The Leisurely Leeds

Leeds is considered a fast growing city and even now recognised as the second most important city for “business, legal and financial” services next to London. In the Industrial Revolution era it was noted for the production and trade of wool; however, there were flax engineering and foundries as well to give the local economy a boost.

Of the great natural landmarks of Leeds, mention may be made of Otley Chevin and Fairburn Ing Reserve. Roundbay and Temple Newsam, Victoria Gardens and Park Square are other charming places of open space and relaxation. The Civic Hall Millenium Square is a graceful landmark.

The renowned University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University,  Leeds Trinity University, Leeds College of Arts, College of Music etc. make the place a much sought after educational centre. The large presence of students’ population contributes to the patronage of modern music while the cultural links with the past is sustained by liberal patronage of classical strains as well.

Leeds City Museum has been opened recently in 2008 is a must for the tourists. However, there are older museums of great value too, like, Abbey House Museum, Armly Mills Industrial Museum, Thwaite Mills Watermill Museum and Thackray Museum with special emphasis on Medical Sciences. Each has a unique role in preserving and transmitting the knowledge of the past to the present and the future.

The city is renowned for its music and cultural activities. The Hermen Hermit’ Leckenby was born in Leeds. The Mekons and the Gang of Four were patronised by the public here. Soft Cells and Kaiser Chiefs too were prominent groups to perform here. There has been a steady support to the latest trends in the pop music in this city and adjoining areas though classical vintage is not neglected either. In the recent years Leeds is recognised as a hub for electronic music! The Moor Music Festival, Leeds Festival, Reading Festival, Fuseleeds Festival are some f the regular Music Festivals attracting nation wide attention and people throng to them for youthful exuberance. 

But there are some Carnivals also which are noteworthy not only for the cultural impact but for the moorings they have in the local traditions. Leeds Carnival, Otley Folk Festival, Heritage Open Days, Garforth Arts Festival are some of the gatherings that stimulate the tourists to great raptures and are looked forward to by people all over England!

While St.Anne’s Cathedral is a great religious structure to be visited, the tourist will be surprised to find a Sikh temple in Chapeltown Road and Leeds Jama Mosque in the vicinity too! These places offer quietude and mental strength to the respective religious followers.

There are real ale pubs which give pep to the night life in Leeds. People have a gentle way of enjoying the night life here and there are countless nice restaurants, pubs and dancing halls to delight local and visiting populace. The Hadrow, Town Hall Tavern, The Palace and The Victoria are among some top names in this category.

City Inn Leeds, Radisson SAS Hotels, Hilton Leeds City, The Queen’s Hotel are among some of the top ranking hotels where you can comfortably be taken care of. There are plenty of budget hotels, youth hostels to cater to the needs of business, educational and cultural groups as well.

There is no lack of transport facilities either in Leeds. There are limos and comfortable vehicles for individuals, smaller and larger groups. The leisurely ambience of the city, its great food chain hotels, pubs, rugby and other sports activities, music and dancing, museums and parks all add the unwinding of tensions built over months in the work-a-day world. A visit to Leeds will refresh the mind and the body alike.