8 of the best day trips from Leeds

Served by Leeds train station, this West Yorkshire city is well connected for getting around. Here are just a few ideas for great days out:

• Hull
• York Brewery
• Grimsby
• Harrogate
• Scarborough
• Derby
• The Yorkshire Dales
• Diggerland Yorkshire

Keep reading to discover what each of these day-trip destinations has in store for you.

1. Leeds to Hull

During half term, Hull offers one of the best day trips from Leeds for family fun. Kids will love The Deep – one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, complete with waddling penguins, scary sharks and tropical fish, all with an underlying conservation message. To run off their extra steam, head for Williams Den – an adventure playground housed inside a huge barn. If the weather’s nice, combine a spot of shopping with a visit to the water fountains in Queen Victoria Square - endless fun for little ones. Finally, a landmark in Hull, the iconic Humber Bridge will blow their minds, standing proud as one of the longest single-sun suspension bridges in the world.

Getting there: Take the direct train from Leeds to Hull in just under an hour (around 52m).

2. Leeds to York Brewery

Leeds is often said to be the craft beer capital of the UK, as such there’s plenty of local breweries to visit on day trips from Leeds. One of the most famous, York Brewery, offers a warm welcome and daily guided tours to learn more about the production process. Stay for a pint, stay for lunch, then take a gentle stroll back to the station via local sights. The ancient fortress of Clifford’s Tower and York Minster offer a different kind of cultural enlightenment. After all that local brew, you’ll be glad you took the train!

Getting there: You can get to your destination on a quick 22-minute train journey from Leeds to York Station.

3. Leeds to Grimsby 

Due to its geographical position, you’re unlikely to pass through Grimbsy by car, so a day trip from Leeds by train is the perfect way to visit. Start with the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, for a fascinating look at the town’s rich fishing history spanning back 60 years. Head towards the sea for a glimpse of the famous Grimsby Dock Tower, a beacon in the skyline, dating back to 1852. You can find cute little cafes and boutique shops lining the cobbled street of Abbeygate. To complete the seaside experience, neighbouring Cleethorpes is less than 10 minutes by train. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the best fish and chips at Steels – for all the British seaside feels!

Getting there: To take the train from Leeds to Grimsby, go to Doncaster and change here for Grimsby. A one-way trip takes less than two hours.

4. Leeds to Harrogate

Fusing heritage with a touch of luxury, Harrogate is a treasure trove of treats. On the outskirts, Beningbrough Hall is a stately mansion set in immaculate gardens with a collection of 18th-century portraits from the National Portrait Gallery. Back in town, why not indulge in some relaxation with a massage at the Turkish Baths dating back to the 19th-century. Perfect for a whistle-stop tour during a day trip from Leeds, check out the Nidderdale Museum, a quaint museum run by locals, sharing the story of the city. Finally, before you shoot back, be sure to stop off at Betty’s – an institution famous for its scrumptious afternoon tea.

Getting there: Take the train from Leeds to Harrogate in less than 35-minutes.

5. Leeds to Scarborough

A day trip from Leeds to Scarborough may conjure up childhood memories of seaside holidays. It’s no surprise, with its award-winning sandy beaches and abundance of tourist attractions, it remains a top destination for a family trip. Build a sandcastle at Scarborough beachfront, followed by a gentle walk past the fishing boats. Look out for its famous lighthouse, an Instagram favourite. If you're visiting with kids, you may not be able to resist Luna Park next door, packed with every fairground ride you’d expect from a seaside resort. After all that fresh sea air, enjoy a glass of something chilled from the many coastal cafes, for the perfect day out.

 Getting there: Take the train from Leeds to Scarborough in less than 1h 15m.

6. Leeds to Derby

Art, ale and plenty of retail therapy, Derby offers a fun day trip from Leeds. If you love to shop, then intu Derby is a must – with over 200 outlets, a bowling alley, crazy golf and a deluxe cinema, you can easily spend the whole day here. However, if you’re partial to local brew, then you’ve come to the right place! Dubbed ‘the best place to drink real ale in the world’ by Lonely Planet, Derby has an abundance of local pubs dotted throughout the city. Ye Olde Dolphin Inne is the oldest of them all, dating back to the 1530s. There’s also a chain of local cafes called ‘Birds’ for a cup of Yorkshire tea – the best way to round off your day.

Getting there: The direct train from Leeds to Derby takes 1h 13m.

7. Leeds to the Yorkshire Dales

Transform your surroundings from city to countryside in less than an hour. The journey here is half the fun if you take the Settle-Carlisle route, offering spectacular views. Famous for its immense natural beauty, the Yorkshire Dales National Park must be visited at least once. Horton-in-Ribblesdale is a gateway to the three peaks – Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. However, the Pennine Way trail may be a better route for a fleeting visit, with charming views across the River Ribble and unspoilt green fields to explore.

Getting there: It’s just over an hour by train from Leeds to Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

8. Leeds to Diggerland Yorkshire

Imagine a world full of diggers – digger cars, digger lorries, even digger attractions and rides. That’s exactly what you can expect on a day trip from Leeds to Diggerland in Yorkshire. A firm favourite with girls and boys, here you can handle a JCB, go on safari and take part in your own Grand Prix – digger-style, of course! With plenty of restaurants and family-friendly facilities, it’s a much-loved attraction for all the family to enjoy.

Getting there: The train from Leeds to Castleford takes 18-minutes, Diggerland is just over a mile away by train or bus.