Leeds: What To Do When You Visit Leeds

The city of Leeds is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England and it can trace its roots back to at least the 5th century. In earlier days, it was called Loidis and was part of the kingdom called Elmet. The real rise to fame of Leeds was 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 beside St James' Hospital and traces the history of medicine over the last one hundred and fifty years.  But if you think this is going to be a boring attraction to visit then think again. In fact this is one of the most popular of them all because of the dramatic stomach churning reconstructions and the interactive displays. It will keep you occupied for hours. 

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

Harewood House provides a more cultural offering. This is an 18th Century Palladin-styled country house and was designed by Robert Adam, with landscaped grounds 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. 

Armley Mills is another popular attraction in Leeds which offers you a chance to discover what life was really like during the industrial revolution.  The museum is housed in what use to be the largest woolen mill in the world and shows you 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.