Day Trips from Leeds: 15 Great Ideas
If you live in Leeds, you’ll know there’s heaps to do in the city. You’ve got museums, festivals, historic sites, sports and more.
But if you’re looking to get out of town for a day out, you’ve also got lots of fantastic options to choose from. Here’s a run-down of 15 fabulous day trips from Leeds.
1. Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon
Newby Hall, built in the 17th century, is a Grade I listed building. Explore the house’s beautiful interiors through a guided tour. Then wander through the gardens, take a boat trip along the river Ure, or ride the Newby Hall Miniature Railway. Kids will love the adventure playground, too!
2. York Bird of Prey Centre, York
At York Bird of Prey Centre, you can see flying displays and handle birds of prey yourself. Get to know hawks, eagles or owls through special experiences, or even take a full- or half-day falconry course.
3. Whistlestop Valley, Huddersfield
What could be more fun for the kids than Whistlestop Valley, which includes steam trains at Kirklees Light Railway, a miniature railway, crazy golf, pedal cars and more! When you’re all worn out, try some ice cream at the dessert parlour.
4. Skipton Castle, Skipton
Built in 1090, Skipton Castle is in amazingly good condition, and you can tour every part of it! Delve the dungeons, tour the banqueting hall, see the view from the watch tower and more. And since Skipton Castle is right off Skipton’s high street, you can explore the town too.
5. Salts Mill, Shipley
Salts Mill is a Victorian historic building with lots of dining and independent shops – plus art exhibitions! While you’re there, visit the model village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
6. Yorkshire Air Museum, York
Today’s Yorkshire Air Museum was once an RAF Bomber Command Station during the Second World War. Now it’s a fascinating museum with exhibits of aircraft including biplanes, gliders, World War 2 planes including a Spitfire and a Hurricane, a gyroplane and more modern fighter jets.
7. East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley
East Riddlesden Hall is a historic manor house with a family-friendly twist. Although the oldest parts of the building date to before the 1400s, most of what you’ll see reflects a 17th century remodel. You can also enjoy a historic barn, beautiful gardens and play areas for kids, such as a craft room and ‘mud pie kitchen.’
8. Nidderdale and Nidderdale Museum, Pately Bridge
Nidderdale Museum boasts 11 rooms that recreate historic spaces like a schoolroom and village shop, shedding light on the lives of ordinary people in Yorkshire in the Victorian era. Plus, when you’re done you can enjoy one of the many fantastic walking trails through Nidderdale National Landscape, one of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
9. Stump Cross Caverns, Pately Bridge
Another great option in Nidderdale is Stump Cross Caverns, where you can take a self-guided tour deep under the earth. Come in the morning to look at the caverns’ rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites in subtle lighting, or go after three to have a magical UV experience where you shine a special UV torch on the rocks – with stunning results. You can also enjoy a fun gem-panning experience.
10. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Auckley
Just to the southeast of Doncaster, you’ll find Yorkshire Wildlife Park, a top-rated walk-through wildlife park featuring different animal areas like ‘Experience Ethiopia’, ‘Project Polar’, ‘Himalayan Pass’ – and even ‘Pangea’ featuring animatronic dinosaurs! You’ll see polar bears, red pandas, sea lions, zebras and many more wonderful creatures.
11. Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
This massive, grand house is a Grade I listed building dating to the first half of the 18th century. You’ll be impressed by the gorgeous interiors of Wentworth Woodhouse and its beautiful gardens, including wildflower meadows in warmer seasons.
12. Scarborough Beach and Filey Beach
At 90 minutes’ drive from Leeds city centre, these are among our lengthiest day trips from Leeds. But it’s worth it to see some of the highest-rated beaches around. Head to Scarborough Beach for a little more bustle and liveliness, including a traditional beachside fairground, or go to Filey Beach for a quieter and more relaxing experience.
13. Snozone Yorkshire
If you prefer winter sports to summer sunshine, Snozone Yorkshire might be the spot for you. Here, you can ski and snowboard all year long on real snow. And since Snozone is located within the Xscape Centre, there’s tons more to do nearby as well, including go-kart racing, climbing walls, adventure golf and loads of dining and shopping options too.
14. Doe Park Water Activities Centre, Denholme
Head to Doe Park Reservoir near Bradford to visit Doe Park Water Activities Centre, where you can enjoy a wide range of activities on the water including kayaking and canoeing, sailing and paddle boarding. But that’s not all – you can also enjoy an aerial obstacles course and climbing at the high ropes facility.
15. Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park, Sheffield
Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park is about much more than butterflies. Here, you can encounter lots of unusual animals like parrots, lemurs and crocodiles – plus butterflies, of course! You can even book a special armadillo or meerkat experience where you can feed and get close to these critters. The indoor and outdoor play areas add even more fun to the agenda for kids.
Enjoy a convenient and comfortable day trip from Leeds with Star Coaches
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect destination, it’s time to book a coach to get you there in comfort and style.
At Star Coaches, we have over 40 years of experience with providing high-quality, safe and affordable minibus and coach hire. If you’re heading on day trips from Leeds with family and friends, try our 16-20 seat minibus. Or, if you have a larger group, opt for one of our coaches, ranging up to a 70-72 seater. Either way, you’ll have an up-to-date, luxurious vehicle with a trained and experienced driver. There’s no easier or more relaxing way to travel.
Ready to book, or just curious about how we can help? Why not request a quote today? Or if you’d just like to chat, get in touch with us at info@star-coaches.com or 01924 477111.
