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Car Hire Leeds
All you need to know about hiring a car in Leeds
Leeds is one of the UK’s largest and busiest cities – and it’s got the history and heritage to go with it. The birthplace of comedian Ernie Wise and home of bands such as Soft Cell and the Kaiser Chiefs, this sprawling metropolis has strong links to the world of entertainment. But, it’s also famed for being the city where First World War Prime Minister Henry Herbert Asquith was born and raised, right in the market town of Morley. On top of that, inventions such as x-ray technology and fizzy drinks come from the ‘Motorway City’, too. So, if you’re hiring a car in Leeds, read on about the city and what it’s got to offer.
A snapshot of Leeds
With more than 800,000 inhabitants counted at the last national census in 2021, Leeds is a bustling, busy and vibrant city to hire a car in. In fact, it’s the meeting point for two major motorways (which is how it got its nickname), making it a breeze to drive to and through. There’s also its central ring road (incorporating the A58 and A64), making this a destination for a short stay, daytrip or long break. If you’re hiring a car in Leeds for work, then great news – this is a place where financial services, manufacturing and professional services thrive. And while the future of the HS2 is still uncertain, if completed, Leeds will be a fantastic Northern hub that’s easier and faster to get around.
Navigating the city of Leeds
If you're driving to Leeds or around Leeds in a hire car, make sure you plan ahead. The Leeds City Centre Loop Road only allows for one-way traffic, and surrounds busy retail districts of the city. Pedestrianised sections are also planned, which further impact traffic and travel times. Thankfully, the East Leeds Orbital Route – which connects the outer ring road to the East of the city – has now been completed and can speed up journeys and navigation.
Retail therapy
Hiring a car in Leeds? Then soak up some shopping time. The famous glass-roofed Trinity Leeds building houses a mix of over 100 shops, restaurants and bars for leisure and food-lovers, and Leeds’ historic Kirkgate Market welcomes everything from flowers to food across hundreds of stalls. Of course, this is a city that’s also home to Harvey Nichols, Victoria Leeds and the Corn Exchange – tempting visitors to hire a car in Leeds from locations all over the UK.
Sports and where to find them
There are many different football clubs in Leeds, including Leeds City and the female football team, Leeds City Vixens (player Sue Smith has been with them for over 10 years). And if rugby is your sport of choice, the Headingley Rugby Stadium is the place to go. Other arenas and stadiums include the First Direct Arena and Leeds United FC stadium, but on event days, traffic can build up in the area. Those hiring a car in Leeds will want to know the best parking spots – First Direct only has local parking nearby, but you can use the Park & Ride facility, while you can find parking spaces near the stadium through apps like Just Park.
Arts and culture in Leeds
For the arts, you’ll find Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute in the city and Yorkshire Sculpture Park on the doorstep. Street art is also big here – with established trails you can walk to take in artworks like the Cornucopia and Josh Warrington Mural. If it’s a spot of history you’re after, a visit to Leeds Armoury Museum is a must-do.
Local radio in the city
When driving a hire car in Leeds, BBC Radio Leeds (92.4 FM), LDC radio (97.8FM) and Rhubarb Radio (local Wakefield/South Leeds station) are all great for easy listening, and BBC radio provides regular travel updates. Be sure to check in for any disruptions before you travel!
Get in touch
To hire a car in Leeds or a location nearby, get in touch with the Nationwide Hire team. You can find out even more about the city on visitleeds.co.uk