Leeds, just outside of Yorkshire, is a bustling city that comfortably rests at the foot of the Pennine mountain range. Because of its location, the city does not get as much rain as the rest of England, although it still logs 69 mm for the month of August. The sun brightly glows for five hours out of the 15 average daylight hours recorded for the month.
August is a good time to visit as the average temperature is almost 60 degrees Fahrenheit (or 15 degrees Celsius) not a place you have to worry about summer heat and humidity. The daily high temperature levitates at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 degrees Celsius) while it drops at night, resting around 52 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale, or 11 degrees Celsius.
Leeds has several landmark residences and gardens in the area. For example, Harewood House, a three-story country estate, is the noted home of the Earl of Harwood. The spectacular residence features fine works of art by such well-known artists as Gainsborough, Reynolds, and El Greco as well as furniture in the Chippendale style. Outside, visitors can view hundreds of acres of gardens, each garden underscoring a particular theme.
You may also want to stop by the bird garden at Lotherton Hall, which displays over 200 avian species. Among the birds on display is the Andean Condor, noted as being the largest flying bird that is terrestrially based.
Lotherton Hall was built previous to World War I, and was the estate of Colonel Gascoigne. The home features 19th century artwork as well as contemporary renderings in the mansion's Nightingale Gallery on the first level.
Accommodations are available at Bewley's Hotel, known to be the largest hotel in Leeds. The 334-room structure is close to the city centre and is conveniently situated to the Victoria Quarter shopping district, restaurants, and the cultural attractions in Millenium Square.
