City Varieties
Swan St, Leeds LS1 6LW, UK
We are lucky to have quite a few theatres in Leeds, but this little gem is nestled in the heart of the city centre tucked away, you wouldn’t be blamed if you missed it. Hidden away on Swan Street is Leeds’ oldest theatre built in 1865. I was taken there as a child and I in turn took my children to see the wonderful panto. Lots of happy memories were made there! The theatre hasn’t changed at all with its creaky staircases that take you to the vibrant red seats not too far away from the stage but far enough not to be caught by the antics of Cinderella’s wicked sisters. A quick word of warning though, book your tickets as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, it’s a very popular venue.
Thackray Medical Museum
141 Beckett St, Harehills, Leeds LS9 7LN, UK
I love museums however this is a little different than the rest. Thackray Medical Museum has taken a small part of an old building at St James hospital which in its time was a workhouse. The museum has some great exhibitions following the history of medicine through the years and comes complete with its own ghost. Thackray’s was once shown on TV’s most haunted, though it’s not the ghost I’d be worried about, looking at some of those instruments I’m just glad we’re in the modern times and not Victorian times! At the end of the trail is a quaint little tea shop bringing some welcome respite and a lovely gift shop.
Shopping
Leeds, UK
Who doesn’t like a bit of retail therapy every now and then? I know I do! Leeds has an amazing array of shops ranging from Leeds markets right up to your favourite designer brands. Scattered around the city centre you can find everything you would ever need. Have a look in the Corn Exchange, it has many a small independent shop that has so many interesting goodies to offer. We truly are spoilt for choice in here in Leeds! I love Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate which houses John Lewis, both a must to visit.
George’s Great British Kitchen
8, The Light, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 8TL, UK
What’s better than kicking back after a hard days shopping or popping in just for a treat! George’s is a fabulous quirky place that has the best food (in my opinion) ever. The restaurant / bar area is quite plush but down the back wall are seaside beach huts for you to sit in, each named after a seaside town, it really is sweet. The food has a bit of a twist too. You really need to visit or have a look at their wonderful menu to see what’s on offer. We visit once or twice a month and have never been disappointed yet. Prices are very reasonable and the sweet shop cocktails on offer are to die for.
Whitelocks Ale House
Turk's Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB, UK
One of our oldest pubs, built in 1715 is hidden away down a back-street ally. Offering real ale and craft beers for the connoisseur in us.
It’s small and admittingly it does get rather busy, but the place is steeped in history and a wonderful atmosphere. Stain glass adorns the windows and Victorian tiles line the bar. If you’re interested in architecture like myself or just here for the beer, either way you will not be disappointed. Pub grub is on offer, as hearty as the ale and reasonable too. Situated between the shops on Briggate it would be easy to miss. Look out for blue civic trust plate on the wall.
City Varieties
We are lucky to have quite a few theatres in Leeds, but this little gem is nestled in the heart of the city centre tucked away, you wouldn’t be blamed if you missed it. Hidden away on Swan Street is Leeds’ oldest theatre built in 1865. I was taken there as a child and I in turn took my children to see the wonderful panto. Lots of happy memories were made there! The theatre hasn’t changed at all with its creaky staircases that take you to the vibrant red seats not too far away from the stage but far enough not to be caught by the antics of Cinderella’s wicked sisters. A quick word of warning though, book your tickets as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, it’s a very popular venue.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Thackray Medical Museum
I love museums however this is a little different than the rest. Thackray Medical Museum has taken a small part of an old building at St James hospital which in its time was a workhouse. The museum has some great exhibitions following the history of medicine through the years and comes complete with its own ghost. Thackray’s was once shown on TV’s most haunted, though it’s not the ghost I’d be worried about, looking at some of those instruments I’m just glad we’re in the modern times and not Victorian times! At the end of the trail is a quaint little tea shop bringing some welcome respite and a lovely gift shop.
Shopping
Who doesn’t like a bit of retail therapy every now and then? I know I do! Leeds has an amazing array of shops ranging from Leeds markets right up to your favourite designer brands. Scattered around the city centre you can find everything you would ever need. Have a look in the Corn Exchange, it has many a small independent shop that has so many interesting goodies to offer. We truly are spoilt for choice in here in Leeds! I love Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate which houses John Lewis, both a must to visit.
George’s Great British Kitchen
What’s better than kicking back after a hard days shopping or popping in just for a treat! George’s is a fabulous quirky place that has the best food (in my opinion) ever. The restaurant / bar area is quite plush but down the back wall are seaside beach huts for you to sit in, each named after a seaside town, it really is sweet. The food has a bit of a twist too. You really need to visit or have a look at their wonderful menu to see what’s on offer. We visit once or twice a month and have never been disappointed yet. Prices are very reasonable and the sweet shop cocktails on offer are to die for.
Whitelocks Ale House
One of our oldest pubs, built in 1715 is hidden away down a back-street ally. Offering real ale and craft beers for the connoisseur in us.
It’s small and admittingly it does get rather busy, but the place is steeped in history and a wonderful atmosphere. Stain glass adorns the windows and Victorian tiles line the bar. If you’re interested in architecture like myself or just here for the beer, either way you will not be disappointed. Pub grub is on offer, as hearty as the ale and reasonable too. Situated between the shops on Briggate it would be easy to miss. Look out for blue civic trust plate on the wall.