LEEDS

Rich local history, world-class sports, fantastic shopping and diverse year-round entertainment are just some of the things that make Leeds such a great place for everyone to enjoy. Leeds offers unrivalled visitor attractions and experiences, from jousting at the Royal Armouries, to the stunning surroundings of Harewood House and the outstanding collections at Leeds' many galleries and museums.

Since Harvey Nichols opened a store in Leeds, their first outside London, the city has been dubbed the 'Knightsbridge of the North'. Leeds is a shopaholic's dream - from the elegant Corn Exchange, to the exquisite Victoria Quarter, and the vibrant Kirkgate Market, the city caters for every taste. Leeds boasts a rich creative heritage. It hosts the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition and the Leeds International Film Festival, and is home to the West Yorkshire Playhouse. It is also the only English city outside London to have its own opera and ballet companies - the internationally acclaimed Opera North and Northern Ballet. Situated at the heart of the UK, Leeds is perfectly placed for travelling to and from, and is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Leeds also boasts a thriving international airport and has one of the busiest train stations outside the capital.

Further education is provided by Leeds City College (formed by a merger in 2009 and having over 60,000 students), Leeds College of Building, Joseph Priestley College in Morley and Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College. The city has two universities: the University of Leeds received its charter in 1904 having developed from the Yorkshire College which was founded in 1874 and the Leeds School of Medicine of 1831, and Leeds Metropolitan University became a university in 1992 but can trace its roots to the Mechanics Institute of 1824. The University of Leeds has a total of about 31,000 students, of which 21,500 are full-time or sandwich undergraduate degree students, Leeds Metropolitan University has a total of 52,000 students of which 12,000 are full time or sandwich undergraduate degree students and 2,100 full time or sandwich HND students. Other higher education establishments are:Leeds Trinity University College with just under 3,000 students, Leeds College of Art, Leeds College of Music and Northern School of Contemporary Dance. The city was voted the Best UK University Destination by a survey in The Independent newspaper. The combined totals of learners give Leeds one of the largest student populations in the country with of over 250,000 students.