11 Great Destination for Day Trips Near Leeds

If you are thinking of travelling beyond the city of Leeds, you are on the right track. There are plenty of places around the city that you can explore on a day out. Situated in West Yorkshire, Leeds is well connected to other regions through public transport.

However, we recommend you get a coach charter if you are planning the day out with family or friends. The roads are in good condition and you can save time by getting a minibus hire with driver.

In case you need some ideas, we have great suggestions for you. We have rounded up eleven great destinations for day trips by renting a coach hire.

SHEFFIELD

Distance from Leeds: More than 35 Miles

Travel Time: About 1 Hour

Sheffield is one of the best and probably the closest tourist destination near Leeds. Being one of the greenest cities in Europe, it is known for its flora. In fact, Sheffield has been called the “Green City of the UK.

There are about 250 parks and other green spaces in Sheffield. But the most prominent thing about the city is its trees. There are around two million trees which tell how nature-friendly Sheffield is. However, there are other attractions as well including:

• Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
• Tropical Butterfly House
• Sheffield Botanical Gardens
• Wildlife & Falconry Centre
• Graves Park
• Sheffield Winter Garden

Additionally, there are so many picnic spots throughout the city where you can sit with family and relax.

HULL

Distance from Leeds: About 64 miles

Travel Time: More than 1 Hour

Hull or Kingston upon Hull is another destination that is just 64 miles away from Leeds. Many don’t know but the city has been designated as the UK’s Capital of Culture by the UK government. 

Kingston upon Hull is famous among tourists for the Humber Bridge and white telephone boxes. Another reason why visitors come to Hull is that it’s a port city. It is situated at a location where the River Hull meets the Humber Estuary.

Some of the top attractions are:

• East Park
• The Deep
• Streetlife Museum of Transport 
• Queens Gardens

NEWCASTLE

Distance from Leeds: About 104 Miles

Travel Time: About 2 Hours

Newcastle upon Tyne is famous across the UK for its breweries, theatres, and museums. But nightlife is the main reason why Newcastle is famous among tourists. The city offers amazing food and there are so many activities to do.

Newcastle also has breathtaking scenery that you can explore on a coach charter. And don’t miss the chance to take a closer look at the iconic Angel of the North sculpture. If you are visiting with family, you should visit the Jesmond Dene, St James’ Park, Victoria Tunnel, and the Discovery Museum.

YORK

Distance from Leeds: About 30 Miles

Travel Time: Less than 1 Hour

York is home to world-famous museums, including the world’s largest railway museum. This is an ancient city whose history dates to the beginning of the first millennium AD. What makes York unique is the fact that it is enclosed by city walls. These are 3.4 kilometres long and have been preserved in their original state.

The city also has the most attractions per square mile in the United Kingdom. Two notable attractions that you should visit during your day out in York are the York Minster and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. Some other popular attractions are:

• River Ouse
• Breezy Knees Garden
• The York Art Gallery
• Clifford’s Tower

BIRMINGHAM

Distance from Leeds: About 120 Miles

Travel Time: More than 2 Hours

Birmingham is an ideal destination for art lovers. You’ll find world-class galleries and museums that are dedicated to inventions, manufacturing, and people. The city has several industrial revolution-era landmarks that shed light on its 18th-century history.

There are also plenty of activities to do in Birmingham. If you have hired a coach charter, there are some attractions that you shouldn’t miss. These include:

• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
• Symphony Hall
• Library of Birmingham
• National Motorcycle Museum
• Birmingham Back to Backs

The Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is another site that you should visit. The museum has a planetarium and does exhibitions on space exploration. You will also get the chance to watch the world’s oldest working steam engine.

LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

Distance from Leeds: About 118 Miles

Travel Time: Between 2 and 3 Hours

The Lake District National Park is an exceptional day-out destination for nature lovers. About 15.8 million visitors across the globe come to the Lake District each year. And you’ll only know the reason why after exploring it by yourself.

The most popular attraction in Lake District are:

• Aira Force Waterfall
• Catbells Lakeland Walk
• Lake Windermere
• Helvellyn
• Loughrigg Fell

You can also see the UK’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Moreover, the national park has some of the finest trails and mountains that you can easily hike. Whether you are a pro hiker or a beginner, there is a suitable trail for you in Lake District.

LIVERPOOL

Distance from Leeds: About 74 Miles

Travel Time: More than 1.5 Hours

Centred around the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool is recognised as the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records. The city of the Beatles is a perfect travel destination for music and architecture lovers.

There are so many fun things to do in Liverpool and plenty of sites to explore on a day out. The top attractions in Liverpool that you must visit include:

• Museum of Liverpool
• Liverpool Cathedral
• Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
• Anfield Stadium
• Beatles Statue

NORWICH

Distance from Leeds: About 178 Miles

Travel Time: Between 3 and 4 Hours

Norwich is one of the most liveable cities and the most complete mediaeval city in the UK. It is saturated with culture and has a flourishing art, music and cultural scene. The city also has lively restaurants and bars that make perfect nightlife.

The quaint covered market is a delight to explore on a day out from Leeds. Some notable attractions to visit in Norwich with family or friends are:

• The Broads National Park
• The Plantation Garden
• East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
• Felbrigg Hall

However, the best time to visit this city is during its annual Norwich and Norfolk Festival. This is one of the oldest surviving arts festivals in the United Kingdom. If you are into history, don’t forget to visit the 900-year-old Norman Cathedral and Castle.

CAMBRIDGE CITY

Distance from Leeds: About 153 Miles

Travel Time: Between 2 and 3 Hours

The city of Cambridge, best known for its legendary university, is about 153 miles away from Leeds. It will take you about 2.5 hours on a coach hire with a driver to reach this fantastic destination. 

The top attractions to visit in Cambridge are:

• Fitzwilliam Museum
• The River Cam
• University of Cambridge
• The Cambridge Gin Laboratory
• King’s College Chapel

Most tourists prefer visiting the University of Cambridge first which consists of 31 autonomous Colleges. While you are there, don’t forget to explore the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Two other notable sites that you shouldn’t miss on your university tour are The King’s College and King’s College Chapel.

ALTON TOWERS

Distance from Leeds: About 98 Miles

Travel Time: About 2 Hours

If you are travelling with family, Alton Towers Resort is the ideal touring spot. The theme park is situated in central Staffordshire and at a travel distance of 2 hours from Leeds.

Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the country right now. It consists of 910 acres of land and there’s something for everyone. The park has 40 types of rides and other attractions that you can explore on a day out. Wicker Man, Galactica, Nemesis, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and The Smiler are the main rides that you should try.

The park also holds special events for which you can register yourself earlier. You can also visit the water park, crazy golf, spa and high ropes course.

If you are planning a day-out trip, there are some things that you should know beforehand. The management doesn’t allow entry for persons under years unless they are with someone who is above 18 years. Also, you’ll have to pay to get a ticket and the price varies depending on your age.

BRISTOL

Distance from Leeds: About 209 Miles

Travel Time: More than 3.5 Hours

Bristol is a city renowned for its prosperous maritime heritage and swashbuckling pirates’ history. The city is also famed for its old-world pubs. But the Clifton Suspension Bridge is the most famous landmark of Bristol. It’s a milestone that reminds people of the turning point in the history of engineering.

But if you truly want to feel the city, visit Bristol Harbour. And while you are exploring the city, don’t forget to visit Bristol’s Great Western Dock. This is a key tourist place and the new home to SS Great Britain.

Bristol Zoo, Blaise Castle House Museum, and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery are some other notable attraction points.

COACH HIRE LEEDS

We hope you have liked our list of best places to visit near Leeds and have found them interesting. These are great destinations to go to with friends or family on a day out. In case you need a coach hire in Leeds or any other vehicle, contact us. We have a slew of coach options that you can hire with driver.