Car Hire Leeds

Leeds Mini Guide

Leeds is the largest city in the English county of Yorkshire and is located in the north of the country. Famed as a vibrant university city with a good nightlife, Leeds also has the advantage of being within reach of some of the finest countryside in England.

Starting as a strategic fort during Roman times, by the medieval times Leeds had become a booming market town. With the onset of the industrial age the city developed further into a hub of industry where wool and textiles were made.

It was around this time that Leeds began to be known as the city of a thousand trades. Architecturally it also flourished and there are fine examples of houses built in Georgian, Victorian and more modern styles.

The main sights of note in the city centre are the Leeds Art Gallery and The Henry Moore Institute, a free place to see a fine collection of modern and classic art. The Millennium Square is where cultural events often take place while the town hall can claim to be one of the world’s best preserved old Victorian buildings.

These attractions can all be found in the civic quarter which is the main draw for tourists in Leeds, though the city is not really considered to be a tourist destination.

However you will be hard pressed to find another city with a better array of shops, bars and restaurants, making Leeds a great destination for a day out. The commercial centre has everything from Harvey Nichols to Top Shop in the way of designer clothes stores. Call Lane is the place to go if you are looking for a stylish bar, while those who are into film may want to time their visit to coincide with the Leeds International Film Festival.

Leeds has a multitude of shops and is the area’s prime shopping destination with major departmental stores and independent boutiques.  The city has a good selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and entertainment and a lively night life.   It also has well known theatres and its own opera and ballet companies. 

There are many places to visit such as The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, The Corn Exchange and The Victorian Quarter. The historic Edwardian Kirkgate Market has a good variety of stalls in the city centre. The stately homes of Harewood House and Lotherton Hall are only a short car journey away. The many green areas include Rounday Park which is a large area of parkland, lakes and woodland. 

Leeds is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales which is approx. 32km from the city centre and is an easy car ride.  For leisure activities Leeds has seven golf courses and a large number of leisure centres.  Leeds United football club plays at Elland Road Stadium.