City Break: Plenty on offer in Leeds

In the last decade or so the popularity of city breaks has skyrocketed.

And it is not all about Paris, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, people are now realising that just as much fun can be had much closer to home.

Leeds is a modern city, yet with a proud tradition and history, and is constantly evolving.

This was my first visit to the city in a couple of years, and I noticed some significant change, and all for the better.

By day, Leeds offers a great mix of a fantastic shopping experience, and cafe culture.

Its newest jewel in its retail crown is Trinity Leeds, a glass-covered shopping Mecca right in the heart of the shopping centre.

Trinity boasts 120 stores, cafes, restaurants, and a cinema.

Amongst the popular brands located in Trinity Leeds are Urban Outfitters, Top Shop, H&M, Hollister, and M&S.

It is an impressive place, but venture outside and you will stumble many more fabulous fashion outlets and eateries, big and small.

For instance, Leeds has boutiques and department stores that other towns and cities could only dream of, most notably Harvey Nichols.

By night, Leeds loses none of its dynamism.

The city has a thriving nightlife with a vast plethora of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

There is also a lot on offer culturally. Leeds is home to Opera North and has well-known theatres such as the Grand Theatre and Opera House, and Howard Assembly Room.

Leeds also has more than its fair share of family attractions.

These include the Royal Armouries which has a world-renowned collection of more than 75,000 items of arms and armour, and the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, which was once the world’s largest woolen mill.

There are also some well-known historic houses within a stone’s throw of the city, including Harewood House and Gardens, and Temple Newsam.

Leeds also isn’t short of hotel and accommodation options to suit all budgets.

I stayed at the Park Plaza Hotel which is superbly located slap bang in the middle of the city centre.

This stylish and modern hotel is perfect for those on a mini-break, as well as anyone visiting the city on business. It is a perfect base from which to explore the city.

All guest rooms are equipped with internet access, movie and music channels, tea and coffee making facilities, laptop safe, mini bar, and large work space.

For more details about the hotel visit www.parkplaza.co.uk

Situated inside the hotel is the Chino Latino Restaurant, and this is where we ate.

Chino Latino offers a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine.

Delights on the menu include beef fillet salad, belly pork, pork ribs, and lobster jungle curry.

The food was great and the service superb.

For more details visit www.chinolatino.eu/leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city with plenty to see and plenty going on.

So if you fancy a great city break, but don’t fancy travelling too far, Leeds is the ideal destination.

For more information and ideas about what there is to see and do in Leeds, visit www.visitleeds.co.uk