Walk along Oxford Road from the city centre and take the scenic route AND its a short cut to the…read moredrudgery of the John Rylands University Library and you'll find the Old Quadrangle. The buildings around the Old Quadrangle are designed in a gothic style, truly stunning. You'll often find the random tourist or keen photographer lurking around, snapping away and admiring the architecture. The John Owens Building was the first building to be built back in 1873! and the others were added over the next thirty years. In fact, the Rear Quadrangle is older than the Old Quadrangle. Today, the museum continues to occupy part of one side (including the tower) and the grand setting of the Whitworth Hall is used at graduation (I can't wait!) Part of the old Christie Library (1898) now houses Christie's Bistro, a very grand cafe (see review) perfect for a little get away from the student lounges. Unfortunately the grandeur of the buildings are kept under wraps for all the adminstrative goings on at the uni, the Chancellor and all the important people. I encourage to definitely take the scenic route, possibly park yourself on a bench and admire spring through the well kept flower pots and plantation.

The city of Leeds has so much to offer that is it difficult to sometimes look just that little bit…read morefurther. However, there are some sparkling gems that deserve to be travelled for. The Worth valley Railway is one of those attractions. Amid the enchanting hills of Haworth it lies and is an obvious train lover's haven. Now I don't have my anorak or NHS glasses on for this one as it really has so much more appeal than to just those really into their locomotives. It's a sublime steam railway and is probably best known for the starring role it played in the film, the Railway Children. Yes feel free to run by the side of the line with knickers on your head shouting "my daddy, my daddy". That's one for people who have seen said film me thinks. It is yesteryear transport and the stations are still decked in old regalia and have a wonderful ye olde feel to them. It is like a trip back into time and a time that seemed wholesome and exciting. The train rides themselves aren't the worlds longest adventure and cost a reasonable sum but it's well worth it to take in all the hills and valley's. You'll also find a real ale bar on some of them so you can sip away whilst taking it all in. Throughout the year they have numerous events on that adds to the appeal. Special highlights include the Santa Specials and 1940s weekend. Be warned though, it does get very busy so booking is advisable. A brilliant day out for everyone from the little nippers to grandma. Horn honking good fun.

I actually had the privelige to go on the steam train through bronte country over the bank holiday…read morewhen the weather was superb and I have to say its one of the best things I've done in a long time. For those who can't get to London to experience the actual Hogwarts express, the steam train provides a great substitute, and joked to my partner I was only missing a snowy owl :P I can see that when weather isn't too good it can be a bit of a dull journey but as the weather was lovely we were able to hang our heads out of the window and had an awesome time I'd reccomend this to anyone, kids and adults alike will love it! Not to mention, the scenery is beautiful! But if your coming up to Yorkshire, at least give it a bash, even if its for one return journey to Haworth (definetley worth visiting!!)

For students at Leeds Uni the Parkinson steps (often abbreviated to 'Parkie steps') are the perfect…read moremeeting place because everyone knows where they are. And for anyone else, the building is notable by the fact you can see its clock tower from almost anywhere in Leeds, so if it was a convenient place to meet it would be easy to direct anyone there. The building itself is striking and grand and the chunky stone staircase adds gravitas to its entrance. It's rare (other than in summer) to see the steps and the area around them without a good few students sat smoking, chatting or waiting for a friend. Flyerers often dominate the nearby pavement, especially in fresher's week, promoting the latest club night or students' drinks offers. This hustle and bustle could probably lead non-students to stick firmly to the opposite side of the street, but it's intriguing to think that this busy, jovial atmosphere has been present here since the fifties when the Parkinson building was built. It has also been the setting of many a student demonstration over the years, providing a grand focal point visible to the general public in which many issues have been raised through a variety of simple protests and creative, theatrical and attention-grabbing stunts. I suspect it will remain a hub of student life for many decades, or even centuries to come!

Well. These steps are an iconic part of Leeds, it has to be said. My first instance of sitting upon…read moretheir solid blocks was during my freshers week, as it is most students who arrive in Leeds, at the start of the freshers ball. The only two icons that I knew to look for at the time were the "yellow boat on the grass" (Drydock) and the Parkinson steps. Not a bad place at all, if you need a little recuperation. Good times! This is of course a standard meet up for many newcomers to Leeds and serves many as a decent lunch spot, weather permitting, although realistically there's not a whole lot more can be said than that. The building itself is a lovely structure, and with so many delightful indie coffee shops and eateries nearby this is the perfect place to come and have a good procrastinate, with book or similar. It also makes a distinctly more comfortable waiting spot for the buses to arrive, and can oft be seen seating many an unbrushed stude with papers or friends.

On a lazy Sunday there's nothing I like better than putting on my coat and scarf and going for a…read morewalk along one of the two canals that are near my house. One of these is the Ashton Canal. The canal goes from the Piccadilly Basin and then east out of the city. It's a really pleasant walk, going through nice riverside apartment complexes taking in a bit of the history of Ancoats. The whole area used to be full of old Victorian mills and terraced housing from the industrial revolution. Only a portion of that history remains, with much of it having been demolished during the 20th century. However, what does remain is often being converted into new apartment buildings. Follow the Ashton Canal further out of Manchester and you really do get out into the countryside. It's perfect for a summer's cycle ride that can start right from the heart of Manchester.

I may not be done with my history or at least industrial history but I'm always eager to learn new…read morethings. Maybe pole dancing excluded, although I am an open minded person so bring it on. Now the Piece Hall is a little nugget of history right on our doorsteps. Dating from 1779, the unique Grade 1 listed Piece Hall in the centre of Halifax is the sole survivor of the great 18th century northern cloth halls. What a stunning site it is too. It'd be worth a visit alone to find out about its history and have a look at it's expanse of pillars and brick but it is also home to many shops on the ground and first floor. You'll find clothes shops selling urban street and also second hand vintage. I like to loose myself to the big kid in me and explore the comic store. For gifts, try the Silver Shop and there is even a stamp place for all you budding collectors out there. Oh and don't get me started on the chocolate and sweet shops or else I may implode. For some double trouble of history and shopping it's an obvious choice.

Full of history and quirky shops, great for finding that unique gift for relatives and friends…read more Always something new to see.

I am trying to source a book on Moston written by Father Brian Steele…read more My father and his family were parishioners of St Dunstans but often attended mass at St. John Vianneys. My fathers family were ( famine Irish) My father was born in 1914 the year the great war commenced. I would dearly love to purchase a copy of this book. I thank you in anticipation. Marie Therese Barry Russell

Well wasn't that just the perfect way to waste half an hour in work! These photos are all…read moreincredible, good effort Yelpers! I was born in Manchester and up until very recently have never even though about moving anywhere else. I genuinely believe its one of the best cities in the world. Whether you're 9 or 90, Manchester has everything you'll even need. Famed for it's football, music and industrial heritage, Manchester is also widely recognised for it's shopping, nightlife, entertainment, diverse eateries and library/museums. It literally has everything, you'll never be bored here, and at the minute, its over run by PokeMon!! :P Its not dubbed the Capital of the North for nothing!

Manchester is one of my favourite places in the world. It has everything a major city has & more…read moreMusic, History, Artitecture, Fashion & a friendly presence. The diverse cultures & society's are what makes Manchester unique. We serve the best Caribbean food (Chorlton) Indian (Curry Mile) Chinese (China Town) & Fish & Chips (Liverpool Street) what more could you ask for ? We have some of the most recognisable people on this earth studied, worked or were born here (Alan Turing, Benedict Cumberbatch, Professor Brian Cox, Tony Wilson, Julie Walters) the list goes on... Manchester has everything & I am proud to live & work here. We also attract the best too :)

Castlefield Arena, next door to the brilliant Museum of Science and Industry, is a stone…read moreampitheatre, nestled amongst viaducts and the nearby Roman gardens and fort. This big space has hosted the sadly departed dPercussion festival, as well as allowing visitors to watch live music and film. More recently, there's been a big screen here showing World Cup matches and with the typical chip vans and beer tents, it really is a great outdoor venue. One minus point is that this space is not used as frequently as it might. The seating itself is covered, like a mini-version of Bayern Munich's old studium, which is difficult to explain unless you already know what I'm talking about. Castlefield Arena is a stones throw from a couple of decent pubs, should you want a quick ale before going to an event. The nearby White Lion and Cask are boozers of note. This space recently held the tribute show for Frank Sidebottom (Frank's Fantastic Farewell) which saw 5000+ making their way to watch films, animations and live music. A perfect and quirky venue.

Wandering around Castlefield to stumble upon this is quite a surprise but a lovely one at that. I…read morewouldn't have quite placed a ampitheatre here but thinking about the Roman theme with the Ruins set back further, it's perfect. There's something quite peaceful about sitting on the steps and stating out onto the canal and watching peopel on the boats and wondering what life would be like touring the canal systems of England. A little dream which leads me to nostalgia and memories of Rosie and Jim. Anyway there was a strange vibe of the thought that inspiration takes place on these steps. As I was taking in my surroundings, a group of goths were showcasing their juggling skills on stage. Pretty impressive. It's nice to come here and sit and ponder. A great piece of Manchester.