The Joy of Shopping

December 21, 2014 11:50 am

This time of year can be a joy for shopaholics. Firstly you can spend months hunting out the perfect gifts to give your friends and family for Christmas and as soon as that is over, you can indulge yourself in the sales!

Leeds has it All

If you are looking for a great place to hit the shops, it would be difficult to beat Leeds. The city’s resident’s love shopping, so a number of top retail centres have evolved in the city, each suiting different demographics. Whether you are after the top designers, an original vintage number, the latest fashions or something a bit more quirky, you’ll not be disappointed in Leeds.

The newest shopping experience on offer is Trinity Leeds, with 120 retailers under one roof. In addition you can enjoy the elegance and designer brands at the Victorian Quarter, Granary Wharf a unique shopping centre built into the arches under Leeds railway station and Leeds Corn Exchange, full of independent boutiques. All are in walking distance from each other, so you can find an ideal gift for everyone.

Beyond Shopping

If you are planning a weekend of shopping, you’ll need somewhere to stay. Leeds has a fine selection of hotels to suit every taste and budget. If you are looking for five star treatment, Leeds has top hotels including The Chambers Park Place the Traveller’s Choice winner 2014 and Woodlands Hotel.

After hitting the shops, you’ll want to sit down and relax. With a rich café culture, you can take a break at any time and watch the world go by. The Sunshine Bakery in Chapel Allerton is a delight, as are the interior and treats in the Tiled Hall Café.

Come the evening, there are exclusive places to eat including Sukhothai and Chaophraya, two impressive Thai restaurants. You can find restaurants serving food from around the world, so there’s always an option to suit your tastes. You can enjoy a top quality steak at Grosvenor Casino or fish and chips in The Midnight Bell, a popular gastro pub.

An evening out can be cultural, such as a watching a performance at the Grand Theatre, or you may want to enjoy the buzz of the many bars and nightclubs in Leeds. For a start, Oporto was recently voted the best night out in the UK. The Wardrobe and The Cockpit are popular venues for live music and a more chilled out evening can be enjoyed at North Bar. If you are looking for a classy venue, Oracle is the place to enjoy champagne on the Moet Terrace.

If you need a break from shopping, or are travelling with someone who does, there are walking tours that guide you around the main sites of the city. Leeds has a rich history and the Owl Trails have been created for visitors who want to explore some of the main attractions. There is the Civic Owl Trail which takes approximately 40 minutes to walk, or the longer Grand Owl Trail which would take around 2 hours. These trails take in sites including Millennium Square, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Trinity Leeds, Leeds Corn Exchange and Leeds Minister.

Leeds Car Hire

If you would rather not get around Leeds on foot, another option is to hire a car. Being well suited to the city streets, as well as the expansive Yorkshire countryside, a good option could be Range Rover hire. Leeds city centre and surrounding areas can be thoroughly explored from the comfort of a high specification Range Rover. In a 4×4 vehicle there is plenty of space for friends, family and shopping bags.

4×4 Vehicle Hire https://4x4vehiclehire.co.uk/4×4-hire/leeds/ offers Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Vogue and the New Range Rover Sport in excellent condition. We hire our vehicles for the day, weekend or the entire duration of your stay. We can deliver your vehicle to your hotel, the airport or train station for your convenience.