Leeds

The real north of England, Leeds built its fortune on textiles and northern grit during the Industrial Revolution, and reinvented itself dramatically as a center for commerce when the mills fell into decline after WWII. Today, Leeds is one of the best examples of the British post-industrial renaissance, with grand Victorian civic buildings sharing space with stylish canal-side developments and cutting-edge architecture. The neoclassical Town Hall and Corn Exchange are as grand as anything in London, while the modernist Royal Armories provides a futuristic setting for a gritty collection of ancient arms and armor. Although widely ...

The real north of England, Leeds built its fortune on textiles and northern grit during the Industrial Revolution, and reinvented itself dramatically as a center for commerce when the mills fell into decline after WWII. Today, Leeds is one of the best examples of the British post-industrial renaissance, with grand Victorian civic buildings sharing space with stylish canal-side developments and cutting-edge architecture. The neoclassical Town Hall and Corn Exchange are as grand as anything in London, while the modernist Royal Armories provides a futuristic setting for a gritty collection of ancient arms and armor. Although widely described as the "Knightsbridge of the North" for its department stores, shopping arcades and trendy boutiques, Leeds also has a cultural side, befitting the home town of sculptor Henry Moore. The large student population ensures there are plenty of hip restaurants, bars, venues and nightclubs, and the city also has some impressive sporting credentials, thanks to Leeds Football Club, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the formidable Leeds Rhinos rugby union club at Headingley.

About the Expert

Joe Bindloss has written more than 30 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, Time Out and other publishers, with a focus on Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and island nations.