In April 2010 I took a 2 night Leeds short break, staying at the Hilton Leeds City. I was fortunate to have a local resident, Darren Cronian creator of My Life in Leeds to show me around the city. Here are my ideas for five things to do on a Leeds short break.

Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Leeds housing the national collection of arms and armour is one of the top Leeds attractions. It’s located at Clarence Dock and it’s free to get in. 

The Royal Armouries from Knight’s Way bridge

Most days there are several live shows, many of them are also free.  The Interpretations are performed by actors, I attended the one about Annie Oakley and learned a lot about this famous female sharpshooter who was a star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.  The shows held in the Tiltyard arena such as Tudor Riding Skills and Falconry cost £1.50 for adults and £1 for kids.

Armoured Elephant at the Royal Armouries

The Victoria Quarter

The Victoria Quarter with its beautiful arcades was originally designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham in the early 20th century.  It was renovated in the 1980s and is now known as the Knightsbridge of the North home to stores such as Harvey Nichols, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith. My favourite arcade was County Arcade.

In 1989 Queen Victoria Street was covered with the largest stained glass window in the UK, by artist Brian Clark.

Queen Victoria Street with its stained glass roof

Leeds Waterfront

I had no idea that Leeds had a waterfront until I visited the city. Now I suppose that my impression was somewhat influenced by the pleasant sunny weather during my Leeds short break but I loved the Leeds waterfront. The regeneration of the area kicked off in the 1980s. There’s a mix of renovated old buildings and new builds.

There are several bars and restaurants with great views from either inside or outdoor seating.  I’d much rather sit outside next to a canal or river than on a pavement near a busy road.

View from Clarence Dock

The Leeds Waterfront Festival runs from 18 – 19 July 2010.  Granary Wharf is the location of a monthly Pannier Market which will include other outdoor arts activities such as  storytelling..

Leeds Art Gallery & Tiled Hall Cafe

I only had time for quick look around Leeds Art Gallery, which is free to enter, at the Between Kismet and Karma exhibition which runs until 8 May 2010.  The Tiled Hall Cafe is so beautiful and the thick slices of cakes in the cabinet looked very enticing. However as I’d had breakfast at my hotel and was due to have lunch at Salvo’s at 1pm there was no way I could manage to eat cake.

Tiled Hall Cafe at Leeds Art Gallery

Slylounge at City Inn Leeds

The 13th floor Skylounge at the City Inn Leeds at Granary Wharf has amazing views over the city from the terrace.  It’s on the pricey side at £2.75 for a soft drink, £7.95 for a cream tea,  however it’s a great vantage point.

View from City Inn Leeds Sky Lounge

For better value but still with a lovely view of the Canal Basin and outdoor seating the City Cafe restaurant has a £9.95 set lunch menu.

City Cafe restaurant City Inn Leeds

I was truly impressed by the city, especially the waterfront, so why not organise a Leeds short break to see it for yourself?  Find the best deals at Leeds hotels with HotelsCombined, which quickly searches through more than 30 accommodation suppliers such to find the lowest hotel rates for you.

If you’ve visited Leeds what are your recommendations for things to do in Leeds?