Getting in touch with host city

The Rugby World Cup kicked off in London with England v Fiji, but another host city is gearing itself up for two big games.

Leeds will be the host on Saturday, September 26, to Canada v Italy and the following day for Scotland v USA.

But, what is there to do in Yorkshire's unofficial capital to keep visitors to the city entertained after and before the stage one matches? We went along to find out.

Both matches will be held at Elland Road – the home of Leeds United.

The boys went off to see Leeds United play while I settled into our hotel – the Double Tree by Hilton in the city centre.

The location of this hotel in Granary Wharf is ideal – it's just five minutes from the train station, there are lovely walks along the canal and restaurants and bars are on your doorstep.

It's also just a stone's throw from the city centre and that is one of the great things about Leeds it's all very compact and easy to navigate your way around.

The family room was contemporary with plenty of space. It had all the mod cons, including an Apple TV which our son quickly got to grips with.

While I waited for the boys, I caught the lift to floor 13 to the hotel's SkyLounge, which gives panoramic views of the city. And what better way to pass the time than have a cocktail while admiring the view and last of the sunshine.

Later that evening we went to Red's True Barbecue, which is just over the road from the Corn Exchange – an impressive Victorian building that now houses independent boutiques.

It describes itself as the Church of Real Barbecue. We have now been converted after we feasted on plates of smoked sticky chicken, prime USDA beef brisket and barbecue baby back ribs for the little man.

The waitress was excellent – she explained the menu really well to us novice 'disciples'.

The place was buzzing and we marvelled over some of the dishes brought out from the open kitchen.

After a refreshing night's sleep and a delicious breakfast at a table, where we overlooked the canal, we visited The Royal Armouries, in Leeds – a multi-million pound purpose-built museum that opened to the public in 1996.

The museum houses the largest collection of arms, armour and artillery in the UK and displays over 8,500 objects throughout its six themed galleries: War, Tournament, Oriental, Self-Defence, Hunting, and Peace.

Mike Broadley, from the education team, gave us a guided tour and I have never seen our son so 'excited' by history.

Mike took us through the ages, showing us displays such as a 3,000 year old Corinthian helmet to the armour of the First World War.

He entertained us with quirky tales as well as hard facts. A guided tour is a must in my view as there is so much more that you find out.

We later stayed for a talk by Mike on weapons used in First World War trench warfare and were later given the chance to handle the weapons.

The museum has plenty to keep the family entertained and it's also free. We also tried our hand at the crossbow (additional charge).

After the museum visit we strolled along the canal and to the shopping centre, which has wonderful arcades such as the Victorian Quarter with it abundance of designer shops and the largest stained glass window in Europe.

Once we had built up an appetite we went to Trinity Kitchen, which has meals from around the world.

The Kitchen has five new food vendors until October 18. They were all a little different with their caravans. Neil chose a home-made burger from KerbEdge and we went for meals from the existing Duck in a Roll.

Neil described his burger as 'quite wonderful' and we thoroughly enjoyed ours.

Leeds is such a diverse city with its culture, sport, food and shopping. Rugby is a great excuse to visit this wonderful place, but I don't think you need one.

Travel facts

The Bailey family stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel. Prices start from £69 per night, room only. See www.doubletree.hilton.com for offers. Entrance to The Royal Armouries is free. Guided tours are £3 per adults and free for under 16s. More information on

www.royalarmouries.org/events/events-at-fort-nelson/guided-tours

.