
Leeds South (Birstall)

Friendly, multicultural, brimming with the sort of energy you only find in university towns, and a darn good place to revamp your wardrobe. Leeds might not have the scale of London but boy, does it deserve its reputation as the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’. Think high culture combined with hedonism, flavours of South Asia alongside Yorkshire’s finest fish and chips, a buzzing city centre just a short drive from the serenity of the Yorkshire Dales. Grim up North? Stay at one of our Leeds hotels and you’ll discover it’s anything but.
Leeds is a shopping destination par excellence. Hit the Victoria Quarter for designer goodies from Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Harvey Nichols et al, and get your not-on-the-high-street fix from the Corn Exchange and Queens Arcade.
Royal Armouries puts the bang in military history. With over 70,000 objects relating to arms, armour and artillery throughout the ages and from across the globe, it’s filled with curios such as elephant armour.
In the Tick Tock Unlock real-life escape game, you’ve 60 minutes to get your head round the riddles, puzzles and mysteries that hold the key to your escape. If your inner detective isn’t up to much, you could be in trouble. It’s a popular place for team-building so if you’re staying at one of our Leeds business hotels, it could be an interesting way to get to know your work buddies.
Henry Moore is a Leeds legend which is why it’s imperative to visit the Henry Moore Institute. A research centre, library and exhibition space dedicated to sculpture and the visual arts, you’ll be amazed by the lines and curves on show.
Opera and philharmonic orchestras, comedy and contemporary pop, Leeds Town Hall offers an annual calendar of events from world-class artists and performers.
Theatre lovers will be in their element at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. The Courtyard and Quarry stages are renowned for producing and hosting top-notch shows that often end up in the West End. It’s one of Yorkshire’s most important cultural institutions.
Leeds might be an exciting urban hotspot but it’s also a great place to get away from it all - especially if you’re spending a weekend here. Lose yourself in the remains of a Cistercian monastery at Kirkstall Abbey, visit Harewood House and its stunning grounds or get tropical at Roundhay Park. For some serious country air, venture to the Yorkshire Dales. It’s only a 30-minute drive to the southern fringes of this national park.