10 best day trips from Leeds by train

Want to experience history and heritage in small towns near Leeds? Or looking for large cities full of culture? From lazy days in laidback towns like Hebden Bridge to active days out climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, there are days out from Leeds for every type of traveller.

With so many incredible places to visit in West Yorkshire, as well as wonderful day trips further afield, this guide gives you 10 ideas for the best days out from Leeds that are accessible by train. And with single fares starting below £2, there truly is something for everyone. Let’s go!

Ilkley: On the moors

Yorkshire Dales

A spa town just under half an hour from Leeds by train, Ilkley attracts visitors for its tranquil walking routes and sensational natural scenery. With tickets starting from just £2.20, a day trip from Leeds to Ilkley is a cost-effective way to reconnect with nature.

For breath-taking views across the Yorkshire Dales, head up to Ikley Moor, a rare moorland conservation area known for its Cow and Calf Rocks and for being the subject of the unofficial anthem of Yorkshire – “On Ilkley Moor baht ‘at”. Follow one of the many walking routes from Ilkley Moor and reconnect with nature in beautiful natural surroundings (hats allowed).

On rainy days, pay a visit to Ilkley Manor House, an historic Grade I listed building on the remains of a Roman fort. Or, if you’re visiting at the weekend, consider a trip to Ilkley Toy Museum, which houses an impressive private collection of toys from 4th century BCE to the present day.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

York: A perfect day out by train

York is an iconic Northern city with exceptional rail links and an abundance of culture and history. With iconic rail vehicles displayed alongside thousands of railway-related objects, Rail enthusiasts come from far and wide to visit the National Railway Museum - it’s easy to spend a whole day in York without venturing far from the train station!

York has one of the most famous streets in Britain: the Shambles, a narrow street with preserved medieval buildings that date back to 14th century, many with timber frames and jettied floors that overhang the street by several feet. While in the area, have a look around the Shambles Market, a lively open-air market with plenty of food bites to try. No trip to York would be complete without a peek at York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals that has stood tall in York since the seventh century.

On a day trip from Leeds to York, you’ll experience the beauty and charm of historic landmarks at the lowest of costs, with tickets starting from £1.40.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Scarborough: Seaside fun

Scarborough Beach

If you’re looking for the closest beach to Leeds for an unforgettable day trip, you’d do well to beat Scarborough. Enjoy sun, sea and sandcastles on Scarborough Beach then head to Luna Park to get your fix of rides. Take the children to one of Scarborough’s many amusement arcades before strolling up to Scarborough Castle for panoramic views over the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, where you can let the little ones run wild on the grassy headland surrounded by 3,000 years of history.

We recommend taking a guided walking tour or vintage open top bus to explore the seaside town in style. For a quirky experience, also check out Scarborough’s cliff tramways at Scarborough Spa in the South Bay, the oldest cliff tramway in the UK. Finally, if you have time, take a ride along the North Bay Railway between Peasholm and Scalby Mills before catching your train back to Leeds in time for dinner!

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Skipton: Market town

Skipton Castle

A varied day out awaits in Skipton, a beautiful market town with a rich heritage. Enjoy a tranquil stroll through Skipton Castle Woods or a head along the canal to experience all the joys of wildlife by the water for a taste of the great outdoors.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for history, Skipton Castle should be on your agenda. This remarkable and well-preserved monument is over 900 years old and one of the most complete medieval castles in England. For more history, head to the Craven Museum and Gallery, where you’ll find Shakespeare’s First Folio. And don’t miss the famous outdoor Skipton Market, which dates back to medieval times.

Cheap single fares start at just £2.10, promising you a full day out without the hefty costs. With an abundance of independent eateries and shops to explore, a day out from Leeds to Skipton is a true delight on your doorstep.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Bradford: City of culture

From Roman remains to Victorian grandeur, Bradford has a long and diverse history. Once known as the wool capital of the world, Bradford was named UK City of Culture 2025 in recognition of its vibrant and diverse cultural scene, so there’s never been a better time to visit.

Explore Bradford’s long industrial heritage in its varied museums and galleries. Start at the Industrial Museum, which tells the story of the Industrial Revolution through interactive exhibitions, where you can learn about the textile industry and developments in machinery that Bradford’s factories helped pioneer. Head next to the National Science and Media Museum to explore the transformative impact of image and sound on our culture.

For the best sightseeing experience, follow the Bradford City Centre Heritage Trail, a self-guided walk around Bradford's historic city centre. Along the way, you’ll see star attractions like Bradford Cathedral, the city’s oldest building surrounded by a green oasis, as well as hidden gems and statues galore.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Hebden Bridge: Canal and cafes

Hardcastle Crags

Once voted Europe’s Greatest Town, Hebden Bridge is a West Yorkshire gem perfect for a relaxed day out from Leeds. With so much delightful natural scenery all around, Hebden Bridge is certainly a treat for the eyes.

It is also the ideal place to set on a range of great walks: stroll along Rochdale canal, through the Pennines, or try Hardcastle Crags, which boasts 15 miles of paths to explore. Renowned too for its independent shops and cafes, Hebden Bridge has a well-earned reputation for its artsy and laidback lifestyle. A town of historic stone buildings and cobbled streets, with frequent trains to and from Leeds.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Horton-in-Ribblesdale: Heart of the Dales

Pen-y Ghent

In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale is the perfect destination for walking in some of England’s most breathtaking scenery. Located beneath Pen-y-ghent, one of the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks, Horton-in-Ribblesdale is the preferred starting point for the Three Peaks Walk. This scenic route take you up more than 7,000 feet as you climb to the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. An unforgettable day with breathtaking views all the way.

If that sounds like a bit much to do in just a day, shorter trails are available! Situated on the Pennine Way, there are abundant walking routes for all levels to try from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Wherever you get to, when you arrive back into the village, two traditional pubs await weary walkers with log fires and local ales.

The train journey from Leeds to Horton-in-Ribblesdale is convenient and affordable. Part of the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway, it also comes with stunning views of its own.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Knaresborough: Full of surprises

Mother Shipton's Cave

Knaresborough is a scenic North Yorkshire town perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd. Accessible in only 45 minutes by train, it makes for a wonderful day out near Leeds for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

There is so much to do in the great outdoors in Knaresborough. Stroll along a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases through the town centre then head up to Nidd Gorge, a beautiful wooded landscape rich in wildlife. Don’t miss out on the iconic marketplace in the centre of the town and, if you’re visiting on a Wednesday, make the most of the wide range of stalls at Knaresborough Market.

One quirky attraction we recommend is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the home of a Tudor prophetess, and one of England’s oldest tourist attractions. Travelling by train from Leeds to Knaresborough is cheap and easy. What’s more, it has the added advantage of offering stunning views of Nidd Gorge upon arrival.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Saltaire: UNESCO World Heritage

Salt Mill

A unique day trip from Leeds awaits in Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the industrial history of Salts Mill, a Grade II listed historic mill building constructed in 1853 by Sir Titus Salt, along with the village to house his workers. The vast building is an extraordinary architectural achievement and offers so much for visitors to explore.

Within Salts Mill, you’ll find the 1853 Gallery with a permanent exhibition of works by influential Yorkshire artist David Hockney. Spend some time too browsing a range of independent shops or unwind in one of Salts Mill’s cosy cafes. If you’re feeling more energetic, you could stroll along the Leeds-Liverpool canal from Saltaire.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Hull: Characterful city

Queen's Gardens

Hull is a vibrant city and a treasure trove for history lovers. Wander along the cobbled streets of the city’s quaint Old Town, admiring the heritage in every step. Then head to the nearby Museums Quarter, home to three inspiring museums that won’t cost you a penny.

Start in Wilberforce House, the birthplace of William Wilberforce, former MP and slavery abolitionist. Then move onto the Hull and East Riding Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of Hull and East Riding, a journey that spans more than 235 million years. Finally, the Streetlife Museum transports you to a 1940s high street, where you’ll experience first hand the sights, sounds and smells of Hull’s past.

In the afternoon, Hull Marina is the perfect place to head for a gentle stroll or lazy boat trip. Reachable in under an hour and for just a few pounds each way, Hull is the perfect choice if you’re looking for places near Leeds for an affordable day out.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Ready to go?

Day trips from Leeds by train are easy and affordable to so many great locations. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to seaside fun in Scarborough, there are things to do near Leeds whatever your interests – and whatever the weather!

Travelling by train from Leeds offers some of the most stunning views from any railway and, with single fares starting below £2 when booked in advance with Trip.com, the experience doesn’t have to cost the Earth. So, come on: it’s time to plan your next escape!

Don't forget to check out best day trips from Glasgow and Manchester.