Leeds City Centre

Spent a few hours exploring the beautiful city of Leeds this weekend whilst visiting friends that recently relocated there.

The centre is full of beautiful arcades and markets, housing every global brand imaginable plus unique boutiques and smaller local businesses.

It is not surprising that the city is so retail rich given that Kirkgate Market was where Marks and Spencer set up their first Penny Bazaar stall in 1884. More recently (2013) M&S returned to Leeds and opened a Victorian stall with memorabilia in the same spot. A great marketing move and the Victorian design is just so pretty.

Shopping is not the only thing the centre of Leeds had to offer. It is home to a number of universities, including a Russell Group university and a specialist arts university. Art galleries (one specifically dedicated to the work of sculptor Henry Moore), museums and historic buildings are everywhere you turn, and the architecture is a fascinating blend of old and new.

We will definitely be back to discover more!