Leeds

Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire and one of England's most important financial, legal and cultural centres outside London. Long associated with the woollen textile industry and more recently with financial services, it has developed a vibrant city-centre culture of exceptional shopping (the Victorian arcades are among the UK's finest), excellent restaurants and a dynamic arts scene. The Victorian arcades — Kirkgate Market (one of Europe's largest covered markets), the Grand Arcade and the spectacular Victoria Quarter with its stained-glass roof — form the commercial heart and are architecturally magnificent. The Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute and the Tetley (contemporary art in a former brewery) represent strong cultural provision. The Royal Armouries Museum, focused on arms and armour through history, is free and surprisingly absorbing. The city has a strong literary and music tradition — it hosted the legendary Leeds Festival annually. Headingley, the student quarter near the universities, and Chapel Allerton are the most characterful neighbourhoods for independent cafés and bars. The food scene has improved dramatically, with particular strength in Pan-Asian and modern European cooking. Leeds is the starting point for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and the spectacular Dales Walking routes. York (25 minutes by train) is one of England's best day trips. Harrogate, Knaresborough and Skipton are all within easy reach. A convenient base for the entirety of Yorkshire.