Leeds ~ LS1

Leeds is situated in West Yorkshire at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Standing on the River Aire, it is joined to the Irish Sea by the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. The area originally grew as a major agricultural area and was an important staging post for travellers to York in the north. In later centuries, the wool trade brought prosperity to the town and to the region in general. Leeds continued to grow in importance and became Britain's premier cloth producing town. The industrial Revolution brought further prosperity to the town and while textile manufacture was still vital to its economy, other major industries were established including tailoring and brewing. It achieved city status during this period. During the Second World War, Leeds was badly damaged by enemy bombing and underwent a period of redevelopment. The change in the global economy has resulted in Leeds losing its position as a major industrial and textile producing centre, but it is now the second-largest information technology centre in England. It has become a cosmopolitan, modern city embracing a wide ethnic diversity. It was recently voted 'Britain's favourite city' by the readers of the Conde Nast magazine.

Leeds Places of Interest

Much of the city's heritage has recently been lovingly restored and preserved. Some especially attractive renovations include the Corn Exchange and the Leeds market buildings. Other places of interest in and around the city include:

• Harewood House. Seat of the Earl and Countess of Harewood and one of the great Stately Homes.
• Wetherby is a fascinating place to visit in an area of great natural beauty with well preserved period architecture.
• Take a trip along the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle railway and travel across the Ribblehead Viaduct with its 24 arches en route.

Living in Leeds - Education, Shopping and Travel Links.

Leeds Education Authority maintains around 40 infant and junior schools, 60 primary schools and 30 secondary schools. There are also a range of private and independent schools as well as a number of sixth form colleges. Leeds has two main universities. The city actively promotes many adult education courses.

There is first class shopping to be found in the city with many specialist stores as well as the usual range of high street shops. In particular, the area around the Victoria Quarter, Thornton's Arcade and the Victoria Arcade to the Corn Exchange are very attractive. The city also houses the Kirkgate Market which contains around 700 stalls selling virtually everything including fresh produce and is the largest market in Europe.

Situated at the City Art Gallery, the Craft Centre and Design Gallery contains a range of attractive ceramics, jewellery, and individually crafted furniture pieces.

Leeds has excellent transport links with the rest of the country. By rail, Leeds to London's King's Cross takes two hours, and there are regular services to Sheffield, Manchester and York.

Leeds-Bradford airport is 8miles north of Leeds and is linked to the city by a regular coach shuttle service.

Estate and Letting Agents for Leeds LS1