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As the heart of the scenic Yorkshire region, Leeds is doubtless one of the England's favorite destinations, offering a shop-till-you-drop city centre and a pulsating night life as well as historic locations, cultural events and a spectacular surrounding countryside that will leave you breathless.
Being home to over 75 nationalities, Leeds has embraced its modern status of an international, commercial city, with more than 4.3 million square feet of retail space, without betraying this exciting historical background and taking care of its Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian architecture.
Having been a northern industrial city, Leeds has transformed over the last decade with new developments such as the Leeds waterfront exploding with shops, bars, restaurants and hotels, and the Millennium Square that can accommodate up to 20,000 people and which includes the famous Nelson Mandela Garden. With the city centre being fairly compact, you can easily make your way around on foot, bus or by boat on the canal to the numerous museums, craft centres, night clubs, public houses, theatres or the opera.
For a more relaxed approach to experiencing the city, take a leisurely stroll through the historic parks, gardens and battlefields.
Located in West Yorkshire, the city offers easy access to the stunning countryside that characterises the region. But if you thought that Leeds was all about flat caps and whippets then think again, as the modern day Leeds is a young, vibrant city that's more about champagne and cocktails than real ale.
It originated as a small Saxon village on the banks of the River Aire and was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086 when it had an estimated population of around 200 people. It steadily grew in both size and stature over the following centuries, developing on the back of agriculture and the bourgeoning wool and cloth trades. By the Middle Ages, Leeds was one of the largest towns in the region, attracting traders and businessmen.
Despite not having a cathedral at the time, Queen Victoria granted Leeds city status in 1893 and from here it grew from strength to strength to become one of the most vibrant cities in England, and one that's now home to a thriving student population.
Modern day Leeds offers visitors a varied package of facilities, entertainment and attractions that spans business, art, history, culture, music, comedy and much more.
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