Loving it in Leeds

Leeds is gearing up to be one of the host cities for the Rugby World Cup, but there’s far more to enjoy there than just watching men play with misshapen balls.

As with most cities, you can shop ‘til you drop, eat and drink yourself silly and overdose on art and culture.

But the great thing about Leeds – Yorkshire’s unofficial capital – is you can do it all without wearing out too much shoe leather.

The centre is packed with shops, bars, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, all within easy walking distance.

Even The Royal Armouries, the city’s award-winning museum, which would have required a bit more effort to get to from our hotel near the station, was rendered easily – and most pleasantly – accessible via free water taxi which took us virtually door to door.

With no need of a car while we were there, cousin Tina and I sat back and enjoyed a Cross Country Trains journey from Oxford to Leeds.

Arriving relaxed and refreshed, we checked in at our hotel then headed out for the first of some memorable meals.

The Black Swan in Call Lane offered cocktails, craft beers, pizzas and “fine British food meets Yorkshire grub” all served in a well-executed trendy makeover of a traditional pub.

The following day we hit the sights... and the shops.

First off was a visit to the Henry Moore Institute.

While there are works by the sculptor there, the present main exhibition is Paul Neagu: Palpable Sculpture, showing the interesting work of a largely forgotten Romanian multi-media artist.

Culture quota satisfied it was off to Bundobust on Mill Hill.

Billed as a craft beer bar with an Indian street food kitchen, it served fantastic, fresh (large) tapas size vegetarian dishes, along with a huge choice of lagers and ales which you could try in a third of a pint tasters.

We loved it, and would particularly recommend the okra fries (£3.50).

Next on the list was the free entry Royal Armouries, the national museum of arms and armour.

Located a bit (but not much) further from the centre, we travelled there by a water taxi, which was an attraction all of its own.

Looking at weapons really isn’t my cup of tea but there’s no denying it’s an impressive collection.

And even I couldn’t help but be charmed by a full-size model of an elephant in armour (as long as I didn’t think too hard about the damage it would have caused and been subject to).

Next up was shopping: the choice of everything from markets and arcades to high street favourites and designer destinations was immense and our aching feet and rapidly emptying purses couldn’t cope with more than a small sample.

Dinner that night was at the popular Red’s True Barbeque.

The food was good and the atmosphere buzzing – great if you like things large, loud and meaty.

Next morning it was off to Harewood House, a stately home with wonderful gardens.

We were so impressed – and spent so long – in the grounds, which included terrace, bird, walled and Himalayan gardens, we scarcely left enough time to look round the elegant 18th century house before dashing back to the city centre for a delicious – and surprisingly good value – lunch at Harvey Nichols.

Phew... we collapsed into our train seats agreeing that there’s far more to visit Leeds for than a rugby game.

Leeds will host two matches during the Rugby World Cup. Italy will take on Canada in the first ever international Rugby Union match at Elland Road, the home of Leeds United, on September 26, before USA face Scotland the following day.

THE FACTS

For more information of destinations and attractions, as well as what else is on in Leeds during the Rugby World Cup 2015 go to VisitLeeds.co.uk

blackswanleeds.co.uk
henry-moore.org/hmi
bundobust.com
royalarmouries.org 
truebarbecue.com
harewood.org
harveynichols.com/store/leeds

Passengers can buy tickets for any rail journey in Britain, with no booking fee, at crosscountrytrains.co.uk or via the free CrossCountry Train Tickets app