THINKING OF BOOKING a getaway after the hustle and bustle of Christmas dies down?
You couldn’t do much better than picking Leeds. It’s only a hop, skip and a jump away, and there’s lots to see and do up North.
Let’s take a look at how to spend the perfect escape in the standout star of Yorkshire…
Looking to stay somewhere with some character – somewhere a little bit more quirky than your average double en suite? Quebecs is the place for you. It’s the only independently-owned luxury hotel in central Leeds – and the building dates back to 1891, when it was built as the Leeds and County Liberal Club, designed by local architects Chorley and Connon.
Celeb spotters – regular guests include Coldplay, Russell Brand and Vic Reeves.
Like eating out somewhere a bit special? Leeds has plenty to offer. There are plenty of more unusual and quirky eateries in the city to try out, whether you’re in a big group or on a date. Just take Fazenda. It’s an all-you-can-eat steak restaurant (now we’ve got your attention), where waiters wander around with one of fifteen different cuts – including more kookier bites like chicken hearts and bife ancho. Turn your card green and they come over to carve you some, which is then cooked on an open-flamed pit.
A never-ending supply of meat. Hold us back.
There’s no better place than Leeds – moulded by the changes of the Industrial Revolution – to check out the work of John Fowler. Fowler was a pioneer in the development of the steam engine for ploughing, changing the course of agricultural practice forever. For this exhibition, his work will be shown alongside other objects from the Museum of English Rural Life in at the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills.
Fancy yourself an opera buff – or as clueless as Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman? No matter, there’s a first time for everything. La Traviata is playing in Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House up until the 26 February. Tickets start at just £15. Sure, you can’t put a price on being so cultured, now, can you?
If you want to catch a game while you’re over Aire-side, then you’re well-placed to pop over to Manchester to catch a United or City game. Manchester is only an hour an the train, and they run every 15 minutes. Of course, if you’re too busy having fun in Leeds to leave, then you can also cheer on Leeds United.
More into the active life? Leeds has you sorted there as well. Check out Another World Adventure Centre, where there’s something for everyone. Don’t believe us? Take a deep breath and try to say all these activities in one go: archery, slingshot, paintball, go kart building and racing, bumper balls, low ropes, air rifles and pistols, den building, bushcraft, grass sledging, mountain boarding, skiing and snow-boarding. Yep. You can breathe out now.
Best of all, getting there is easy with Aer Lingus Regional. You can now fly direct to Leeds up to twice daily, with prices starting from just €24.99 one way including taxes and charges (T&Cs apply). If you fancy a break after all the festive madness, and want to kick off your 2015 the way you mean to go on, then you should check out what’s on offer in lovely Leeds.
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