Why you should make Leeds your next daytrip destination

Leeds City Centre. Picture by Simon Hulme

How do I get there?

For those wishing to drive, it takes approximately 53 minutes if you go via the M1 from the A6109. From there, you need to follow the M1 to the M621. At Junction 3, exit towards Leeds and then merge onto Dewsbury Road. Follow this road onto Meadow Road and head towards the train station. To travel via public transport, there are regular rail links from Sheffield to Leeds, the quickest of which is the direct, CrossCountry service which takes around 40 minutes.

What is there to do?

Leeds is a city absolutely thriving with history and is also the home of the Royal Armouries – the national museum of arms and armour.

Over 4,500 objects from the 15th century to the modern-day can be seen over five floors of stunning displays.

Visitors can check out the weapons and armour of warriors through the ages and discover treasures from the Ottoman Empire, the Wild West, Europe, Japan and India.

With a world of retail all within easy reach, Leeds is a shoppers paradise.

Browse the best boutiques and find all the high street names beneath the iconic glass roof of Trinity Leeds, which is home to 120 shops, bars and restaurants.

There is also an extensive range of unique and wonderful independent shops to be explored at the Leeds Corn exchange and inside the beautiful Victorian arcades.

If you’d prefer to escape from the bustling city centre, why not take a short walk to Granary Wharf and enjoy the picturesque waterside setting.

You could also visit Roundhay Park in Leeds, which is spread over 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens, and is one of the biggest city parks in Europe.

Where is good to eat and drink?

Leeds has gained a reputation as the Foodie Capital of the North; and there is no surprise why with its exciting range of restaurants, street food markets and small independent venues serving delicious cuisines.

A great lunch option is the Trinity Kitchen, which features a variety of food stalls and offers visitors the chance to experience various flavours and cuisines from around the world, all under one roof.