Leeds: What To Do When You Visit Leeds

The city of Leeds is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England and its history can be traced back to the fifth Century. In earlier days, it was called Loidis and made up part of the Kingdom of Elmet. However Leeds became a major industrial centre during the industrial revolution and was where wool was produced. Now it has become one of England’s major financial and legal centers. 

Here we’ll take a look at just some of the things you can see and do when you stay in Leeds. 

The Thackray Medical Museum is next to St James Hospital and traces the history of medicine over the last one hundred and fifty years.  If the thought of that bores you, think again. This is one of the most popular attractions thanks to the blood thirsty reconstructions and the interactive displays. Certainly young and old can have hours of fun whilst visiting this attraction and is perfect for visiting when the weather isn’t that great. 

The Royal Armouries opened their doors in 1996 and were initially housed in one of Leeds waterfront properties. There are five different galleries which contain all sorts of weaponry and guns covering different subjects. One relates to war another is devoted to tournaments, the third gallery focuses on self defense, the fourth to hunting and the fifth gallery looks at armour and arms from the orient. There are plenty of interactive displays to keep you occupied.

For something a little more pleasing on the eye then a visit to Harewood House should be considered. This is an 18th Century Palladin-styled country house and was designed by Robert Adam, whilst the grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown. As you wander through the rooms you will see a treasure trove of beautiful furnishings and fine arts including items made by Chippendale and paintings by Turner and Gainsborough. 

There are over a thousand acres of grounds to explore and these include an adventure playground to keep children occupied and a sanctuary for birs. The Stables Courtyard offers refreshments for your tea break. 

One more attraction that is very popular with visitors to Leeds is Armley Mills and it looks at life during the industrial revolution.  The museum is housed in what use to be the largest woolen mill in the world and you can see how clothes are produced. Plus it also houses a 1920′s cinema that has been fully restored to its former glory.  Most weekends, the waterwheels and steam engines are working. 

When you next visit Leeds, choose your Leeds hotel here.