Located in the centre of the UK, 320 kilometres north of London and about 64 kilometres from Manchester, Leeds is Yorkshire’s largest city and is best known for its excellent shopping, dining and greenery. Much of the town has been rejuvenated to show off its original Georgian and Victorian looks, while an international airport provides easy access.

Leeds town centre has a string of signature red-brick buildings and grand structures in the city centre. The Victorian Quarter is the most popular part of the city, with its Victorian look and excellent shopping. Leeds Waterfront is another popular tourist area that comes with many cafés and restaurants.

Major attractions to check out in Leeds include the popular City Art Gallery and the Royal Armouries Museum, along with Kirkstall Abbey outside town. Other high profile attractions include the Roundhay Park Tropical World and Headingley cricket ground at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Leeds Millennium Square and Leeds City Square are good for people watching.

Leeds encompasses a large metropolitan area and green belt and there are more parks than you could poke a stick at. Kids will have a blast here as many of them come with playgrounds and other child-friendly attractions. Bramham Park is the finest park, with manicured lawns, pretty ponds and a stunning house.

Apart from the fantastic museums and buildings, Leeds also boasts superb shopping options in the Victorian Quarter at the Briggate arcade and other pedestrianised shopping streets. There are also numerous cafés, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, plus the town is home to thriving theatre centre. In fact, Leeds has a reputation for having some of the best nightlife in northern England.

Accommodation in Leeds is well-priced and ranges from the humble bed-and-breakfast just outside the town centre to comfortable inns, townhouse hotels and luxury places in the heart of town. There are also many campsites, but booking ahead is a must during the summer. Booking Leeds hotels online will generally net you a decent discount.

Leeds’s position in the centre of the country makes is accessible from everywhere. Motorways come up from London, Birmingham and Manchester as well as down from Scotland and Newcastle, while fast trains also come in from these areas. Leeds-Bradford International Airport is just outside town and sees flights arrive from many popular European centres.

If you are familiar with English weather, Leeds is a similar story, with mild summers and a fair amount of rain. Leeds is a fair bit north of London, which has the best weather in the country, and therefore is a little cooler and darker in the winter. Summers can be really nice, however, with daylight up to around 22.00 in July and average temperatures of around 25°C; there are occasional highs of over 30°C.

Although the nicest weather hits in July and August, it is also the peak season in Leeds, especially at the end of July when the kids are on school holidays. Visiting in June or September is beneficial but you should also book ahead in the spring and autumn. Off-season bargains can often be had in the winter.