Leeds

From Halal Explorer

Leeds banner

Leeds is the largest city in the county of West Yorkshire. Once a major industrial centre and the city today is better known for being the largest UK financial centre outside of London, and for its impressive shopping, Halal dining, universities and sports facilities. Leeds also has a growing cultural reputation, being home to many museums, restaurants and theatres, and a mixture of Georgian, Victorian, 20th and 21st century architecture.

Contents

Districts

Leeds-skyline

  Central Leeds
* Civic quarter - north of the train station, focussed on Millennium Plaza. Many museums and galleries can be found in this area as can two major educational institutions.
  • Central shopping neighborhood - north and north east of the train station.
  • Exchange quarter - east of the train station, centred on the Corn Exchange. Home to many quirky independents, bistros and cafes. Village - east of the train station around Lower Briggate.
  • Financial neighborhood - north west of the train station. The attractive Georgian-era Park Plaza is at the centre.
  • Riverside - south of the train station. The converted granaries are now home to shops and restaurants, while new developments bring upmarket shopping to Leeds. The Royal Armouries museum can be found at Clarence Dock.
  • Holbeck - south of the train station. Once the industrial heart of Leeds, this neighborhood has been regenerated into a creative industries quarter with trendy bars spilling into cosy public spaces.
  North East Leeds
including Chapel Allerton, trendy north Leeds area bursting with al fresco restaurants and Roundhay an attractive, leafy and well-heeled neighborhood of north Leeds, home to the vast and beautiful Roundhay Park, Tropical World, and a small selection of exclusive shops and eateries supplemented by those in nearby Oakwood.
  North West Leeds
including Headingley and the lively student and sports neighborhood
  West Leeds
  South Leeds
  East Leeds

Leeds Halal Explorer

Leeds (derived from the Celtic area Leodis) was voted UK's favourite city in Condé Nast's Readers' Traveller Awards 2003. It was a market town that became an industrial powerhouse and grew and developed into a service-based city economy with an attractive, smart centre.

Roman Leeds was an important strategic fort, ford and small settlement on the York -Chester road. Recorded in the Domesday book of 1086, it became a thriving market town in the Middle Ages, gaining its town charter from the King in 1207. The medieval city was based around Briggate, Kirkgate, Swinegate and The Calls. (The ending "-gate" came from the old Norse for 'street'.) It was a trading centre in the West Riding of Yorkshire for cloth and wool; from Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield to the port of Hull, east along the river Aire and the 1699 Aire & Calder Navigation canal. Whilst the town grew rapidly (population over 30,000 in the eighteenth century, when the gracious Georgian West End was built), it was for a long time economically overshadowed by nearby York.

The industrial revolution brought about massive change as it became a huge manufacturing centre of wool and textiles and a major trading centre (with over half the nation's export passing through for a period). Leeds became known as the city of a thousand trades and by the middle of the nineteenth century the population had passed 200,000. Bolstered by the 1816 Leeds-Liverpool Canal and the Leeds-Selby railway in 1835 (The Middleton Railway was the world's first commercial railway, 1758 Railway Act, from The Middleton colliery to coal-staithes (sidings) at Meadow Lane just south of Leeds Bridge) and the city continued to grow and prosper rapidly, with grandiose architectural manifestations of the Victorian city's wealth built in abundance, and expanding affluent suburbs to the north. Leeds University was created around the 1880s, bringing an intellectual dimension, and Leeds was served by one of the world's most extensive tram systems (sadly later replaced by buses). A garden in Roundhay, Leeds was the location of the world's first moving images, filmed in 1888 by Frenchman Louis le Prince (who later disappeared in mysterious circumstances). Leeds was granted city status in 1893.

By the twentieth century, Leeds's population was approaching 500,000. Whilst Leeds suffered far less than many other large UK cities from the WWII blitz, it was affected by the mass industrial decline of the nation in the post-war period, and became characterised by unemployment and huge council estates. Versatility enabled it to survive and it began to prosper in the 1980s, when renovation of the centre and waterfront, and demolition of some of the worst estates began. By the 1990s the city was reborn with wealth based on service industries and commerce and the financial and legal centres making it the most important city in the UK in these areas outside London. With the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Royal Armouries, restoration of the Victoria Quarter and Corn Exchange and the clean up of major historical buildings and the new Harvey Nichols store and new bars, shops and restaurants - all in the mid 1990s and the city was truly on the move. The 2001 Census shows Leeds with a population of just over 715,000.

Today, Leeds is still one of the most cosmopolitan, fast-growing, innovative and prosperous cities in the UK with developments springing up by the week and new bars, boutiques, clubs and restaurants seemingly more often and the two universities adding to the vibrancy, and international eateries and retail outlets.

Tourist information centre

Visit Leeds and Art Gallery Shop, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA.

Masjids in Leeds

Leeds, a vibrant and diverse city in West Yorkshire, is home to a thriving Muslim community. The city boasts numerous mosques that not only serve as places of worship but also as community hubs for education, social events, and cultural activities. Here is a guide to some of the prominent masjids in Leeds:

1. Leeds Grand Mosque

Rating: 4.9 (746 reviews)
Address: 9 Woodsley Rd
Phone: +44 113 246 8789

Leeds Grand Mosque is a key centre for Muslim prayer and study in the city. It offers a welcoming environment for worshippers and provides various educational programs and community services.

2. Bilal Masjid

Rating: 4.8 (338 reviews)
Address: Conway Rd
Phone: +44 113 240 7695

Open 24 hours, Bilal Masjid is accessible at any time for prayers and religious activities. It is well-regarded for its community outreach and educational programs.

3. Makkah Masjid

Rating: 4.9 (217 reviews)
Address: 36 Thornville Rd
Phone: +44 7813 797213

Known for its elegant tiles and architecture, Makkah Masjid serves as both a mosque and an Islamic centre, offering a serene environment for worship and learning.

4. Masjid Ibraheem Leeds

Rating: 4.8 (136 reviews)
Address: 4 Woodview Rd
Phone: +44 113 270 9536

Also open 24 hours, Masjid Ibraheem provides a continuous opportunity for prayers and community engagement. The mosque is known for its welcoming atmosphere and active congregation.

5. Al Madina Jam-e Masjid

Rating: 4.9 (56 reviews)
Address: The Bangladeshi Centre, 12 Rawson Place, Off Tunstall Road and, Dewsbury Rd
Phone: +44 113 443 0245

This mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also hosts various community events and programs. It is open until 11 PM, providing ample time for evening prayers and activities.

6. Lincoln Green Mosque مزگەوتی لینکن گرین

Rating: 4.8 (222 reviews)
Address: The Cherry Tree, Cherry Row
Phone: +44 113 244 3835

Open 24 hours, Lincoln Green Mosque is a key religious and community centre, catering to the spiritual and social needs of its congregation.

7. Masjid Quba

Rating: 4.9 (43 reviews)
Address: 24 Shepherds Ln
Phone: +44 113 307 0500

Masjid Quba is another 24-hour mosque known for its community services and inclusive environment. It provides a peaceful setting for prayer and reflection.

8. Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira

Rating: 4.8 (120 reviews)
Address: Lodge Ln

Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira is well-regarded for its vibrant community and active involvement in social and educational initiatives.

9. Shahjalal Jamia Masjid

Rating: 4.8 (77 reviews)
Address: 27 Ellers Rd
Phone: +44 7974 120907

Shahjalal Jamia Masjid serves the local Muslim community with dedication, providing a space for worship, learning, and community engagement.

10. Muslim Funerals Leeds Islamic Centre

Rating: 4.8 (258 reviews)
Address: 48 Spencer Pl
Phone: +44 7788 841542

This long-standing mosque and community centre is a cornerstone for the local Muslim population, offering a range of religious and community services.

11. Makki Masjid and Madrasa

Rating: 4.9 (28 reviews)
Address: 1 Vicarage Rd
Phone: +44 113 245 6501

Makki Masjid and Madrasa is known for its educational programs and community support, fostering a strong sense of community among its members.

12. Iqra Centre

Rating: 4.8 (76 reviews)
Address: 6 Carr Manor Cres
Phone: +44 7931 317166

The Iqra Centre is a hub for Islamic learning and worship, serving the local Muslim community with a variety of programs and services.

13. Hyde Park Mosque

Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
Address: Vicarage Rd

With a perfect rating, Hyde Park Mosque is a small but highly regarded place of worship known for its welcoming atmosphere and community spirit.

14. Jamia Masjid Ghousia

Rating: 4.9 (97 reviews)
Address: 7 Brooklyn Terrace
Phone: +44 113 279 0172

Jamia Masjid Ghousia is celebrated for its community involvement and educational programs, providing a nurturing environment for worshippers.

15. Beeston Central Mosque

Rating: 4.7 (42 reviews)
Address: Hardy St
Phone: +44 7852 490070

Beeston Central Mosque is a community-focused mosque offering a range of religious and social services to the local Muslim population.

16. Al-Rahmah Faith Centre

Rating: 4.9 (87 reviews)
Address: 6 Sheepscar Way
Phone: +44 7508 044680

Al-Rahmah Faith Centre is dedicated to providing a comprehensive Islamic education and community support, fostering a strong sense of unity.

17. Al-Towbah Islamic Centre

Rating: 4.6 (52 reviews)
Address: 2 Whitfield St
Phone: +44 7904 841416

Al-Towbah Islamic Centre offers a variety of religious and educational programs, supporting the spiritual and social needs of its community.

18. Green Room

Rating: 4.8 (44 reviews)
Address: University of Leeds, Willow Terrace Road

Located at the University of Leeds, the Green Room provides a peaceful space for prayer and reflection for students and staff.

19. Madina Masjid

Rating: 4.8 (18 reviews)
Address: 35 Brudenell Grove
Phone: +44 7816 059457

Madina Masjid is a small, community-oriented mosque offering a welcoming environment for worship and social activities.

20. The Lingfield Centre

Rating: 4.8 (150 reviews)
Address: Lingfield Dr

The Lingfield Centre serves as a mosque and community centre, providing a range of services and programs for the local Muslim community.

Leeds offers a rich tapestry of Islamic centres and mosques, each contributing uniquely to the spiritual and social life of the city's Muslim community. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, these mosques provide welcoming spaces for worship, learning, and community engagement.

Travel to Leeds

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Leeds

  • Leeds-Bradford International Airport IATA Flight Code: LBA 53.865833, -1.660556 is 10 miles north-west of the downtown - Leeds Bradford Airport LBIA Airside 2 LBA has a good choice of Flights from Western Europe, eg Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf and Dublin, and from the more distant UK cities of Southampton, Exeter, Belfast and Glasgow. Several budget airlines serve LBA, and Jet2 is based here. There are regular flights with British Airways from London Heathrow Airport, though if travelling from London itself (rather than a connecting flight landing at Heathrow) it is far quicker to get to Leeds by train.

LBA doesn't have long-haul flights, Manchester Airport often is best for these, and consider Doncaster Airport if travelling from Eastern Europe.

LBA doesn't have a motorway or rail link so the journey through traffic can be slow and anxious. Bus 757 runs frequently between LBA and Leeds bus station (35 mins); other buses run to Bradford, Otley, Harrogate, Ilkley and Keighley. Taxis are plentiful.

Car parks serving Leeds Bradford Airport
Address On/Off Airport Distance / Transfer Time Security Additional Information
Long Stay Car Park Leeds Bradford International Airport,
Leeds, LS19 7TU 		On 0.7 miles / 5 minutes Round-the-clock CCTV coverage, security fencing, entry/exit barriers and security patrols. Maximum vehicle height is 2.5 metres.
Sentinel Security Car Park Warren House Lane,
Yeadon, West Yorkshire, LS19 7FT 		Off 0.8 miles / 3 minutes CCTV, 24-hour security guards, barbed-wire security fencing and floodlighting. Trailers are permitted, but will be charged for an extra space.
LBA Car Watch Parking Coney Park, Harrogate Road,
Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 7XS 		Off 0.8 miles / 3 minutes CCTV, floodlighting, security fencing and security patrols with guard dogs. Trailers are permitted at no extra charge.
  • Manchester Airport (MAN) is usually the best option for long-haul flights in this region. Direct trains from the airport to Leeds run hourly (90 mins) daytime, otherwise change at Manchester Piccadilly.
  • Robin Hood aka Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has flights with Wizz from Poland and Lithuania.
  • For those landing at one of the London airports, Leeds is 2hr 20min from London King's Cross. For details on how to get to here from the airport, check out or London eHalal Travel Guide.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Leeds

The busy, modern train station (occasionally called Leeds City Station), one of the biggest in the nation with regular trains to a huge range of destinations all over the UK, is in the heart of the centre just off City Plaza.

  • LNER - serve London (Kings Cross) (2-2.5hr).
  • First TransPennine Express - serve Dewsbury, Huddersfield (30 min), Stalybridge, Manchester (1hr), Kingston Upon Hull|Hull, Manchester Airport (see above), Liverpool, York (20-30 min), Scarborough (90 min) and Newcastle (90 min).
  • Northern Rail - serve Bradford|Bradford (20 min), Skipton (Gateway to Yorkshire Dales National Park) (40 min), Ilkley|Ilkley (35 min), Harrogate (35 min), Sheffield (1 hour) and Peak District and the scenic Settle -Carlisle route, Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool (2 hours) and intermediate stations to Manchester via Hebden Bridge.
  • Crosscountry - serve Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham (2 hours), Derby, Sheffield, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh (3 hours), Glasgow.

eHalal has a guide to Rail travel in the United Kingdom.

By car

Leeds is possibly the best connected UK city by road, lying in the centre of the nation, halfway between London and Edinburgh and halfway between Liverpool (west coast) and Hull (east coast). The M1 motorway runs from London via Milton Keynes, Leicester, Nottingham, and Sheffield and passes about 2 miles east of Leeds, to join the A1 (M) at Wetherby. The M62 trans-Pennine motorway, which runs from the outskirts of Liverpool to a few miles from Hull, passes about 3 miles to the south of Leeds. The M621 motorway loop just to the south of the downtown, and connects with the M1 and M62. The Scott Hall Road scheme features a park and ride site to the north of Leeds, opened in the 1990s and caters for 157 cars. For much of the journey into Leeds, buses run on a guided busway beside (or down the middle of) the primary street and are given priority over cars. WhizzGo, a national vehicle 'club' (i.e. vehicle hire organisation which charges a £80 annual membership fee) has a branch in Leeds, and offers pay-by-the-hour vehicle hire across the city. Cars are accessible via a smart card and PIN.

By coach

  • Megabus - to/from London and other cities and towns..
  • National Express - to/from London and other cities and towns.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Leeds

Catch the overnight ferry from Zeebrugge or Rotterdam to Kingston Upon Hull. Hull is an hour by train or vehicle from Leeds, and the ferry port is 3 miles east of Hull downtown: a shuttle bus runs from there to the train station.

How to get around in Leeds

Walking Tours in Leeds

If you're just visiting the downtown, you might as well walk, as much of it is surprisingly compact with most of the major attractions and retail outlets being within walking distance of one another. To orientate yourself, free maps (quite simple but good for basic orientation) are available at the tourist information and a number of visitor attractions. There are some street maps dotted around the downtown, in guide books, street atlases, etc. Getting around central Leeds is fairly easy.

Travel on a Bus in Leeds

Public transport within Leeds is good - most major bus routes within the city are every 10 minutes or so. Information about busses can be obtained either from the Corn Exchange Bus Point, where the First Travel Centre is staffed from 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 4:30pm on Saturdays or from the Leeds City Bus Station whose Information Help Point has the same opening hours.

Metro (West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority) provides local bus and train information on its website, and offers the innovative My Next Bus service of real-time bus information gathered by satellite online or by text message. To find out when the next bus is due at your stop, text the 8 digit identity code of your bus stop (they all begin with 450) to 63876. To find the time of a particular bus, leave a space after the 8 digits and then add the number of your bus route. This real-time information is also displayed in certain bus shelters

For visitors wishing to explore Leeds downtown CityBus (Route no.5, operated by First) - loops around much of the downtown every 6–7 minutes between 6:30AM and 7:30PM; one journey costs £1, or you can use a bus pass. If using this service at busy times of day it's best to catch the bus at either the Bus Station or Rail Station; if a bus is full, it will not stop to take on more passengers and you could be waiting in excess of an hour. This bus is no longer free.

First runs most of the bus services within Leeds. If you are making more than a couple of short bus trips and the best option is to buy a "FirstDay" day ticket for £4.30 (cheaper on mobile) , which allows unlimited travel on First Bus routes within Leeds or £4.90 (cheaper on mobile) for all First Bus routes within West Yorkshire.

Useful bus routes for visitors include the following:

  • 1 - Holt Park (North West Leeds) - Headingley - Universities - City centre - Beeston (south Leeds)
  • 2 - Roundhay Park - Moortown - Chapel Allerton - Downtown - Middleton (south Leeds)
  • 3/3A - White Rose Shopping Centre (South Leeds) - Downtown - Chapel Allerton - Gledhow
  • 4/4A - Whinmoor - Seacroft Shopping Centre - Street James's University Hospital - Downtown - West Leeds - Pudsey.
  • 12 & 13/13A - Middleton (south Leeds - Downtown - Harehills - Oakwood - Roundhay Park (12)/Gledhow (13/13A)
  • 14 Leeds Bus Station - Leeds Train Station - Armley - Bramley - Stanningley - Pudsey
  • 16/16A - Seacroft Shopping Centre - Downtown - Armley - Bramley - Rodley - Pudsey Bus Station
  • 18/18A - Ireland Wood (north west Leeds) - Headingley (cricket ground) - Downtown - East Leeds - Selby Road - Garforth
  • 28 - Adel - Headingley - Universities - Downtown - Clarence Dock
  • 33/33A - Downtown - Kirkstall - Horsforth - Rawdon - Yeadon - Guiseley - Otley
  • 40 Seacroft Shopping Centre - Cross Gates - Downtown
  • 42 - Old Farnley - Wortley - Downtown - Burmantofts - Street James's University Hospital - Fearnville
  • 49 & 50/50A - East Leeds - Street James' University Hopital - Downtown - Burley Road - Bramley (49) - Horsforth (50/50A)
  • 51/55 Morley (south of Leeds) - Elland Road (Leeds United football ground) - Downtown - Meanwood - Moor Allerton Shopping Centre
  • 56 - Whinmoor - East Leeds - Downtown - Tinshill (north west Leeds)
  • 7 - Downtown - Scott Hall Road - Park & Ride - Alwoodley (Primley Park)
  • 72/X6 Leeds Bus Station - Leeds Headrow - Armley - Bramley - Stanningley - Thornbury - Bradford
  • X84 Leeds Bus Staiton- Headingley- Otley- Ilkley- Skipton
  • 97 - Downtown - Headingley - West Park - Horsforth - Rawdon - Yeadon - Guiseley

Yorkshire Coastliner - to/from York and the beautiful Yorkshire coast.

Cityzap to York

36 bus to Harrogate and Ripon

Dalesbus to Yorkshire Dales National Park on Sunday

874 Wakefield-Leeds- Ilkley- Grassington-Buckden

875 Wakefield-Leeds- Ilkley- Grassington-Buckden-Hawes (Summer Only).

Best way to travel in Leeds by a Taxi

Taxis can be expensive, but the black and white ones are licensed and safer than private hire cabs. The black and white taxis can be flagged down, but you must phone first for the others.

In the downtown, try Amber Taxis (advance booking only, +44 113 231-1366): you can get around the downtown for £3-7.

In south Leeds, try Local Cars (advance booking only, +44 113 252-8258): a journey for less than a mile is £2.70.

By rail

There is a limited suburban train service which serves some tourist destinations such as Headingley Stadium, but plans are underway for a radical overhaul of the city's transport system since the proposed tram system has had its funding withdrawn by the government.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Leeds

There is a shuttle boat between Granary Wharf (for Leeds City Station), Brewery Wharf and Clarence Dock (for the Royal Armouries Museum), operated by Leeds City Cruisers.

What to see in Leeds

City centre

Leeds_Town_Hall_Flickr_19_February_2022

Although not considered a 'traditional' tourist destination, Leeds has plenty to occupy the visitor. As well as the main sights, museums, galleries, parks etc., wandering around the buzzing downtown to take in the atmosphere and admire the fantastic blend of architectural styles from the past few hundred years is a pleasure in itself. Within the downtown and the main neighborhoods are the civic quarter, central shopping neighborhood, exchange quarter and financial neighborhood.

  • Millennium Plaza - 53.8015126, -1.5482998 - There is generally something going on! A great public space home to some gorgeous civic architecture, concerts, exhibitions, ice rinks, Christmas markets.
  • Saint Anne's Gothic Church - Gothic Church Church of Street Anne - Cookridge Street 53.8006128, -1.5468836 - Leeds Gothic Church Leeds Gothic Church Small, but an extremely interesting example of an Arts and Crafts, 19th-century Catholic cathedral - unique within the UK.
  • Street John's Church - New Briggate 53.8001344, -1.5422836 - Street johns leeds atoach Street John the Evangelist's Church, Leeds Hidden away within peaceful gardens lies this true gem, built just before the English Civil War, it has beautiful ornate woodwork in its charming interior, and architecturally it is an extremely rare example of a 17th-century double nave design.
  • Town Hall - The Headrow 53.8002674, -1.549706 - Leeds Rathaus Leeds Town Hall The city's symbol and pride and joy, one of the world's finest Victorian buildings, and home to a dazzling array of concerts, particularly during the city's popular and extensive International Concert Season . The restored interior is stunning.
  • Leeds Art Gallery and The Henry Moore Institute - The Headrow 53.8001122, -1.5480798 - Leeds (20), September 2009 Leeds Art Gallery The world of modern and classical art is at your disposal here in Leeds. It has a small but interesting range of exhibits, and is a great place to kill half an hour. Free.
  • Oxford Place Chapel Oxford Place 53.7999095, -1.5511322 - Lovely 19th-century red-brick baroque church.

Victoria Quarter (91544945)

  • Victoria Quarter including County Arcade - Briggate 53.7983498, -1.5410243 - When the Victorian civic authorities sought to improve the sights and foul smells of Briggate and the downtown and they demolished some of the city's dirtiest yards, alleyways, shambles and lanes and built covered shopping arcades filled with fine establishments. These catered for the refined tastes of the growing moneyed classes of Leeds. This rebuilding continued into Edwardian times and the legacy is some of Europe's finest, most elegant shopping locations. Today these arcades are home to some of the most exclusive designer shops in Great Britain (such as Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Luis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols).
  • Kirkgate Market - Vicar Lane 53.7971657, -1.5388691 - This traditional British market is largest in Europe. Housed in an opulent late Victorian palace to commerce, it has both indoor and outdoor stalls. /marks-spencer/ Marks and Spencer had their first establishment here, originally called, 'Marks Penny Bazaar'.

Inside Corn Exchange, Leeds

  • Corn Exchange - Call Lane 53.7959336, -1.5402003 - Leeds Corn Exchange Shopping is surroundings to rival any of Leeds' fine arcades. Just to the south of Kirkgate markets on Vicar Lane. Designed by Cuthbert Broderick and architecturally based on the Paris corn exchange. A largely elliptical building, crowned with a great glass dome roof, that allows light to stream in even on the greyest Yorkshire winter mornings. (Broderick was also architect of Leeds town hall and the Leeds Mechanics' Institute, Millennium Plaza, Two shops designed by Broderick still survive opposite the Mechanics Institute on Cookridge Street, now converted into a cocktail café.)
  • Leeds Minster - Minster and Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds - Kirkgate 53.7951948, -1.53579 - Leeds Parish Church Leeds Minster An attractive and fairly large neo-gothic church with a renowned choir and concerts from time to time. During the rebuilding of the Parish church in Victorian times and the original Saxon crosses where Leeds folk would have worshipped in the 8/9th centuries (well before the first church of Leeds had been founded) were unearthed in the medieval tower and is permanently on display inside.
  • Holy Trinity Church - Boar Lane 53.796166, -1.5435684 - Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane, Leeds (24th June 2010) Holy Trinity Church, Leeds An unassuming location and exterior hide an elegant baroque interior, built for the merchant class by subscription and donation so they could worship well away from the lower working classes of the city. The Iconic spire of Holy Trinity has dominated the skyline of the city for hundreds of years and was restored in 2006/7.
  • Park Plaza 53.7988576, -1.5518993 - Park Plaza A Park Plaza, Leeds A lovely Georgian square reminiscent of Dublin, and is often an overlooked haven of tranquility in the downtown. (Hard to find without a map)
  • City Plaza 53.7965383, -1.5478384 - City Plaza Fountains. - - 419954 - Leeds City Plaza With old Post Office and imposing Queens Hotel.

Civic Quarter

Home to the Town Hall, the fantastic Art Gallery, Henry Moore Institute and Millennium Plaza, this grand corner of the city is where many of the main tourist draws are to be found. The Light with its shops, restaurants, bars, hotel, cinema etc. in a beautifully converted historic building is a major pull, but venture along the Headrow and experience some of the best cultural attractions on offer in the city. The Art Gallery has great rotating exhibitions and the best collection of 20th-century British art outside London. Adjoining it are the Henry Moore Institute and the Central Lending Library with its beautiful Victorian interior. Across the road is the Town Hall (see above), a breathtaking demonstration of civic pride.

On Great George Street is a small selection of shops and the 19th-century entrance (with a lovely colonial-style entrance hallway and small gallery space up the stairs) of the Leeds General Infirmary, and the restored Electric Press which is now home to the Carriageworks Theatre and several restaurants, providing a semi-al fresco eating environment for all weather conditions. Next door is the impressive and well-used public space of Millennium Plaza (see above) with its attractive Mandela Gardens (opened by Mandela himself, now a freeman of the city and they are a lovely spot especially in summer) abutting the Electric Press building. The square is crowned with the Portland Stone neo-classical Civic Hall and the City Museum. Down on Cookridge Street is the city's small but unique Arts and Crafts St Anne's Gothic Church.

Central Shopping District

The very centre of Leeds is a temple to consumerism. Bounded by the 'Public Transport Box', a rough half mile square between The Headrow, Vicar Lane, Boar Lane and Park Row gives Leeds one of the most compact, busy and diverse pedestrian shopping neighborhoods in the UK where the highest concentration of the downtown's stores are to be found.

The principal shopping street is the broad and bustling Briggate, where many flagship stores such as Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Debenhams are to be found alongside high-end fashion (e.g. Louis Vuitton) and high street favourites (Topshop, Zara, H&M). Briggate's attractive and eclectic architecture spans three centuries, and the grand shop fronts only add to the streets appeal.

Either side of the top end of Briggate are the city's famous arcades, splendidly palatial Victorian roofed-over shopping streets home to some of the city's most exclusive and interesting shops. The famous Victoria Quarter (Victoria St, County Arcade and Cross Arcade) has some of the most expensive clothes in Leeds. Queen's and Thornton's arcades are a little more affordable with more independent stores. Down from the arcades, several medieval yards (or "loins") run off almost hidden from between shopfronts on Briggate. Whilst some are little more than shop-backs and some are now closed off, some exude genuine historic atmosphere and a few are home to attractive pubs and bars, including The Angel Inn, The Ship, The Bay Horse, Queen's Court and 300-year-old Whitelocks'.

Beyond Briggate and there are several other prominent shopping streets, including gorgeously symmetrical King Edward Street with its matching Victorian Burmantoft terracotta buildings. Commercial Street, Kirkgate, Lands Lane and Albion Street are other principal streets in the area, continuing the mix of shops, cafés, lovely architecture. There are also several indoor shopping centres, and a central focal point is tiny but busy Central Plaza at the base of Lands Lane. Albion Place is a quieter street of elegant Georgian buildings (mainly offices) including the exclusive Leeds Club and the city's central private members library, running between the square and Albion St. Swan Street is a quiet and pretty little street between Briggate and Lands Lane with a few attractive little shops, cafés and a laid-back vibe, as well as the internationally famous City Varieties theatre and music-hall, once home to Charlie Chaplin.

Exchange Quarter

Centred on the massive dome of the Corn Exchange and the Exchange Quarter is the centre of Leeds' bohemian life, with one-off boutiques, funky cafés and piercing parlours filling its pretty cobbled streets. It is becoming increasingly chic, however, with a plethora of upscale bars and stylish restaurants, particularly on Call Lane.

The Corn Exchange dominates the area, sitting squattly at the junction of several major roads. This grand Victorian building is one of the finest in the city, and was a functioning corn market for several decades, but was almost unused for much of the twentieth century, until its restoration to its present form in the 1980s. It now houses a myriad of little boutiques, a few cafés and market stalls. The goth and emo teenagers that hang around outside frequent many of the shops such as Grin and Exit, but there are also a range of fashion and artisan stores to please all, and the beautiful architecture (the shops fit into the retained 19th-century store-fronts, and the domed roof is spectacular from the interior) can be enjoyed by everyone.

Three sides of the Corn Exchange are bounded by semi-pedestrian cobbled streets lined by a hotch potch of attractive Victorian buildings home to shops and restaurants from Blue Rinse (see below) to Pizzas Express, housed in the beautiful Third White Cloth Hall, sadly sliced in half by the railway in the mid-nineteenth century, but retaining its lovely façade and clock-tower. Along the railway and the continental feel continues with bars and cafés that spill on to the pavement. Beautiful Assembly Street, a hub of Haram nightlife, is lined with elegant and imposing 18th-century warehouses and has been repaved, and in the summer is a relaxing place to sip a coffee or cocktail and admire the buildings and atmosphere. Nearby Crown Street buildings are a fine example of modern architecture at its finest, sympathetic to the surrounding environment but adding a dash of vibrancy with bright use of colour above its restaurants.

Call Lane and the area's main drag, is a hive of activity in the evenings, with several of the city's best and most stylish bars, all vying for attention. In the day-time however it is much quieter, with a few vintage and alternative clothes stores at the Kirkgate end, and musical instrument shops at the Calls end. There is plenty of enjoyment to be had from wondering around the pretty and historic medieval yards that run between Call Lane and Lower Briggate (at night these too come alive and are full of revelers).

Kirkgate is a fairly downmarket shopping street with a few off-beat stores. However plans are afoot to refurbish the historic town-houses and bring life back into the street as a centre for independent shops, with the renovation of the dilapidated First White Cloth Hall along similar (if smaller) lines to the Corn Exchange. The east side of Kirkgate and New York Street also increasingly have a number of cafes and clubs, including the celebrated Northern Light; there are also several new apartment buildings springing up. The end of Kirkgate is market by Leeds Parish Church, a grand (if not enormous) neo-gothic structure home to one of the nation's most revered children's choirs. To the west, Central Road links Kirkgate to Duncan Street, and is home to some attractive Flemish-style buildings, a few off-beat shops and the acclaimed Little Tokyo restaurant and Leeds institution the HiFi Club. Duncan Street has a number of small shops.

The Calls was where riverside life restarted in Leeds, with its renovation from a derelict nowhere to the city's most desirable real estate in the 1980s. The apartments lining the waterfront may not be as exclusive or as rare today, but it is still an attractive and expensive area, home to some of Leeds' longest running high-end establishments including 42 The Calls hotel, Pool Court and the Calls Grill. Some of the waterfront and streets around here are surprisingly yet to be fully renovated, but it's unlikely to be long before developers get their claws into the remaining warehouses, railway arches and mill-cottages. Leeds Civic Trust's legacy centre and left-wing arts centre The Common Place fill the gap between the Calls and the railway line.

Financial District

Whilst the Financial District does not have the obvious draws of the Civic Quarter, it is nonetheless an interesting area that deserves at least a little of your time. Roughly bounded by the Headrow and Westgate to the North and the A58 motorway to the West and the River Aire to the South and Park Row to the East, this is the most expensive business real estate in the city. Many large companies have their offices here as do innumerable lawyers, estate agents.

Park Plaza is probably the number one attraction of the area. Situated just south-west of the Town Hall, this large and handsome Georgian Plaza has lovely formal gardens that fill up with workers at lunchtime in the warmer months. Whilst most of the square is bounded by rows of 18th century redbrick townhouses that made the square one of the city's most fashionable addresses 200 years ago and the South West corner is home to a little-known architectural highlight of Leeds, a converted warehouse (now offices) built in the 19th century as a replication of a Moorish Palace, complete with turrets and Islamic-style ornate design. The streets to the south of Park Plaza are a mixture of Georgian townhouses and more modern office buildings sitting cheek-by-jowl. Whilst not hugely diverting and there are several interesting buildings in this area. Wellington Street, a busy thoroughfare which marks the bottom of the Georgian area, has several restaurants as well as being characterised by more modern business development.

Between East Parade and Park Row, two busy main routes through the area, are a series of parallel streets that are home to some of the city's top restaurants, most famously Greek Street. There is a rich patchwork of architecture spanning the past two centuries in this small area, with fine Gothic buildings and sleek modern towers. Park Row itself boasts outstanding buildings such as the Leeds Permanent building, blending seamlessly into modern glass building-fronts.

The south-east corner of the Financial District is City Plaza, one of the most important hubs of city life. Cleaned up and repaved and the square is still home to bronze nymphs holding gas lights and the famous statue of the Black Prince. The old post office is now the swanky Restaurant Grill and Loch Fyne seafood restaurant. A rarely beautiful 1990s office block sits at No1 City Plaza, and the south side is taken up by the Art Deco façade of grand old dame of the Leeds Railway hotel trade, The Queens Hotel (LNER).

Other attractions

  • Thackray Medical Museum - Beckett Street 53.808056, -1.518333 next door to Street James' Hospital - Thackray Museum Thackray Medical Museum The best of its kind in the nation, with all manner of exhibits and the chance to experience the life of a Victorian child or mill-worker (and their often gruesome medical history). Great for children.
  • Tropical World - Princes Avenue, Roundhay - Great for a rainy day as it's all indoors, this extensive menagerie has animals, birds, fish and insects from around the globe in thoughtfully themed zones.
  • Temple Newsam - Temple Newsam Road 53.7842, -1.4595 off Selby Road - Temple Newsam One of the great historic estates in England. With over 1500 acres landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century, it is a large Tudor–Jacobean mansion housing a large collection of works of art. The garden has some excellent walks and houses a working Rare Breeds farm.
  • Harewood House - Harewood Village 53.896667, -1.528333 - This huge estate, complete with extensive gardens, lake, lovely café and bird gardens, is owned by the Queen's cousin. The opulent roccoco house itself is well worth a look around.
  • Kirkstall Abbey - Abbey Road, Kirkstall 53.82054, -1.60806 - Largest abbey in the North of England - see below. One of the UK's biggest and best preserved abbeys, restored with a new visitor centre. It's 3 miles out of town but lovers of history and architecture, or those in search of a beautiful and peaceful spot in the city won't regret making the trip. Buses (33/33a) every 10 minutes from the downtown. Opposite is Abbey House Museum .
  • Armley Mills - Canal Road, Armley 53.800556, -1.5825 - Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills Excellent museum of industry and Leeds' (major) role in the Industrial Revolution.
  • Thwaite Mills - Thwaite Lane, Stourton 53.7762, -1.504 - Rare example of a former stone-crushing mill, now an excellent working museum.
  • Middleton Railway - Moor Road, Hunslet - The oldest working railway in the world. Situated in South Leeds between Middleton and Hunslet, it used to carry coal from the coal mines to the south of the city to the factories of Hunslet and central Leeds. You can now have a ride on the historic rolling stock.
  • Church of Street John the Baptist - Church Lane, Adel 53.85763, -1.58395 - Adel Whilst a long way out of town, this leafy and extremely affluent suburb has some houses, and is a world a way from the bustle of the downtown - nearby York Gate garden is beautiful and well worth a visit), this lovely and impeccably maintained early Norman church set in verdant grounds is a hidden treasure
  • Bramham Park - Wetherby 53.870278, -1.380278 - Chat Ho. Another such stately home to the north-east of Leeds with a long history and lovely gardens and grounds.
  • Holbeck Urban Village - The complete renovation and restoration of an entire city neighborhood. In the south-west of central Leeds, this historic area was key to the Industrial Revolution, and has many buildings and sites of interest, including the stunning Egyptian-style Temple Mill and Italianate Tower Works. The restoration and redevelopment has already begun with the Round Foundry, a new-age village of offices, flats, cafés and media centres complete with traditional paved streets and 200-year old buildings. A plethora of other developments promise that this area will become more and more of an exciting new destination.

Possible itineraries

In fine weather

You'll almost certainly be in the downtown, so why not take in some of the magnificent Victorian architecture on a walking tour?

Start at the train station and head into City Plaza where you will see the old Post Office and imposing Queens Hotel.

Go up the right of the Old Post Office (Infirmary St) and cross over the road onto Saint Paul's Street.

Take the second street on the right and you will come across the pretty Park Plaza gardens. Continue along Park Plaza East until you reach The Headrow, from where you will be able to see the Town Hall.

Turn right along the Headrow and you will also pass the City Library (free to enter) and Art Gallery (also free), you may also want to try a cup of tea in the Tiled Hall Cafe, between the Art Gallery and Library.

Turn left up Cookridge Street, pass the Leeds Gothic Church and cross over Great George St. You will now have reached Millennium Plaza and the Civic Hall and the City Museum.

If you turn back towards the Gothic Church and take an immediate left after the Gothic Church on to Street Anne's St. you will come to a small square and the entrance to 'The Light. Inside The Light (open most hours) take the escalators, exiting at the far end on to Albion Street.

A right turn will bring you back to The Headrow. Turn left and you will pass Dortmund Plaza and the former Allders Department store (now Sainsburys). On the right turn down Briggate, one of the city's main streets. Take a look up some of the arcades on either side of Briggate (you are in the main shopping quarter), for which Leeds is famous.

On the left you will come to the Victoria Quarter. If this is open take a walk through and exit at the far end. If closed, walk a little further and turn left on to King Edward St.

You are now on Vicar Lane and a right turn will take you past Leeds City Market on the left. Walk a little further and you will see the huge dome of the former Corn Exchange on the left - take a look inside for some quirky individual shops or maybe pop downstairs for a cup of tea at Anthony's.

You can now extend the walk a little along the riverside, or follow Duncan Street and Boar Lane back to the train station.

To extend the walk, go around the Corn Exchange along a cobbled street and go under the bridge. Turn left on to The Calls. After a short while you will see a fountain with a huge ball, turn right on to this street (also The Calls). On the right there is a pedestrian bridge - cross the river here and you are in Brewery Wharf. Once over the bridge you need to go left along the river following signs for the Royal Armouries. Eventually you will come to Clarence Dock which has shops and restaurants plus the Royal Armories Museum (free entry). To get back to the station go back the way you came to the Corn Exchange and then follow Duncan Street and Boar Lane.

In bad weather

There's plenty to do to spend a couple of hours. The City Museum, Art Gallery, Henry Moore Institute, Markets, Library and Royal Armories are all free, indoors and walkable in the downtown. Many of the downtown shops are undercover due to being in arcades or shopping centres. The following route tours many of the shops without getting too wet: the Merrion Centre, Street Johns Centre and the Core, Queens Arcade, Victoria Quarter, Debenhams then the expansive Trinity Leeds with M&S and next. Out of the downtown, Tropical World costs £3.30, is indoors and very warm in Roundhay, 3 miles north of the downtown.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Leeds

There are four theatres in central Leeds providing a range of entertainment including opera, amateur dramatic and contemporary performance art.

Leeds is a great place to see up-and-coming live music talent, and has seen the formation of successful bands such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Kaiser Chiefs and Sunshine Underground. The city is home to many live performances from big-name stars, mostly at outdoor concerts. Millennium Plaza in the downtown regularly has gigs with a 7,000 capacity. Leeds has an indoor concert arena with around 14,000 seats. Concerts are also held at Roundhay Park,Temple Newsam and Harewood House]. Also check out musical events at the Leeds Irish Centre, The Wardrobe and Leads University and Leeds Metropolitan University.

There are plenty of leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools across the city, though unfortunately there won't be a public swimming swimmingpool in the downtown until the University one is completed. Major downtown fitness/leisure centres are deluxe Esporta, LA fitness and the ubiquitous Virgin Active. Some hotels have great leisure facilities or agreements with local centres for free access for guests. The international standard John Charles Centre for Sport is in South Leeds with facilities for indoor athletics particularly jumping disciplines. Headingley Carnegie Stadium in North West Leeds is home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Rugby League (Leeds Rhinos)] and Rugby Union (Leeds Tykes)]. Elland Road in South Leeds is home to Leeds United Football Club ]. Between January and March the Ice Cube outdoor ice skating ring is set up in Millennium Plaza.

Whilst hardly tropical, Leeds has an unusually mild and sunny climate for northern England, protected from the worst and wettest weather by the Pennine Hills to the west... this gives more than ample opportunity to explore the fantastic parks of one of Europe's greenest cities (Leeds has the most green space in its city limits of any European city other than Vienna).

  • The White Rose Way - Leeds City Plaza to Scarborough - The White Rose Way Langdale End Take several days, or spread each leg over a number of day walks to complete the 104 miles of the White Rose Way from Leeds to Scarborough

Sports

  • Watch cricket at Yorkshire Cricket Ground in Headingley. This is the usual ground of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, one of the 18 "First Class Counties" and the top tier of English cricket. County matches normally last 3-4 days. The stadium also frequently hosts international or "Test Matches", lasting up to five days. The stadium is about 2 miles northeast of the centre. YCCC also play at other grounds across Yorkshire.
  • Watch football at Leeds United, who play in the Championship and the second tier of English football. Their stadium (capacity 38,000) is Elland Road LS11 0ES in South Leeds.

Events

  • Leeds Lights - Christmas Illuminations - The UK's biggest display, are an annual display from November - Jan comprising big show lights and the subtle and beautiful across the city, and are even longer than the legendary Blackpool Illuminations.
  • Leeds holds two annual film festivals: the increasingly prestigious Leeds International Film Festival with its huge menu of different films and Leeds Young People's Film Festival.
  • Leeds Festival - Northern twin of the famous Reading festival. 3 days of live bands and stars from around the world play to 80,000 people every summer bank holiday weekend. You can camp over, or attend just one day. Tendency to be a bit riotous.
  • Leeds International Pianoforte Competition - Leeds Town Hall Opening Hours: Every 3 years (2023) One of the world's most prestigious piano contests, held every 3 years in the magnificent Victorian Town Hall, this event attracts the world's best piano players. Next due to be held 2018.
  • Party in the Park - Temple Newsam - Every year, Temple Newsam plays host to the UK's original Party in the Park pop extravaganza featuring big name chart stars of the minute.
  • Opera in the Park - Temple Newsam - A massively popular outdoor festival of opera and songs from the shows.

Study in Leeds

Leeds University

Leeds is one of the UK and Europe's foremost university cities, with a student population of over 100,000 (more than 10% of the population!) concentrated on several higher educational facilities including the two main universities. This gives the city a young feel and lively buzz, and many bars, clubs and restaurants are geared towards students particularly in Headingley and North West Leeds, although if this isn't your scene the city has plenty to offer away from student life.

  • University of Leeds (30,000 students) - one of the most important and respected academic institutions in the UK, based around the downtown campus; also a major centre for research. One of the nation's original 'red brick' universities.
  • Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan University) (50,000 full and part-time students) - more modern and larger with two main campuses, at Headingley and in the Civic Quarter. Rapidly expanding and improving, with major redevelopment planned in the Civic Quarter.
  • Leeds Trinity University - one of the UK's newest universities, known as Trinity & All Saints college until 2012, this smaller institution in the suburb of Horsforth prides itself on maintaining a more close-knit, community feel than its larger counterparts.
  • Leeds Arts University (formerly Leeds College of Art) - only receiving its university accreditation in 2017, this institution caters for students wishing to pursue arts degrees in a less academic environment than its more established counterparts.
  • Leeds Languages (100 full-time & 60 part-time students) - Leeds downtown based language college, based on Woodhouse Plaza, with year-round English courses and evening classes in foreign languages.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Leeds

City centre shops number well over 1,000, made up of modern shopping centres and the lovely arcades and busy streets - principally Briggate, a wide and attractive pedestrian street with all the high street favourites (from time to time there are markets and other events, and there are usually street performances of some kind). Much of the central shopping area is pleasantly pedestrianised, making retail therapy even easier. Leeds has myriad options for shopping including the beautiful Victorian-era shopping arcades, offering anything from the reasonably priced to the expensive items. In November and December, Millennium Plaza is turned into a Christmas wonderland of stalls, eateries and fairground-rides for Christkindelmarkt - the city's German Christmas market. There are also several outdoor markets held across the city more regularly, including occasional French markets on Briggate. Plans are also afoot for a massive extension of the main shopping neighborhood. Downtown Shopping Centres include all:

  • Victoria Quarter - Briggate, downtown - Home of Harvey Nichols, North Face, Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood and other shops and the upmarket (and architecturally stunning) jewel in the crown of Leeds' shopping neighborhood.
  • Thornton's Arcade and Queen's Arcade - downtown opposite Victoria Quarter - Opposite the Victoria Quarter offer a range of interesting (if mainly fairly pricey) shops including some great boutiques and one-off places.
  • Corn Exchange - downtown - A stunning domed interior and a range of shops to please both label-lovers and teenagers, as well as stalls and cafés. There are occasional concerts, exhibitions, fetes and the Christmas decorations are lovely.

1904 Hall, Kirkgate Market, Leeds, West Yorkshire (Taken by Flickr user 27th February 2012)

  • Market - Kirkgate, downtown - The biggest covered market and market on one site in Europe. Fascinating even just for the atmosphere of a traditional British market. Largest indoor market in Europe and also is a beautiful Victorian building and a landmark in Leeds it also has an outdoor market which sells everything from food to clothes to electronics and accessories. Fresh seafood is recommended.
  • Granary Wharf - literally under the train station - By the canal, has a selection of interesting boutiques, restaurants, exhibition space, a small concert venue, street performers and more in a unique subterranean setting. There is also a regular market. The waterfront area is undergoing redevelopment but the range of shops on offer is set to only get bigger.

The neighborhoods of Chapel Allerton, Headingley and Roundhay also offer a smaller (but worthwhile) range of boutiques and other shops. Crossgates in East Leeds has a medium-sized shopping centre and many highstreet shops and cafés, and Horsforth in the North West offers a range of shops and eateries.

Halal Restaurants in Leeds

There are some Halal restaurants in central Leeds that everyone can find something to their taste and budget.

Café culture is thriving in Leeds, with a great number of places for a lunch or lighter meal, and there are also many fine Curries houses in the city, due to the large South Asian population.

MyLahore Leeds

MyLahore is celebrated as one of the top halal restaurants in Leeds. Located on Cavendish Street, it serves a variety of Asian dishes that cater to diverse tastes. With its vibrant décor and extensive menu, MyLahore offers a delightful dining experience, whether you're looking for traditional flavors or modern twists on classic dishes.

Shimlas Leeds

Situated on Roundhay Road, Shimlas Leeds is renowned for its excellent Kashmiri cuisine. The restaurant is praised for its commitment to serving 100% halal food, ensuring that every dish meets dietary requirements without compromising on taste. The welcoming ambiance and flavorful dishes make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Mumtaz Leeds

Mumtaz Leeds, located on Chadwick Street, offers a fine dining experience with its upscale Indian cuisine. Known for its high-quality halal food, the restaurant combines elegant interiors with a menu that features both traditional and contemporary dishes. It's a perfect spot for special occasions and those looking to enjoy gourmet Indian food.

La Cafetiere Leeds

La Cafetiere on The Crescent is a cozy restaurant offering a variety of dishes with a strong emphasis on halal options. Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, it's a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal. The diverse menu ensures there's something for everyone, making it a popular choice for casual dining.

AlKhaleej Arabic Restaurant

Located on Hyde Park Road, AlKhaleej Arabic Restaurant brings the flavors of the Middle East to Leeds. With a menu featuring a range of authentic Arabic dishes, it’s a favorite spot for those seeking halal food with a distinct cultural touch. The restaurant's relaxed ambiance makes it an ideal place for enjoying traditional Arabic cuisine.

Haftsin

Haftsin on Burley Road is a popular Persian restaurant known for its delicious and authentic halal food. The menu offers a variety of Persian dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. The warm and inviting environment makes it a great place to experience the rich culinary traditions of Persia.

Aagrah Leeds City

Aagrah Leeds City, located in St Peter's Square, is a renowned Indian restaurant offering a range of halal dishes. The elegant setting and extensive menu make it a perfect choice for both casual dining and special occasions. Known for its consistent quality and flavorful food, Aagrah is a staple in the Leeds dining scene.

Akbar's Restaurant

Situated on Eastgate, Akbar's Restaurant is a well-known name in Leeds for its delectable Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of halal dishes, ensuring a flavorful and compliant dining experience. Its central location and inviting atmosphere make it a popular choice among locals and tourists.

Sweet Saeeda

Sweet Saeeda, located in Leeds Kirkgate Market, specializes in Tunisian cuisine. This simple counter-serve restaurant offers a range of halal dishes, bringing a taste of Tunisia to Leeds. Known for its authentic flavors and affordable prices, it’s a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.

El's Gourmet Leeds

El's Gourmet on Great George Street is a favorite for halal burgers in Leeds. The restaurant offers a variety of gourmet hamburger options, all made with halal ingredients. Its friendly atmosphere and tasty menu make it a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts looking for quality and flavor.

Bengal Brasserie

Bengal Brasserie on Merrion Way is a distinguished restaurant offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Bengali cuisine. Known for its halal menu, the restaurant provides a rich and diverse dining experience. The elegant setting and attentive service make it a great choice for a memorable meal.

Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal on Kirkstall Road offers a (Pakistani) twist on classic curry house fare. The restaurant is celebrated for its flavorful halal dishes and warm hospitality. Its cozy atmosphere and extensive menu ensure a delightful dining experience for all guests.

Gzing Restaurant

Gzing Restaurant on Cherry Row serves a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, all prepared with halal ingredients. The restaurant is known for its tasty food and reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine in Leeds.

Bison Steakhouse

Bison Steakhouse on Dewsbury Road is a laid-back chophouse specializing in halal meats. The restaurant offers a range of steak options, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal. Its relaxed atmosphere and commitment to quality make it a standout choice for steak lovers.

Nawaab

Nawaab on Wellington Street offers a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes, all prepared with halal ingredients. The restaurant is known for its rich flavors and elegant setting, making it a great choice for both casual dining and special occasions.

Mazar Restaurant

Mazar Restaurant on Roundhay Road brings the flavors of Afghanistan to Leeds. The restaurant offers a range of halal dishes, ensuring an authentic and satisfying dining experience. Its cozy ambiance and flavorful food make it a popular choice among locals and visitors.

Darvish Restaurant

Darvish Restaurant on Roundhay Road specializes in Persian cuisine, offering a variety of halal dishes. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to experience Persian culinary traditions.

Akkawi

Akkawi on Albion Street is a takeout restaurant offering healthy, made-from-scratch Palestinian cuisine. The halal menu features a variety of traditional dishes, ensuring a flavorful and wholesome meal. Its convenient location and delicious food make it a great choice for a quick bite.

Leeds (51), September 2009

Leeds' two large universities mean there is a vibrant, diverse and thumping nightlife scene including many clubs as well as a huge range of fine drinking establishments from traditional pubs to ultra chic concept bars. It is estimated that there are over 180 downtown restaurants, and around 29 late night restaurants with late licenses. Railway arches are increasingly popular homes for restaurants across the downtown. Leeds City Guide is a good source of information, as is the comprehensive (and excellent) listings magazine the Leeds Guide. Leeds was voted Number one city for clubbing . All areas (indeed, most streets) of central Leeds offer something in the way of Halal dining, but the main areas are:

Out of the downtown and the neighborhoods of Headingley and Chapel Allerton are extremely popular for restaurants. Exclusive Street Lane in Roundhay is also becoming increasingly popular.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Leeds

Leeds - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Leeds, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Leeds. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Leeds and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Leeds. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Leeds. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Leeds: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Leeds.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Leeds: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Leeds, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Leeds.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Leeds, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Leeds, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Leeds and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Leeds, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Leeds, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Leeds without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Leeds is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Leeds.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Leeds is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Leeds, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Leeds Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Leeds

eHalal Group Leeds is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Leeds. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Leeds.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Leeds ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Leeds. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Leeds, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Leeds are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Leeds

Leeds is a major business centre, so if the business hotel chains are within your budget, you'll have plenty of choice, especially weekends and off-peak. City centre offerings include Ibis, Jury's Inn, Marriott, Hilton, Novotel, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn Express. You won't go wrong with any of these; check the standard booking websites or the hotels direct for rates & availability. Mid to top end, if your parents are coming to watch you graduate, point them at the Malmaison or the Queens, a vast Art Deco megalith right over the train station. There's more at the city's edge by the motorway junction, if you have your own car.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Leeds

Leeds is known as a friendly city, but as with any other city and the usual tips about exercising a degree of common caution apply: leave no valuables unattended, avoid going to badly lit/shady/unknown places by yourself or walk around alone at night, etc.

Several weeks ago Roma's from Bulgaria and Romania vandalized downtown Leeds after police officers tried to take a Roma boy into custody. The British Media accused Muslims vandalizing cars etc. Under now the Zionist media has not appologize.

News & References Leeds


Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Leeds

Leeds is a major transport hub, so many outlying attractions can be done as day trips. Several are major centres in their own right and worth a longer visit - see their separate pages. Train is an excellent option for most, though rural spots may need a vehicle or bike-on-train.

To the north:

  • Harrogate — elegant, upmarket Victorian spa town, ringed by parks (including the extensive Valley Gardens). The taste of the original spa water is not soon forgotten. Frequent trains from Leeds, some continuing to Knaresborough, a small medieval market town sitting dramatically above the Nidd gorge. For Ripon use the express bus (Route 36).
  • Saltaire, near Bradford but you reach it via the Skipton train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an industrial village built by magnate Titus Salt. Within it is the Hockney gallery. These trains call next at Keighley, where the branch line to Haworth and the Bronte Country is often steam-hauled.
  • End of the commuter line is Skipton, with its imposing castle, market town centre and canal walks. Some trains continue to Gargrave (where the canal climbs over the Pennines by a flight of locks) and thence to Settle, Carnforth, Morecambe and Carlisle. You probably need your own vehicle to delve deeper into Yorkshire Dales National Park. Other places of interest include Bolton Abbey, Ingleborough, Pen y Ghent, Grassington and Beamsley Beacon. See alsoNorth York National Park.
  • Studley Royal Park and Fountains Abbey — you probably need your own vehicle for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To the east:

  • York is one of the few walled cities in Britain, with excellent museums and the cathedral, and views from the walls walk. 30 min by frequent train.
  • Kingston Upon Hull or Hull for short, a 700-year-old port. Many museums in the cobbled old town, but the stand-out attraction is the walk-through aquarium, The Deep. Also in this area, see Beverley and Castle Howard. It is an hour away by train.
  • On the Yorkshire coast and the main towns are Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington (these have frequent trains) plus Whitby for Goths, vampires and potted crab.

To the south:

  • In the centre of Wakefield see the Hepworth Gallery. Train, or bus 110 from Leeds every ten minutes. Further out so you need a connecting bus from Wakefield are Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Coal Mining Museum.
  • Sheffield has multiple attractions. The wider South Yorkshire area hosts the Magna Science Adventure Centre and is the gateway to exploring the Peak District.

To the west:

  • Bradford has the National Media Museum (formerly the National Museum of Film and Photography). Frequent train, or an hour by bus.
  • Ilkley is a small spa town with Ilkley Moor brooding above. The Cow and Calf are notable climbable rock formations. Frequent commuter trains. For Otley, use the express bus (X84).
  • Halifax has Eureka! The Museum For Children]. Other scenic nearby towns, often used as locations for film & TV, include Huddersfield, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Holmfirth.
  • And then there's the giant Manchester, less than an hour away.

Further afield:

Other major centres in the north of England, within 2 or 3 hours travel, include Lincoln, Liverpool, Chester and the Lake District, Durham and Newcastle. Another hour or so gets you to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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