Top 12 Day Trips From Leeds, England - Updated 2024

Durgahyeni
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
day trips from leeds

Leeds, a developing city in the UK, is a hot tourist destination for various reasons. Towering skyscrapers, posh dining scenes, striking and majestic buildings, streets rich with heritage and history, a strong connection to sports, and picturesque parks; all of which contribute to its high influx of visitors that almost rival London. With its bustling tourism industry comes a thriving hospitality scene. You’ll have plenty of options for where to stay during your visit. From luxury hotels to Airbnb vacation rentals, you’ll find one that suits both your style and needs. The city is also adjacent to many other towns, warranting perfect day tours to make your trip more memorable and worthwhile. Scroll through this list of cities and towns to find out the best day trips from Leeds, England.

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1. Skipton

day trips from leeds | skipton

With its stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and warm community spirit, Skipton is a true gem waiting to be discovered. Start your journey by exploring the magnificent Skipton Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that offers a glimpse into the town’s historical past. Wander through its ancient halls and climb to the top of the watchtower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of Skipton’s famous market, where local vendors proudly display their fresh produce, artisan crafts, and delectable treats. Be sure to sample traditional Yorkshire delicacies like pork pies and local cheeses. As the day winds down, unwind at one of the cozy pubs or charming tearooms, savoring a pint of real ale or a soothing cup of tea.

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2. Sheffield

Moorhead Sheffield UK
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user St BC used under CC BY 3.0

A metropolitan by itself, Sheffield used to be an industrial powerhouse but now is the center of art and culture of the region. Named after the River Sheaf which flows through the city, Sheffield offers many splendid views and memorable destinations that can easily enhance any sightseeing in England. Pubs, cafes, restaurants, and museums are scattered here, giving tourists plenty of pursuits to keep themselves engaged.

One must-see place is the Winter Garden, an urban greenhouse that has a remarkable eco-friendly design to house tropical floras all year round. Looking to spend your day just shopping? Head to Meadowhall, one of Britain’s’ biggest malls. Sheffield is only 50 minutes from Leeds by road.

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3. Grimsby

Grimsby Dock Office
Source: Photo by user David Wright used under CC BY 2.0

Touted as the heart of the UK’s fishing industry, Grimsby has a lot to offer to tourists. Housing the largest fish market in the UK, it has an entire branch of tourism dedicated to its fishing industry. Grimsby is a haven if you love fishing, as it houses various museums and centers to accommodate your hobby. The Gothic Revival Tower in Royal Dock is a historical statement on the importance of fishing here. Be sure to try the traditional Grimsby smoked fish, which is recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication. If you are up for a peaceful day out by only nature as your company, you can visit Cleethorpes Country Park, People’s Park or Weelsby Woods. Grimsby only takes less than 90 minutes from Leeds.

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4. Derby

Derby: the junction of Victoria Street, Wardwick and the Strand 2012-12-10
Source: Photo by user sps1955 used under CC BY 2.0

Are you an automotive enthusiast? Derby is a must-visit during your next trip to Leeds. Home to various automobile wonders, Derby is located in Derbyshire and is located about an hour 20 minutes from Leeds. It boasts advanced transportation manufacturing, housing Rolls-Royce, Toyota, and many other companies. Derby Industrial Museum showcases the town’s automotive development and exhibits Rolls-Royce aero engines, railways, mining, quarrying, and foundries. Despite its pro-industrial image, Derby also has a plethora of parks and abbeys you can visit for a quiet day out, such as Markaeton Park, Darley Park, Derwent River, as well as Calke Abbey.

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5. Middlesbrough

Town Hall and Shambles Market Hall, Stockton on Tees
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Petegal-half used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Middlesbrough is a cross between an urban city and an idyllic town about a little over an hour’s ride from Leeds. It is usually flocked by tourists to visit the Transporter Bridge and the Tees Newport Bridge, both considered architecture marvels when they were built. But that is not all there is to Middlesbrough. The city is filled with Victorian-era buildings, cobblestone walkways and red telephone boxes that will give you the exclusive British experience. There are a wide array of museum and galleries you can visit in Middlesbrough. You can also head to the Middlesbrough Leisure Park for an exciting day out. The park houses many great features, including restaurants, a multiplex cinema, gym and more.

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6. Whitby

Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire - geograph.org.uk - 3472603
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Derek Voller used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Nestled on the northeast coast of England, Whitby offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and maritime charm. As you stroll along its cobbled streets, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque harbor with its colorful fishing boats bobbing in the water.

Step back in time as you climb the famous 199 steps that lead to the iconic Whitby Abbey, perched high on the cliff top. The views from here are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the North Sea and the town below. Whitby’s rich history as a bustling fishing port is evident in its narrow alleyways and quaint fishermen’s cottages. Immerse yourself in the fascinating tales of Captain Cook, who once called this town home.

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7. Manchester

Manchester Town Hall Building, United Kingdom
Source: Photo by user Christopher Czermak used under CC BY 2.0

What is Manchester famous for? Well, that goes without saying. But there is more to this metropolitan city than its namesake football club. Housing one of the UK’s largest indoor malls, Manchester offers plenty of fun things to do near Leeds. You can laze around in Heaton Park, dine at various cultural pubs and restaurants, shop your hearts out at Trafford Centre, watch a football match at Old Trafford, and end your day by watching the majestic sunset at Salford Quay, which also houses a vibrant nightlife. Manchester is only about 50 minutes away from Leeds.

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8. Durham

City of Durham, County Durham, England.) (10204021234)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Roberto Strauss used under CC BY 2.0

A city dedicated to historical buildings and heritage sites; Durham is a place you’ll never want to miss. You can tour Durham Cathedral, which is well-known for its gorgeous architecture that is a cross between British values and Roman style; Durham Castle, another wonder which boasts many rooms full of rich Victorian designs and extensions; various galleries such as Museum of Archaeology and Oriental Museum; Beamish, a remarkable living museum of the Georgian Victorian and Edwardian eras; as well as Indoor Market, a popular shopping and dining scene. It is about 90 minutes from Leeds via a scenic route by road as you pass by Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors National Park.

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9. Yorkshire Dales National Park

With an extraordinary landscape accentuated by lush hills, grassy pathways, and vibrant wildlife, Yorkshire Dales National Park is one that cannot be missed during your trip to Leeds. For the adventurers in you, there are so many things to do here: caving, mountaineering, rock climbing, sea kayaking, as well as downhill and cross-country skiing and many more. For the nature lover in you: visit surrounding towns a memorable countryside experience, travel to Kettlewell and climb over Kilnsey Crag to enjoy a spectacular view of the park. The park is shy of an hour from Leeds and is accessible by car and public transport.

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10. Scarborough

Scarborough
Source: Pixabay

Located in North Yorkshire, Scarborough is a seaside town, is historically rich and gives an ethereal feel to visitors. It is famous for its sandy beaches, resplendent views, and friendly locals. It takes about 90 minutes from Leeds. There is always something to do for everyone here: beach holiday for tourists, castles, and museums for history lovers, mountains for adventure-seekers and SEA LIFE for nature enthusiasts; and the list goes on. Hop on to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a breathtakingly scenic route, and dine at local seaside cafes that use fresh catches from nearby villages.

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11. Haworth

Haworth Main Street - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ianpudsey used under CC BY 3.0

Famous as the home of the Bronte sisters, literary legends, Haworth gains a majority of its economic traction from its tourism prowess. Many tourist landmarks are famous in this quaint landlocked town, such as the Haworth Railway Station, an authentically preserved steam railway; the Bronte Way, which has strong associations with the famous Bronte family; the buzzing cobbled Main Street where antiques and collectibles are sold; Haworth Village where you will find cozy pubs, cafes and many other interesting shops. The town is only 40 minutes away from Leeds.

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12. Hull

Willerby, Hull, UK - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paul Lakin used under CC BY 3.0

One of the picturesque places to visit near Leeds, Hull features red-brick buildings and cobblestone walkways overlooking idle beaches serving as a port for fishermen’s boats. It is a must-visit for history enthusiasts as the port city is rife with museums such as Ferens Art Gallery, the Hull, and East Riding Museum, Wilberforce House, Streetlife Museum, and many more.

Apart from that, the city is also rich in art and culture, with artistic installations that can be seen almost everywhere. Nightlife here is also famous, with a plethora of pubs and cafes buzzing to business as the sun sets. What’s more, Hull is just a little over an hour from Leeds.

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Experience the beauty of Britain with these day trips

Be it Durham, Hull, or Sheffield, these cities offer great experiences and excitement to any tour or itinerary from Leeds. So why not pick one and have fun?

Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Leeds, England


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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A simple writer, a wanderlust addict. I am Durga, a writer by profession and an addict of wanderlust by nature. I love world culture, urban spaces, wildlife, architectural ruins and every part...Read more

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