Why should I book a meeting or event in Leeds?
The unofficial capital of Yorkshire, Leeds is located in the heart of the UK and is the cultural, financial and commercial heart of the West Yorkshire Urban Area. With its rich industrial past, Leeds boasts several redeveloped industrial areas, such as the area around Call Lane, which hosts many popular nightlife spots under converted railway arches.
Known as the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’, Leeds is a dynamic city boasting such architectural beauties as Kirkgate Market, designed by Joseph Paxton who was also responsible for Crystal Palace. Leeds is the perfect place to host an inspiring event, with the Royal Armouries Museum - housing the national collection of arms and artillery – being one of the most iconic and unique venues in town.
It’s easy for your delegates to get to Leeds. Direct trains from London take just two hours, and Leeds is easily reached by train from other UK cities too. Coming from further afield? Leeds Bradford Airport, one of the fastest growing airports in the UK, is situated at the heart of the Leeds City Region, only eight miles from the city centre.
Things to do in Leeds
Leeds is one of the North’s most vibrant foodie cities, with a diverse restaurant scene ready to please any palate. So think carefully when you and your team choose from the plethora of Leeds restaurants and independent eateries, they offer anything from fine dining to more traditional tastes. Or why not take a well-deserved break from your meeting with a gorgeous afternoon tea in one of the numerous stunning settings around the city?
Did you know that Leeds is a purple flag accredited city? This means that it's guaranteed to offer an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out. You could start the night by taking your group to one of the popular real ale or cocktail bars, and then catch a show at the Leeds Grand Theatre, with anything from comedy, musicals and opera on offer.
If you have something to celebrate with your team, you might like to treat them to a concert at the Leeds First Direct Arena. The venue with its unusual fan-shaped orientation has been nominated as one of England's greatest landmarks, and won Best New Venue in the World in 2014.
And if the music is completely your thing, you could plan your event around the Leeds Festival, one of the UK’s largest music festivals held over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Bramham Park, where you can enjoy some of the world's biggest music acts.
Unique venues in Leeds
The Royal Armouries Museum is undoubtedly one of the most interesting venues for your event. Set in an idyllic location at the waterfront development in the heart of the city, the Royal Armouries Hall offers a unique conference and banqueting facility for up to 700 guests. Spice up your event with some fitting entertainment in either the War, Tournamental or Oriental Galleries. Next to the Royal Armouries Museum is the New Dock Hall, which is perfect for larger parties and offers an excellent blank canvas for a party with a theme of your choice.
Unusual venues in North East England
A little further afield are a number of other incredible conference and event spaces at some of the most unusual venues that the North East has to offer.
Sheffield United Football Club is located within a few minutes of Sheffield city centre and is a treat not only for sports fans, but also for those who appreciate quality meeting rooms and delicious catering. This idyllic venue boasts five spacious suites and 31 Executive Boxes for up to 450 guests.
If you’re looking to travel closer to Bradford, then the National Media Museum is an excellent choice for a venue with a twist. Your events will be surrounded by props from your childhood TV shows and favourite films – nostalgia at its finest. To top it off, you can host your guests in some of the most innovative rooms available, including the IMAX and the Experience TV Lounge.
And for those searching for a venue in Lincolnshire, then how about Market Rasen racecourse? One of the most attractive venues on our portfolio, it's perfect for team building, small meetings, dinner parties and large outdoor parties in the summer months. Ample natural lighting and high-tech AV equipment help to create a comfortable and pleasant experience for your meeting, conference or exhibition.