Lockdown restrictions are starting to ease around the country, meaning not only can we head out shopping, eat out at our favourite restaurants, or enjoy a drink in our local pub, but we can also begin to venture out on road trips again. The Yorkshire town, and its surrounding areas have lots of beautiful terrain to offer, so why not put those driving lessons in Leeds to good use? And, with that in mind, lets take a look at the top 5 scenic road trips in and around Leeds. Read on to find out more!
- The Tan Hill Inn
Situated at the summit of the Yorkshire Dales, the unique 17th Century Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in the United Kingdom – and the scenic route is full of breath-taking beauty! Ditching the A1 for a stunning journey through the rolling Yorkshire Dales will add 45 minutes to your journey, but it’s totally worth it. En route, there are several milestones where you can get out of the car and stretch your legs, including the Lindley Wood Reservoir and Aysgarth Falls. When you’ve reached your destination, why not stay the night at the historic three-star hotel? Tent and motorhome/caravan plots start from as little as £10 a night per adult, whilst rooms begin at £90 a night.
Postcode for your Satnav: DL11 6ED
- Woodhead Reservoir
The incredible Woodhead Reservoir is just over 35 miles south of Leeds. Start by taking the M62, and then come off the motorway at Huddersfield. Once you get to the wonderful little village of Holme, you’ll start making your way through the picturesque Peak District National Park. From here, the Woodhead Road features some amazing views, as well as, several tight twists and turns – so be sure to watch out for wild animals! The final destination is the perfect place to get your steps in. The stunning reservoir was man-made by John Frederick Bateman in the 1800s and has a massive surface area of 135 acres.
Postcode for your Satnav: SK13 1JF
- Bridlington
Whilst Yorkshire is graced with the most amazing countryside, it also boasts a mammoth coastline with the North Sea, and Bridlington is the perfect location to soak it all up. The slightly faster route is to take the M1 and A64 past York and Driffield before reaching the seaside. However, if you want to take the more scenic drive, then take the M62 towards Beverley and continue on the A165. Most of the journey from here runs parallel with the beautiful sandy shores that lead to the popular seaside resort of Bridlington. Why not stay the night so you can make the most of the beaches and arcades? And, with plenty of restaurants scattered across the seafront, be sure to try some seafood – after all, Bridlington is dubbed as the ‘lobster capital of Europe’!
Postcode for your Satnav: YO15 2PL
- Staithes
Located just on the other side of the North York Moors from Leeds, Staithes is known as ‘Yorkshire’s hidden gem.’ The tiny little seaside cove, which was once one of the biggest fishing ports on the North East coast, is up there with the most stunning villages in the country! Its unique cottages, bendy roads, and coastal pathways have reigned in the visitors for years.
However, you are going to have to venture out a bit further to get here. The quickest route would be to go around the North York Moors, towards Middlesbrough, before cutting through Guisborough, Charltons, and Easington. Although, for the more scenic drive, take the A64 past York, and head straight into the picturesque Moors. En route to the postcard town, you’ll pass North Riding Forest Park, Goathland – which was once the home of TV Drama Heartbeat – and multiple religious ruins and castles.
Postcode for your Satnav: TS13 5DH
- Knaresborough
Knaresborough is another picturesque Yorkshire village. However, this time it’s just a mere 18 miles away from Leeds. Perched on the cliffs, overlooking the river Nidd, the old market town and spa has a rich history, which dates all the back to the fifth century. Its iconic viaduct, which opened in the mid-1800s and carries the Harrogate line over the river below, and the ruined fortress of Knaresborough Castle, which boasts a putting and bowling green in the summer months, are just some of the attractions the town has to offer. The 18-mile journey is as simple as taking the A61, A658, and the B6163.
Postcode for your Satnav: HG5 8HG