County Arcade at Victoria Quarter
Victorian elegance meets luxury retail in Leeds' most architecturally stunning shopping arcade.
County Arcade is a stunning Victorian shopping arcade in Leeds city centre, built in 1898 and now part of the prestigious Victoria Quarter. This Grade II* listed arcade features ornate mosaics, wrought-iron details, and a magnificent vaulted glass ceiling with mosaic figures representing Liberty, Commerce, Labour and Art. Home to luxury boutiques and designer brands, it exemplifies Leeds' role as a pioneer of covered shopping arcades and remains one of the finest examples of Victorian retail architecture in Britain.
A brief summary to County Arcade
- Victoria Quarter, 10 Queen Victoria St, Leeds, LS1 6BE, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 9 am-7 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for a serene experience with fewer crowds. The arcade's architectural details are best appreciated when you can move unhurried through the space and admire the ornate ceilings and mosaics.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning stained-glass roof and Victorian details. The interplay of natural light through the glass ceiling creates exceptional photography opportunities throughout the day.
- Take time to look upward and examine the decorative elements often missed by hurried shoppers: the mosaic figures, iron arches, ornamental railings, and the intricate tilework that showcase Victorian craftsmanship.
- Combine your visit with exploration of the adjacent Cross Arcade and Queen Victoria Street's stained-glass canopy, which together form the complete Victoria Quarter experience and showcase different eras of architectural design.
- Check opening hours before visiting, as individual boutiques may have varying schedules. The arcade itself is accessible during shopping centre hours, but specific stores may close earlier or have seasonal variations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Leeds city centre is well-served by buses and trains. From Leeds Train Station, the walk to County Arcade takes approximately 10–15 minutes heading northwest through the city centre. Multiple bus routes serve the city centre with stops on Briggate and nearby streets; journey times from outer areas typically range from 15–30 minutes depending on origin. Day tickets and weekly passes offer good value for frequent travel.
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On Foot
County Arcade is located in the heart of Leeds city centre at 10 Queen Victoria Street, making it highly accessible on foot from most central locations. From the city's main shopping streets (Briggate, The Headrow), the walk takes 5–10 minutes. The arcade is clearly signposted and forms part of the larger Victoria Quarter complex, which is impossible to miss in the city centre.
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Car and Parking
Multiple car parks serve the Victoria Leeds complex, including a multi-storey car park integrated into the Victoria Gate development adjacent to County Arcade. Parking charges apply; typical rates range from £1.50–£3.00 per hour depending on duration and car park tier. On-street parking is limited in the city centre. The postcode LS1 6BE can be entered into navigation systems for direct routing.
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Cycling
Leeds city centre has cycle lanes and facilities. Bike racks are available near the Victoria Quarter, and the compact city centre layout makes cycling a practical option for reaching the arcade from nearby areas. Journey times from surrounding neighbourhoods typically range from 10–20 minutes depending on distance and route.
County Arcade location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about County Arcade
A Victorian Masterpiece of Commerce and Craftsmanship
County Arcade stands as one of Leeds' most celebrated architectural achievements, built between 1897 and 1900 as part of a transformative civic vision. Designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham—the visionary behind London's Coliseum and over 200 theatres worldwide—the arcade was constructed over the old White Horse Yard as part of the Leeds Estate Company's ambitious redevelopment of Briggate. The two-storey structure represents the pinnacle of late Victorian retail design, combining functional shopping spaces with theatrical grandeur that reflected the aspirations of a city newly granted official status. The arcade's most striking feature is its richly decorated interior, crowned by a vaulted glass ceiling adorned with mosaic figures that embody the values of the Victorian era: Liberty, Commerce, Labour, and Art. These symbolic representations underscore the building's role not merely as a commercial space but as a statement of civic pride and industrial prosperity. The ornate stonework, decorative iron pillars, and classical proportions create an atmosphere of refined elegance that transports visitors back to an era when shopping was conceived as a leisured, almost ceremonial experience.From Slum Clearance to Luxury Retail
The construction of County Arcade was part of a broader urban regeneration strategy that transformed Leeds' city centre. The site had previously been occupied by slum housing and working-class yards, which the municipal government identified for redevelopment in 1896. By replacing these structures with covered shopping arcades, Leeds pioneered a new model of urban retail that protected shoppers from the weather while creating a controlled, aspirational environment for commerce. The arcade was designed to serve the city's growing middle classes, who increasingly had disposable income for luxury goods—jewellery, silverware, designer furniture, and musical instruments—that demanded elegant surroundings. When the original Empire Theatre, which had formed the focal point of Matcham's civic complex, was demolished in the 1960s, it was replaced by a branch of Harvey Nichols, which opened in 1996 as the first location of this luxury department store outside London. This transition marked a continuation of the arcade's evolution as a premier destination for high-end shopping, cementing its status as the heart of Leeds' luxury retail district.Architectural Splendour and Historic Recognition
The Grade II* listing of County Arcade reflects its exceptional architectural and historical significance. The structure exemplifies the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of the Victorian era, with every element—from the cast-iron railings to the glazed roof panels—meticulously designed and executed. The arcade's design draws inspiration from continental European models, particularly the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, which Matcham and the Leeds Estate Company sought to emulate. Today, the arcade is widely regarded as the world's second-most beautiful shopping centre, a testament to the enduring appeal of its design. The 1990 restoration and redevelopment programme, which created the modern Victoria Quarter, preserved the arcade's historic character while integrating it with contemporary retail spaces. The project earned the Leeds Award for Architecture in 1991 and the Civic Trust Award, recognising it as an exemplar of contextual urban regeneration. In 2013, the Victoria Quarter received another Leeds Architecture Award for its ongoing contribution to the city's architectural and cultural landscape.A Living Gallery of Luxury and Design
Today, County Arcade houses an curated selection of luxury boutiques and designer brands, from established names like Louis Vuitton and Mulberry to independent jewellers and specialist retailers. The arcade's sophisticated ambiance—enhanced by its soaring ceilings, ornamental details, and carefully controlled retail environment—creates an experience that transcends ordinary shopping. Visitors are invited to linger, to admire the architecture, and to appreciate the craftsmanship evident in both the building and the merchandise it contains. The arcade remains a destination for those who value quality, heritage, and aesthetic refinement, attracting both serious shoppers and architecture enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holy Trinity Church
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The Talbot Hounds Fountain
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Leeds War Memorial
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Civic Hall
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Willow Tree
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Unmissable attractions to see
Victoria Leeds
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Queens Arcade
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Leeds Kirkgate Market
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City Varieties Music Hall
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Britain's longest-running music hall, where Victorian charm meets contemporary entertainment.
Thornton's Arcade
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Ivanhoe Clock Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds.
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Grand Arcade Clock, Leeds
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Central Arcade
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The Core
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Leeds Corn Exchange
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Dortmund Square
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Time Ball Buildings
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Trinity Leeds
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Jonny's Pitch
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Janie Marie Swann Memorial Bench
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Essential places to dine
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The Man Behind The Curtain
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The Ivy Asia Leeds
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The Cut & Craft Leeds
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Ox Club
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Thai a Roy Dee
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Casa Leeds
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Zaap Thai Street Food Leeds
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Chef Jono at V&V
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Lost & Found Leeds Club
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Eat Your Greens
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Angelica & Crafthouse
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Bill's Leeds Restaurant
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The Botanist Trinity Leeds
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The Swine That Dines
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cow Vintage
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Anthropologie
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Open Lifestyle Store
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Intrigue Fashion
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Montblanc Boutique Leeds
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John Lewis & Partners
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Pop Boutique
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Blue Rinse
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Tomorrow Store
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Yellow Sunrise
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The Allotment Store
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Grand Arcade
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BEST
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Headrow House
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North Bar
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MOJO
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The Alchemist Trinity
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The Shed Bar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
