Your guide to Leeds / Day Trips nearby Leeds
Day trips - nearby Leeds
When you're visiting Leeds, you'll find plenty to see and do in town. However, you have easy access to transportation via bus, train, and car. If you'd like to explore some destinations a short distance away, here are a few options that appeal to a variety of interests.
Take in the Literary Landscape of Haworth
The village of Haworth sits in the middle of rough moorlands that look like something right out of a Bronte novel. However, there's nothing old-fashioned about the independent shops, galleries and eating establishments you'll find here.
Getting from Leeds to Haworth is easy. Hop onto the train from Leeds station to Keighley for a 25-minute ride. Then take the Keighley Worth Valley Railway steam train to Haworth. The trip is an experience in and of itself. If you prefer to travel by bus, the Bronte bus runs from Keighley to Haworth. You can find bus schedules online.
- Bronte Parsonage Museum: Church Street, Haworth
- Haworth Steam Brewing and Bistro: 98 Main Street
Bike Your Way Through the Otley Chevin Forest
If the outdoors is your passion, take the X84 bus from Leeds station out to Otley Chevin Forest Park for one of the most exciting day trips from Leeds. A 45-minute ride takes you out to some of the most scenic views a biking or hiking enthusiast could hope to find. Schedules are available on the WYMetro website. Be sure to visit the town of Otley for unique shops offering antiques, jewelry and more.
- Surprise View Summit Car Park: Guiseley, Otley
- Otley Museum: Wellcroft House, 23 Crow Lane
Take In the Blended Culture of Bradford
This thoroughly modern city succeeds at blending the old with the new by melding history, culture, and green space into its vibe. Bradford boasts a UNESCO World Heritage site, Saltaire, along with the National Media Museum of the United Kingdom. Arts patrons can catch a performance at the Alhambra Theatre and peruse The Impressions Gallery. To get there, take the train from Leeds to Bradford, a ride of about 20 minutes. If you prefer the bus, the X6 gets you there in about 40 minutes.
- Saltaire World Heritage Site: Shipley
- Cartwright Hall: Lister Park
Marvel at the Natural Wonders of Ilkley
The train from Leeds gets you to Ilkley in about 25 minutes, or you can take bus X84 for nearly an hour's ride. When you arrive, enjoy a peaceful walk on the Ilkley Moor until you reach the Cow and Calf rock formation. This attraction is also known as the Hangingstone Rocks. Lunch is traditional English refreshments served up at Betty's Tea Room in town.
- Betty's Tea Room: 32 The Grove
- Ilkley Moor: Ilkley
Go Hollywood in Holmfirth
Holmfirth in West Yorkshire sits in the middle of the Holme Valley. The town's claim to fame is as the location for the BBC series "Last of the Summer Wine," and every year fans make a pilgrimage to see the sites. Holmfirth is also a favorite locale for hikers and wildlife lovers. When you're ready to take a break from the trail, you'll find restaurants, bars and pubs serving almost every type of cuisine you can imagine.
- Magic Rock Tap: 28 Victoria Street
- PhilomenaFoggs: Unit 11, Albion Mills
Experience the Grandeur of Bolton Abbey
The Bolton Abbey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales includes 30,000 acres, 80 miles of woodland trails and seemingly endless moors along a river. The Priory, a set of ancient ruins, was a working monastery until the 16th century. In modern times, it regularly hosts some of the most beautiful weddings in the United Kingdom. The Bolton Abbey Estate includes shopping and dining so you can spend these day trips exploring. You can travel from Leeds to Bolton Abbey by bus in about two hours.
- The Cavendish Pavilion: Bolton Abbey
- The Tea Cottage: Bolton Abbey
Travel Back in Time in York
Behind the walls of the city of York, the vibe is all about the preservation of the past. Cobbled streets and the Jorvik Viking Centre are two examples of how this town celebrates its history. You never know what you will see here, from street entertainers to special exhibits at the museums and quirky restaurants and bars. Traveling from Leeds by train can get you out to York in about 22 minutes. If you prefer the bus, ZAP service runs from Leeds to York, and the trip takes about an hour.
- Brewtown Tours: Hiscox Business Club, The Hiscox Building, Peasholme Green
- Sharmini's Inspirational Indian Cuisine: Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Road
Leeds is an ideal place to call home when you're visiting. However, there's so much to see and do outside the city. These Leeds day trips are all within a two-hour train or bus ride from Leeds. You can find something that appeals to families, couples and single travelers alike. Get out there and explore!