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Leeds, United Kingdom
Photo: RichTea, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
North West Leeds is a large and diverse part of the city of Leeds, extending from Burley (near the city centre) out as far as Guiseley and the city's airport. It is especially popular with students in areas such as Burley and Hyde Park where the accommodation is cheap and close to the university. Further out is a series of towns and villages such as Otley, Ilkley, Horsforth and Guiseley.
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World famous, is a must for Cricket and Rugby (both codes - League and Union) fans. Quite unique in serving both sports - a 'siamese' stadium. In 2022 it hosted matches in the Rugby League World Cup, postponed from 2021.
Palatial 18th-century mansion built by Carr & Adam with extensive grounds by "Capability" Brown and an exotic bird garden. This huge estate, with extensive gardens, lake, lovely café and bird gardens, is owned by a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. The opulent roccoco house is well worth a look around.
Whilst a long way out of town, this leafy and extremely affluent suburb has some lovely houses, and is a world a way from the bustle of the city centre - nearby York Gate garden is beautiful and well worth a visit), this lovely and well-preserved early Norman church set in verdant grounds is a hidden treasure
The old cottages and shops are very pretty (especially Cottage Road), as are the leafy streets and Victorian terraces and villas to the north further up the Otley Road.
Built to celebrate the visit of Queen Victoria to Leeds in 1858.
This is the last vestige of Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, an unsuccessful Victorian business. Built in 1840, bears were displayed in a circular pit with the public viewing them from the castellated turrets.
Largest abbey in the North of England - see below. One of the UK's biggest and best preserved abbeys, restored with a new visitor centre. It's 3 miles out of town but lovers of history and architecture, or those in search of a beautiful and peaceful spot in the city won't regret making the trip. Buses (33/33a) every 10 minutes from the city centre. Opposite is Abbey House Museum.
A popular site for plane-spotters.
Overlooking the town of Otley, this ridge is popular with hikers.
Museum built in 1983 to celebrate Horsforth which has been described as the "largest village in England".
Some distance from central Leeds, has lovely Japanese gardens and is accessible by bus.
Gardens and café set around huge lake.
Large botanical garden set in lush woodlands with a wonderful selection of plants.
7 miles (11 km) waymarked footpath.
The closest big park to central Leeds, between Leeds University and Hyde Park Corner. In summer months it is packed to bursting with students and other young people sunbathing and playing sports. There are large fields, small formal gardens and a skate park.
Another excellent independent cinema in the midst of the hot-bed of student habitation in the town. The cinema shows a mix of modern mainstream and art-cinema films as well as a formidable selection of classics. Lucky cinephiles may even experience the latter in conjunction with an introductory speech prepared for local film students. It retains many of its original features including gas lighting.
Atmospheric old cinema near the centre of Headingley.
The county team were promoted in 2024 and now play in Division One of the County Championship. Their usual ground Headingley is often a Test Match venue, but they sometimes also play in Scarborough. Northern Superchargers men's and women's teams play at Headingley in The Hundred short game.
Rhinos play RL (13 a side) in Super League, the top tier, in the same stadium as the cricket team. The women's team also plays in their top tier at that stadium. The RL playing season is Feb to Sept.
The Tykes were promoted in 2025, so they now play the 15-a-side game in National League One, the third tier.
LS6
Anything on the menu is delicious and the service and beers (no weak fizzy lager here!) are outstanding, ranging from traditional English to renowned Czech produce. The setup is basic with benches and tables but the atmosphere is pitched just right for small groups and couples - recommended. If there were popularity contests for bar staff, this place would win.
This Algerian restaurant offers authentic atmosphere and eating. The food is among the best tasted in Leeds. Teas and coffees can be taken upstairs among the low tables and scatter cushions.
Excellent, acclaimed Cuban Tapas restaurant.
Renowned Chinese restaurant.
Italian restaurant and salumeria/café. Fantastic simple food, great atmosphere, always busy.
Sister to similarly-named Thai restaurant in nearby Chapel Allerton.
Relaxed bring-your-own drink Thai restaurant and takeaway.
Yet another pleasant Thai restaurant.
With its former bowling green beer garden (brilliant but overcrowded in summer) is a Headingley institution with a lively (but more traditional) atmosphere. You may have to queue to get in at weekends but The Oak is always good fun, drawing a younger crowd upstairs and a more mature crowd at the downstairs bar.
Arcadia boats an impressive range of delectable drinks and ever-changing real ales. The bar attracts a more mature and sometimes cerebral crowd looking to enjoy conversation or a quiet pint away from the revelry on offer elsewhere in Headingley. To preserve the peaceful atmosphere large groups in fancy dress are not made welcome.
The Hyde Park is a big, fun pub.
The Box is one of Headingley's biggest bars, full of young people on the weekend (and most of the week to be honest), has a multitude of screens to watch televised sport though the sport theme is often lost on a lot of the clientele.
Not your usual brewery owned pub. This family-run and -owned continental style bar is very popular with students, pre drinkers to Halo, Otley runners. It's on the main road between the Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds University.
Nice location among University of Leeds buildings, free secure wi-fi, friendly staff, includes full breakfast, private rooms.
Pay WiFi.
Studio apartments with LCD TV, free Wi-fi, and free Grab & Go Breakfast.
Belonging to Headingley stadium, reasonably priced and has views across the cricket pitch
An aparthotel. Minimum of three nights stay, includes LCD TV, free Wi-fi and free secure parking.
By car
The best access points by car from the City Centre are either up Woodhouse Lane or Kirkstall Road. Some people use the less busy Burley Road which is at the end of The Headrow.
By train
The district has three railway stations, all along the Harrogate line leading up to Harrogate, Knaresbrough and York: Burley Park, Headingley station and Horsforth station (which is actually in…
By bus
A high number of bus routes serve the area as well. The main services are:
By plane
North West Leeds is the location of Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBA).
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Leeds, West Yorkshire · International · LBA
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