Planning a Trip

Getting There

Leeds Bradford International Airport (tel. 01132/509696; www.lbia.co.uk), about 14km (9 miles) north of town, has daily flights to and from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports and most major regional U.K. airports, with air transport taking less than an hour from London. There is also a 24-hour direct rail link between Manchester airport and Leeds. Taxi fare from the airport to the center of Leeds costs £20 ($40).

Trains from London's Kings Cross Station arrive hourly during the day, with the trip taking about 2 hours. For information, call tel. 0845/748-4950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Leeds is also serviced daily by National Express buses from London. For schedules and information, call tel. 0870/580-8080 or visit www.nationalexpress.com.

Leeds lies at the crossroads of the north-south M1 and the east-west M62 routes, making it easily accessible by car from anywhere in England or Scotland.

Visitor Information

The Leeds Visitor Centre , The Arcade, City Station (tel. 01132/425242), is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The city's own website (www.leeds.gov.uk) offers information on transportation, lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment in the city.

Information on local bus and train routes and times is available by calling Metroline at tel. 01132/457676.

Special Events

In July, more than 40,000 opera lovers turn out at Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, off Selby Road (tel. 01132/645535; www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam), for the single performance of Opera in the Park, the largest free outdoor opera concert in the United Kingdom. The gargantuan Party in the Park (tel. 01132/478222), also held at Temple Newsam, is one of the largest free pop and rock concerts in the United Kingdom. It's usually held the day following Opera in the Park and features some of the hottest acts in rock music.

Film buffs turn out in droves for the annual Leeds International Film Festival (tel. 01132/243801; www.leedsfilm.com). Screened at cinemas throughout Leeds, it's the only theme-based film festival in the United Kingdom. It regularly features British as well as world-premiere films and hosts film-related lectures, seminars, and workshops. In 2009, the festival takes place from November 5 to November 16.