Destination Guide: Leeds

As one of Europe's top cities for business, Leeds is the ideal location for a conference or event, with high quality venues, plus a variety of culture and entertainment on offer for the hours spent outside the boardroom. The northern city has first-class travel links, with London just over two hours away by train and Leeds Bradford International Airport serving more and more destinations around the world. It is one of the most central locations in Britain, positioned just off the country's major motorway, the M1. *Day One* For a luxurious stay in Leeds, check into the "Hilton City Hotel":http://venues.org.uk/venues/hilton_leeds_city, which is conveniently located right next to the train station. Positioned a five minute walk from the city centre and exceptionally close to travel links as well as the business district, this is the ideal base for a conference. After a hard day's work, conference-goers can relax in the heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and steam room before unwinding with a drink in the City 3 bar. More active workers may want to hit the gym and health club, which features a resistance room, as well as cardiovascular equipment and weights. For conferencing facilities, "Leeds United's Elland Road stadium":http://venues.org.uk/venues/leeds_united_football_club_ltd offers a prestigious venue in which to hold an event. One of the largest conference and exhibition centres in the north of England, it boasts ten different suites with over 40 rooms available for hire. The East Stand room proves popular with delegates, as it overlooks the green turf and has dedicated access from the main reception. "Elland Road":http://venues.org.uk/venues/leeds_united_football_club_ltd recently gained AIM entry-level accreditation from the Meetings Industry Association, meaning event organisers can rest assured that they will get a high level of service. In the evening, conference leaders should take the short walk up to the historic Grand Theatre and Opera House, which has a variety of musicals, comedy acts and concerts to suit any group of delegates. Examples of past shows include the Witches of Eastwick, starring Marti Pellow, an evening with Elaine Paige and stand-up from Al Murray. Not only will conference-goes get to see a high quality performance, they will also be able to take in the stunning architecture of one of Leeds' most famous buildings, which was built in 1878 and features a mixture of gothic, Romanesque and Scottish baronial styles. *Day Two* For an alternative venue to "Elland Road":http://venues.org.uk/venues/leeds_united_football_club_ltd, try the "Speedy Academy training centre":http://venues.org.uk/venues/speedy_academy, which can adapt their rooms to meet the needs of different-sized parties. Once the wrangling over the boardroom table is concluded, take the short walk along the river Aire to the Royal Armouries museum. Conference-goers will get a good view of some of the newest developments along Leeds' waterfront, including the stylish Clarence Dock, the city's hottest new shopping destination. The Royal Armouries offers an array of events and exhibitions, delving into Britain's torrid history. Impress delegates with one of the daily performances, which include horse shows, falconry displays and live interpretations. Visitors will be electrified by the jousting, Calavcades and Tudor riding demonstrations, thrilled by birds of prey swooping down on the Armouries' Menagerie Court and enthralled by the actors performing in the museum's galleries or outside in the amphitheatre. Finish off the visit with a meal at one of the chic restaurants in Clarence Dock and drinks in one of the trendy bars in the newly-opened Brewery Wharf area.