MOVE OVER, MANCHESTER.
There’s room for more than one exciting, vibrant city up North, after all. Although the latest contender may surprise you – it’s Leeds.
For starters, did you know that Leeds is the third biggest city in the United Kingdom? Well, there’s actually lots you probably don’t know about Leeds. Let’s take a closer look…
There’s a lot going on in Leeds, no matter what bit of culture you’re into. There are historic ruins like Kirkstall Abbey, cinematic powerhouses like the Hyde Picture House, a beautiful Toy Museum for kids and big kids alike, as well as the Thackray Museum of Medicine, the Royal Armouries Museum and the recently-restored Leeds Art Gallery.
Not only did David O’Leary get his managerial start at Leeds FC, but it was also the home of Johnny Giles for a time in his youth. In fact, Giles was part of a side that is often bandied about as one of the most successful teams ever to play. Even if you’re not a Leeds supporter, you’ve got to be thankful for the start they gave one of our most loved pundits, eh?
Leeds is an ideal location from which to explore West Yorkshire’s stunning scenery – from the dales to the coast. And if you’re more pressed for time to explore the surrounding areas, don’t forget that views like this beautiful sunset below in Scammonden are just 30 minutes drive from Leeds city centre.
Yep, Leigh Francis (creator of the Avid Merrion character) hails from Leeds. As does one of his most beloved impersonations, the inimitable Mel B from the Spice Girls. Emmerdale is set in the nearby Yorkshire Dales, too. See? Non-stop glamour.
Many pubs in Leeds, and indeed the surrounding area of Yorkshire, jostle for the title of England’s oldest pub. Leeds also boasts one of the country’s weirder pubs – a land-locked ship. Yep, there’s a ship on dry land that’s also a bar. Enough said, really.
A lot of great music has come out of Leeds – like Gang of Four, Scritti Politti and Wedding Present alongside (ahem) Chumbawamba and the Kaiser Chiefs. Leeds paved the way in terms of post-punk, rising out of the city’s industrial past. On another note (pun intended), you can thank Leeds for Alt-J, Eagulls and Utah Saints.
Whether you’re heading to Leeds for business or pleasure, there’s one easy way to get there: direct from Dublin with Aer Lingus. It’s perfect for both a weekend away or a day return – no matter the timeframe, you won’t find any shortage of things to do while you’re there. Check out our Leeds Bradford flight schedule on aerlingus.com today to see when it suits you to escape up North.
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