Leeds

Leeds may be a thriving West Yorkshire city, but the Dales, the Wharfe Valley and a string of hidden waterfalls begin just beyond its suburbs. Our Leeds guides combine tumbling falls, off-the-beaten-track hidden gems and a wider choice of the best places to visit, so weekends can trade the shopping arcades for open moorland and rushing water. From wooded gorges to quiet market towns, these handpicked day trips make the most of the city's position on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales.

Best Places to Visit Near Leeds

One of the North's great cities, Leeds sits close to castles and falls, and the best places to visit near it include Pontefract Castle and Goit Stock Waterfall.

Best Waterfalls Near Leeds

West of Leeds the waterfalls come thick and fast, from Goit Stock and Linton Falls to Lumb Hole Falls, all wild water within easy reach of the busy city.

Hidden Gems Near Leeds

City Varieties Music Hall, the old Leeds Library and the Roman-era Pompocali earthworks count among the hidden gems near Leeds, tucked across West Yorkshire.

Top Hidden Gems Day Trips from Leeds

City Varieties Music Hall, the Leeds Library and Pompocali Earthworks show how many hidden gems sit in and around Leeds, all ready for an easy day out.

Top Waterfalls Day Trips from Leeds

The hills and dales around Leeds are threaded with falling water, from Lumb Hole Falls near Hebden Bridge to Linton Falls down in Wharfedale, all a short drive.

What are the best waterfalls near Leeds?

The best waterfalls near Leeds lie in the Yorkshire Dales and the Wharfe Valley to the north, where rivers drop over limestone and gritstone steps. Several sit within an hour's drive and suit family walks. Our guides note trail length and parking.

What are the best day trips from Leeds?

Popular day trips from Leeds include the Yorkshire Dales, Wharfedale and historic towns like Ilkley and Otley, most within an hour. Our guides also highlight quieter hidden gems and waterfalls, letting you escape the crowds even on busy summer weekends.

How far are the Yorkshire Dales from Leeds?

The southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is roughly 45 minutes to an hour's drive north of Leeds, making it comfortable for a full day out. Wharfedale and the surrounding valleys are among the quickest areas to reach.