What to See in Leeds

When the Victorian civic authorities sought to improve the sights and foul smells of Briggate and the city centre, they demolished some of the city's dirtiest yards, alleyways, shambles and lanes and built covered shopping arcades filled with fine establishments. These catered for the refined tastes of the growing moneyed classes of Leeds.…

The complete renovation and restoration of an entire city district. In the south-west of central Leeds, this historic area was key to the Industrial Revolution, and has many buildings and sites of interest, including the stunning Egyptian-style Temple Mill and Italianate Tower Works.…

Shopping in surroundings to rival any of Leeds' fine arcades. Located just to the south of Kirkgate markets on Vicar Lane. Designed by Cuthbert Broderick and architecturally based on the Paris corn exchange. A largely elliptical building, crowned with a great glass dome roof, that allows light to stream in even on the greyest Yorkshire winter mornings.…

National museum of all things deadly, from swords and guns to armoury and pikes, now famous for its regular live jousting. Contains rare armour belonging to King Henry VIII and Emperor Maxmillian, and a diverse arsenal from the Royal collection, sourced from a-far a field as Japan, India and America.…

Largest abbey in the North of England - see below. One of the UK's biggest and best preserved abbeys, recently restored with a new visitor centre. It's 3 miles out of town but lovers of history and architecture, or those in search of a beautiful and peaceful spot in the city won't regret making the trip. Buses (33/33a) every 10 minutes from the city centre.…

An attractive and fairly large neo-gothic church with a renowned choir and concerts from time to time. During the rebuilding of the Parish church in Victorian times, the original Saxon crosses where Leeds folk would have worshipped in the 8/9th centuries (well before the first church of Leeds had been founded) were une…

An unassuming location and exterior hide an elegant baroque interior, built for the merchant class by subscription and donation so they could worship well away from the lower working classes of the city.…

Whilst a long way out of town, this leafy and extremely affluent suburb has some lovely houses, and is a world a way from the bustle of the city centre - nearby York Gate garden is beautiful and well worth a visit), this lovely and well-preserved early Norman church set in verdant grounds is a hidden treasure

The city's symbol and pride and joy, one of the world's finest Victorian buildings, and home to a dazzling array of concerts, particularly during the city's popular and extensive International Concert Season [http://www.leedsconcertseason.com/]. The recently restored interior is stunning.

One of the great historic estates in England. With over 1500 acres landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century, it is a large Tudor–Jacobean mansion housing a large collection of works of art. The garden has some excellent walks and houses a working Rare Breeds farm.

The oldest working railway in the world. Situated in South Leeds between Middleton and Hunslet, it used to carry coal from the coal mines to the south of the city to the factories of Hunslet and central Leeds. You can now have a ride on the historic rolling stock.

The closest big park to central Leeds, between Leeds University and Hyde Park Corner. In summer months it is packed to bursting with students and other young people sunbathing and playing sports. There are large fields, small formal gardens and a skate park.

Interesting and unique chapel. Also the place where Leeds United football club was founded, replacing the old bankrupt Leeds City football club. [http://www.aql.com/news/198/ In 2011 it was bought] by a huge telecommunications company as a head office.

Award winning. The best of its kind in the country, with all manner of exhibits and the chance to experience the life of a Victorian child or mill-worker (and their often gruesome medical history). If you've got children, you'd be mad to miss it!

Hidden away within peaceful gardens lies this true gem, built just before the English Civil War, it has beautiful ornate woodwork in its charming interior, and architecturally it is an extremely rare example of a 17th century double nave design.

This traditional British market is largest in Europe. Housed in an opulent late Victorian palace to commerce, it has both indoor and outdoor stalls. Marks and Spencer had their first establishment here, originally called, 'Marks Penny Bazaar'.

This is the last vestiges of Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, an unsuccessful Victorian business. Built in 1840, bears were displayed in a circular pit with the public viewing them from the castellated turrets.

World famous, is a must for Cricket and Rugby (both codes - League and Union) fans. Quite unique in serving both sports - a 'siamese' stadium. The annual Test match is a highlight of Leeds' sporting calendar.

The Leeds Story is the main draw for visitors, but there are also galleries of natural history and ancient Roman and Greek history. The museum is in the imposing Leeds Institute building.

This huge estate, complete with extensive gardens, lake, lovely café and bird gardens, is owned by the Queen's cousin. The opulent roccoco house itself is well worth a look around.

Huge picturesque park with 2 lakes, café, flower gardens and walks. Right next to Tropical World, and the lovely formal Canal Gardens, be sure to visit them all in one day.

The world of modern and classical art is at your disposal here in Leeds. It has a small but interesting range of exhibits, and is a great place to kill half an hour. Free.

the old cottages and shops are very pretty (especially Cottage Road), as are the leafy streets and Victorian terraces and villas to the north further up the Otley Road.

Great for a rainy day as it's all indoors, this extensive menagerie has animals, birds, fish and insects from across the globe in thoughtfully themed zones.

There is generally something going on! A great public space home to some gorgeous civic architecture, concerts, exhibitions, ice rinks, Christmas markets.

A lovely Georgian square reminiscent of Dublin, and is often an overlooked haven of tranquility in the city centre. (Hard to find without a map)

This interesting development of cafés, restaurants, shops and apartments was completed during 2008. Home to Royal Armouries Museum.

Small, but an extremely interesting example of an Arts and Crafts, 19th Century Catholic Cathedral - unique within the UK.

Museum built in 1983 to celebrate Horsforth which has been described as the "largest village in England".

Another such stately home to the north-east of Leeds with a long history and lovely gardens and grounds.

Modern art gallery in the Art Deco former Tetley Brewery. Has an archive of brewery history.

Some distance from central Leeds, has lovely Japanese Gardens and is accessible by bus.

Excellent museum of industry and Leeds' (major) role in the Industrial Revolution.

Large botanical garden set in lush woodlands with a wonderful selection of plants.

Deer park, extensive and interesting bird garden, historic hall and café. Museum.

Rare example of a former stone-crushing mill, now an excellent working museum.

Picturesque riverside park containing the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey (see above)

built to celebrate the visit of Queen Victoria to Leeds in 1858.

A large woodland which separates Gledhow from Chapel Allerton.

With old Post Office and imposing Queens Hotel.

Lovely 19th Century, red-brick baroque church.

Gardens and café set around huge lake.

A popular site for plane-spotters.

The biggest landmark in Oakwood.

A Bath House built in the 1600s.