About Leeds
The City of Leeds
The unofficial capital of Yorkshire, Leeds is bursting with life and cultural energy. It is the largest city in Yorkshire, built around the river Aire and located in the eastern foothills of the Pennines. Originally a market town in the 13th century, Leeds expanded to become a major production and trading centre, mainly for wool, in the 17th and 18th centuries. Leeds is home to over 109,000 companies, and considered the cultural, financial and commercial heart of the Yorkshire area.
Leeds is a city at the heart of the action, with a vibrant community, award-winning national theatre, a world-class arena and a thriving independent food scene, known as ‘foodie capital of the north’. Leeds is a renowned retail destination where big brands meet Victorian arcades. We are a city that loves to entertain and a welcoming host for international sporting events, festivals and carnivals.
A skyline of architecture and a destination easily reached by road, air and rail, Leeds has so much to offer.
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire, located in the heart of northern England, offers a rich blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural experiences. One of its standout attractions is the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which stretches into parts of West Yorkshire, offering dramatic landscapes, limestone cliffs, and scenic hiking trails. The region is also home to the stunning Brontë Country around Haworth, where visitors can explore the Brontë Parsonage Museum and walk the moors that inspired the literary works of the Brontë sisters. For those interested in architecture and history, the city of Wakefield boasts landmarks such as Wakefield Cathedral and the imposing ruins of Sandal Castle.
West Yorkshire is made up of five metropolitan boroughs—Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Kirklees, and Calderdale—each offering its own unique charm. The area played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, with a rich legacy of textile mills, canals, and Victorian buildings that remain today. Many of these historic sites have been repurposed into museums, galleries, and cultural venues. The county also features beautiful countryside, including the rugged Pennine hills and peaceful Calder Valley, making it a perfect destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. With a strong sense of community and a growing focus on arts, heritage, and environmental sustainability, West Yorkshire offers both residents and visitors a compelling mix of past and present.
- Contact