Looking for a great UK weekend break? Here’s how to do the perfect trip Leeds with some lovely Yorkshire countryside escapes too, from a UK travel blogger!
From its buzzy Northern vibe, to an endless amount of things to do, there’s not much that could keep me from a long weekend in Leeds.
Especially when it comes with a side of stunning Yorkshire day trips.
Outside of its well-earned spot as one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, it’s also the perfect base for a weekend of exploring grand historic estates, gorgeous National Trust Sites, Yorkshire restaurant gems and perhaps even a film set….(Gentleman Jack, anyone?).
In this post, I’ll be sharing my ultimate itinerary for a long weekend in Leeds filled with countryside stops worth the trip. Shall we?
About the Author
Hi, Iโm Candace โ a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. Londonโs been my home ever since.
On this blog, youโll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
P.S. โ For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
๐๏ธ๐บ As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
Day 1:
Morning:
Check Into Hotel Indigo
In my opinion, a good hotel is essential for a fabulous city break.
And Hotel Indigo is perfect for a long weekend stay in Leeds.
The boutique hotel houses 107 stylish rooms in the heart of the city, not to mention fantastic breakfast and dinner too.
๐ Wondering how to get to Leeds from London? Just take an LNER train from King’s Cross and you’ll be in the city in just 2 hours! Check out tickets here. ๐
Brunch at IF BRUNCH
If there’s one thing Leeds does well, it’s local restaurants โ and it only takes one visit to IF BRUNCH to see why.
It’s the brain child of Leeds’ top bar and restaurant brand IF NORTH, serving up all things cosy brunch.
Not a bad place to start your day in Leeds! Especially if it involves their Savoury French Toast…
Afternoon:
Harewood House
Once you’re satiated it’s time to take your first Leeds detour (don’t worry โ we’ll be back) to Harewood House.
It’s Yorkshire’s most iconic country house designed by John Carr and Robert Adam, built for the controversial historic figure Baron Edwin Lascelles.
The inside is stunning, filled with Georgian furniture and art โ alongside rotating exhibitions and gorgeous sprawling gardens that should definitely be wandered once you’ve explored the house.
๐ To get to Harewood House take the 36 towards Harrogate Bus Stn from Leeds City Centre. About 30 minutes.
P.S. – If you’re all pictured out after visiting the grand estate, pay a visit to the Harewood Arms for a post-exploring pint. They have a no phone policy to encourage conversations (it can be in your pocket), which is a lovely experience in itself.
Evening:
Dinner at Shears Yard
Back in Leeds you can tuck into another local gem โ Shears Yard.
Serving modern European they’re the cities go-to for dinner on the fancier side, with (in Northern fashion) a friendly unpretentious vibe.
We personally tucked into the Tartare, Chicken Supreme, Cod and Sticky Toffee Pudding, but the entire menu is tempting.
Day 2:
Morning:
Leeds to a Morning Yorkshire Adventure in Hardscastle Crags
After a lovely breakfast at Hotel Indigo, another fabulous adventure awaits with a train ride from Leeds to Hebden Bridge.
Here you’ll find Hardscastle Crags, a nature-filled National Trust site with 400 acres of sprawling woodlands.
Of course, you won’t have time to walk it all!
But it’s well worth a potter about before exploring Hebden Bridge’s town centre.
๐ To get to Hardscastle Crags take the train from Leeds Train Station to Hebden Bridge (about 40 minutes), followed by a short bus on the 595, 596 or B3, taxi or walk to the Hardscastle Crags entrance.
Once the Yorkshire nature scene has left you impressed, you can mosey down to the heart of Hebden Bridge.
The market town is a true Yorkshire gem, fit with independent shops worth popping in, markets worth shopping at and The Rochdale Canal worth a walk along.
COIN Hebden
When you get peckish yet again, there’s a delicious restaurant in Hebden Bridge waiting for you with a smile (and deliriously good small plates) โ COIN.
Its stylish and relaxed โ with small plates that demand attention.
Think organic charcuterie, sea salt focaccia, succulent oysters…you get the vibe.
A fifteen-minute train from Hebden Bridge will drop you in Halifax, where you can intentionally stumble on Shibden Hall.
Fans of the show Gentleman Jack (on BBC iPlayer) will be delighted to see what was in fact the real home of Anne Lister and real shooting location for the series.
Anne Lister is widely known as England’s ‘first modern lesbian’, alongside being a diarist, with 5 million words revealing most of what we know about her today.
The home itself is a timber medieval manor and fantastic to explore โ whether you’re a fan of the show or have yet to watch an episode (it’ll be sure to convince you!).
The Piece Hall
Near Shibden Hall the history continues with the Grade I listed Piece Hall.
From a 1700s cloth hall to a multi-purpose venue spilling in shopping outlets, bars, cafes, restaurants, and events โ it’s true architectural eye candy, and worth popping into before your train back to Leeds!
Evening:
Dinner at Banksia
Just when Hotel Indigo couldn’t get better, it’s time for dinner!
Outside of a place to sleep the hotel is a lovely place to dine too โ especially at their onsite restaurant Banksia.
It’s Mediterranean all-day dining and the perfect end to a day of Yorkshire adventures from Leeds.
Day 3:
Morning:
Leeds Street Art Trail
Sundays call for slower days in Leeds, and the Leeds Street Art Trail is a great way to take in the city step by step.
The city centre in particular is dripping in street art by Leeds’ top independent artists, with a handy Street Art Guide to follow along yourself and discover more of the city along the way!
Leeds Dock Water Taxi
Like many English cities, Leeds is best seen by the water โ making the Leeds Dock Water Taxi incredibly convenient…
For just ยฃ3 you can hop on for a wonderful journey across Leeds Dock, and take in the city from a new perspective before ending your long weekend.
Looking for more bits to get up to in Leeds? (there’s plenty) โ have a look at my 48 hours in Leeds itinerary!
Afternoon:
Sunday Roast at The Adelphi
It’d be a shame to end your Sunday in Leeds without a roast, good thing The Adelphi is your last stop!
Close your lush weekend in the city with a pop into the city centre’s most beautiful pub for a roast and pint.
Thanks for reading my 3 Day Leeds & Yorkshire Countryside Itinerary. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
