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 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 |
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Comprehensive information on the city and its environs |
Wellington Street Leeds LS1 1PF United Kingdom +44 113 242 5242 |
This award-winning tourist information centre should definitely be your first port of call if you are new to the city. It offers a wide range of services, from accommodation bookings to the sale of travel and theatre tickets. It also doubles as a well-stocked gift shop with a full range of local books and souvenirs. Look out for the free pamphlets which give details of local events and tourist attractions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Not a chain store in sight |
Neville Street (Canal Basin) Leeds LS1 4BR United Kingdom +44 113 244 6570 http://www.granary-wharf.co.uk |
Recently modernised (having undergone a "Millennium Facelift"), Granary Wharf provides a unique shopping experience. Set beside Leeds' waterfront, the Wharf offers shoppers a dizzying array of items, from African beer and rare musical instruments to exotic art and home furnishings. It is definitely the place to visit if you want a break from city-centre chain stores. The Festival Market takes place on weekends and bank holidays, and features entertainment such as juggling, dancing and music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Per-Stian |
 Photo: Raymond Theakston |
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A relic of Victorian Leeds |
Great George Street Leeds LS1 3EX United Kingdom +44 113 243 2799 |
Built between 1863 and 1868, this imposing Gothic brick structure is one of Leeds' most striking buildings. It is the work of Sir George Gilbert Scott who was also responsible for the Albert Memorial and St Pancras Station. The entrance hall is worth a visit (ask at reception) - its walls are adorned with bronze tablets commemorating past benefactors, directors and staff. On a wintry day, the infirmary is best viewed from the Hogshead pub opposite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benjamin Balzer |
 Photo: penny earl |
 Photo: Iris Nagtegaal |
 Photo: Paul Holdsworth |
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Get fit on the cheap |
Westgate Leeds LS1 4PH United Kingdom +44 113 214 5000 |
Forget the rundown appearance, Leeds International Pool is the place to go if you're looking to get fit on the cheap. There is lots to keep even the most energetic keep fit enthusiast occupied including a 50-metre pool, a diving pool, weight training room and aerobics studio. For those who just want to relax, there are four sunbeds. The pool may not be able to compete with big name gyms in the luxury stakes but it's central and best of all very cheap. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: rikj |
 Photo: Will Docherty |
 Photo: Will Docherty |
 Photo: Fliss |
 Photo: Jo S |
 Photo: Lee Snoding |
 Photo: D Barton |
 Photo: D Barton |
 Photo: LizzieCoombesPhotogr |
 Photo: Lisa Roberts |
 Photo: crabflap5 |
 Photo: Michael Purrett |
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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 |
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Smart and vibrant |
Portland Crescent On the Roman Road Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 1UR United Kingdom |
It's hard to believe that this used to be one of the most rundown areas in the city. Now, thanks to an innovative redevelopment scheme, the waterfront has been given a whole new lease of life. Long-forgotten mills have been transformed into smart offices and trendy apartments, giving the area a vibrant, exciting feel. The Royal Armouries is nearby and there's also a host of enticing shops, restaurants and bars. Granary Wharf, another of its key attractions, is an atmospheric market place in converted vaults beneath Leeds City Rail Station. Towpaths - forming part of the Waterfront Heritage Trail - give walkers access to the waterfront's canalside attractions, as well as to those in the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Richardson |
 Photo: Fuad Al Ansari |
 Photo: Stefanie Herudek |
 Photo: Gavin Woodhead |
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Over 300 years old |
Lower Basinghall Street Leeds LS1 5EB United Kingdom +44 113 243 3845 |
As you walk up Park Row from Leeds City Station, you're bound to notice this eye-catching architectural masterpiece. Built in 1672 on the fringe of Leeds town, and ministered by Joseph Priestley (the man who discovered oxygen), the chapel was modernised in 1848. The ostentatious redevelopment of the chapel in a Gothic style received a fair amount of criticism and prompted the departure of many members of the congregation. Inside, the chapel is just as much a denial of its disestablishment genesis as the outside, with a typical stone pulpit and an abundance of stained glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Smith |
 Photo: James Washbourne |
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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 |
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 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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The work of a modern master |
The Headrow The Headrow Leeds LS1 3AD United Kingdom |
Located on the lively plaza outside the City Art Gallery, this sculpture by the internationally renowned Henry Moore - a true pioneer of modern art - has become a major Leeds landmark. It embellishes the presence of one of the UK's most important modern sculpture galleries - the Henry Moore Institute. Cast in bronze, Reclining Woman (Elbow) (1980) addresses the dynamic spatial relationships that comprise the human form. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dave Graham |
 Photo: Heather Lofthouse |
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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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Beware of the bells |
Lands Lane Leeds LS1 6LQ United Kingdom |
Teeming with charm and elegance, the distinctive Thornton's Arcade was the first of its kind in the city. Although considerably smaller than the nearby Victoria Quarter, an equally inspired refurbishment has restored its pointed glass vault roof and Gothic details to imposing effect. Perhaps the most memorable feature is the mechanical clock, which startles unsuspecting shoppers with a striking performance every quarter of an hour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gerald Thomas |
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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 |
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 Photo: Ben Anderson |
 Photo: Paula Goodale |
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Historic and elegant |
Briggate Leeds LS1 6AZ United Kingdom +44 113 245 5333 http://www.vqleeds.com |
Those with a taste for haute couture will find no better place to spend a few hours than this elegant arcade. Home to some of the biggest names in fashion, including Vivienne Westwood and Karen Millen), the Victoria Quarter has become one of Leeds' main shopping attractions. If you can tear your eyes away from the colourful window displays, take a glance at the ceiling, which features the largest stained-glass window in the country. After a day of shopping, recharge your batteries in one of the Quarter's excellent cafes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Porter |
 Photo: Paul Green |
 Photo: Paul Bradley |
 Photo: Bushra Khatoon |
 Photo: Gemma |
 Photo: Rob Townsend |
 Photo: Dave Sykes |
 Photo: Bryndis |
 Photo: Becky Redman |
 Photo: Jon Moss Photography |
 Photo: Simon Cowen |
 Photo: David Gibson |
 Photo: Oliver Smith |
 Photo: Joe Archer |
 Photo: Rachael Tulloch |
 Photo: Steve Carver |
 Photo: cyrusvance |