I recently made it one of my “life goals” to visit every city in the UK. Not for any particular reason — it’s just that I’m always fixated on going abroad for holidays when there’s so much to see right on my doorstep. Upon doing some research, I realised we actually have more more cities than I thought, some of which I’d never even heard of, but I thought it wouldn’t be very ambitious of me if that made me give up on the goal. I chose to start with Leeds, since the only other time I’ve been was for Leeds Festival (which isn’t really in Leeds anyway), and it all started with a coach journey from Shude Hill on a fine Sunday afternoon…
One of the other reasons I chose Leeds was because I’d read online that the museum was hosting a Miffy exhibition to celebrate her 70th birthday. I arrived in Leeds at 3:30, the museum closed at 5, and it wasn’t open on Mondays (the following day), so I made it my top priority. The exhibition itself was only a couple of rooms and a bit juvenile, but I was still able to read about the history of Miffy and see how she’s changed over the years. The museum housed several other exhibitions, all of which were free, so I had a quick glance at the Ancient Worlds and History of Leeds sections. I think it’s amazing how a museum as big and eclectic as this one was free — the way all museums should be if they want more visitors.
Just across the road was a Wetherspoons calling my name, so I swung by and ordered a non-alcoholic pint. I sat there scrawling in my notebook, which always relaxes me after a long day. I reflected on my first impressions of Leeds, which were that I really liked the city’s vibe. I’m surprised I’d never really been before. As a child my mum would take me on day trips to Sheffield, Liverpool, Chester, cities that are all a similar distance away, but never to Leeds. I’m even considering applying here for my Master’s, and my visit cemented the idea that I could imagine myself living here. My only qualm is: would it mean I’m betraying my Lancastrian ties if I convert to a Yorkshire uni? I suppose that’s for me to decide.
It was now time for me to walk to my hotel, which was quite a way away. When I got there, I was kindly upgraded to a double room even though I must have reserved a twin. I had a really enjoyable and relaxing evening by myself — I put on music, bought some snacks, and prepared for my next day in Leeds. One of my simple pleasures in life is going away alone and having a room to myself. I think it’s something many would never dream of doing, but I’m here to say: if you’ve never stayed in a hotel by yourself, try it!
I ended up sleeping for nearly 12 hours, which I must have needed. On my walk the night before, I noticed a “Kitty Café” and made it my first stop of the day. It was £8 to enter, a little overpriced if you ask me, but maybe worth it as I was surrounded by adorable kittens! I treated myself to a blackcurrant blondie with a coffee — highly enjoyable and it gave me the energy to get on with my day.
For months, I’d been on the hunt for a new digital camera; I had a reliable one that lasted me three years and the two I tried to replace it with were both faulty. Next door to the café was a Cash Converters where, luckily, I found a really high-quality camera for £90! It has 42x zoom and is worth about £300, so I’ve since been enjoying taking artsy pictures with it. It means the quality of pictures on this blog will now be taken up a notch — lucky you…
I then found myself at the Corn Exchange: an indoor shopping centre full of quirky independent shops. With everything from soap to vintage clothes, antiques and cosy cafés, I enjoyed having a gander in them all. The building itself is Grade I listed, so the whole experience was a feast for the eye. There was even a shop from one of my favourite jewellery businesses, Gab’s Wonderland, where I treated myself to two rings.
The other thing I’ve been on the hunt for recently is a new pair of jeans. I had a pair I adored that I got for my 16th birthday, and now, nearly 21, they’re full of holes and about three sizes too big. I knew that Leeds is known for its vintage shops, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to hunt for a pair. I was originally after a pair of vintage Levi’s but I know they’re few and far between, so I widened my search. After trying on about 15 pairs over the course of the day, I finally found a pair in Blue Rinse for £26. They’re from a brand called Colours of the World which truthfully I haven’t heard of, but I’m happy I found some in the end. Here’s to hoping they last until I’m 26!
I was getting hungry, so I went on the hunt for a bite to eat. I ended up at itsu, where I ordered some veggie gyoza noodles and a ginger kombucha. It’s now a bit of a tradition for me to have a kombucha when I eat alone, and the one I had here was the best one I’ve tried — I need to find out where to buy it. The last time I went to itsu was in Bristol about two years ago, and this showed me I need to start going more often. Either that, or I learn how to cook their recipes myself.
I had about an hour left before I was going home. I wandered round the streets and came across a piercing studio that was calling my name. “Ela…you haven’t had a new piercing in seven whole months…”, it said. I’d been wanting a floating helix piercing for a while but I was told by a piercing shop in Manchester that I didn’t have the right anatomy. I went in and explained, to which they told me that I did; it’s just that it may end up being less ‘hidden’ than usual, which I didn’t mind. I walked out with my long-desired piercing!
On my coach back to Manchester, I concluded I had a lot of fun in Leeds and I can’t believe it took me nearly 21 years to properly visit. I’d definitely come back, and I might even drive next time since it’s only an hour away. I have about 65 more cities to see in the UK before my goal is completed, but I have a whole lifetime for it so I’m in no rush. I’m trying to get my friends to come on a day out to Wrexham for my birthday, so that could be next. I’m also considering a few days away where I visit both Newcastle and Durham. Really, the possibilities are endless, so stay tuned to see where I end up next…
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