A Guide to the 19 Best Day Trips from Leeds In 2023
Are you searching for the best day trips from Leeds? We have put together this list of the best days out from Leeds, whether you visit the countryside, cities, small villages and the coast. So whatever you fancy doing, there will be something you are interested in. What is remarkable is that these Leeds day trips are only a 2-hour train or a 2-hour drive from Leeds.
Better yet, most of the places we suggest are still in God’s Own Country, so if you are searching to explore more of Yorkshire – we have you covered too. Although, we do include some options in case you fancy exploring the UK beyond this great kingdom.
Are you interested in staying in Leeds? Please read: Free Things to do in Leeds or Places to Visit in Leeds.
Tips for Leeds day trips:
- If you plan to use trains for your Leeds day trips, try and book your trains in advance to save money. We use the Trainline to do this, as they usually have the best offers.
- The central train station in Leeds is Leeds Station. It is only a 4-minute walk from the city centre.
- Some of these places can get very busy during weekends, sunny days and school holidays. To have a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during the week (if possible).
What are the best day trips from Leeds by train?
York, Knaresborough, Scarborough, Harrogate, Skipton Manchester and Liverpool.
What are the best day trips from Leeds by car?
Yorkshire Dales, Fountains Abbey Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs, The Peak District, Whitby, and Haworth.
19 Best Day Trips from Leeds UK
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Distance from Leeds: 24 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 55 minutes
How lucky are the people of Leeds to have the magnificent Yorkshire Dales on their doorstep? There are incredible towns, villages and countryside to explore, that many others have to travel far too. Popular activities include visiting Aysgarth Falls, Malham Cove, Brimham Rocks and spending time enjoying the outdoors.
If you are looking for a challenge, you can conquer the Yorkshire Three Peaks – Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. It is 24 miles though and very popular!
Alternatively, you can head to the fabulous Ribblehead Viaduct.
Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs
Distance from Leeds: 70 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 1 hour 50-minutes
Flamborough Head is a popular Leeds day trip for coastal fresh air and a Yorkshire Coast walk. The landscape’s rugged cliffs are a phenomenal sight, and the area is famous for wildlife lovers — particularly those interested in seabird colonies. If you visit in May to October, you’re likely to see a range of birds, including gannets and puffins, overlooking the North Sea. It is amazing and photographing puffins is exciting, from spotting them, to capturing them in their glory!
Nearby, you can visit Bempton Cliffs, a reserve that protects more than 5km of the cliffs. The RSPB focuses on preserving the seabirds and educating people to support marine life and its environment. But, of course, it is a popular place for photographers too.
Tip: you can drive or go on a coastal walk between Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs.
Harrogate
Distance from Leeds: 15.5 miles
Train from Leeds: 35-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 30-minutes
Harrogate is a famous spa town in North Yorkshire and is an excellent choice for a day out from Leeds. Afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms is a must when visiting Harrogate. It is a sophisticated and traditional tea room that is extremely popular, and for a good reason. We recommend booking ahead of your visit. You can also visit the Royal Pump Room Museum, Royal Hall or watch a show at Harrogate Theatre.
Alternatively, you can go to the award winning Turkish Baths and get a massage or enjoy the steam and some tranquillity. Or you can get lost in the many independent shops, cafes, pubs on Cold Bath Road.
York
Distance from Leeds: 24-miles
Train from Leeds: 30-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 40-minutes
Visiting York is an excellent day trip from Leeds, due to its beautiful cobbled streets and wonderful historic atmosphere. The medieval city has so much to offer for a day out, and it is so compact and walkable that you can see so much in one day. So whether you’re after free things to do in York or you want to explore the museums or the 7th-century Gothic Cathedral, there will be something for you.
The city is charming and picturesque, and once you are finished marvelling at the Cathedral, you should head towards the iconic street – The Shambles. Does it remind you of Harry Potter?
You can also walk the Roman walls, walk along the river, wander around the markets, or head to the Jorvik Viking Centre or the National Railway Museum. There are so many things to do in York that we love revisiting time and time, as each season brings a new delight from the Christmas services in the Cathedral to the Halloween ghost tours to picnics in the museum gardens.
For more, please read: Free Things to do in York.
Whitby
Distance from Leeds: 72 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 1 hour 30-minutes
Whitby is a unique destination for a day trip from Leeds because it offers so much more than your usual seaside day trip. The town is excellent to explore for the day, with its cobbled streets and excellent fish and chip shops.
What is excellent about Whitby is its gothic charm that encompasses the town due to its links to Dracula. Visit Whitby Abbey to discover how it inspired Caedmon and Stoker. If that’s not your vibe, do not worry. Head to Whitby Distillery or go on a walk to feel the sea breeze on the Whitby Pavilion. Indeed, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Whitby, even if it rains (maybe).
The Peak District National Park
Distance from Leeds: Around 50-miles
Train from Leeds: Leeds to Hathersage is 1 hour 20-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 1 –hour – 2 hours (depending on where you go)
A fantastic day trip from Leeds is to the UK’s oldest national park – The Peak District. The Peak District offers fabulous hikes, outstanding scenery and quaint towns and villages to explore. The best time to go is late August to early September so that you will have excellent hiking conditions, and it is heather season, which means there is a blanket of purples. It is beautiful.
It is good to know that the Peak District covers 555 square miles, so it is pretty big. If you are visiting on a day out from Leeds, we recommend heading to Ladybower Reservoir, Bamford Edge or Mam Tor, so that you do not have to drive too far. If you are getting the train, you can get off at Hathersage and hike Stanage Edge, or you can get off at Edale and climb the mighty Kinder Scout. You can also explore Castleton and Edale if you do not fancy a hike.
For more, please read Ladybower Reservoir Walk, Stanage Edge Walk, Kinder Scout Walk and Bamford Edge Walk.
Knaresborough
Distance from Leeds: 18 miles
Train from Leeds: 50-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 30-minutes
The excellent market town of Knaresborough in North Yorkshire is perfect for a day out from Leeds. It is popular and can get busy (especially in summer). However, it will help satisfy that seaside desire without actually going to the beach. The grand viaduct is a landmark, and many tourists flock here to hire the rowing boats to row under the beautiful arches.
Other exciting things to do in Knaresborough include visiting the castle (the best views are from here), relaxing in Bebra Gardens and walking down the River Nidd. You can also see England’s oldest tourist attraction – Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well. After that, head to Mother Shipton’s Inn for a drink and enjoy the wonderful garden overlooking the river.
For more, please read: Best Things to do in Knaresborough.
Fountains Abbey
Distance from Leeds: 26 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 50-minutes
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens are an UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of two historical moments. In which medieval strength blends with the eccentricity of the 18th century create a stunning landscape filled with breathtaking views. It is one of the biggest and most well-preserved Cistercian monasteries in England, and there is a deer park you can visit too.
Otley Chevin Forest Park
Distance from Leeds: 10 miles
Bus from Leeds: X84 from Leeds – 1 hour 5-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 20-minutes
Located in the Wharfe Valley and perfect for those that don’t fancy a long drive or train road for a day trip from Leeds lies Otley Chevin, Forest Park. It is a nature reserve that overlooks Otley town and is popular with dog walkers, hikers and those seeking some outdoor fun.
You can expect to find exceptional views over the Wharfe Valley and woodland walking trails, as well as being home to an abundance of wildlife. You can go Geocaching or go orienteering, so it is a family-friendly day out close to the city. You cannot ask for more if you don’t want to venture out too far.
Manchester
Distance from Leeds: 45-miles
Train from Leeds: 55-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 55-minutes
Manchester is an exciting day trip from Leeds if you want to cross from White to Red. The city was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution but today is famous for its music, street art and football teams. There are many things to do in the city, so it will keep you busy all day whether you fancy learning at one of Manchester’s many museums, such as The National Football Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry or the Manchester Museum.
Alternatively, you can walk around the historic canals or go on a street art tour in the Northern Quarter (some great bars and restaurants here too). You can also walk around and admire the city’s architecture or feel the Harry Potter charm of John Rylands Library – there will be something to help you have the best day trip from Leeds.
For more, please read Free Museums in Manchester, Best Parks in Manchester and 24 hours in Manchester.
Liverpool
Distance from Leeds: 74 miles
Train from Leeds: 1 hour 50-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 1 hour 20-minutes
If you fancy a day trip out of Yorkshire, then head to Liverpool to see how the Scousers live for a day. We love spending a day in Liverpool because the city is alive with live music, there are world-class museums and over 2500 listed buildings. So you will have a memorable day out from Leeds in Liverpool, whether you fancy going Beatles sightseeing or you want to walk around somewhere new.
Some exciting things you can do include walking around the Royal Albert Docks, exploring the Cavern Quarter and going on the ferry across the Mersey. The museums you can visit are exceptional too, and these include the Merseyside Maritime Museum, The Beatles Story, the Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Liverpool.
Tip: the best places to eat and drink are the Baltic Triangle, Lark Lane and Bold Street.
For more, please read: Free Things to do in Liverpool and a Weekend in Liverpool Itinerary
Haworth
Distance from Leeds: 26 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 45 minutes
Haworth is a charming village that was once the home of the famous Bronte sisters. Whilst you are there, be sure to visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum and take a walk to the Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens on the beautiful rugged moors.
You should also make time to discover the main street and all of its independent shops and go to the Keighley Worth Railway Station – which was the station they used in the iconic film – The Railway Children. Visiting Harworth is an absolute delight.
Harewood House
Distance from Leeds: 9 miles
Bus from Leeds: Catch service 36 from Leeds City Centre. It takes around 50-minutes.
Drive time from Leeds: 25-minutes
A popular day out from Leeds is to Harewood House, a wonderful 18th-century house close to the city. It is one of England’s Treasure Houses, and visitors can expect a day full of fun. You can stroll around the gardens and grounds or explore the interior and see the rooms of the grand house.
You can also experience breathtaking views from its terraces or visit the Terrace Gallery. Alternatively, if you have children, you can take them to the large adventure playground, where they will have an unforgettable Leeds day trip too.
Scarborough
Distance from Leeds: 67 miles
Train from Leeds: 1 hour 25-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 1 hour-30-minutes
Add Scarborough to your list of day trips from Leeds. It is one of England’s most well-known seaside towns and is full of grand Victorian buildings to admire before you head to the beach or the Amusements.
Although the town is sometimes known for going into disrepair, there is something about Scarborough that is still magic. Maybe it is because you feel like a kid again? Or perhaps that you feel as though you have been transported back in time? The town still attracts people to have a fun day out of the city. The best things to do in Scarborough include visiting both the South Bay Beach and the North Bay Beach, eating fish and chips in the harbour, marvelling at Scarborough Castle and riding the Central Tramway!
Skipton
Distance from Leeds: 26 miles
Train from Leeds: 45-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 55-minutes
Skipton is one of the most beautiful villages in the UK. There are plenty of fantastic places to visit, including the market, one of the finest castles built in the mediaeval period, independent shopping, and a culinary paradise. You could easily stay for a long time in Skipton.
The name Skipton does not have anything to do with skipping. It is a reference to “Sheep Town” and refers to its past as well as trading the wool industry and its sheep.
Skipton continues to commemorate its rich history with the hosting of Skipton Sheep Day. It is an annual celebration which is held in July. Shearing shows, sheep racing and other events.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Distance from Leeds: 18.5 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 28-minutes
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is known to be the best sculpture park in the UK, and luckily it is less than half an hour from Leeds. The site is set over 500 acres of beautiful landscape and is constantly changing, adapting, and open almost every day of the year.
The best things to do are visiting the six indoor galleries, walking and discovering the sculptures, seeing the wildlife and having a picnic or coffee. You can also go on a free guided tour or have an afternoon tea, so there is something for everyone on a day out from Leeds to the YSP.
For more, please read The Yorkshire Sculpture Park – An Exciting Day Trip.
Bolton Abbey
Distance from Leeds: 23 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 45-miles
Escape the city life on your day trip from Leeds and feel like you have gone back in time with a day trip to Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire. There are 30,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, which means there is plenty of space to explore. You can go on a walk in the woods, visit the tearoom or take your picnic.
People love walking over the stepping stones, walking to Simon’s Seat, having ice cream and visiting the waterfall, and, of course, taking pictures of the abbey. You can do as many things as you like, or you can switch off and relax!
Sheffield
Distance from Leeds: 40 miles
Train from Leeds: 45-minutes
Drive time from Leeds: 50-miles
If you venture into South Yorkshire, you can visit Sheffield – the steel city – an excellent choice for your day trips from Leeds. Known today for its greenery as 61% of the city is green space. Some of the best things to do in Sheffield include admiring the Sheffield City Hall, exploring Winter Garden – which is home to 2,000 plants and visiting Kelham Island Museum.
If you want to visit a park, you can go to Endcliffe Park, Weston Park, or Sheffield Botanical Gardens. There is also a magnificent Cathedral and great shopping nearby at Meadowhall or Meadowhall shopping centre.
If you are into music, head to the Leadmill, a famous building known for outstanding live music and hosting comedy and cinema.
The Lake District
Distance from Leeds: 78 miles
Drive time from Leeds: 2-hours
The Lake District has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017 and is a thrilling option for days trips from Leeds for those seeking unforgettable outdoor fun and adventure. For hiking, you can tackle England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike, which is not as high as Ben Nevis in Scotland, but it is still challenging and rewarding.
Alternatively, you could visit England’s largest lake – Lake Windermere or one of its charming villages such as Grasmere (taste the Gingerbread) or Ambleside (hike to the waterfall). The Lake District National Park is so beautiful that a day trip will only give you a fraction of what it has to offer. Nevertheless, it is a great day trip from Leeds.
For more, please read: Things to do in Ambleside and the best walks from Ambleside.
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best day trips from Leeds. Well, some of them anyway, let us know what your favourite Leeds day out is in the comments, and we can add it to this ever-growing exciting list to help inspire others on their next adventure.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
