As far removed from the flat caps, ferrets and warm bitter stereotypes as is possible, Leeds today is one of the top British cities for both multi-national corporations looking to expand out of the capital and curious tourists looking for a weekend away that has it all.

Getting to the city could not be easier. Rail links along the east coast to London and Scotland are plentiful and, if booked far enough in advance, a cheaper alternative to the motorway, though the ever-expanding Leeds Bradford International Airport is also bringing in growing numbers of passengers on cheap flights from all over the world.

For me, however, the best way to arrive into the heart of Yorkshire is to come by train, an experience which allows you to see both the city's industrial past as well as its booming present and bright future.

Indeed, it is this perfect marriage of the old and the new which makes Leeds such a fascinating destination for a short beak away. Leeds Hotel deals can be found in our hotels deals section.

While almost every city boasts a new shopping mall or out-of-town retail park these days, Leeds has effectively converted its old Victorian arcades running off the main, pedestrianised thoroughfares, therefore allowing shoppers to enjoy all the big names as well as some unique, local ones, under the splendid arches of yesteryear.

Likewise, the old Corn Exchange building, for many years the heart of the city's trade and industry, now houses a number of chic boutiques and independent clothing stores as well as some excellent cafes serving local, organic produce, ideal for a break from the shopping.

As well as being hungry work, shoppers are also liable to work up a thirst and, again, Leeds is a city to suit every taste.

While during a cold winter's day in the north of England, a pint of local ale enjoyed by the fire of one of the many pubs hidden among the alleyways linking the parallel streets of shops seems the perfect tonic, for the big night out, whether it be a night on the tiles or a romantic meal, the restaurants and bars surrounding the recently-rennovated Milennium Square are similarly perfect.

For those who want something more out of a weekend away than simply shopping and drinking, in the Royal Armouries, Leeds can boast one of the country's top museums, particularly apparent once the jousting or falconary demonstrations kick off towards the end of the morning, though be warned, most travel insurance policies do not cover anyone who fancies themselves as something of a King Arthur.

Or how about the celebrated West Yorkshire playhouse, proof that London's West End does not hogg all the finest actors and where local productions alternate with touring shows to offer a cultural experience unrivalled anywhere in the north of the country.

Perhaps best of all is the sheer value of Leeds. There are great Hotel Deals to Leeds here on UKNetGuide.

Not only are the prices refreshingly sensible, but the service comes with a genuine smile you can't put a price on, a fact that has seen it claim numerous tourism awards over the years, not least Conde Nast Traveler magazine's UK's Favourite City prize.