Although Manchester is known as the Capital of the North, anybody who knows anything about North England will tell you that Leeds is an equal, if not superior destination for short breaks. From pub and club nights every night to upmarket shopping and cultural hotpots, Leeds has something for just about everybody. What's more, although there's far too much to do in a single day, there are plenty of 5 star hotels in Leeds city centre like Residence Six apartment hotels that offer fantastic accommodation for prices that could make a Londoner weep with joy.

One of the things that make Leeds unique is the sheer number of different universities to which the city is home. Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan are the most famous examples, but there's also Leeds College of Technology, Leeds College of Music, Leeds College of Art and Design and Leeds College of Dance too! This multitude of higher education establishments means Leeds is home to thousands of students, who have a profound influence on the city during their term time. One of the benefits to having so many students around is that you're never at a loss for a bar, pub or club to suit any mood or taste. Whether it's Dean's specialty rum cocktails at the Verve bar, a night of whiskey-fuelled rock at the Cockpit or a quiet pint in the boat converted into the Dry Dock pub, there's a drinking establishment to suit everybody's needs. If drinking isn't your thing - never fear, for Leeds is also the home of many wonderful sights, shops and restaurants to keep you more than occupied. The Royal Armouries, for one thing, offer a staggering collection of weapons and treasure from the age of the British Empire; walls covered in armour, mummified corpses, and even elephant armour are just a few of the incredible sights this museum has to offer. If you're more of a fan of shopping than history, you could instead choose to head to the Victoria Arcade and surrounding shopping district, which boasts an exceptional collection of unique luxury retail outlets, as well as huge designer names like Harvey Nichols.

If this all sounds a bit metropolitan for your short break away from home, don't forget that Leeds is only a short train ride away from the glory of the Yorkshire Dales, where you can indulge in hill walks, country car boots sales or even a guided tour of Ingleborough cave. Alternatively, if you don't fancy straying far from your accommodation, you can seek out the serenity of Roundhay or Golden Acre Park to deliver you from the sights and smells of the city. With miles of grassland, lakes and quiet public walkways, both offer the kind of respite you could be forgiven for assuming you have to leave the country to discover.

Back in the city, however, there is far too much culinary choice to ignore for long. From Akbar's curry house, offering a wide range of traditional Indian dishes, to Anthony's Restaurant at the cutting edge of gastronomy, there is almost too much choice to choose! For a particularly special night out it is well worth considering Sous Le Nez; an upmarket but underground restaurant where, for a price, you can choose from the very finest of French cuisine and wines, as well as a wonderful selection of after-dinner rums and whiskeys. All these restaurants are within walking distance from most hotels in Leeds city centre, meaning you could even go as far as to try them all over a long weekend.

Whether you're looking for excitement in the city or relaxation in the country, Leeds is an ideal destination for both short and long breaks. Do be sure to book your hotel in advance however, as the best places to stay do fill up very quickly!

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If you're looking for hotels in Leeds city centre, look no further than Residence Six residencesix.com/ for luxury apartment hotels. Designed to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, these serviced apartments leeds are great for those looking for short term apartments.