5 of The Best Leeds' Landmarks
There
are loads of iconic landmarks in Leeds, but we've picked 5 of the best.
1) The Tetley Building
The Tetley
Building is ingrained in Leeds culture and has been held close to the hearts of
Leeds locals for over half a century. The once bustling brewery is now host to
a contemporary art space, but will soon receive a restorative revamp, that'll
see bars and eateries added to the site.
Marked
by its unmistakable sign and flag on its roof, The Tetley is an iconic Leeds'
landmark and the prospect of it catapulting back to the forefront of the City's
consciousness with the proposed makeover, is one that's sure to excite many
connected with Leeds and beyond.
2) Headingley Stadium
Sport
is massive in Leeds. It's a big reason why so many recognisable athletes come
from the area. Gold medal-winning boxer Nicola Adams was raised in Burmantofts,
and Premier League and Champions League-winning footballer James Milner went to
school in Horsforth. These are just two examples from the many, which is
why it feels wrong to name just one sporting landmark, but Headingley Stadium
just clinches it. Not only is it home to Leeds Rhinos Rugby and Yorkshire
County Cricket Club, it also provides educational facilities for Leeds Beckett
University. It's a cornerstone of local sport and has produced countless iconic
sporting moments over the years in high-stake international matches - Ben
Stokes' Ashes heroics in 2019 springs to mind!
3) Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall
Abbey made our list for two reasons. Firstly, it looks stunning, with its
ornate architecture and the backdrop of Kirkstall Valley, it's a sight to
behold all year round. Secondly, it's old, dating back to the eleven hundreds,
the ruined Cistercian monastery was built before the borough of Leeds
even existed!
Today,
the Abbey has a visitor centre that provides information and audio guides to
fill you in on its rich history. A walk around the grounds, which make for a
great picnic spot when it's warm enough, is well worth it.
4) The Corn Exchange
Testament
to the uniqueness of the building, The Corn Exchange has become home to
independents across the board. From cooks to creatives and collectors to
craftspeople, the building is a hotbed of freethinking vendors and shopkeepers
providing bespoke services to Leeds locals.
What
makes The Corn Exchange even cooler is its past. A free market for corn trading
for over 131 years, you'd be forgiven for thinking it might've struggled to
move with the times, but the truth is the opposite. Within its Victorian walls,
the contemporary collection of shops and food stalls make it ideal for a
weekend browse. For new movers to the area, The Corn Exchange is a fantastic
place to visit because it encapsulates what's so great about the city of Leeds.
Vibrance and modernity are framed within a grand piece of history.
5) Temple Newsam
If
you're a lover of natural beauty and fine art, Temple Newsam is a must-see.
Take a tour of the house for a glimpse into luxury living, and experience some truly
impressive decorative art exhibitions, before heading outside to roam the 1,500
acres of parkland including landscape gardens, woodlands, and a farm complete
with sheep and pigs! It makes for a great day out, by yourself or with the
family.