Leeds, England's third-largest city, sits at 41 meters (135 ft) above sea level in the Aire Valley of West Yorkshire. Surrounded by the Pennine hills to the north and west, Leeds has a distinctive hilly topography that rises sharply outside the city centre.
Key Facts at a Glance
| River Aire level | 22 m |
|---|---|
| Average city elevation | 41 m |
| Surrounding Pennines | 200–600 m |
| Coordinates | 53.8008° N, 1.5491° W |
| Country / Region | West Yorkshire, UK |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| City Centre / Riverside | 22–35 m |
| Headingley | 55–90 m |
| Roundhay | 55–80 m |
| Armley / Wortley | 40–80 m |
| Morley (south) | 150–200 m |
| Otley / Wharfedale (north) | 85–200 m |
Compare: Leeds and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Manchester | 38 m |
| Sheffield | 114 m |
| Bradford | 145 m |
| York | 17 m |
Interesting Facts About Leeds's Elevation
- Leeds sits in the Aire Valley, with the city centre at just 22–35 m above sea level, while outer suburbs climb into the Pennine foothills at 100–200 m.
- The Kirkstall Abbey ruins, to the northwest of Leeds centre, sit at about 50 m on a bend of the River Aire.
- Leeds is a major financial and legal centre in northern England and one of the UK's fastest-growing city economies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Leeds
What is the elevation of Leeds?
Leeds city centre sits at approximately 41 metres (135 feet) above sea level in the Aire Valley. Suburban areas rise much higher towards the Pennines.
Is Leeds hilly?
Yes, parts of Leeds are quite hilly. While the city centre in the valley is relatively flat, the northern and western suburbs rise steeply into the Pennine foothills.
Does Leeds flood?
Yes, the Aire River has caused significant flooding in Leeds. The 2015 Boxing Day floods were particularly severe, causing hundreds of millions of pounds of damage to the city centre.