Leeds

Leeds has emerged as business and cultural centres, making new use of the industrial and civic buildings that date from their heyday as giant textile producers in the 19th century. Leeds has restored the Edwardian Kirkgate Market and its ornate Victorian shopping arcades and converted riverside grain mills into offices and restaurants. The City Varieties Theatre has Britain's oldest music hall, the Grand Theatre is home to Opera North and the Town Hall hosts an international piano competition every three years.

ARMLEY MILLS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM

A former woollen mill on an island in the River Aire, Armley Mills was once the world's largest mill. It is now a museum on Leeds 's industrial history.

BOLLING HALL MUSEUM

Formerly a country residence, the hall was built onto a medieval pele tower in the 16th-18th centuries. It boasts fine panelling, oak furniture and a stained-glass window with 24 coats of arms.

KIRKSTALL ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

This former manor was converted from the gatehouse of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, the remains of which include the abbey church, with a finely carved west doorway. Today the gatehouse has reconstructions of Victorian streets with cottages, shops and an inn.

LEEDS CITY ART GALLERY

Sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth both studied at Leeds College of Art, and some of their works are on display. The gallery has a fine collection of Victorian paintings and early English watercolours. Nearby, the City Museum has displays including natural history and coins.

MIDDLETON RAILWAY

The world's oldest running railway was also the first railway to run steam locomotives. There are diesel and steam trains on show.

ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM

Opened in 1996 as the new home for the national collection of arms and armour, the museum has five themed galleries which tell the story of arms and armour using interactive, hi-tech displays and costumed demonstrations. In the summer there are skilled demonstrations of jousting, fencing, horsemanship and falconry in a recreated tiltyard.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY, FILM AND TELEVISION

museum's lively exhibits enable visitors to read the news on camera and to 'ride' on a flying carpet. There are also vintage televisions, cameras and photographs on display, as well as a magic lantern show.