LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM

Adel, Bramhope and Otley The northern outskirts of Leeds have escaped the ravages of Victorian over-development with villages such as Adel and Bramhope being amongst the city's most sought-after residential areas. Golden Acre Park and Otley Chevin Forest Park are popular public spaces, offering excellent views of the surrounding lower Wharfedale countryside. Otley is an historic market town that has retained its own distinctive character—the prevailing air of self-sufficiency was reflected by the public consternation that greeted the recent appearance of "Welcome to Leeds" signs.

Armley and Pudsey Although part of the Metropolitan City of Leeds since the mid-1970's, Pudsey has a proud history as a separate entity—the recipient of a Royal Charter of Incorporation in 1900, which distinguished it from the metropolitan sprawls of Leeds and Bradford. Pudsey's Owlcoates Centre is an impressive retail park serving the entire area west of the city. Neighbouring Armley is probably best known for Armley Mills, a relic of Leeds' industrial past and once the world's largest woolen... more