Your area guide to living in Leeds City Centre

A lively, bustling city based in West Yorkshire, Leeds is one of the largest cities in the UK. The vibrant and diverse city centre offers a whole wide range of activities, amenities, culture and history to be explored in addition to its ever-growing and thriving business, commerce and student community.

Local amenities

Leeds is home to four universities: University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University and Leeds Metropolitan University. The university buildings are located around the city. It’s a terrific city for shopping and one of the most prominent shopping destination in the north of England. You’ll find big retailing names in the famous Trinity Centre; Victoria Leeds is made up of Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter and houses major stores such as Harvey Nichols and John Lewis and Partners. The design of the impressive building is based on the Victorian arcades which Leeds is known for. On top of that, it has the largest stained glass work in Britain. 

Leeds City Centre has one of the largest indoor markets in Europe: the Kirkgate Market. With over 800 stalls, you can find food, crafts, plants and many more. It’s a shopper’s paradise! Not short of places to eat, there’s an extensive choice in the city centre. Whether you’re looking for luxury fine dining to cheap and cheerful street food, there’s something for whatever type of mood you’re in. 

Founded in 1771 the Leeds General Infirmary is situated in the city centre, making it easily accessible and provides a number of services such as A&E, intensive care units and maternity. 

Leisure and pleasure

In the city centre, there’s a variety of leisure facilities from leisure clubs to gyms, there’ll be one that fits your needs. Along with gyms, there’s an indoor climbing wall suitable for all abilities. There are a number of theatres in the city centre, including Leeds Grand Theatre and Leeds Playhouse. With history and culture dating back in the city you can find several museums and galleries including the Leeds City Museum, Royal Armouries and the Tetley – a contemporary art gallery complex in the former brewery Head Quarters.

The vibrant city is also home to several parks so you can get your open space and greenery fix. These include Woodhouse Moor, Merrion Street Gardens and Park Square. If you’re looking to go out of the city centre, Leeds is fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful rural areas including the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors and the Peak District National Park.

Activities and entertainment  

Leeds city centre has lots to do, there’s no doubt about that. Accommodating students and young professionals, there’s definitely no shortage of activities. There are also a few different Escape Rooms for you and your teammates to complete missions and solve problems. Do it all before time runs out!

Can’t decide on what activity to go for? Roxy Ballroom is a bar that offers a variety to do while you’re there, from bowling to pool to ping pong, you won’t be bored. Belgrave Music Hall is a 1930s venue with 3 floors for live gigs, comedy, film and art. Also, it has fast food, two bars and a roof terrace.

Travel links

Leeds City Centre is easy to get around, public transport makes it a well-connected city. With many local buses they’ll be sure to take you where you need to go. Alongside the city buses, there’s a bus station if you’re looking to travel further afield.

Leeds’ train station is large and the fourth-busiest in the UK. Providing daily high-speed inter-city services to London King’s Cross, the train station is a hub for local and regional destinations. With several major roads and motorways such as the A1(M), M1 and M62, connecting Leeds with the rest of the country, you’ll be able to access the country top to bottom. 

For domestic and international flights Leeds Bradford Airport is about 7 miles from the city centre. It offers a wide range of direct and connecting destinations around the world.