15 Best Day Trips from Leeds to Do in 2024
We’ve rounded up the best day trips from Leeds to inspire you to get out and see more of the north east of England. From cities to beaches to breweries, here’s how to spend your days off…
With over 400 acres of parks and gardens, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of historical sights to explore, there are so many things to see and do in Leeds, but if you’re looking for some fresh air and a change of scenery, we’ve found the best day trips from Leeds for you.
From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales to the seaside towns of Whitby and Scarborough, here are some of our favourites Leeds day out.
- Best Day Trips from Leeds
- 1. Leeds to Haworth
- 2. Leeds to Manchester
- 3. Leeds to Diggerland Yorkshire
- 4. Leeds to the Yorkshire Dales
- 5. Leeds to Harrogate
- 5. Leeds to Derby
- 6. Leeds to Scarborough
- 7. Leeds to Grimsby
- 9. Leeds to York Brewery
- 10. Leeds to Hull
- 11. Leeds to Ilkley Moor
- 12. Leeds to Nidderdale
- 13. Leeds to Bradford
- 14. Leeds Country Way
- 15. Golden Acre Park
- Day trips from Leeds
Best Day Trips from Leeds
If you want to plan a day out from Leeds, here are our top choices…
1. Leeds to Haworth
Home to the Brontë sisters, Haworth is a charming village nestled in the Yorkshire Dales. The Bronte Parsonage Museum is well worth a visit, as is the quaint and atmospheric churchyard.
If you love literature, you’ll want to make a trip to Haworth. The Brontë Parsonage Museum features preserved artefacts from her life and writing career. You can even stay in one of Haworth’s famous parsonage rooms.
2. Leeds to Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and makes for a great day out from Leeds. Art lovers will want to visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery, while music fans can check out some of the best live music venues in the world.
If you’re looking for a bit of history, there are plenty of sights to see, including the Town Hall, the John Rylands Library, and Castlefield Roman Ruins. Manchester is also home to some of the best shopping in the UK. There’s something for everyone with a mix of high-end boutiques and popular chain stores.
There are also some really great towns around Manchester that are worth a visit, and could make for a more unique day out from Leeds.
3. Leeds to Diggerland Yorkshire
If you have kids Diggerland Yorkshire is a must-visit. This attraction is home to over 20 different rides and attractions themed around construction vehicles. You can drive diggers, operate cranes, and even ride in a giant dump truck. Diggerland Yorkshire is perfect for a day out with the family, especially if you’re looking for days out for toddlers.
4. Leeds to the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales are a beautiful area of England that’s perfect for a day trip. With rolling hills, quaint villages, and plenty of places to hike and explore, the Yorkshire Dales is a nature lover’s paradise. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Yorkshire, and it’s just a short drive from Leeds. The park is home to stunning scenery, and there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore. You can also take a boat trip on one of the many lakes or go wildlife watching, searching for red deer, otters, and badgers.
If you want to get out and explore, there are plenty of options, but be sure to check out the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a challenging hike that takes you to the summit of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
5. Leeds to Harrogate
Just a short drive from Leeds, Harrogate is a charming town with plenty to offer visitors if you’re looking for a day trip from Leeds. With a mix of independent shops and high-end boutiques, there’s lots to see in Harrogate. There are some wonderful historical sights to explore, the Royal Pump Room and Bettys Tea Rooms are both worth a visit. Harrogate is also home to the Great Yorkshire Showground, which hosts events throughout the year, including the traditional Great Yorkshire Show.
Harrogate is a spa town just a short train ride from Leeds for a day out. The town is renowned for its beautiful gardens, including the Valley Gardens. You can also explore the town’s many independent shops or dip in the famous Harrogate Turkish Baths. Harrogate makes for a great day out.
5. Leeds to Derby
The city of Derby is full of history and culture. There’s plenty to see and do with attractions like the Derby Cathedral and Derby Museum and Art Gallery in this vibrant city. If you’re looking for some shopping, Derby is also home to a number of popular high-street stores and independent boutiques, as well as the huge Westfield Centre. There’s also a great nightlife scene in Derby, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
6. Leeds to Scarborough
Scarborough is a seaside town that’s perfect for a day trip from Leeds.
With a wide beach, a pier, and plenty of places to eat and drink, there’s something for everyone in Scarborough. The Scarborough offers various options, including the Castle Museum and North Bay Railway. It is also home to some of the best seafood in the UK. So be sure to try some fish and chips from one of the local restaurants.
A visit to Scarborough is one of the best days out in Yorkshire.
7. Leeds to Grimsby
Located about 90 minutes to the north of Leeds by train, Grimsby is a scenic fishing village that’s home to both a castle and a bustling marina. It’s also where you’ll find Grimsby Fish Market, offering a unique thing to do in northern England! So if you enjoy seafood, definitely plan on stopping in for lunch or dinner. A visit to Grimsby will also give you a chance to explore one of England’s best-preserved historic centres. Many medieval buildings still stand within the city limits today.
9. Leeds to York Brewery
If you’re a beer lover, York Brewery is a must-visit. This brewery is home to a wide variety of Yorkshire’s craft beers, and you can sample them all in the on-site tap room. The brewery also offers tours of their brewing facilities to see how your favourite beers are made, from traditional ales to modern IPAs. Spending the entire day here maybe asking for trouble, so maybe explore beautiful York for the day and then head over!
10. Leeds to Hull
Hull is a great place to visit for family day trips during half term. It has one of England’s most amazing aquariums, which are free to get into for residents with a Freedom Pass. The aquariums have different zones, including a rainforest and coral reef. There’s also an interactive play zone for the children and a 4D cinema.
If you’re looking for something else to do, Hull has a number of other attractions, including admiring the Humber Bridge, the Deep Aquarium, and Wilberforce House.
11. Leeds to Ilkley Moor
Just a short train ride from Leeds, Ilkley Moor is one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landscapes and makes for a great day trip from Leeds. This stunning stretch of moorland is perfect for walking and hiking, and there are plenty of marked trails to follow. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Ilkley Moor Crazy Golf Course, which is hidden away amongst the rocks!
12. Leeds to Nidderdale
Nidderdale is a stunning valley in the Yorkshire Dales, and it’s just a short drive from Leeds. The area is renowned for its picturesque villages and breathtaking scenery, and it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore, or you can just sit back and enjoy the views.
13. Leeds to Bradford
Bradford is a city located in the heart of Yorkshire, and it’s just a short drive from Leeds. The city is packed with things to see and do, from exploring the National Science and Media Museum to visiting the historic Bradford Cathedral. There are also plenty of great shopping opportunities, and you can sample some of the local cuisines in one of the many excellent restaurants.
14. Leeds Country Way
The Leeds Country Way is a long-distance footpath that runs for over 100 miles through the Yorkshire countryside. The route passes through some stunning scenery, and it’s a great way to explore the region. You can walk the whole route or just do a section of it. Either way, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.
15. Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park is a large park located on the outskirts of Leeds. The park is home to a wide range of facilities, including a boating lake, a playground, and a café. It’s also a great place for walks and picnics, and it’s perfect for a day out with the family.
Day trips from Leeds
These are just a few of the best day trips from Leeds. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or simply some good food and drinks, you’ll find it in one of England’s best cities, Leeds. If there are any other great Leeds day trips that we haven’t mentioned, be sure to share them in the comments section below.
Quicklist of the best day trips from Leeds
- 1. Leeds to Haworth
- 2. Leeds to Manchester
- 3. Leeds to Diggerland Yorkshire
- 4. Leeds to the Yorkshire Dales
- 5. Leeds to Harrogate
- 6. Leeds to Scarborough
- 7. Leeds to Grimsby
- 9. Leeds to York Brewery
- 10. Leeds to Hull
- 11. Leeds to Ilkley Moor
- 12. Leeds to Nidderdale
- 13. Leeds to Bradford
- 14. Leeds Country Way
- 15. Golden Acre Park
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