Taking time to explore your surroundings can be a great way to take care of your mental health after a stressful semester. If you’re looking for ways to spend the summer without going too far from the city then this list is for you. We’ve put together a list of 10 great places near Leeds that are just perfect to visit! So grab your shoes and bag and get going to one of these fab places.
Roundhay Park
Our first location is technically in Leeds being a half an hour bus trip from the centre of the city. A beautiful park containing two lakes, a café, a mansion, Tropical World, a medieval-style ruin, and a pub make a trip to Roundhay a super-easy way to get out of the city for a busy day without having to travel too far. The park itself is also full of benches and shaded areas which are lovely for a picnic or long sit down amongst the greenery.
Harrogate
Voted “the happiest place to live” in Britain for three years in a row, Harrogate is a beautiful place known for its springs, walks, and rich history. Walk through the immaculately landscaped town centre full of architecture dating back to the 17th century and a wide range of shops from bakeries to clothing boutiques.
Garden Harlow Carr
As one of five RHS gardens across the country, Garden Harlow Carr contains stunning gardens well worth a trip. They focus on supporting local wildlife but they also offer classes and workshops for the budding gardener or crafter so be sure to check these in advance. Between the beautiful sights and interesting classes, we encourage you to have a break and a cake in the tea rooms on the site. Also, as part of their focus to reduce emissions, if you visit the RHS Garden Harlow Carr without using a car you can get an admission discount!
York Castle Musem
If you think modernity is getting old, take a trip to the York Castle Museum to sate your hankering for the historical. A perfect location to entertain visiting family and friends by going through their ten exhibitions or attend one of their workshops. Wander through Kirkgate as it would have been in the 1870s complete with shops and knowledgeable historians dressed to impress.
Tropical Butterfly House
A Wildlife Conservation Park just outside of Sheffield is full of birds, butterflies, and animals from all over the world. Learn about the importance of wildlife conservation by feeding birds and listening to talks by professionals. And at the end of your trip rest assured that your admission fees go toward preserving native species across the country.
A Wildlife Conservation Park just outside of Sheffield is full of birds, butterflies, and animals from all over the world. Learn about the importance of wildlife conservation by feeding birds and listening to talks by professionals. And at the end of your trip rest assured that your admission fees go toward preserving native species across the country.
Sheffield
Dubbed “The Outdoor City”, Sheffield is a city of green spaces and busy places just waiting for visitors. There is no shortage of shops, restaurants, and events to check out. And to top it all off it’s only an hour by train from Leeds city centre. Thus making this a great location for anyone with an open day and not much of a plan.
York
On the other hand, if you want to some city exploring York is probably a good option. Because this one is a bit vaguer here are some recommendations of places to go on your trip. Go to any of the museums and attractions throughout the city including; the Yorkshire Museum, Viking Museum, or the York Air Museum. A great spot for a break is The Cat’s Whiskers cat cafe, a fantastic rest-stop made comfier with rescue cats. And as the evening comes, book a ghost walk through the city and learn about the city’s spooky history. All in all, York is a city full of activities, sights, and shops only a half-hour train journey from the centre of Leeds.
Castle Howard
If the noise and crowds of the city aren’t your thing, then take a hike to Castle Howard. This absolutely stunning 18th-century castle sits in heart of lush green Yorkshire surrounded by its well-kept gardens. Castle Howard holds tours, lectures, and workshops all about the history of the grounds or their exhibits. If you think the house looks familiar, you’re probably right! The castle has been the backdrop to multiple period drama shows and films including the hit show Bridgerton. And if you’re a Bridgerton fan head to their exhibit of costumes and behind-the-scenes info about the show.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Walking through the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the perfect combination of art gallery and hike. The park has seven exhibitions at the moment as well as permanent sculptures by well-known artists including Damien Hirst and on important topics like sexuality. If just looking at art isn’t enough, the park also holds events you can participate in!
Yorkshire Dales
The list wouldn’t be complete without the Dales. Full of breathtaking views and scenic places to relax, the Yorkshire Dales truly has it all. They also hold various events and organised walks across the area if you want something more structured.
Let us know if you go to any of these places and tell us what you think! If none of these takes your fancy or you’re looking for trips further afield take a look at our list of 30 of the best places to visit in the UK. If you think we missed any great places to see near Leeds let us know in the comments.
Last Updated on June 24, 2024
Published on June 23, 2022
