Over two thirds of the Leeds district is open space, public parks, gardens and green belt. Millions of people visit the Leeds city region every year, drawn by its unique combination of visitor attractions, its heritage and areas of outstanding natural beauty. 

Key attractions within the wider city region include the Yorkshire Dales National Park, York Minster and two worlds heritage sites at Saltaire in Bradford and Studley Royal in Ripon. 

The cultural, historical and architectural heritage of Leeds is well represented by the city’s museums, stately homes and art galleries, from the national attractions of the Royal Armouries and the Thackray Museum to the fine mansions of Harewood House, Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall.

Work has been completed on the new £27 million Leeds City Museum and Discovery Centre.

 

2008 will see the completion of a £31.5 million refurbishment of The Grand Theatre to provide a permanent home for Opera North. 

West Yorkshire Playhouse is the largest regional repertory theatre outside London and Stratford.

The city offers an extensive choice of places to eat, drink and relax. Award winning restaurants, Victorian pubs, fashionable wine bars and venues offering every type of cuisine, ensure that all tastes are catered for. 

 
Leeds city centre has over 1,000 shops, 23 major hotels and 11 more proposed, four renowned theatres, 92 restaurants, 126 bars and pubs and 30 nightclubs with bars and late licences.

Leeds has a full calendar of events, from open air public entertainment – including Opera in the Park, Party in the Park and Classical Fantasia – to prestigious work presented by Opera North, Phoenix Dance, Northern Ballet Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

There are excellent sporting facilities in Leeds for both the spectator and the participant, with football at Elland Road, international cricket and rugby at Headingley and horse racing at Wetherby.

In addition, the many leisure centres and clubs around the city provide a wide range of activities, including golf, swimming, tennis, athletics, football, hockey and climbing.

There are 21 golf courses in Leeds, ranging from exclusive clubs to municipal pay and play courses.

Xscape, located at junction 32 of the M62, has one of the country’s largest indoor ski-slopes. 

Shopaholics are in for a treat as the city centre boasts over 1,000 shops in a unique mix of stylish pedestrianised high streets, state-of-the-art shopping centres, Victorian arcades, historic buildings and yards and Edwardian markets.