Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds’ main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, whilst the entire city that includes the urban and suburban areas had a population of 770,800. Leeds is one of the biggest economy centers in UK. Many global business companies, banks and law office and other types of companies set up their head office here. Leeds is well known in global area as its culture, business, and tourism. Many leading Leeds Conference Venues are located in the city centre which is considered to be one of busiest places within the country.
As Leeds is a one of major centres for international relations, the city brings in large numbers of business clients. Many visitors to Leeds might be from the corporate sector, as this area is the heart for many of leading Leeds Conference Venues. As a business trip does not mean to be “all-business”, there should always be some time to relax and unwind and experience the culture, architecture and people of your host-city.
Hotel Accommodation for the Corporate Sector:
If your trip to Leeds is to attend a pre-arranged international conference or seminar, it is most likely that your accommodation would have been already booked. You could be hosted in one of the city’s leading business hotels. There is a wide range of hotels with business facilities – you can choose a hotel to suite your preference.
- Novotel Leeds Centre: An equally attractive base for a short break or holiday, the hotel is close to shops and nightlife with Elements restaurant, bar, fitness suite, sauna, steam room and limited indoor pay parking on site.
- Ramada Bradford/Leeds: Just 15 minutes from the hotel is the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television – a great day out for the film enthusiast.
- Hilton Leeds City: Next to Leeds Central train station, the hotel has 11 meeting rooms and excellent access to the Leeds-Bradford International Airport seven miles away and good motorway links via the M62. With excellent transport links and friendly service, it’s the perfect base for business or leisure guests.
- Ringwood Hall Hotel: Ringwood Hall Hotel is a splendid Grade 11 listed Georgian Manor House, AA 3* accredited at 85% (for the last 3 years), one of the highest hotel awards in Derbyshire & the Peak District.
Business travellers who need to seek their own accommodation will have no hassles since the choice is wide. Initially decide on the best location for your stay as it should have easy and convenient access to your place/places of business. You can also select accommodation according to your budget, as there are many low-budget and “bed & breakfast’ properties. Selecting a hotel to fit your needs within Leeds will be of no difficulty.
Leeds also offers a broad selection of venues to accommodate various corporate event and conferences. Some of the leading Leeds Conference Venues that are available only for congress and conference facilities are:
- Leeds United Football Club Ltd – Takes in a capacity of 2- 800
- Alea Casino Leeds – Can hold a capacity of 2-1700
- Yorkshire Event Centre – Takes in a capacity of 2-2200
- Speedy Academy Leeds – A smaller property which can hold about 20 participants
- The Elbow Room, Leeds – Accommodate 2-600 participants
Leeds’s Infrastructure:
You can plan out your stay at the Leeds Conference Venues depending on the location of your work and business activities. Getting around in this city is also of no difficulty since it has a good public transportation network. Very surprisingly you can reach your destination faster in public transport rather than your own personal travel. Bus and train travel in the Leeds area is coordinated and developed by West Yorkshire Metro, with service information provided by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Metro. The primary means of public transportation in Leeds are the bus services. The main provider is First Leeds and Arriva Yorkshire serves routes to the south of the city. Leeds also offers a free bus, the Free City Bus service which connects the bus station, the train station, the universities and Leeds general infirmary. The service runs through the Leeds Public Transport Box which is an area surrounding the core Leeds shopping district which is limited to just public transport access.
Attractions and Leisure Activities:
After deciding on one of the Leeds Conference Venues for business purposes, there is always a time for leisure, relaxation and sight-seeing. As Leeds tourism attractions are also great in number, it is best to draw up a plan so that you can make the maximum for the time available. Given below are some of Leeds’s leading attractions and leisure venues:
- Abbey House Museum- Wander through the streets, shops and workplaces of Victorian Leeds and experience life in the 19th century.
- Golden Acre Park- Adjacent to the park is Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve a haven for wildlife and important conservation site.
- Kirkstall Abbey- is one of the most important buildings historically in Leeds. Built between 1152 and 1182 on the northern bank of the River Aire.
- Leeds Art Gallery- The Leeds permanent collections of art, which has been described as being one of the best collections of 20th century British Art outside London.
- Local Parks- Otley Chevin Park, Kirkstall Abbey Estate, Middleton Park, Golden Acre, Roundhay Park, Temple Newsam Estate and Lotherton Hall Estate .
If you are tight for time, the city offers a range of tours to many of the Leeds Venues which reflect the exciting and busy lifestyle of the areas. There is so much that you can achieve during your stay. A pre-planned itinerary will be a perfect idea, so that you could have a good and well-balanced business and leisure trip.
Leeds as a city by itself and all of the Leeds Conference Venues are of distinctive and original character. The city that is bustling with activity is truly multicultural and shows a calibre of its own. You cannot complete visiting all places of attraction and the various venues with a short stay in the city. It is one of the leading popular destinations for both business and leisure. Remember to make maximum of your stay in Leeds, and if you can return for another visit or a couple more – consider yourself fortunate!