Why Leeds is an Underrated Gem of the UK

When tourists travel to the UK, it’s usually to one of the big cities like London or Manchester and while those places do offer a lot, it’s sometimes best to go to other cities to experience the true culture of the country. Leeds is a city in Yorkshire that was built around the River Aire and is in the eastern foothills of the Pennines. If you want to experience the true heart of the UK, it’s the best place to travel to.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, going with friends or having a family day out, Leeds has plenty to offer people of all ages. From a bustling city centre to beautiful outskirt scenery, you won’t be shy of things to do in the city. This guide will help you learn more about the Yorkshire-based city and teach you everything you need to know before you embark on your travels. Continue reading to find out why we consider Leeds to be an underrated UK gem.

Shopping

The shopping scene in Leeds has made huge strides over the past decade with new developments taking place in the city. You can explore the High streets and the new Victoria shopping centre in Leeds that offer a wide variety of retail goods to get your hands on. From high-end branded clothes to beautiful antiques, you are sure to find anything you can think of while shopping around Leeds.

You can also find fantastic vintage clothing in the many thrift stores that are located in the city, so it’s a must-visit for all the sustainable shoppers out there.

Food

Finding places to eat in Leeds is an easy mission, as there are plenty of amazing restaurants and local food trucks throughout the city. Variety is key when it comes to food and Leeds offers a large selection of different cuisines from around the world. The Trinity Kitchen is the place to go if you are looking for something tasty on a budget, as it has a selection of independent food businesses with excellent standards.

Architecture

Leeds is home to some of the most beautifully designed architecture in the UK. The most famous structure is the Leeds Town Hall that was built between 1853 and 1858 by the architect Cuthbert Brodrick. It’s worth a visit to the city just to witness this masterpiece in person. There are many other architectural delights in the city, such as the Civic Hall, Harewood House and Leeds Minster.

Nightlife

For all the party goers out there, Leeds has just about everything you need for an awesome nightlife experience. There are so many unique bars to experience from elegant wine bars to gritty dive bars and everything in between. Call Lane and the Northern Quarter are the two night time hot spots with great choices for all different types of people.

Location

Leeds is based in Yorkshire, which means there are gorgeous scenes all around the city with the Yorkshire dales being in perfect view. While the city centre is filled with life, it can sometimes be best to go to the more quiet areas of Leeds as the countryside will give you a phenomenal experience. We highly recommend going to Fountains Abbey.