Many people may instantly think of London when they think of a day out in the UK; however, other cities, especially in the north of the country, also have much to offer. Whether you want to shop, learn or eat, the north of the UK has become a hot spot for those seeking a city day out, without the London price tag.

 

Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, with its economy growing by 32% as well as gaining strong new ‘brain gain’ talent through its universities, which attract thousands of skilled workers to the city from all around the world. This has cemented Leeds as one of the cities to be in the UK. 

 

So, if you are looking for a day out to somewhere that's not London, and have no idea where to go, why not visit Leeds and explore all the city has to offer? From shopping centres in Leeds to where to eat, here are the reasons that you should make Leeds your next destination and the top places to go when you do visit. 

Shopping heaven

Leeds may not be known for its shopping, however, the city is home to beautiful Victorian arcades and Edwardian-style shopping centres full of unique boutiques and household brands. This diverse range of luxury shops, including Vivian Westwood, Cos and Harvey Nichols, makes Leeds an epicentre for shopping for high end shopping, with the bonus of walking around its beautiful arcades. For those who would rather shop second-hand, Leeds can offer a variety of vintage shops all located around the Queens Arcade, including the Glass Onion shop, which provides two floors of 90s and 2000s clothing all at a reasonable price. 

Foodie paradise

Although you may not associate Leeds with food, it s actually a foodies paradise. If you're heading to Leeds you first stop should be the largest indoor market in Europe, by the name of Kirkgate market. Apart from jewellers, fashion retailers and book shops, this market has a wide selection of street food stalls, cafes and bakers, allowing you to taste flavours from across the world without leaving the city, whilst supporting the local people of Leeds. From Vietnamese to American food to Turkish and Jamaican food, this market has it all, perfect for a delicious lunchtime snack.

 

If you're looking for restaurants, Leeds also has an abundance, with many restaurants ranging from the famous The Ivy for fine dining to Zaap, a Thai street food restaurant for a casual dining experience. There always something 

 

History and architecture

If you love to explore a city's culture and history, then a visit to the Kirkstall Abbey ruins is a perfect way to add culture to your day. These historic ruins were founded in 1152 to house monks, but then, unfortunately, dissolved 300 years later by Henry the 8th. Today it remains one of Britain's best preserved monasteries and a grade 1 listed building open to the public to visit and learn about the abbey's turbulent past.