Situated at the heart of the UK, Leeds is located at the gateway of the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of the North Yorkshire Moors. With a population of over 750,000, Leeds is rich in local history and has world-class sporting facilities, fantastic shopping and plenty of entertainment for all. 

Leeds is conveniently situated close to the M62, M1 and A1 motorways and its dedicated airport serves both domestic and European passengers daily. Leeds train station is one of the busiest in the UK outside of London, with over 900 trains and 50,000 passengers using the facilities each day.

Leeds boasts a rich creative heritage, home to the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds Grand and City Varieties Music Hall.  It is the only English city outside London to have its own opera and ballet companies – the internationally acclaimed Opera north and Northern Ballet. The many galleries and museums throughout the city, including Henry Moore Studio and Leeds City Art Gallery, house some outstanding collections. For those who prefer the outdoors, Roundhay park and Harewood House offer stunning scenery and plenty of space.

Transport

Situated in the centre of the UK, Leeds is accessible to several motorways including the M1, M62 to the south and A1(M) to the east. The A58, A61, A62, A63, A64 and A65 roads are also nearby. Approximately 11 miles from the centre is Leeds Bradford Airport, with regular public transport links running to and from the city.

Recreation and Sporting Activities

The recreational facilities of Leeds cater for a wide range of tastes, from cinemas built in the early 1900’s, to today’s modern bars and restaurants. Plenty of open areas are available for those who like the outdoor lifestyle, with Kirkstall Abbey, Temple Newsom, Lotherton Hall, Bramham Park and Harewood House all offering space to enjoy.

The John Charles Centre for Sport is the city’s venue for health, fitness, sport and recreation and includes a tennis centre, indoor bowls, an athletics centre, gym and all-weather football court. Other facilities in the city include the Leeds Wall (climbing), Yeadon Tarn (sailing centre) and, in nearby Castleford, Xscape (indoor real snow ski and snowboarding slope).

Though they’ve struggled in recent years, Leeds United FC still has a strong following at Elland Road, whilst Headlingly Stadium is home to the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Leeds Rhinos RLFC and Leeds Carnegie RUFC. Hunslet Hawks RLFC in south Leeds and Farsley Celtic in west Leeds are smaller clubs, both popular with locals.

Events

There are enough events taking place throughout the year to cater for all tastes, including:
• Party in the Park and Opera in the Park, both free events held each summer in Roundhay Park
• Kirkstall Festival, an annual event held in Kirkstall Abbey each July
• Open Air Shakespeare, also in Kirkstall Abbey, throughout the year
• Leeds West Indian Carnival, winding through the streets of Chapeltown each summer
• Leeds Mela, a multicultural event taking place each summer in Roundhay Park
• The Ice Cube, Europe’s largest open air ice-skating rink, is set up each winter in Millennium Square
• Also in Millennium Square is the annual Leeds German Christmas Market, open from mid-November to mid-December.