There are a great many things to do in Leeds, and that's not limited to just the city centre. Leeds covers a wide area and within the city and on the outskirts there are various places to go and visit if you don't feel like driving too far or are a bit fed up with public transport at the moment.
It helps to be a tourist in your own city sometimes, especially if you haven't explored some of the more hidden gems dotted around. In a bid to show off the area and maybe help with some of those new year's resolutions about getting out and about more we have put together a list of the 10 best places to visit in Leeds for a day trip.
They are all within driving distance and so if you have a car or decide to take a bus or train it should be a simple journey.
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Temple Newsam
A staple in Leeds, Temple Newsam is a Tudor-Jacobean house sitting in east Leeds just south o Halton, Whitkirk and Colton. The house is a marvel to see, with a wealth of history behind it.
As well as the house itself, Temple Newsam's grounds are perfect for a morning walk or a place to take children for a wander around Home Farm to see some animals.
Harewood House
Another country house, Harewood was designed and built between 1759 and 1771 for Edwin Lascelles, first Baron of Harewood, though the family lends itself to some dark history owing to the fact they were plantation owners during the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The history is there and it is important to know about Leeds and Yorkshire's involvement. Today, there are events such as music gigs, food festivals and other activities happening at Harewood all year round.
Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall, northwest of Leeds city centre. It is set in a public park on the northern bank of the River Aire.
It's a great place to visit, it towers over the surrounding residential area almost like a pocket of time trapped from the past. It is one of the most well-preserved abbeys in the country following the Dissolution under Henry VIII.
Tropical World
Tropical World is a fun day out, especially for children and families. Located in Roundhay, the attraction has an indoor wildlife park with meerkats, butterflies, monkeys, snakes and other exotic creatures.
It has the largest tropical plant and animal collection outside of Kew Gardens. It's very accessible by public transport or car and at a reasonable cost, it's affordable too.
Roundhay Park
Arguably one of the best parks in Leeds, Roundhay Park is close enough to the city centre for access but far enough away that you don't have to deal with the hustle and bustle of the busy high streets. You can spend hours wandering around the park, taking in some beautiful sights as well as the nearby Roundhay high street where you can grab a coffee or bite to eat.
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
The 24-acre Meanwood Valley Urban Farm has a variety of farm animals including alpacas, goats, sheep, pigs, hens, donkeys and ducks. There are woodland parks surrounding the area and five acres of coppice which makes for a lovely walk.
There is also wildlife that can be seen amongst the woodlands if you are very quiet. Cafes and facilities are also on hand to provide people with a drink or quick snack.
RSPB St Aidan's Nature Park
RSPB St Aidan's is perfect if you want to relax and get that little bit closer to nature. Just outside Leeds on the banks of the River Aire is a huge open space to run, walk, cycle or ride a horse.
You can also enjoy all the wildlife around you with some serenity and peace. It has a wide range of wild plants and animals, and is home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer, wild flowers and insects - all living in a stunning landscape of vast reedbeds, grassland, woodland, lakes, ponds and islands.
The Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries is home to the UK's largest national collection of arms and armour and also hosts International Jousting Tournaments. It's the perfect place to go if you're a bit of a history buff and it's totally free.
As well as the exhibits, the Royal Armouries also puts on a host of special events, including ones during the summer holidays for any children who may become bored.
Thackray Museum of Medicine
The Thackray Museum has just undergone a £4 million redevelopment. Follow the story of medicine as you wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic, chart how well the world responds to crisis, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world.
Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park is a public area in Bramhope, West Leeds. It is a popular park, well known for its circular lakeside walk, wonderful gardens and popular tea rooms.
Golden Acre park is six miles North of Leeds city centre on the A660 between Adel and Bramhope. There are free car parks off Otley Road and Arthington Road.
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