Don’t miss

RIVER AIRE

For years neglected, the River Aire is now at the heart of the Leeds resurgence. A new entrance from City station brings you right to the river, where a plush Doubletree hotel and dozens of bars await by the waterside in a new district. Cross over to

Holbeck Urban Village where new buildings are emerging in a former industrial quarter, or stroll along the Aire to the Royal Armouries.

MALMAISON HOTEL

Set in a handsome Victorian edifice close to the River Aire, City Station and Leeds Trinity, Malmaison is an impressive designer hotel, ideal for a weekend away with a loved one. malmaison.com

BRASSERIE 44

Steve Ridealgh’s handsome restaurant Brasserie 44, next door to hotel 42 The Calls, serves classic French cooking: the likes of confit duck leg with carrot and swede mash and a port sauce. The brasserie also focusses on Yorkshire produce, such as a locally sourced sirloin steak with a mushroom and peppercorn sauce, or halibut with brown shrimp butter. brasserie44.com

SCULPTURE

Sculpture is big in Yorkshire. Visit the Henry Moore Institute to see exhibitions of new works, stroll through Leeds University’s campus following its sculpture and public art trail, or head to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to view Moores and Hepworths in the open country. henry-moore.org; ysp.co.uk