Discover Leeds: Where to go and What to do
Though of course, Leeds city centre is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants and entertainment, very little love is given to the suburbs or outskirts of Leeds where there is much to see and do.
Here is a quick guide to the outskirts of one of Britain’s most exciting cities:
Headingley
A great place to party if you are in your early twenties; Headingley is known locally as ‘the student quarter’ and is home to undergraduates from both of the city’s universities.
As the suburb is full of people who like to study as well as party, Headingley is also a great place to wander independent bookshops and cafes if you like to relax and learn with a coffee and bun at your table.
One of the most notable attractions is of course the independent Cottage Road Cinema. One of the oldest cinemas in the UK, the art house is a fantastic place to pass a couple of hours if you don’t want to spend extraordinary amounts of money in the usual chain cinemas.
If you enjoy your sports, then you may also be glad to know that Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Carnegie and the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are all based in Headingley.
Chapel Allerton
Somewhere that is a tad more mature, Chapel Allerton is a place where post graduates and young professionals go to live after finishing university.
Peppered with friendly pubs and attractive restaurants, the place is renowned for keeping its village atmosphere despite having been enveloped by the city over the past few years.
With the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival taking place every summer, the inner suburb offers a gentle mix of culture and is a great place to have a relaxing drink on a summer afternoon.
Ilkley and Harrogate
Though neither town is strictly in Leeds, they are both only a twenty minute train journey away and are superb places to visit if you fancy somewhere a little highbrow.
With the Harrogate Flower Show and Ilkley Literature Festival both planned for the coming year, both towns provide visitors with a wealth of art and entertainment; great if you’re searching for leisurely activities.
And if that doesn’t grab you, Harrogate is also celebrated for its shopping centre, and the outskirts of Illkley offers natural beauty that is unparalleled.
