Leeds is the largest city in the county of West Yorkshire and the UK’s second largest metropolitan borough by population. It reached its peak of prosperity in the Victorian era due to the development of the textile industry. In Armley – a district in the west of Leeds – there is the museum of industrial heritage, the Armley Mills. Going further west along the river, you’ll see the 12th-century ruined Cistercian monastery, Kirkstall Abbey, and the Abbey House Museum – the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
If you head to the east instead, you’ll get to the former inland port and the Royal Armouries Museum. The majestic, multi-story building is home to Britain’s national collection of arms and armor. In addition to galleries, the museum also includes the crossbow shooting range. In the city center, the most interesting spot is the City Square with a great number of monuments, e.g., Black Prince.
Are you into shopping? Leeds won’t let you down. It’s the largest commercial center in this part of England. But it offers much more than just another mall. In the city center, you can enjoy shopping in a unique setting of the impressive historic arcades with old buildings and walkways. The Queen’s, Thornton's, and Grand Arcades are all next to one another.
If you need to catch a breath after a long day, step into a traditional English pub. It’s a great place to grab a pint and listen to local stories. You can also try typical English food, such as fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, or Sunday roast – a main meal consisting of roasted meat, potatoes, and selection of accompaniments. Where to head first? In Leeds, you can find nice eateries at every turn, but we recommend that you start from The White Swan on Swan Street or The Hourglass at 112 Briggate – both are in the heart of the city. If you want to experience an authentic atmosphere of the local pub, leave the Old Town behind and check out The Broadway on Dewsbury Road, The Garden Gate on Whitfield Place, and The Rodley Barge which plays live music on Town Street.
