Why Leeds?

Leeds is in the heart of the UK. It is 1 hour from Manchester, 2 hours from London and 3 hours from Edinburgh by train.

It has an international airport, 2 major universities and is the 3rd largest city in England in terms of population.

Leeds is a thriving city that you are sure to fall in love with. Rich in culture and heritage, it's a vibrant city with lots to discover and something for everyone to enjoy.

Life in Leeds - Download a pdf document

Map of UK and Leeds

Leeds is recognised internationally as a leading centre for learning, with a total student population of over 200,000.

Voted 'Best university destination in the UK' by The Independent, our city has two universities of international renown – the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University, with a combined total of 124,000 full and part-time students.

As well as Leeds English Language School, the city has ten colleges of higher and further education, including Leeds College of Art and Design, Leeds College of Music and Notre Dame Sixth Form College, with a combined total of 78,000 students.

Leeds is flourishing as a cultural centre, and the thriving student community is testament to this. The city's safe, friendly environment, fantastic nightlife and comparative affordability make it the ideal location to live and learn. Leeds was recently named 'The most cost effective place to study in Britain' by the RBS Student Living Index 2007.

There is stunning local countryside, including the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, which lie within easy reach.

There is a broad range of cultural attractions, including renowned theatre, opera and ballet companies, with something to appeal to every palate.

The city has so much to offer families of all ages, from the award-winning Royal Armouries, to the gardens of Tropical World, and Leeds’ finest stately home, Harewood House. You can find one of the country's most impressive collections of twentieth century British art at the newly refurbished Leeds City Art Gallery.

But don’t just take our word for it - read what others have said about the city right here!

• Leeds. One of Europe's top cities for business
  Cushman & Wakefield European Cities Monitor 2007
• Leeds. The UK's most important legal centre outside London
  UK Legal 500
• Leeds. The most cost effective place to study in Britain
  RBS Student Living Index 2007
• Leeds. One of the UK's top cities for restaurants
  Which? Good Food Guide 2007
• Leeds. More public green space per child than any other city in the UK
  The Children's Society 2008
• Leeds. The UK's most female friendly city
  Future Laboratories 'Tigra Town' Research 2006
• Leeds. The UK's best shopping destination
  Rough Guide to Britain 2006
• Leeds. The UK's leading centre for business and financial services outside London
  ONS Annual Business Inquiry 2005
• Leeds. The best university destination
  The Independent 2004/5
• Leeds. Visitor city of the year
  The Good Britain Guide 2004
• Leeds. The best place in Britain to live
  Henley Management College 'Urban Behaviours' study

Leeds. A vibrant city ideally located at the very heart of England. An extensive rail, road and air network makes travelling to Leeds both quick and easy.

Source: Leeds Live it Love it

If you want to see all the amazing things in and around Leeds, go to the Yorkshire Tourist Board website and plan your day..... www.yorkshire.com