16 Of The Best Day Trips From Leeds

Are you looking for the best day trips from Leeds? Whether you’re looking for a city trip, a countryside walk or a day by the coast, Leeds is a great central location from which to enjoy day trips throughout the north of England. It’s one of the reasons I love living here!

Yes, Leeds is a great place and I fully recommend you spend a weekend here, but sometimes you just want to escape the city. These day trips are all accessible either by car, train, or coach and most are less than 2 hours away. This makes each and every one of these day trips from Leeds easy to do on a weekend!

Best Day Trips from Leeds By Train

Manchester, York, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Carlisle

Read More: Best Independent Coffee Shops In York

Best Day Trips from Leeds By Car

Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Peak District, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Flamborough Head, Staithes, Whitby.

Knaresborough

Distance from Leeds to Knaresborough: 18 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Knaresborough: 36 minutes

Time on train from Leeds to Knaresborough: 45 minutes

Knaresborough is a beautiful market town in North Yorkshire and around 30 minutes north of Leeds. 

A good year round destination thanks to Knaresborough Castle, Mother Shipton’s Cave and a good selection of coffee shops, I’d recommend visiting in summer as that’s when Knaresborough really comes into its own.

The atmosphere when you’re walking along the River Nidd feels very much like being on holiday when the sun is out. Everyone is enjoying an ice cream and people are out on the water enjoying the rowing boats – both activities I’d highly recommend.

You also have to make your way to the gardens of Knaresborough Castle. This is where you’ll find that classic Instagram shot of the grand viaduct!

Manchester

Distance from Leeds to Manchester: 44 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Manchester: 1 hour 9 minutes

Time on train from Leeds to Manchester: 52 minutes

Manchester very much makes me feel like I’m in the London of the North when I visit. There’s great theatres, cool bars, great museums and art galleries and top restaurants and hotels. Everything you’d need for a good day out.

Visit the Science and Industry Museum and the John Rylands Library. Enjoy the street art and independent coffee shops of the Northern Quarter. Check out views across Manchester from the rooftop of 20 Stories, complete with a fancy cocktail in hand. 

And if you want to shop until you drop, Manchester is the place to do it with all your high street shops as well as a Selfridges for those extra special purchases.

York

Distance from Leeds to York: 29 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to York: 43 minutes

Time on train from Leeds to York: 27 minutes

What can I say about York? It’s one of my favourite cities, if not my favourite city, in the UK. 

I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time here and every time I visit I discover something new. Enjoy the Roman and Viking history of York by taking a walk along the city walls, or visiting York Minster or the newly renovated Clifford’s Tower.

If history isn’t your thing, maybe you like chocolate? York has a huge history in making chocolate and you can learn about this at York’s Chocolate Story – samples are included along the tour!

There’s also a huge selection of independent shops and bars in York so you can easily spend your day eating, shopping and drinking your way around the city on streets like Fossgate, The Shambles, Low Petergate and Stonegate. If you enjoy a good pub too, York is said to have enough pubs and bars to keep you occupied for each day of the year! Does anyone have a checklist?!

There are also plenty of coffee shops in York if the weather isn’t suitable for a beer garden. And if you want to visit York on a budget, check out these free things to do in York for a good value trip to this beautiful city.

Top tip: If you’re driving into York, use the Park and Ride. It’s so much easier than parking in the centre of York where parking spaces can be very limited on a busy weekend.

Malham Cove

Distance from Leeds to Malham Cove: 38 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Malham Cove: 1 hour 18 minutes

Malham Cove was voted the third best walk in the UK. And let me tell you, it’s well deserving of that bronze medal. In my eyes, it’s deserving of a gold medal. I love this walk so much because once you’ve got past the steep steps up the side of Malham Cove, the rest of the walk is fairly steady. 

Walk along the limestone pathway, you might recognise this scene from one of the Harry Potter films, along to Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss. Janet’s Foss on a warm day is a particularly pleasant place for a refreshing dip!

Read More: An Easy Guide To The Malham Cove Circular Walk In The Yorkshire Dales

The walk will take around 3 hours but can be extended to include Malham Tarn. When you’re back in Malham village, take a wander around and maybe stop at a pub for a drink or two. Alternatively, grab an ice cream and sit outside near the Lister Arms and rest those feet for a bit!

Harrogate

Distance from Leeds to Harrogate: 15 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Harrogate: 33 minutes

Time on train from Leeds to Harrogate: 34 minutes

This gorgeous spa town is easily accessible by train if you’re looking for a great day trip from Leeds.

Book yourself into the Turkish Baths Harrogate in the town centre, the UK’s most fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths. Enjoy some rest and relaxation in the hot rooms before rejuvenating yourself in the cold plunge pool. Repeat until your spa treatment or until you’re ready to head back out into the real world.

When you are ready to leave, head to the legendary and iconic Bettys Tearoom for afternoon tea. Alternatively, stop by their shop to pick up a cake for when you’re home.

Whitby

Distance from Leeds to Whitby: 76 miles
Time to drive from Leeds to Whitby: 1 hour 36 minutes

Whitby, one of Yorkshire’s most popular coastal destinations, is a great day trip from Leeds.

As its on the North Sea, Whitby is a great place to learn how to surf if you fancy a tumble in the waves.

Alternatively, explore the town’s gothic history by climbing the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey. This ruin is said to be the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

If this spooky tale isn’t for you though, maybe Whitby Brewery can tempt you up the 199 steps? Or why not explore the independent shops dotted along the cobbled streets or walk along the harbour walls for incredible views back to the terracotta rooftops of Whitby. 

One thing you have to do in Whitby is grab a portion of fish and chips. Enjoy a portion while you’re walking along beach, just watch out for the seagulls!

Robin Hood’s Bay

Distance from Leeds to Robin Hood’s Bay: 79 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Robin Hood’s Bay: 1 hour 42 minutes

Robin Hood’s Bay is a great add on to a day trip to Whitby. It’s only a few miles down the road and makes the perfect pit stop before you head home. It’s a photogenic little place with narrow alleys and old, pretty buildings that many, many years ago used to be a haven for smugglers.

When you arrive, stop at the top of Robin Hood’s Bay before making the steep walk down the cobbled hill to the sea. If the tide is out, Robin Hood’s Bay is a great place to enjoy rock pooling. Look out for fossils too! This part of the coast is famous for finding relics of the past. 

If you didn’t pick up some fish and chips in Whitby, you could stop for tea at the Bay Hotel, the end of Coast to Coast trail.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Distance from Yorkshire Sculpture Park: 19 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Yorkshire Sculpture Park: 30 minutes

If you’re into art and sculpture, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a day trip from Leeds. A combination of outdoor and indoor galleries, the Yorkshire sculpture park is set in over 500 acres of 18th century landscape in the Yorkshire countryside. 

With exhibitions that change regularly throughout the year, it’s likely you’ll see something new even if you’ve already visited.

Winter visits offer wild walks throughout the park and the indoor galleries are the perfect place to shelter if the weather draws in. In the summer, bring a picnic and spend hours wandering the grounds finding sculptures from Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Antony Gormley and so many more. 

There are several food outlets in the park or you can bring a picnic if the weather is nice. However, if you can, I’d recommend booking a table at The Weston. The food here is incredible and makes a good place to enjoy breakfast or lunch in the light and airy surroundings.

Top tip: Book ahead to get a ticket for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. This can easily be done online and parking is included with your entry to the park.

Read More: 10 Reasons To Visit The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Langsett Reservoir

Distance from Leeds to Langsett Reservoir: 35 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Langsett Reservoir: 46 minutes

On the edge of the Peak District, Langsett Reservoir is an easily accessible countryside escape from the city. There are two walks you can do around Langsett Reservoir, both fairly steady and ideal for a Sunday morning stroll. 

Park up in the free car park and enjoy a 3.5 mile walk which consists of woodland paths, street walking and slightly rocky moorland trails. You’ll get beautiful views over the reservoir and if you want to extend your walk, you can take a bigger loop to make the route 5.3 miles.

Grab a refreshment at the end of your walk from Bank View Cafe where you’ll find cakes, coffees and hot meals. Alternatively, take the 15 minute drive to Yummy Yorkshire for some delicious ice cream! 

Staithes

Distance from Leeds to Staithes: 86 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Staithes: 33 minutes

Time on train from Leeds to Harrogate: 1 hour 41 minutes

Oh Staithes, you beauty. What a gorgeous spot on the east coast of the UK this is. Nestled in a cove on the east coast, beautiful views of Staithes terracotta roofs can be seen from the cliff tops.

Walk along the harbour walls, take a walk through the streets and narrow alleyways, and stop for food at the Cod and Lobster. When the sun is out, or even if it’s not, try and get a seat outside for a delicious lunch by the sea.

If you’re wanting to see a bit more of the local area, why not park up at a place slightly further down the coast called Port Mulgrave. From here you can take a 30 minute walk on the Cleveland Way to Staithes. The scenery is gorgeous and it just adds an estra bit of fun on your day trip from Leeds.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Distance from Leeds to Yorkshire Dales National Park: 35 miles (depending on destination)

Time to drive from Leeds to Yorkshire Dales National Park: 1 hour 9 minutes (depending on destination)

I could list several places in the Yorkshire Dales National Park that are perfect for day trips from Leeds. In fact, some are worth their own individual mention – Malham Cove and Grassington are just a couple of my favourite places in the Dales.

But explore a little further, go to Hawes and visit the Wensleydale Creamery, climb the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, or take a leisurely walk around the Aysgarth Waterfalls. You can’t possibly see it all in one day so you’ll just have to take several day trips. That’s not a bad thing if you ask me!

You can even get the Leeds to Carlisle Train and travel up to Carlisle, meaning you can experience the Yorkshire Dales from a completely different view point.

Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs

Distance from Leeds to Flamborough: 72 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Flamborough: 1 hour 37 minutes

If you’re looking for a circular walk that takes in woodland, coastal paths and a bit of beach time, then look no further. Park up at Flamborough Head, by the lighthouse, and get started on this 7 mile walk via North Landing beach and Flamborough Village.

As you’re walking along the coast, look out along the chalk cliffs for variety of wildlife and birds. I know when I did this walk I was lucky enough to see a barn owl swoop by, deer in the fields and seals in the water but you might also spot puffins and other sea birds if you’re lucky!

Bempton Cliffs is also worth a visit while you’re at Flamborough Head. This RSPB Nature Reserve is home to over half a million seabirds between March and October. It provides quite the spectacle!

Brimham Rocks

Distance from Leeds to Brimham Rocks: 24 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Brimham Rocks: 53 minutes

Brimham Rocks is a fun place for a day trip from Leeds. And you honestly have to see it to believe it’s real. Formed way before dinosaurs even roamed the earth – around 100 million years before – Brimham Rocks was formed by a giant river.

These days, it looks like huge rocks have just been piled on top of each other and plonked into the Yorkshire Dales. And it makes the perfect natural playground for clambering and climbing. It’s worth saying you do have to be careful as the rocks can be slippy but this place brings out the big kid in everyone. 

Explore a little further and take a stroll on the heather filled moors, a site of special scientific interest!

Holmfirth

Distance from Leeds to Holmfirth: 27 miles

Time to drive from Leeds to Holmfirth: 48 minutes

Near Huddersfield, and nestled in the Pennine Hills, the market town of Holmfirth is Last Of The Summer Wine country. Yes that’s right, the British sitcom was filmed in and around Holmfirth. If you’re a fan, you can take a 45 minute tour on the Summerwine Magic Bus to visit all the famous locations.

If you just want to explore Holmfirth though, spend your day at pubs and breweries such as The Nook Brewhouse and Magic Rock Taproom. Good food can be found at places like Lou & Joe’s Burger or Hollowgate Fisheries. And make sure you stop by Bluebird Bakery for cake and Lick for fresh, dairy-free, vegan ice cream!

London

Distance from Leeds to London: 195 miles

Train time from Leeds to London: 2 hours 16 minutes

London might not first come to mind for a day trip from Leeds, but it is only just over 2 hours away by train. So if you go early, and get the train back in the evening, you can have a great day out in the big city!

It’s worth booking in advance to ensure you get the best price train ticket. You might also want to plan your day to make sure you get the most out of your trip.

But what will you do? Well you can tour the museums, enjoy the food markets, enjoy a boat ride down the River Thames, the options are endless! 

The Peak District

Distance from Leeds to The Peak District: 51 miles (depending on destination)

Time to drive from Leeds to The Peak District: 1 hour 21 minutes (depending on destination)

Designated in 1951, The Peak District is the UK’s oldest National Park and oh boy, is it a  beauty. 

Covering 555 square miles, there’s so much to explore here. Drive through Winnat’s Pass and spend the day in Castleton with a walk to Lose Hill and Mam Tor to blow off the cobwebs. Visit Chatsworth House and its beautiful gardens. This place is especially beautiful at Christmas when the house is decorated for the festive season. Enjoy some time in the market town of Bakewell and try a Bakewell Tart from one of the local bakeries. You can take a circular walk at Bamford Edge for views over Ladybower Reservoir. Or why not take a swim Hathersedge Swimming Pool’s heated lido?

Other Day Trips From Leeds:

As well as the day trips mentioned above, here are some other options for day trips from Leeds if you’re looking for a good day out. Many include beautiful walks, some are perfect for day drinking (hello, Hebden Bridge) and others are fab places to spend some time with family and friends.

Sheffield, Hebden Bridge, Halifax, Haworth, Grassington, Ilkley, The Lake District, Settle, Aysgarth Falls, Harewood House, Runswick Bay, Bolton Abbey, Malton, Scarborough, Saltaire, Otley Chevin Country Par, and Carlisle.

What suggestions do you have for day trips from Leeds? I’d love to know if there’s any you’d add to this list!