15 photos that you will only understand if you're from Leeds

This collection of pictures shines a spotlight on just some of Leeds’ best-loved gems.

By Joseph Keith

Published 24th Nov 2022, 12:10 GMT

Updated 24th Nov 2022, 12:17 GMT

But most people would only know about them if they have either lived or grew up in the city of Leeds. They range from historic cultural masterpieces to modern food and drink hubs tucked away off the beaten track.

How many of these do you recognise?

These pictures celebrate the very best of Leeds that only people from the city truly understand.

1. Pictures you'll only understand if you're from Leeds

These pictures celebrate the very best of Leeds that only people from the city truly understand. Photo: NationalWorld

This grand, Edwardian estate is home to a hall steeped in history as well as a zoo. Perfect for a whole family outing, its zoo - Wildlife World - also houses Humboldt penguins.

2. Lotherton Hall's Humboldt penguins

This grand, Edwardian estate is home to a hall steeped in history as well as a zoo. Perfect for a whole family outing, its zoo - Wildlife World - also houses Humboldt penguins. Photo: James Hardisty

Now dubbed as "one half" of the Victoria Leeds area - which includes John Lewis - the traditional Victoria Quarter is a stunning shopping district offering upmarket high street brands. The Victoria Quarter shopping arcade was designed by Frank Matcham and features marbles, gilded mosaics, and polished mahogany.

3. Victoria Quarter

Now dubbed as "one half" of the Victoria Leeds area - which includes John Lewis - the traditional Victoria Quarter is a stunning shopping district offering upmarket high street brands. The Victoria Quarter shopping arcade was designed by Frank Matcham and features marbles, gilded mosaics, and polished mahogany. Photo: James Hardisty

This Otley outdoor gem on the outskirts of Leeds is open year-round and has a plethora of routes for keen walkers. Themed trails include a geology trail and heritage time trail, and there's also orienteering courses on offer. There are stunning, panoramic views from the crags looking down onto Otley.

4. Chevin Forest Park, Otley

This Otley outdoor gem on the outskirts of Leeds is open year-round and has a plethora of routes for keen walkers. Themed trails include a geology trail and heritage time trail, and there's also orienteering courses on offer. There are stunning, panoramic views from the crags looking down onto Otley. Photo: Gerard Binks

The city centre's water taxis operate between Leeds Dock and Leeds City Station. Named Twee & Drie, the boats run every 15 minutes from both stops. It costs £2 per person, per journey and children aged five and under go free. Formerly known as Clarence Dock, Leeds Dock overlooks the water and is a staple of the city centre, home to the Royal Armouries, stylish flats and more.

5. Water taxis at Leeds Dock

The city centre's water taxis operate between Leeds Dock and Leeds City Station. Named Twee & Drie, the boats run every 15 minutes from both stops. It costs £2 per person, per journey and children aged five and under go free. Formerly known as Clarence Dock, Leeds Dock overlooks the water and is a staple of the city centre, home to the Royal Armouries, stylish flats and more. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

This will be a familiar sight to those looking upon Leeds' bright skyline when they arrive in the city. The Yorkshire Evening Post clock tower has now been standing for more than 50 years. The site surrounding the former YEP building, which was on Wellington Street, has now been demolished and redeveloped but the clock tower remains.

6. The YEP clock tower

This will be a familiar sight to those looking upon Leeds' bright skyline when they arrive in the city. The Yorkshire Evening Post clock tower has now been standing for more than 50 years. The site surrounding the former YEP building, which was on Wellington Street, has now been demolished and redeveloped but the clock tower remains. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe