Leeds In England: Visit A Cultural City
Leeds is a real surprise. It is one of the most dynamic and cultural destinations that can be visited in the British Isles. Here you can find all kinds of proposals. There are from the typical fine arts museums to a wide range of designer shops, as well as a music scene in constant renovation. Do you dare to know this vibrant city?
Where is Leeds
Before telling you what awaits you during your stay in Leeds, we are going to give you the keys to get there. Something that is as simple as locating the city in the northern part of England. So, to travel to it, it is good to take as a reference two British cities well connected with the rest of Europe: Liverpool and Manchester.
Leeds’ industrial past
Like so many other places throughout the UK, Leeds, too, has a past tied to industrial splendor. In this case, the activity focused on the manufacture of gears. That is what the powerful Armley Mills factory was dedicated to, created at the beginning of the 19th century and which distributed its product throughout more than half the world.
Of course, today that factory is closed. However, its old facilities are one of the great tourist attractions of Leeds, as they have been converted into an interesting museum that shows the history of the city.
More monumental heritage
Obviously, this factory is not the only monument of interest in Leeds, nor the oldest. In the center is Kirkstall Abbey, next to the River Aire. Nor should you miss the Victorian architecture of the Town Hall, the Town Hall. And as you visit this beautiful town hall, take a look at the neighboring Leeds Art Gallery, with interesting works from the 20th century.
And to end the historical heritage of the English city, we invite you to visit the elegant architecture of Temple Newsam, which began to be built in the 16th century. Enter its interior to admire its artistic collection, its period furniture and also the gardens that surround it.
Current design
But in Leeds not everything is history, there is also much present. For example, in relation to the world of fashion and design. Therefore, it is a good place to go shopping. You can do it in the Victoria Quarter, where some beautiful commercial galleries open between the 19th and 20th centuries are preserved, but which today host 21st century businesses.
In reality, Leeds’ tradition as a shopping venue is nothing new. Did you know that the famous Marks & Spencers stores are originally from this city ? They were born here, in the gigantic covered market of Kirkgate Market.
And that market is another place that you cannot miss if you take advantage of each of your trips to do a little shopping . Something that, on the other hand, is a classic if you make a trip to any corner of Great Britain.
Shows in Leeds
In Leeds you also have to enjoy its intense cultural programming. If you spend a few days there, check the local press and check out the many rock and pop concerts that take place almost every night in the city’s pubs . Enjoy some of them, perhaps you are witnessing the birth of the new fashionable band in Europe.
Or, if you prefer, go to Millennium Square, the true epicenter of social life in Leeds. There, especially on weekends, the occasional concert or theater performance is usually held.
The vibrant summer
All those possibilities multiply during the summer months. Especially throughout August. This is when the intense Food and Drink Festival takes place, which welcomes the best British chefs, which is a good time to change our concept about local gastronomy.
And also in summer the Leeds Festival takes place, specialized in rock music and attended by great international bands. So these events, coupled with others like Leeds Fashion Week, make this city in the north of England today one of the coolest and most fun destinations in all of Britain.
