Leeds City Centre

A stroll around Leeds city centre, visiting the main business & shopping districts. This route has proved popular with hen parties, for some reason (maybe some ladies take a diversion to go shopping in Harvey Nichols, Briggate). However, it is also suitable for team building afternoons, groups of friends and also for young families. During the walk you visit monuments to the city's 19th century industrial wealth but also one of the north of England's premier shopping areas. The wonderfully restored County, Queens & Thornton's Arcades, along with the Victoria Quarter, are a credit to the Victorians who originally built them and the modern city management that restored them for their place in 21st century Leeds. On the way, you also visit gardens & squares dedicated to heros, whether these be local Victoria Cross recipients or Nelson Mandela.

The route starts in City Square (only a short stroll away from the city's railway station) dedicated to Edward, the Black Prince. The square is dominated by the statue of him mounted on his horse. The bronze statue, erected in 1903, was cast in Belgium as it was too large for any British foundry, even then. It came to Leeds by barge up the Aire & Calder navigation.

As this route sticks to city centre streets, it presents no problems for wheelchair users - there are no steep hills to climb. Briggate is a pedestrianised shopping area. Multi-storey car parking is available close to Leeds' Kirkgate market. Toilets can be found in the market, only 2 minutes walk away from Briggate. Toilets are also available at the railway station, close to City Square. The centre of Leeds has plenty of wining & dining facilities at all stations along this route.

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