, England Destination Guide

Overview of Leeds Not very long ago the city of Leeds was a grim, grey industrial town; however, in little more than a decade, Leeds has enjoyed an economic boom and its transformation has earned it accolades from all quarters. It is now recognised as one of Europe's most successful cities. Along with this boom has come regeneration and a fresh tide of tourism. Leeds currently attracts about 20 million tourists a year, the majority of which are day-trippers. The reasons visitors come to Leeds are many and varied; its famously wild nightspots, frequent cultural events, abundant shopping and fascinating collection of museums are just a few. Sharing access to the nearby international airport is the neighbouring historic Yorkshire city of , also a vibrant, cosmopolitan city offering plenty to amuse and entertain visitors. Bradford has attractions like the National Media Museum, Industrial Museum, and a splendid art gallery contained in beautiful Lister Park. These two complementary Yorkshire cities, with their packed calendars of festivals and events, have become the beating heart of northern England. Visitors to the UK should not pass up the opportunity to visit Leeds, which has been dubbed the 'Knightsbridge of the North'.

Key Facts

Language: English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents. Passport/Visa: If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. For visitors who are visa exempt up to a maximum stay of 6 months, the period of stay will be determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival. Currency: The currency is the British Pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in almost all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks. Electricity: The electrical current in the UK is 240 volts, 50Hz. Flat, three-pin plugs are standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Leeds Climate for Leeds Leeds experiences typical English weather with a mixture of gloriously sunny days and overcast weather in this temperate climate. During the summer (June to August) Leeds has plenty of sunshine with mild weather and average temperatures between 47°F (8°C) and 68°F (20°C), while winters (December to February) can be long, damp and cold when snow and frost is not uncommon and temperatures range from 32°F (0°C) to 44°F (7°C). Spring is the best time to visit Leeds as the weather tends to be fairly mild from March to May.

Health Notes when travelling to United Kingdom There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent, while a number of countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK including Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries such as Canada, South Africa and the United States are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Safety Notes when travelling to United Kingdom It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK. Customs in United Kingdom Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone new. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including pubs, restaurants and public transport. Queue barging is frowned upon and there is strict etiquette on escalators: stand on the right, walk on the left. Visitors may find Londoners more rushed and less friendly than locals in other parts of the country, particularly on London transport where tourists are often the only people who talk. Duty Free in United Kingdom When arriving from a non-EU country, travellers can bring the following goods into the UK tax or duty free: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 4 litres of still table wine, 16 litres of beer, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other alcoholic beverages of less than 22 per cent volume, £340 worth of all other goods including perfume and souvenirs. When travelling from another EU country to the UK visitors do not have to pay tax or duty on goods purchased in said EU country provided tax was included in the purchase price, the items are for personal use and have been transported to the UK by the visitor, and do not exceed 3,200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 3kg of smoking tobacco, 110 litres of beer, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 20 litres of fortified wine. Note that although Gibraltar is part of the EU, it is outside the Community Customs territory and allowances for outside the EU therefore apply. In the case of Cyprus, only goods under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus are treated as EU imports. Doing Business in United Kingdom The four countries of the United Kingdom, although culturally and historically different, generally keep to the same business practices. Politeness and punctuality are key to good business relations and initial meetings are often conducted formally and impersonally, becoming more open and social as things progress. Business cards are exchanged at introductions, and dress is formal with dark suits preferred. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch. The communication style can be difficult to adjust to: the British people respect politeness to a point that often obscures their ability to say exactly what they mean. As a result, travelling business people may need to learn to 'read between the lines' and to take cues from tone of voice and facial expression. Humour is also an integral part of the British system of communication, and is used to diffuse a tense situation and to cultivate relationships. Never assume that an attempt at humour undermines a person's ability to do their job, or discredits the importance they attach to a deal or negotiation. Furthermore, don't be fooled into thinking that the British propensity for irony and sarcasm equates with an informal work environment. Be tactful during meetings, avoid becoming emotional and illustrate your experience with the subject at-hand. Performance and initiative are looked upon favourably, whereas academic pretension is given far less credence. Meetings are often used as platforms for debate, rather than moments of confirmation, so don't be surprised if not much progress is made. Be sure to respect and appeal to all parties involved as the British have recently begun to take a far flatter approach to management and the responsibility of decision-making. And if things go well, purchase a pint or two for your clients or colleagues; though gifts are borderline inappropriate, a round of drinks will rarely be refused.

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Communication in United Kingdom The international country dialling code for the UK is +44. Mobile phone coverage is extensive and free wifi is widely available in pubs and coffee shops. Tipping in United Kingdom Tips of 10 to 15 percent are expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels in the UK if a service charge hasn't been included. Hotel service staff receive an optional amount, while taxi drivers are usually given 10 to 15 percent of the fare. Tipping bartenders isn't expected, and tipping for other services is discretionary. Passport/Visa Note If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK; nationals of the EU require a passport valid on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. For visitors who are visa exempt up to a maximum stay of 6 months, the period of stay will be determined by the Immigration Officer on arrival. Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: US travellers must hold a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay; a visa is not required for stays of up to six months.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Passports must be valid for at least the expected duration of the stay. No visa is required for stays of six months or less.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: Entry requirements for Australians: Passports must be valid for at least six months after the departure date. No visa is required for stays of six months or less.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Under the Common Travel Area agreement, citizens from the UK and Ireland are not required to pass through passport control. They can travel between both countries without a valid passport if they can prove they are a valid UK or Irish national.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 6 months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and a visa for entry or transit through the UK. South African temporary passports are not recognised.

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Getting around in Leeds, England Buses serve the city and much of West Yorkshire. Travellers should enquire about day passes as they will be cheaper. For visitors staying in the city centre, the easiest way to get around Leeds is on foot. Central Leeds is mostly pedestrianised, making car travel impractical. Taxis are available, with pre-booked taxis generally cheaper than the black and white cabs that can be hailed on the street. Uber and other taxi apps are also available.

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Attractions in Leeds, England For those who love to shop, Leeds is pure paradise. The city's retail areas include the Victoria Quarter, Corn Exchange, The Core, and Trinity Leeds, all packed with top-quality, big-name stores. With development ongoing, shopping opportunities are continually getting bigger and better. For cultural enthusiasts, Leeds offers major national and international theatre, dance, opera, and music events in a variety of top-class venues, as well as a major art gallery housing an important collection of traditional and contemporary British art. Among the city's dozens of museums there is the intriguing Thackray, offering a vivid insight into Victorian medical practices; the Amley Mills, housed in an old woollen mill and demonstrating industrial and railway history; and the Royal Armouries, the oldest museum in the UK, containing a fascinating collection of ancient weaponry and torture instruments. Plenty to see and do means there is never a dull moment in Leeds, and at night the action shifts to the hundreds of pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Some of the live band venues, like Joseph's Well and The Wardrobe, are internationally renowned. Leeds is also recognised as one of the UK's clubbing capitals.

Armley Mills Industrial Museum The Armley Mills Industrial Museum was a working cloth mill until 1969, when the City Council turned it into an award-winning industrial museum. In fact, it was once the world's largest wool mill. Exhibits trace the history of textiles, clothing, engineering, and locomotive manufacture in Yorkshire. Particularly interesting is a section devoted to the 1920s silent movie projectors, operating water wheels and the huge spinning mules that were in use in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum has an unexpectedly lovely riverside setting and is the ideal place to learn about the industries that the city of Leeds was built on. Website: www.visitleeds.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1583802

Thackray Museum There is surely no more interesting day out in Leeds than a visit to the Thackray Museum, which tells the story of medical advances through the ages. A recreated Victorian street, complete with sights, sounds, and smells, highlights the lives, ailments, and treatment of a bygone era in vivid clarity, and visitors can also step inside the human body in an interactive gallery. The museum was the vision of Paul Thackray, a former director of a medical supplies company, and since its opening in 1997 has become one of Britain's best museums as well as one of the largest medical museums in the UK. Website: www.thackraymuseum.org

Leeds Art Gallery In the heart of the city, the offers a feast for art lovers, its collections covering everything from traditional prints, watercolours, paintings and sculpture to weird and wonderful contemporary works. The gallery is renowned for having the best collection of British art outside of London - a fiercely contested accolade. Adjoining the gallery is the Henry Moore Institute, with its acclaimed sculpture study centre, and a full programme of sculpture exhibitions that run all year round. There is no admission charge for the Leeds Art Gallery and the collection could easily captivate visitors for a few hours. Website: www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery

Royal Armouries Museum This fun, lively museum contains ten themed galleries, filled with interactive displays, dramatic interpretations, action scenarios, and some really exciting exhibits. The themes include Hunting, Oriental, Self-Defence, Make: Believe, The Swords of Middle Earth, Tournament, War Gallery, A Farewell to Arms, Tiltyard, and Hall of Steel. There is a crossbow range and an escape room for adventurous visitors. This is more a cross between a theme park and a museum, bringing history alive in many unique ways, from watching gunmakers ply their craft to demonstrations of English traditions like falconry and horsemanship. Those interested in weaponry and military history will be thrilled by the extensive collection of the museum and the chance to witness things previously only read about. Website: www.royalarmouries.org

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Abbey House Museum The entertaining Abbey House Museum is contained in the gatehouse of the picturesque, ruined Abbey, dating from 1152. Abbey House allows visitors to walk around the streets of 1880s Leeds, while the upstairs section features galleries detailing the history of and the social history of the area. The museum has won awards for being family-friendly and fun for children. There is a restaurant and a gift shop at the museum. What is left of Kirkstall Abbey is set in lovely grounds by the Aire River and it would be a great pity to visit the museum without exploring the ruins. There is a small playground for children outside the museum. Website: museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/abbey-house-museum/

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Nightlife in Leeds, England

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Shopping in Leeds, England

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Dining in Leeds, England

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Airports in Leeds Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) Leeds Bradford International Airport www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk Location: Leeds The airport is situated nine miles (14km) northwest of Leeds. Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 113 250 9696. Getting to the city: The bus services run frequently from the airport to Leeds and Bradford city centre bus and rail stations. The bus services link the airport to Leeds City Rail Station, from where connections can be made to all parts of the UK. Taxis and mobile app based taxi services are also available. Car rental: Avis, Europcar and Hertz are represented in International Arrivals. Airport Taxis: Arrow Cars are available from the airport taxi rank outside the terminal building. Facilities: Facilities at the airport include banks, ATMs, bureaux de change and a tourist information desk. There are also shops, bars and restaurants. The Yorkshire Premier Lounge on the first floor of the Departure Lounge offers a full bar service, complimentary newspapers, high-speed wifi and telephones. Entry to the lounge is through membership or a once off entry fee of around £26.95. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Parking: There is short- and long-term car parking available. Parking can be booked in advance on the airport website. There is a courtesy bus service between the long-stay car park and the terminal building, operating 24 hours a day. Passengers should allow extra time to park and get to the terminal.

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Currency The currency is the British Pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in almost all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.

Exchange rate for 1 GBP - U.K. Pound Sterling 1.44 BMD 1.29 EUR 1.44 USD 157.02 JPY 1.89 CAD 1.43 CHF Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc 1.99 AUD 36.20 UAH 486.92 KZT 2,171.18 LBP 1.03 LYD 9.89 BOB Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 155.55 NPR 0.55 OMR 5.25 QAR 1.98 SGD 11.95 SEK 9.56 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 14.39 VEF 66.08 DOP 9.69 HRK 26.87 MXN 845.36 XOF 4.56 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 1.44 BSD 3.04 FJD 32.64 HNL 159.37 DZD 1,717.68 MMK 16.13 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 4.86 PEN 999.96 CLP 689.35 AMD 34.85 CZK 28.81 MDL 179.20 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 4,237.21 UZS 5.56 ILS 1.02 JOD 0.44 KWD 45.20 UYU 51.21 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 41.11 NIO 12.03 NOK 5.65 PLN 5.41 SAR 210.53 LKR 51.35 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 5.30 AED 5.18 BRL 5.84 RON 11.20 HKD 847.28 XAF 32,404.98 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 20.11 ARS 3.89 XCD 11.29 GTQ 14.09 MAD 0.54 BHD 1.44 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 2.16 AZN 4,495.39 COP 98.48 KGS 403.37 HUF 11.35 TJS 19,728.88 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 12.80 EGP 1,717.38 KRW 8,174.41 PYG 6.00 MYR 776.79 CRC 2.11 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 151.02 PKR 96.31 RUB 22.50 ZAR 3.06 TND 2.88 BBD 2.52 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 4.25 TRY 67.22 PHP 47.03 TWD 283.32 NGN 154.49 XPF 5.64 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 180.12 JMD 2.60 ANG 1.98 BND 159.41 RSD 9.49 CNY 28,690.50 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 9.59 DKK 4.95 TMT 96.98 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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