Leeds is the commercial centre of Yorkshire; it has been totally transformed in recent years and is now one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. Decades of dirt and grime have been peeled away to unearth some of the truly magnificent Victorian buildings in the city. Add to this the cities fine dining, great pub life, art galleries, street after street of shopping and you have a city that is worth visiting for a day or two. Those that do visit for a weekend have no trouble finding bed and breakfasts in Leeds.
No trip to Leeds would be complete without taking on spin on The Big Wheel. The wheel stands as high as 15 double decked buses piled one on top of the other. From the wheel the city spills out below, the sights include acres of green space, everything from small pocket gardens to Roundhay Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks.
Leeds is home to Leeds United Football Club, the matches are played in Elland Road, the country’s 12th largest stadium. It’s a good job there are so many bed and breakfasts in Leeds because a large number of the visiting team’s fans will stay over. Elland Road not only hosts football, it also hosts concerts that over the years have included Queen, U2 and just recently, Rod Stewart.
The history of Leeds can be followed back to the 5th century. By the 17th and 18th centuries Leeds became a leading centre for the trading in wool and manufacturing woollen items. As the industrial revolution came into full swing, Leeds became the dominate leader in wool but also iron foundries, the printing industry and engineering. By the mid 20th century Leeds expanded and annexed surrounding villages. With a population in the economic region of 2.9 million it is easy to see why Leeds has so many visitors with diverse interests; the common denominator is that they must stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts in Leeds.
The service industries now far outstrip the traditional manufacturing industries once found in such abundance. Almost one quarter of those working in Leeds work in the banking, insurance and finance sectors. Leeds has the largest financial centres outside of the City of London, the tertiary business enjoyed in Leeds hinges on retailing, call centres and media.
Tourism is an important contributor to the economy of Leeds; the latest count showed that almost 25 million people visited Leeds; it is the 13th most visited city by foreign tourists and business visitors. The economy benefited to the tune of over £650 million. With numbers like this it is easy to see why there are so many bed and breakfasts in Leeds.
