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Sightseeing Overview
The main center of Leeds itself is relatively compact, making it perfect to explore on foot and the amount of stunning architecture at ground level speaks of a rich history that dates back hundreds of years.

One of the most striking buildings is the Town Hall, which was designed by Cuthbert Brodrick as a statement of civic pride and was opened by Queen Victoria in 1858. It was built to reflect Leeds’ wealth and power and it houses a wonderful concert hall that is still used today for orchestral performances, organ recitals and gala concerts.

Alongside the historic architecture sit stylish contemporary apartments and bold new developments with numerous galleries, theaters, craft markets and museums liberally dotted about the city.

But it’s Leeds’ shopping experiences that really set it apart as a city like no other in the region; with high street chains sitting alongside countless independent retailers and stylish boutiques, the city has earned a well-deserved reputation as a great place to shop until both you and your credit card are worn out.

And after the shopping’s done, the city offers a fantastic range of bars, cafes and restaurants to relax in.

Tourist Information
Leeds Tourist Information Center
Gateway Yorkshire, Leeds City Train Station
Tel: (0113) 242 5242 or 0800 808 050 (accommodation hotline).
Website: www.leedsliveitloveit.com

Passes
Available from Leeds City Council (tel: (0113) 234 8080; website: www.leeds.gov.uk), the LeedsCard entitles the bearer to discounts and special offers at some of the council’s sport and leisure facilities, visitor attractions, museums and concert halls.

Key Attractions:

Royal Armouries Museum
Home to over 8,000 artifacts that span more than 3,000 years of military history, this free attraction houses the national collection of arms and armour. From Henry VIII’s tournament armour to an armoured battle elephant, this fascinating collection aims to educate visitors about the causes and consequences of conflict. There are plenty of interactive displays and live battle re-enactments ensuring that is a great hit with younger visitors too. There’s also an outdoor falconry display and jousting and horse shows from April to October.

Armouries Drive
Tel: (0113) 220 1916 or 0870 034 4344.
Website: www.royalarmouries.org

Thackray Museum
This award-winning museum tells the story of the history of medicine through the use of interactive exhibits and displays. Visitors can learn about 19th-century amputation procedures, bedbugs and other common illnesses and ailments from this period by following the lives of eight characters from the Victorian era.

Beckett Street
Tel: (0113) 244 4343.
Website: www.thackraymuseum.org

Leeds Art Gallery
Home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British Art outside London, the Leeds Art Gallery offers art lovers a great mix of works ranging from traditional prints and watercolors to paintings and sculptures. (Please note: The building is undergoing extensive refurbishment and is scheduled to re-open in mid-June 2007).

The Headrow
Tel: (0113) 247 8248.
Website: www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery

Henry Moore Institute
Entered through a doorway in an imposing black granite wall, the Henry Moore Institute is dedicated to sculpture. Exhibits range from classical sculpture through to contemporary works and include pieces by Henry Moore, who was born in the nearby town of Castleford.

74 The Headrow
Tel: (0113) 246 7467.
Website: www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk

Harewood House and Gardens
The spectacular Harewood House is home to the Queen’s cousin, the Earl of Harewood, and provides visitors with a great mix of history, art, education and a fascinating ‘Below the Stairs’ exhibition. In addition to learning about the history of the house and its various occupants through the years, there is also a great collection of modern art, a planetarium, a children’s play area, a bird garden and several nature trails.

Harewood
Tel: (0113) 218 1010.
Website: www.harewood.org

Further Distractions:

Xscape Castleford
This fantastic entertainment complex includes a snow slope, ice climbing, rock climbing, aerial assault course, skate park, dodgems, cinema, bowling lanes and lazer zone. There is also a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants as well as conference facilities.

Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford
Tel: 0871 200 3221.
Website: www.xscape.co.uk

Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey
Built in 1152 by Cistercian monks on land that was originally bequeathed to Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Kirkstall Abbey has had many famous owners and inhabitants over the years including Henry VIII, who took it over in 1539. Today, the house and abbey form part of a living, breathing museum complex with plenty of interactive displays and exhibits.

Abbey Walk, Abbey Road, Kirkstall
Tel: (0113) 230 5492.
Website: www.leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse

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England Attraction Guides:
Albert Dock Alton Towers Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool Tower British Airways London Eye British Museum Buckingham Palace Cambridge University Camden Market Canterbury Cathedral Cheddar Caves & Gorge Chessington World of Adventures Drayton Manor Family Park Durham Castle and Cathedral Eden Project Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Greenwich Hadrian's Wall Hampton Court Palace Harrods Jersey Zoo Lake Windermere Leeds Castle Legoland ® Windsor London Dungeon London Zoo Longleat Madame Tussaud's and Tussaud's London Planetarium Matlock Bath National Gallery National Museum of Photography, Film and Television	Natural History Museum Neasden Temple New Metroland & Angel of the North Oxford University Poole Harbour & Poole Pottery Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Roman Baths and Pumproom Royal Academy of Arts Royal Armouries Leeds Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Royal Pavilion Salford Quays Sandringham Estate Science Museum Somerset House Southwold St Michael's Mount St Paul's Cathedral Stonehenge Swaffham I Ecotech Center Tamworth (Drayton Manor Family Theme Park) Tate Britain Tate Modern Tintagel Castle Tower of London Victoria & Albert Museum Warwick Castle Westminster Abbey Westonbirt Arboretum Windsor Castle Wookey Hole Caves York Minster