Tag Archives: yorkshire

Out and about in Leeds

Located in West Yorkshire, Leeds is a mid-sized city, and is a popular place for students, business people and tourists. The city is very multi-cultural and has a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Popular things to see and do: The Leeds Art Gallery is a great place to visit and display’s some of the finest pieces of art from around the world. For a fun-filled day out for the whole family, a visit to Temple Newsam – this estate was once owned by Henry VIII and is the largest rare breed farm in Europe – located just 4 miles outside of Leeds it’s a perfect way to keep the kids entertained.

Culture, music and events: Outside of London, Leeds is the only city in the UK to have its own Ballet and Opera companies. The city is also home to the largest musical festival in the North of the country and certainly doesn’t come up short when it comes to cultural entertainment. If visiting Leeds during the summer, you should take time to attend the West Indian Carnival, an amazing bright, fun and carnival and parade that takes to the streets of Leeds and is the longest running carnival in Europe. Or enjoy an evening at one of the many theatres in the city.

Eating out: Thanks to the various nationalities living here, eating out in Leeds is far from boring. If you have been to the Leeds Art Gallery, then stop at the Tiled Café next door for a bite to eat – this place is very famous with the locals and is a place you won’t forget it. Given its name, because of the beautiful mosaic tiles all over. The Tiled Café serves a traditional and delicious menu at great prices and boasts an atmosphere and décor you won’t find anywhere else.  To sample some fine English fish & chips, then head to the Midnight Bell – a popular pub serving the best of British pub food. And don’t forget to wash your meal down with a pint of Leeds’ finest.

Nightlife: To get your groove on and party all night long, then should be heading to Call Lane – a party hotspot filled with bars and clubs for every taste. Or for a more chilled out approach, then Oracle may be more your thing – the place to be for the very sophisticated who can enjoy a nice glass of bubbly on the Moet Terrace overlooking the river.

Where to stay: No matter where you stay in Leeds, you will always receive a warm welcome and excellent service. For a more luxury orientated stay, then the Queens Hotel is a great choice – a 4 star hotel within good distance to the centre. High quality rooms come complete with everything you need for a perfect stay and to make the most of your trip. If you’re visiting on business or simply need a comfortable room for the night, then the Holiday Inn Express offers great quality rooms at very affordable prices, breakfast is usually included in the price and is a perfect starting point for enjoying the city.

Shopping: Shopping in Leeds is in a league of its own – from designers like Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and many more, Leeds has over 1000 shops to choose from, including all your high street favourites and many unique vintage and independent boutiques.

A cycling vacation: A good New Years’ resolution

It’s that time of the year where you are struggling to eat another salad, the leftover Christmas chocolate is still tempting you, and your resolutions are slowly breaking down. However, our resolutions shouldn’t be seen as a daunting task, and can even be fun and invigorating. So why not take a cycling holiday?

Cycling is a fun and healthy way to exercise. It can be used as a mode of transport as well as helping the environment with less emissions. Cycling not only improves your cardiovascular health but also your fitness. The sport suits those with arthritis of the lower limbs as they do not cause impact to the knees and other joints.

The UK offers many scenic routes that are worth cycling. Here are some highlights of the UK cycling scene:

Whitehaven to Whitby passes through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks following quiet country lanes, stopping in interesting quaint towns like Keswick and Appleby.

Throughout the Yorkshire Wolds you will witness breathtaking sceneries of gently rolling chalk hills and valleys. There are an array of minsters and abbeys to be seen in the many small towns and villages that you will cycle through, including Pocklington and Beverley.

If castles and vineyards sound like your cup of tea, look no further than Suffolk, where a relaxed cycling tour will take you through quiet rural market towns such Framlingham for some real relaxation.

Cycle around Norfolk by starting from the extraordinary Breckland Heaths, to the beautiful coast of North Norfolk coast, and finally to the famous Broads.

A variety of tours exist, so make sure that you pick a tour which is either challenging enough for your stamina, or if you prefer a more gentler pace, is not too heavy going.