The Most Beautiful Country Walks Around Leeds

Located close to the Yorkshire Dales within easy reach of the Peak District, Leeds is one of the UK’s top cities for getting outdoors. It’s easy to access the nearby countryside by both car and public transport, allowing the city’s residents to enjoy picturesque walks through many parks and gardens. Based in Leeds and planning a scenic stroll? These are our top recommendations for enjoying beautiful vistas and dramatic landscapes.

Ilkley Moor

One of the most accessible areas for outdoor walks of all lengths is Ilkley Moor. Although the moorland is spectacular throughout the year, an early autumn visit will treat you to a panoramic view of purple heather, stretching as far as the eye can see. Among the many walks on the moor, the most iconic has to be the Cow and Calf, a large millstone boulder with a smaller version nestled beside it. For the most impressive views, climb up onto the small cliffs along the route.

1. Temple Newsam

Located to the east of the city, Temple Newsam may be best known for its Tudor-Jacobean stately home, but its grounds offer the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll. The three lakes are surrounded by lush gardens, rolling green meadows and a beautiful rhododendron walk, providing an abundance of colourful blooms during the spring and summer months. Keen gardeners and plant lovers will find a walk around the mansion’s grounds especially beautiful.

View this post on Instagram

We tried to play poo sticks but I'm pretty sure this was a pond

A post shared by Sarah Holt (@sarahalexholt) on Apr 18, 2017 at 9:32am PDT

3. Kirkstall Abbey

Park, Ruins

The River Aire runs right through the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey, making this iconic landmark even more picturesque. The ruins of the Abbey are frequently visited by tourists and locals alike, offering a mix of history and nature close to the city centre. Part of West Leeds Country Park, the grounds of the Abbey are ideal for a slow Sunday stroll or an evening dog walk, providing a relaxing countryside atmosphere near the heart of a metropolis.

View this post on Instagram

#nature #natureza #naturelovers #nature_brilliance #naturelover #naturelove #leeds #forest #riverside #park #parkour #familytime #weekend #weekends #sunday #walk #лес #river #joy #peace #peaceful #peaceofmind #moment #moments #beauty #beautiful #beautifulday #lake

A post shared by Londoner (@tatianabasaranovich) on Apr 16, 2017 at 2:54pm PDT

4. Surprise View

Market

Just north of the city, past Leeds Bradford airport, lies one of the best places to admire panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Otley Chevin Forest Park offers 700 acres of woodland, perfect for locals seeking a place to walk their dogs or simply get a little fresh air. Walk up to the overlook known as Surprise View to take in the vistas across the Wharfe Valley — on a clear day, you can even see the iconic white horse on the hillside at Kilburn. Continue strolling down into Otley to walk along the river and admire the small market town.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John (@jca1962) on Apr 17, 2017 at 3:42pm PDT

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.