Leeds’ epic shopping centre attracted more than 130,000 visitors on its opening day in 2013. Even for a city that loves to shop, that’s going some! The massive development houses big brand and boutique stores over two linked sites, formerly the Leeds Shopping Plaza and the Trinity and Burton Arcades. There’s a cinema and a food court, which features restaurants owned by famous chefs as well as chain eateries and cocktail bars. Spend an afternoon shopping followed by a meal and a movie – and round the experience off with a cheeky cocktail. Oh, and don’t forget to take a look at the public artworks on display in the centre.

Great for: Shopping

Battle-scarred warriors of all ages will love the Royal Armouries museum, which houses a vast collection of arms and armour from all periods of British history. You’ll see suits of armour worn in legendary battles; typical fighting regalia from antiquity through to the present day; and a fearsome array of blades, spears, arrows and projectiles. The Royal Armouries collection includes regal suits of armour worn by kings from the Tudor and Stuart periods, armours and weapons from the Battle of Crecy and the Siege of Constantinople, and swords from the Battle of Waterloo. You’ll also see self defence and hunting equipment from the various ages of the British Isles.

Great for: History

Just around the corner from the O2 Academy Leeds, you’ll find the imposing façade of the Leeds City Museum, which houses interactive and classic museum exhibitions over four awesome floors. Come face to face with the legendary Leeds Tiger – a Victorian stuffed tiger whose story is known to almost every native of the town! The Museum has six permanent galleries, and hosts seasonally changing exhibitions. Kids will love the Little Leeds interactive exhibit, which lets them create their own miniature city! The Museum is open six days a week and is free to get in, though some exhibitions require paid tickets to get in.

Great for: History