I didn't realise Leeds actually had their own little section on Ciao - but I'm very glad it has! Those of you who don't really know Leeds, the city I have been born and bred in, I aim to show you the beauty of the city, and that their is so much more to it than you might think!

As you guys may know, I am dedicated to Leeds and love the bones of it. If you didn't know that, it will become clear in this review! Leeds has so much to offer, but I realise it may not all appeal to you. I have tried my best to set out this review as clearly as possible, so feel free to skip some of the sections that you are not interested in! Happy reading!

Leeds In The News

• Aah, um, not the best start to this review I suppose, but the thing you will have most probably heard of about Leeds in the news recently is this bin strike. I'm telling you, those of you who don't live in this neck of the woods, it's a blooming nightmare! Bins are overflowing, streets are smelling, eurgh! The sooner the council and the bin men sort out their differences (and the cash!) the better!!
• Aah, and another rather bad point (eek, no!) - the Tetley's brewery which has been in Leeds since, like, forever is closing down! A lot of people round here are very upset by this news because the brewery was one of the points Leeds was most well known for. Boo.
• A much, much more positive side to Leeds now...This information has only recently been released, and it is a fact that for the charity Action Aid (http://www.actionaid.org.uk) has more sponsors and donations from Leeds than anywhere else in the UK. It made me feel so happy and proud of my city when I heard this, especially as as soon as I have collected enough cash (yes, ALL the money I make from Ciao and Dooyoo included) I am also going to be joining the many other Loiner's who have sponsored the less fortunate across the world! :)

Hang On A Minute, Loiner's??? What The Heck??

My grandma told me I was a Loiner a long time ago, and I assumed it was a phrase as well known as a Scot or a Geordie or whatever. But apparently not! Loiner means a native of Leeds, and I am proud to be one!! Almost all my family have come from Leeds, so I am officially a Loiner!

How To Get In And Around Leeds

There is a rail link into the city centre I have used a couple of times, Northern Rail. The best way to find out more about this is to use the website, www.northernrail.org. There are a large selection of buses that enable you to travel all around Leeds. The best place to go to get the buses are to go to the bus station in the city centre. Leeds is accessible from the M62, the M1, the A1 North and the A65.

What's Leeds Known For?

I suppose Leeds is quite a big city. As I live here and have done all my life, I am not so sure about what you lot may think of Leeds (this may be a time to leave me a comment and tell me!) but as far as I can see, Leeds seems to be known for it's nightlife, shopping and industrialisation and exports. But I think Leeds is so much more than that, and I hope I can prove to you that it is!Aah, I can tell this is going to take quite a while, even though I know Leeds like the back of my hand (why do people say that?? I don't even know the back of my hand all that well...) So, off I go...

The Millennium Square And The City Centre

The Millennium Square is a primary feature of the centre of Leeds. It was built as a mark for the new millennium, and was funded by both the Leeds City Council and the Millennium Commission. It is a great attraction for Leeds, and it should be - it cost £12m to produce! The Millennium Square is surrounded by many other famous landmarks of the city such as the town hall, the civic hall, the new Leeds museum, the LGI (Leeds General Infirmary), the Leeds Academy and the Leeds College of Art. The square is a focal point for many of Leeds major events; it has hosted many outdoor theatre events, concerts by well-known bands, orchestral and operatic performances and street entertainment. There is a large TV screen powered by the BBC which shows sport events, latest news and more. Every year around October/November the German Market - Kristkindlmarkt - which pulls in huge crowds. I attend Kristkindlmarkt every year without fail and my Christmas just wouldn't be complete without it! I just adore the warm, vibrant atmosphere, the smell of the sausages, hot mulled wine and incense sticks, the cute, quirky stalls, the cute rides for the children...the list goes on, believe me! There is also an ice rink - The Ice Cube - which comes around late January/February. It's a shame it cannot come nearer Christmas, but it is still so much fun, and the prices are not bad either. I love skating, just for fun, and whipping around ice in the middle of Leeds listening to my favourite songs (courtesy of Leeds main local radio; 96.3 Radio Aire) with my friends is pure heaven! Many other smaller events happen in the Millennium Square, but the ones I have highlighted are the main ones. Ooh, just popped into the Carriageworks theatre in the Millennium Square today (picking up some Christmas Eve pantomime tickets - so excited!!) and the Ladyboy's Of Bangkok are touring and have stopped off in the Millennium Square at the moment!
Leeds City Centre in general has a very friendly atmosphere and I think it is friendly to people of all ages, races, cultures and sex. Obviously it is most well known for its shops, but there are many other points to it which I will explain further into the review...things classed as being in the 'city centre' will have a '~' next to it.

Shopping

City Centre Shopping ~

I guess this is what you think of when you first think of Leeds City Centre! There are so many shops in Leeds, from well known high street stores to less well known or local businesses. There are over 1000 shops in the city centre (that's a lot, even for a shop-till-you-dropper like me!) and it has been dubbed the 'Knightsbridge of the North' and this is reflected more than anywhere else in the city's shops. Leeds was home to the first Harvey Nichol's outside London, and there are so many shopping centres in the centre of the city alone.

• The Corn Exchange
  I love the Corn Exchange as it is a great starting point for independent businesses, particularly in the fashion industry. As a wannabe designer, I think this would be a great starting point! The layout is very stylish and modern, and I would recommend visiting this hidden gem in the city centre!
• Kirkgate Market
  Leeds Kirkgate Market is the largest covered market in Europe and is a great place to search for textiles, jewellery, food and much, much more! The market first opened in 1822 and is now a Grade 1 listed building.
• The Victoria Quarter
  The Victoria Quarter is a very prestigious, fairly small shopping centre in Leeds City Centre. It is full of gorgeous (expensive) shops, and the centre itself is extremely beautiful, with fountains and elegant flooring. The whole thing is just a divine shopping experience, when you can afford to splash the cash that is! Shops include Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, All Saints, Paul Smith and many more. I also love Rose & Co., which is a small retro style bath product store which sells beautiful little bath cakes, soaps and other cosmetics. It is like Lush, but posher. And obviously not as good! But it does come close...
• The Merrion Centre
  The Merrion Centre is one of the main shopping centres in Leeds, and it has well known stores such as Boots, Morrison's, Home Bargains (instead of good old Woolie's!), Peacocks, Thorntons, Gregg's, Costa Coffee, Sainsbury's Local, Ainsley's and many more... I love a quirky store called Hawkins Bazaar, it sells crazy stuff and it is amazing! Fabulous for joke presents or stocking fillers at Christmas!
• St. John's Centre
  St John's centre consists of over thirty shops over two levels and has a small Topshop/TopMan, a Leeds Rhinos Souvenir shop, Dorothy Perkins, Clinton Cards, Poundland, Phones4U, Bodycare and others. There are little stalls and the centre has a good, simple, modern vibe to it.
• Leeds Shopping Plaza
  The Leeds Shopping Plaza is being redeveloped and will reopen in 2010 with space of over 100 stores. At the moment some of the stores in the plaza are: H&M, George, JJB Sports, New Look, BHS, Boots, TKMaxx, Warehouse and H Samuel, amongst many others. Zen Delight is a cafe in the Plaza, and they do a great latte!
• The Light
  The Light is a modern, glass shopping centre which is mainly known for it's 13 screen Vue cinema. Shops include Exit, The Body Shop, Joy, Bank, Superdry and others. On the bottom floor there are great places to eat such as Nandos, Brios, Starbuck's, Bagel Nash, Gregg's, Juice and Brown's. On the second floor there is a great Chinese restaurant called Maxi's, which I thoroughly recommend. There is aso a gym and a car park.
• The Headrow
  The Headrow has recently reopened and I am really annoyed because although I only visited the other day, I cannot remember what it's now called! Ooh, just remembered - it's The Core. I'm not too sure if the shops have stayed, but it used to consist of large retailers such as HMV and GAME, but also smaller businesses like The Gadget Shop and many others.
• Other Shops In The Centre
  There are many other shops in Leeds which I love going around. All the main high street stores will be somewhere around, and it is a great place to shop with a vibrant atmosphere! And this may sound weird, but contrary to a lot of other people, I love doing my Christmas shopping there - with the lights, the buskers singing carols and the window displays - and I embrace the busyness too! As long as I don't have to queue for too long, I love the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shoppers - it all adds to the atmosphere. I understand why most of you hate it, though!
  Psst - for a fabulous directory of all the shops in Leeds City Centre, visit http://www.shoppinginleeds.co.uk/

Out Of The Centre

• White Rose Shopping Centre
  White Rose is a major shopping centre in Morley which I visit regularly. On the bottom floor it is full with many major high street stores such as Debenhams, HMV, Topshop, The Body Shop, Clinton Cards and more. There are little independent stalls running through the middle of the bottom floor, and if you take time to look you can find gorgeous little knick knacks, and on the top floor there is a food court with (mainly unhealthy) 'favourites' such as Pizza Hut, McDonald's, KFC, BB's, a fish and chip shop and much, much more...
• Cross Gates
  Cross Gates is situated in East Leeds and has almost 60 shops in the centre. It is filled with shops such as New Look, Bon Marche, Wilkinson, Tesco, Home Bargain's and more...and if I remember rightly it looks great at Christmas!! My little sister visited Santa there once and it was loads of fun!
• Other...
  There are many other places to visit for a little retail therapy in Leeds, but these are the main ones to head to! Visit small towns such as Ilkley for quirky, cute, independent shops, and for a little bit of peace and quiet.

Nightlife

(Mainly ~!!)
Leeds is known for its vibrant social setting and you will forever see people out and about heading for a night on the town. Obviously the main bars and clubs are in the city centre, but you can find them dotted all over the place. Headingly is 'student land' and you will always see them dressed up in hilarious costumes on a Friday/Saturday night ready to go out. Some of Leeds main nightclubs are the Tiger Bar, Haha bar, Viva Cuba, Lounge Bar and Grill, Cocoon and @17 Lounge bar, Baja Beach Club and the ever popular Oceana.

Dining

Leeds is full of great restaurants and places to eat and drink, and here are some of my favourites...

Cute And Quirky Cafes

• West Park Cafe
  251 Otley Rd
  Leeds, LS16 5LQ
  0113 274 2222
• The Pink Teapot -See Review!!
  Sorry, no contact information. It is in Otley!
• Lillians ~
  21Thorntons Arcade
  City Centre, Leeds
  LS1 6LQ
  0113 243 8802
• Shaky Jakes Milkshake Bar - See Review!!
  Gateway House, 2
  15 North Ln, Headingley, Leeds, LS6
  0113 217 9156
• L'Oranise
  1 the Crescent
  Hyde Park
  Leeds LS6 2NW
  0113 274 44 22
• Town House Coffee Shop ~
  39Great George Street
  City Centre, Leeds
  LS1 3BB
  0113 245 9224

Fancy (But Not Too Expensive) Restaurants

• Maxi's (Chinese) ~
  6 Bingley St
  Leeds, LS3 1LX
  0113 244 0589
• Casa Mia (Italian) - See Upcoming Review!! ~
  10-12 Stainbeck Ln, Leeds - 0870 444 5156
  OR
  Great George Street, 6 Millennium Square, Leeds - 0113 245 4121
• The Olive Tree
  74-76 Otley Road, LS6 4BA

Theatre And Cinema

I love visiting the theatres in Leeds; and every Christmas Eve me and the family go to a fun pantomime every year. Our favourite is the City Varieties, but it is closed this year, and last year, so I booked the Carriageworks as a last minute thing this year. We've visited this a few times and I think it will be fine! It's all just a bit of festive fun really, right?
Here are a list of all the theatres in Leeds:

• City Varieties ~
  A lovely theatre down in the heart of the city centre, my personal favourite. However it is closed for refurbishment at the moment, hopefully it will be back open soon!
• The Carriageworks ~
  A rather small theatre tucked away under the large BBC screen in the Millennium Square. The theatre rooms are extremely small, it's kind of like sitting in someone's living room, but nonetheless the shows are often entertaining.
• The Grand ~
  Also in the centre of Leeds, the Grand shows many fantastic shows and touring shows. I have seen the Joseph show here for the past two years and really enjoy it - plus they sell THE most gorgeous ice cream!!
• West Yorkshire Playhouse
  Probably the most well known theatre in Leeds, and definitely the largest; the WYP has won awards for many things, from it's productions to it's customer service! It has gained a reputation locally, nationally and even internationally!

There are also a number of cinemas in Leeds, I mostly go to The Light as I spend most of my time in the city centre, although there are a few more...

• Vue Cinema - The Light ~
  This is Leeds largest cinema. It is a huge, modern multiplex cinema of high quality. Details of the films showing can be found at myvue.com
• Vue Cinema - Kirkstall Complex
  Also in this complex is Hollywood Bowl and a selection of restaurants. The cinema itself is smaller than the one in The Light, but I still enjoy visiting.
• Cottage Road Cinema - Cottage Road!
  This cinema is so small I don't bother visiting anymore. I have been a few times, but that was many years ago. It only shows around one or two films at a time and the screenings are limited.
• Hyde Park Picture House - Headingly
  Have never been here and admittedly have never heard of it until I was doing a Google check that I'd got all the cinemas down in Leeds. It seems to be very small and showing limited films. I may check it out sometime...

Museums, Gardens And Days Out

Sorry I can't involve everything - there's just too much to say! I have picked up on the most well known or most interesting places to visit!

Museums

• Abbey House Museum/Kirkstall Abbey - Kirkstall
  Connected to Kirkstall Abbey which is just across the road, Abbey House museum is the place to visit if you would like to find out more about the local area in the 1880's. When you step inside you literally step back onto the cobbles in a town centre - much different to Leeds town centre nowadays! I find this a great place to visit, and went here all the time when I was younger!
  Prices And Opening Times For Abbey House
  - Opening Times:
  Abbey House is open generally all year. It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. It is also closed on Mondays, apart from Bank Holidays (excluding the ones mentioned) when it is opened from 10AM-5PM. Tuesday to Saturday it is also open 10AM-5PM. Saturdays it is open 12AM-5PM and Sunday 10AM-5PM. Last admission is 4PM.
  - Prices:
  If you own a Leeds/Breeze card you could get a discount on these - already very reasonable - prices.
  Adults - £3.50
  Concessions - £2.50
  Child - £1.50
  Family - £5
  Please note entrance to the actual abbey itself is completely free!
• The Royal Armouries
  The Royal Armouries is a well developed, well set out museum which hosts the UK's national collection of arms and armour. Seeing as this is a genre which doesn't really appeal to me, the museum does a great job in showcasing the exhibits in an interesting and "fun" way. The Royal Armouries also works with organisations that help the youth of today and have launched there own campaign against knife crime and other violence.
  Opening Times And Prices Of The Royal Armouries
  - Opening Times:
  The Royal Armouries is open daily from 10AM to 5PM, but this excludes 24th-26th December, where it is closed.
  - Prices
  I love the fact that this is a completely free museum (they probably just get their funds from the tempting cakes in the cafe!) However they understandably charge for some of their events.
• Leeds City Museum ~
  Leeds City Museum is in the Millennium Square and showcases the history of Yorkshire and Leeds. It includes the famous Leeds tiger, costumes for children to try on, objects and many exhibits. There is also a shop and cafe.
  Opening Times And Prices Of Leeds City
  - Opening Times:
  Closed Mondays - except bank holidays - then open 11am - 4pm.
  Tue, We, Fri 11am - 6pm.
  Thurs 11am - 8pm.
  Sat and Sun 11am - 5pm.
  - Prices
  Admission is free!
• Armley Mills Industrial Museum
  Armley Mills was once the worlds largest woollen mill. It has exhibits dating back from the 18th and 19th century, and gives information about industrialisation and textiles, clothing, engines and much more. It has won many awards. I haven't been here in years, so I can't really remember it but I think if you are interested in this part of history it is well worth a look.
  Opening Times And Prices For Armley Mills
  - Opening Times
  Closed Mondays except bank holidays (10am - 5pm). Tue - Sat 10am - 5pm. Sunday 1pm - 5pm. Last admission 4pm
  - Prices
  Adult: £3.00 (£2.40 with Leeds Card).
  Concession: £1.50 (£1.20 with Leeds Card).
  Child: £1.00 (80p with Leeds Card).
  Family: £5.00.

Gardens And Houses

• Harewood House
  Probably the most well known house in Leeds, Harewood is home to the Earl and Countess of Harewood. It won 'England's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, 2009.' I visit here loads (almost too much!) and I am drafting a review on Harewood very soon, so if this interests you check it out when it comes along. You can visit sections of the house, look round the beautiful gardens (I love going to the Himalyan Garden for some peace of mind) and it is great for kids too, with a massive adventure playground and a bird garden. There is also a shop and cafe.
  - Opening Times
  The Open Season runs from 3rd April to 1st November 2009. They are open daily.
  State Rooms: 12.00pm - 4.00pm
  Below Stairs & Terrace Gallery: 10.30am - 4.00pm
  Terrace Cafe: 10.30am - 5.00pm
  Gardens, Grounds and Adventure Playground: 10.00am - 6.00pm
  Bird Garden: 10.00am - 5.30pm
  Courtyard Café, Courtyard Shop & Toyshop: 10.00am - 5.30pm
  - Prices
  Harewood is very pricey, so if you are local and plan on visiting lots I recommend you buy a Harewood card. We own one, and, although pricey at first, in the long run we have saved money. The details of the tickets vary and are very confusing, so I recommend you visit this link: http://www.harewood.org/tickets-times
• Lotherton Hall
  Lotherton Hall is an Edwardian country house and is a great day out,. It shows off their collection of their arts, craft and music. You can explore the country home and the grounds which include a family play area, nature trails, cafe, red deer park and a bird garden.
  - Opening Times
  Open Tuesday to Sunday, March to December.
  - Prices
  Adult: £2.93
  Conc: £1.46
  Child: £0.98
  Family: £4.89
  LeedsCard: 20% discount
• Oakwell Hall
  Oakwell Hall is an Elizabethan manor and is famous for it's 'ghost', which is supposedly the ghost of a 25 year old man, William Batt. You can visit the manor's many rooms and its beautiful gardens.
  - Opening Times
  Oakwell Hall is open weekdays from 11am to 5pm, and Saturdays &
  Sundays from 12pm to 5pm (Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing
  Day and New Years Day).
  - Prices
  There is a small admission charge 1 Mar - 31 Oct and visiting groups should
  pre-book.

Other Days Out

• Tropical World
  Linked to nearby Roundhay Park (free), Tropical World is a great place to go with the kids as it shows many tropical animals in a rainforest style environment. I love visiting here and we go here often.
  - Opening Times
  Summer (BST)
  10am until 6pm (last admission at 5:30)
  Winter (GMT)
  10am until 4pm (last admission at 3:30)
  Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
  - Prices
  Adults £3.19
  Children (aged 8 – 15yrs) £1.96
  Under 5’s free
  Leeds/Breeze card holders free
• Leeds Art Gallery ~
  Leeds Art Gallery houses a fantastic collection of 20th century British art. It is situated in the town centre and there are events fun for all the family.
  - Opening Times
  Monday & Tuesday 10am - 5pm.
  Wednesday 12pm - 5pm.
  Thursday - Saturday 10am - 5pm.
  Sunday 1pm - 5pm.
  Closed on bank holidays.
  - Prices
  Free!

There are many more fantastic days out in Leeds, but I find these to be the best!

Sport

Football

Okay, so I'm definitely not a footie fan, but I know a little about Leeds United. They are currently doing very well in League 1 and are probably getting a promotion...I think! Leeds trademark football colours are blue and yellow, which is there current strip and their stadium is at Elland Road (near the White Rose).

Rugby

Okay, so this is something I do know about! I used to be a huge Leeds Rhinos fan, with a season ticket in the South Stand and everything. I am not as big a fan as I used to be, but I come from a family of dedicated Rhinos supporters and I am always updated. I also watched the Leeds Vs Saints grand final this year on TV and enjoyed it. Leeds Rhinos are now top of the league, and they are the second club to win the grand final three times in a row!

Events

There are events all around Leeds. I have mentioned most of them in the Millennium Square section, but there are also concerts every year, such as Party In The Park and Leeds Fest.

Overall

I hope this review of my hometown has shown you how much Leeds has to offer, and this is just a little taster! Leeds is a beautiful place to be and I am sure if you ever visit you will find something that you enjoy. There is much more to it than meets the eye, and I really do hope that this review has done it justice.Thank you so much for reading, if you have any tips for improvement please leave your comments below and I will adjust it to your liking!! xx