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Travel to Leeds

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What's on in Leeds

Travel by train to Leeds from London and Scotland with East Coast for cheaper train fares.

Jan/Feb/Mar

Culture is high on the agenda this season. At Leeds Grand Theatre, from Opera North and the director of hit show Mamma Mia!, Phyllida Lloyd, comes a classic production of Puccini’s La Bohème, set in 1950s Paris (15 Jan-8 Jun). Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte, an opera looking at themes of trust and deception, loyalty and desire, will be performed by the same company (9-19 Feb). Northern Ballet Theatre offers As Time Goes By, a work conjuring up an era of classic glamour to songs such as “Always” and “Sophisticated Swing”, sung by Leeds jazz sensation Peter Grant (23-25 Feb), followed by the company’s much-loved version of Romeo and Juliet, featuring Lez Brotherston’s sumptuous red, black and gold costumes (27 Feb-6 Mar). Over at The Carriageworks you can ponder Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (27-30 Jan), or be in stitches over Alan Bennett’s fabulously funny play, The History Boys at West Yorkshire Playhouse (3 Feb-6 Mar).

Ice Cube

16 January-7 March
Thought the wintry fun was over? Not so with Leeds’ now-famous ice rink in Millennium Square, which features over 1,200 square-metres of real ice, a nursery rink and penguin skate aids for learners and a fully heated pavilion and café.

leeds.gov.uk/icecube

Calendar Girls

8-13 March
Lynda Bellingham, Gemma Atkinson and Letitia Dean are among the stars in this uplifting play that tells the story of the real-life Yorkshire WI women who posed naked for a calendar to raise money for charity, sparking controversy and a whole new genre in calendars.

leedsgrandtheatre.com

Leeds CAMRA Beer, Cider and Perry Festival

18-20 March
For the discerning real-ale drinker there are over 150 brews from Yorkshire and beyond, plus cider and perry from around the country, global beers, hot and cold food and live entertainment from local musicians.

leedsbeerfestival.co.uk

5 things to see and do in Leeds

York Gate Gardens

This little gem is just one acre in size yet renowned for its outstanding design, strong architectural shapes and exquisite details with herbaceous borders, ponds, a pinetum and one of the country’s best herb gardens.
Henry Moore Institute

The Institute curates the entire sculpture collections of Leeds Museums & Galleries as well as looking after the famous Henry Moore pieces. A wide range of work, both historic and contemporary, British and international, is on show.
Abbey Light Railway

This narrow-gauge railway operates a quarter-mile journey from the depot in Bridge Road through scenic woodland into the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey. Carriages are hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Sundays and Bank Holidays only, subject to weather conditions.
Thwaite Mills Watermill

The fully restored working watermill, located on an island between the River Aire and the Aire and Calder Navigation in Stourton, south Leeds, is one of the last examples of a water-powered mill in Britain. Feel the force of the water and see how solid rock can be turned into paint and putty; visit the engineer’s workshop, and step back in time in Thwaite House, a fine Georgian, listed building.

leeds.gov.uk/thwaitemills
Kirkstall Abbey

One of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, the Abbey offers the chance to see how 12th-century monks lived. It is set in wonderful parkland along the River Aire amid a haven of wildlife, perfect for strolling, bike rides or picnics.

kirkstall.org.uk/abbey

Comprehensive guide and accommodation ideas for Leeds.

Near the station

The Light - The Headrow, LS1 8TL

The Light is an airy, clean and relaxed shopping destination in central Leeds that spoils shoppers with the sheer range of stores. With brands such as United Colors of Benetton, Body Shop, Lacoste, and Henri Lloyd the centre has some quality fashion picks. There are also a number of bars and restaurants for when you need a break.

Kirkgate Market - Kirkgate Street, LS2

Sparkling after its recent renovation, Kirkgate Market plays host to over 800 local traders in a grand Edwardian building. The biggest indoor market in the UK, Kirkgate is definitely worth a trip for bargain hunters and regular shoppers alike.

Jumbo Records - 5-6 St Johns Centre, LS2 8LQ

Jumbo Records is a record store with a difference. Started in 1971, it has grown to be one of the most popular stores in the city with an impressive collection of music covering every genre imaginable.

Hansa’s Restaurant - 72/74 North Street LS2 7PN

Serving an intoxicating array of specialty Indian Gujarati dishes, Hansa’s is a vegetarian’s dream. Established in 1986, the award-winning restaurant goes from strength to strength on the back of its simple philosophy of quality, fresh and wholesome food cooked to perfection.

The River Plate, 36-38 The Calls, LS2 7EW

This Argentinean steakhouse serves classic South American dishes including Bife de Chorizo, Bife de Lomo and Bife de Ancho. With a healthy selection of starters and a well-stocked bar, the restaurant creates a relaxed atmosphere with a distinctive character.

Chino Latino - Boar Lane, LS1 5NS

Chino Latino offers a very different dining experience with its pan-Asian cuisine complemented by an in-house Latino cocktail bar. Choose from a range of seafood and meat dishes, plus sushi, tempura and dim sum. The interior is stylish and comfortable and the atmosphere relaxed.

Boutique - Hirsts Yard, LS1 6NJ

This well-designed, award-winning bar is renowned for its impressive array of cocktails. Special drinks parties and cocktail-making masterclasses add to the bar’s appeal.

Mojo, 18 Merrion Street, LS1 6PQ

This is a self-styled “rock and roll” bar and as such plays a constant stream of classic tracks throughout the picture-adorned bar. A great place to meet for a relaxed drink.

The HiFi Club - 2 Central Road, LS1 6DE

A newcomer onto the nightlife scene of the city the HiFi Club has quickly established a loyal following with its varied line-up of club nights, live music acts and stand-up comedy performers.

Leeds Town Hall - The Headrow, LS1 3AD

Famous as a fine example of Victorian architecture, Leeds Town Hall is an amazing building to look at and well worth a visit.

Victoria Quarter - Briggate, LS1 6AZ

The elegant Victoria Arcade is a fitting home to the city’s premier fashion brands. If you’re looking for designer threads, this is the place to come.