venue for high-profile music and cultural festivals in the summer, and also provides 700 acres of wooded walks, horticultural displays and sports facilities. The abundant bird life on Waterloo Lake can be observed from the park's waterside cafe. A stone's throw away are the Canal Gardens and the Tropical World Botanical Gardens—tourist attractions that boast over 750,000 visitors a year. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karen Wigley |
 Photo: Robert Smith |
 Photo: Dan Maudsley |
 Photo: Tony Preece |
 Photo: jay dae-su vega |
 Photo: Ignacio Laplagne |
 Photo: Dave Naylor |
 Photo: Dan Brady |
 Photo: Peter Thody |
 Photo: C'riz |
 Photo: Mal McNeil |
 Photo: Russell |
 Photo: Paul Little |
 Photo: mimiyaw |
 Photo: Nicky Lewis |
 Photo: Hongfang |
 Photo: H. Renee |
 Photo: geoff967 |
 Photo: Jo Waddell |
 Photo: richard gosling |
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Something for Everyone |
Armouries Drive Leeds LS10 1LT United Kingdom +44 113 220 1916 http://www.armouries.org.uk |
Opened in 1996, the spectacular building which is the new home for the national collection of arms and armor is situated in the rejuvenated waterfront area, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. The Royal Armourie provides display case upon display case of guns and weaponry in five separately theme galleries covering War, Tournament, Self-Defence, Hunting and the arms and armour of the Orient. Dynamic live action displays, interactive demonstrations and thought-provoking historical interpretations guarantee an enjoyable and educational day out. If you can, visit in summer when you will see thrilling displays of jousting, falconry, and horsemanship, along with the opportunity to get up close to the animals in the Menagerie. Admission is free but there is a GBP3 car park charge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nate Walker |
 Photo: phpchap_doherty |
 Photo: rayfin |
 Photo: Miles G Tawell |
 Photo: Samantha Scriven |
 Photo: Village Idiot Productions |
 Photo: Cybershot Mole |
 Photo: danib2312 |
 Photo: Claudia |
 Photo: Dan Hughes |
 Photo: krishna kishore maringanti |
 Photo: krishna kishore maringanti |
 Photo: rayfin |
 Photo: creativemixedmedia |
 Photo: dancecyril |
 Photo: Chris Hodgson |
 Photo: chunniemonster |
 Photo: Mel HOK Photography |
 Photo: lant_70 |
 Photo: cliff carlin |
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Understated Leeds landmark |
Cookridge Street Leeds LS2 3AW United Kingdom +44 113 244 8634 |
Leeds' relatively small cathedral dates back to the turn of the century - the result of the Corporation's decision to demolish the original to make way for traffic. The wonderful Gothic architecture makes it one of the city centre's most understated landmarks. Although it has hitherto been easy to miss, the recent opening of the nearby Millennium Square should help to bring this fine building to the attention of many more visitors. Architecture aficionados should check out the reredos (the structure above the altar) created by the celebrated Victorian designer AWN Pugin. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A hidden marvel |
New Briggate Mark Lane Leeds LS2 8JA United Kingdom +44 113 244 1689 |
Built in 1634 under the benefaction of local merchant John Harrison, this building is a marvellous - and rare - example of Gothic architecture from the medieval period. In 1860, the distinguished architect, Norman Shaw, said the church was "a specimen of church architecture to which no other town in England can produce a parallel". Hyperbolic words indeed, but words that prevented its planned demolition in the mid-1860s. The inside is breathtaking, and heavily adorned with woodwork carvings in a Flemish style. The wood of the pulpit and pews is dark, heavy and sombre, but is complemented by a menagerie of delicate figures - hermaphrodites, angels and other curious entities - looking down from the corbels and the chancel. It is a shame that they now look down upon spiritual pews devoid of a congregation. But the rest of us can see this architectural glory of internal and external design (ironically, on any day but Sunday), and perhaps through our attendance ensure its ongoing survival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Green |
 Photo: Joff Williams |
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Dubbed the "Hampton Court of the North" |
The Elm Walk Leeds LS15 0AE United Kingdom |
This magnificent Tudor-Jacobean mansion is bursting at the seams with history. Before it was rebuilt in the 17th century, the house belonged to the Knights Templar and the family of Lord Darnley, unlucky husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Aside from its absorbing history, Temple Newsam is worth visiting for its huge collection of old master paintings - including works by Titian and Rubens - and Chippendale furniture. The estate comprises 1500 acres of parkland which is used in the summer as a venue for high-profile pop and opera concerts. The grounds also play host to less glamorous attractions, namely the animals that make the on-site working farm the focus of regular school visits. Closed January and February. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Skeet |
 Photo: Dave Kilroy |
 Photo: Vera Low |
 Photo: Antony Barnes |
 Photo: Jamie Laramee |
 Photo: Sharon Dale |
 Photo: alexander cornelious |
 Photo: Miriam Fairchild |
 Photo: Adam Walters |
 Photo: Neil Matthews |
 Photo: Neil Bennion |
 Photo: Beverley Gormley |
 Photo: Hugmonster |
 Photo: Nick Efford |
 Photo: andy (robbo) robinson |
 Photo: yvonne_evans1980 |
 Photo: Daniel Nolan |
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An architectural delight |
Victoria Square Leeds LS1 3AD United Kingdom +44 113 224 3801 |
A stunning hybrid of classical Greek and baroque styles, this mid-19th century public building is perhaps Leeds' most well-known landmark. Built by Charles Broderick between 1853 and 1858, it features a façade of giant columns supporting an elaborate domed tower. The richly decorated interior is equally spectacular, with statues by Matthew Noble sitting beneath ornate plaster ceilings. As well as being of great historical and architectural interest, the Town Hall is one of the city's premier music venues, hosting events including Lunchtime Organ Music and the International Concert Season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ade_mcfade@yahoo.com |
 Photo: Tom Smith |
 Photo: Dave Graham |
 Photo: Jon Pinder |
 Photo: Reinhold Behringer |
 Photo: Rick Harrison |
 Photo: moniqca |
 Photo: Ben Anderson |
 Photo: Paula Goodale |
 Photo: Jono Kenyon |
 Photo: Caius Durling |
 Photo: Johnny Knight |
 Photo: Dayat Samsudin |
 Photo: sylvia cebula |
 Photo: Iris Garrelfs |
 Photo: nat j. gruca |
 Photo: dillonla |
 Photo: shazli87 |
 Photo: Paul Chris Brown |
 Photo: mitternach |