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World / Europe / England / Leeds-Bradford

World-class shopping plus some of Britain's coolest culture, eating and entertainment turned the old industrial powerhouse of Leeds into a sizzling city for work or play. Neighbouring Bradford adds the World Heritage Site of Saltaire and a lively multi-cultural restaurant scene.

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Visa Requirements

No visa required for EU nationals, Canadians, Americans or Australians

Language

English

Timezone

English

Weather

Warm summers can be wet; winters are cool and can be wet too

Dialling Code

00 44

Electricity

220V (UK-style 3 pin plugs)

Health and Safety

Free National Health Service. EU citizens should obtain a European Health Insurance Card before departure, which entitles them to free or reduced cost treatment in England.

Useful Links

Free National Health Service. EU citizens should obtain a European Health Insurance Card before departure, which entitles them to free or reduced cost treatment in England.

Flights to Leeds and Bradford land at Leeds Bradford Airport Buses connect visitors to the two city centres, each about eight miles away. Take Metroconnect 757 to Leeds (£2.30), or 737 and 747 to Bradford (£2.10). Journeys take at least 40 minutes. Arrow Private Hire is the official airport taxi service (00 44 113 258 5888). Fixed fares are £19.30 to either city centre. Allow between 20 and 40 minutes.

Victoria Quarter

With more than 70 trendy designer shops, including Harvey Nichols, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood, it's easy to get distracted while you're sightseeing in Leeds and Bradford. Do both as you explore the grand stained glass and decorative brickwork, polished brass and mahogany of the Victorian Quarter. These tastefully restored period arcades in Leeds centre are dubbed The Knightsbridge of the North. And there are more indy fashion designers under the huge dome of The Corn Exchange nearby.

Royal Armouries Museum

Don't expect rows of dusty suits of armour at the Royal Armouries Museum . It's an award-winning, purpose-build national attraction where everything is displayed in a modern, interactive way. Watch real jousting displays, live falconry and hand-to-hand combat. Entry is free and you can walk from Leeds city centre.

Saltaire Village

Amid more industrial-era architecture, you'll find bohemian traders, galleries, cafes and bars lining the cobbled streets of Saltaire on Bradford's fringe. The village with canal-side mill and surrounding workers' homes was by a well-meaning Victorian industrialist, now it's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's no charge to get in to Salts Mill and there are more places to shop and eat inside. A cultural highlight is the collection of contemporary paintings by local-boy-made-good David Hockney.

Quick Lunch - Room

They guarantee two courses within 45 minutes at Room. It's relaxed, central and has a surprisingly sophisticated retro menu.

Top Table - Anthony's

You'll need to reserve as far ahead as possible for Anthony's. Chef Tony Flinn learnt at Spain's El Bulli, one of the world's top restaurants, so his modern ‘scientific' food is state-of-the-art.

Cheap Eat - Fat Chops

For papers, magazines, people watching and good fresh snacks, head for Fat Chops.

On Business - Queens Hotel

Behind its imposing art deco façade the grandly traditional Queens Hotel is THE central hotel in Leeds with free wi-fi, 16 meeting rooms and dedicated business centre with staff.
Book now

Lap Of Luxury - 42 The Calls

Industrial architecture becomes cool at 42 The Calls a sexy waterside boutique hotel minutes from the centre of Leeds.
Book now

Cheap Sleeps - Hotel Ibis

Bradford's Hotel Ibis is great value, equipped with wi-fi and brilliantly sited next to a World Heritage Site.
Book now

Coffee And Chat - Harvey Nichols

The café upstairs at Harvey Nichols (107 Briggate, 00 44 113 204 8000) in Leeds' Victorian Quarter is a hushed oasis that's central, stylish and impressive.

Formal Presentation - Esholt Hall

Wow them with an off-site meeting in an attractive Queen Anne mansion, near Bradford. Esholt Hall (Esholt Hall Estate, Esholt, Shipley, 00 44 1274 618841) has 17 rooms, catering, a/v equipment and a theatre seating up to 80.

Evening Drinks - Victoria Hotel

Head for The Victoria Hotel (Great George Street, 00 44 113 245 1386) just behind Leeds Town Hall. It's an atmospheric slice of Victoriana with stained glass, decorative tiles and etched mirrors.

Sean Scully - 1980s

Irish Born, American abstract painter, Sean Scully is heading to Leeds for a timely retrospective this summer. Featuring the span of his neo-abstract oeuvre, produced almost exclusively in the 1980s - much of which is on loan from major international galleries– Scully helped bring abstract art back to the fore, with his densely layered, bright hued series of paintings.

28 May 2010 - 08 Aug 2010
Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, LS1 3AA

Leeds Art Fair

Founded in 1982, the Leeds Art Fair fast proved itself an integral event in the northern art calendar, providing local artists with a unique opportunity to showcase their work in a prime city centre location. Taking place over three short days in May, be sure to make your way to Leeds’ Light Centre, as once it’s gone, it’s gone.

07 May 2010 - 10 May 2010
The Light, The Headrow, LS1 3AA

Leeds Art Walk

Taking place on the first Wednesday of every month, the Leeds Art Walk is a joint initiative from Project Space and Pavilion - two important creative organizations on the Leeds scene. Taking in the best artistic ventures on offer in the city, the walk meanders from gallery to gallery, taking a new route each month. An energetic and engaging way to take in the best of Leeds-based creativity, be sure to see the Pavilion website for regularly updated information regarding each month’s walk.

03 Mar 2010 - 03 Mar 2010

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