Leeds will be in the spotlight when The Tour de France starts from the city on Saturday, July 5. Riders including Britain’s Chris Froome, and hopefully Bradley Wiggins, will depart from opposite Leeds Art Gallery and head into the Yorkshire Dales via Harewood House, for a sprint finish in Harrogate.
If you are heading to Yorks to see the event, spend some time exploring. Here’s the Top 10 things to do in Leeds.
Harewood House
One of the treasure houses of England, Harewood House was built in the 18th Century and has art collections to rival the finest in the land. With extensive grounds landscaped by Capability Brown and set in some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscape. Harewood is just as much about today as it is about history. There are also exhibitions of contemporary art, a renowned bird garden and over 100 acres of exquisite gardens.
See Harewood House
The Royal Armouries
Enjoy a journey through 3,000 years of military history. From ancient wonders to more contemporary artefacts, the world’s only elephant suit of armour and King Henry VIII’s horned helmet are must-sees. And if you like your history fast, loud and colourful, don’t miss the live medieval jousting tournaments.
See The Royal Armouries
Tropical World
Tropical World at Roundhay Park is Leeds’ most popular family attraction. Explore tropical habitats and other exotic places from around the world: including jungle; desert; water and night-time zones. The series of greenhouses are filled with jungle and desert vegetation and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats!
See Tropical World
Shopping
You are never more than a few steps away from some great shopping in Leeds, with more than 1,000 stores to choose from. Enjoy luxury labels to rival London or Milan with shops including Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood and Mulberry in the prestigious Victoria Quarter. Enjoy boutique shopping in the Corn Exchange where you will find the very best in creative, innovative and independent retailers and grab yourself a bargain at Kirkgate Market; one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. Make sure you also visit Trinity Leeds; Leeds’ newest retail and leisure destination – at the size of 13 football pitches it doesn’t fail to impress.
http://www.v-q.co.uk/
http://www.leedscornexchange.co.uk/
http://trinityleeds.com/
http://www.leedsmarkets.co.uk/
Thackray Medical Museum
The Thackray Medical Museum is one of the UK’s largest medical museums in the UK. Be transported back to the grimy streets of Leeds in 1842 and explore the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian life. Meet the characters that live there and find out what life was really like. Discover how scientific breakthroughs have changed our lives, learn about the history of childbirth, find out about advances in surgical techniques and explore your body in the Life Zone gallery. There are nine interactive galleries to explore and a programme of activities and events to discover, you and your family can enjoy a fantastic day out.
See Thackray Medical Museum
Leeds Owl Trail
Step out on the Leeds Owl Trail and discover the rich heritage of Leeds. There are 25 locations on the trail each marked with their unique owl. At each point discover why the owl is there and learn what it has seen in its lifetime. Keep your eyes wide open as some of the owls are not in the most obvious of places!
See Leeds Owl Trail
The Tetley
The Tetley is a new centre for contemporary art and learning in the stunning art deco headquarters of the former Tetley Brewery in central Leeds. Enjoy exhibits from cutting edge artists as well as the history of the old brewery. Make sure you allow time to drop into The Tetley Bar and Kitchen for a pint of Tetley’s, where it was born more than 200 years ago, and sample a bite to eat with locally-inspired dishes.
See The Tetley
The Theatres
Leeds’ heritage as a city of entertainment is a long and illustrious one which continues to flourish. The city boasts both its own opera – Opera North and ballet – Northern Ballet – companies. Four theatres provide an eclectic mix of performances; West Yorkshire Playhouse is one of the largest producing theatres outside London, Leeds Grand Theatre (above) welcomes many high profile touring productions, the City Varieties is one of the longest running music halls in the country and The Carriageworks Theatre is a forward-thinking theatre which helps nurture theatre-makers.
http://www.wyp.org.uk/
https://www.leedsgrandtheatre.com/Online/default.asp
https://www.cityvarieties.co.uk/Online/default.asp
http://www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks/Pages/default.aspx
Leeds City Museum
Leeds City Museum offers an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all the family. There are six galleries for you to discover with an impressive collection of objects and art works as well as seasonally changing exhibitions. Come face-to-face with the Leeds Tiger, step into ‘Ancient Worlds’ and see the final resting place of the Leeds Mummy and even dig for fossils in the ‘Life on Earth’ gallery. An exciting day out for visitors of all ages and to top your visit off admission to the Museum is free!
See Leeds City Museum
Picture: Giles Smith
Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall is an independent venue, focusing on the latest cutting edge music, art, film and food all spread over three floors. A recent addition to the Leeds scene and with aspirations to provide artists with a unique platform, The Belgrave has become known locally as one of the best venues in Leeds to experience live music, comedy, film and art.
See Belgrave Music Hall
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