Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in northern England, with a population of around 800,000 – making it the 30th most populous EU city. It is the cultural, financial and commercial heart of the Leeds-Bradford Metropolitan Area (approximately 2.3million residents – England’s second largest metropolitan area) and is the UK’s largest centre for business, legal, and financial services outside London.
By day, Leeds is particularly renowned for its fashion retail sector, being consistently ranked in the top-five UK cities for shopping. The famous Victoria Quarter arcades feature world-beating brands such as Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton, Ted Baker, Wolford, Swarovski, Karen Millen and French Connection, whilst high street and independent brands are similarly well-represented across the city. Of particular note is the recently opened ‘Trinity Leeds’ development, a £350million addition to the city’s retail offer that also includes an Everyman cinema.
Leeds also has a proud history with sport. Its world-famous Carnegie Stadium complex in Headingley regularly hosts high-profile events such as The Ashes in cricket (it is the only UK ground outside London to secure England test matches until 2017) as well as home matches for the most prolific Super League rugby league team in history, Leeds Rhinos. Other sports including football and golf are very popular too, both being well-represented by top-class venues and teams.
Leeds is also the perfect base from which to explore the region’s stunning countryside. Just 25 miles from the city are the renowned Peak District and Yorkshire Dales, both areas of stunning natural beauty (the latter is also known as the gateway to the Lake District, another National Park). For those seeking to travel globally, Leeds Bradford International Airport is a short car or bus journey from the city centre.
