My top-three day trips from Leeds: Knaresborough, Saltaire and York
I love Leeds. A perfectly sized city (not too big and not too small), it bursts with life, culture, and a fantastic food scene. But if you come to study here from a far-away place —it’s exactly 11,233 kilometres, or almost 7,000 miles, for me—, it might be a good idea to try to discover as much of the United Kingdom as you possibly can. Well, I’ve got news for you: conveniently located in the heart of Yorkshire, Leeds is surrounded by historic towns, national parks and other stunning places which you can easily reach for a day visit. Let me tell you about my top-three picks, with recommendations on what to do and where to eat.
Knaresborough
A picturesque market and spa town, Knaresborough will inspire you with its medieval cobbled streets, stone staircases, and the imposing railway viaduct across the River Nidd. Yes, this place is the bomb for your Instagram posts.
WHAT TO DO: Be sure to walk along the waterside, visit the remains of the Knaresborough Castle (built some 900 years ago), and take a look around the marketplace in the town centre.
WHERE TO EAT: Have some omelette and sausages at McQueens Cafe and, after a long hike, treat yourself for a pint or coffee at either the Castle Inn or The Half Moon pub.
BONUS TIP: If you happen to be in or around Leeds during Christmas time, you have to make it to Knaresborough on Boxing Day (December 26th) for its traditional tug-of-war. Held every year for generations, the event consists of two battling teams, which represent two landmark pubs from the town, pulling a rope over the River Nidd, while hundreds of people cheer and enjoy their morning beers and mulled wines. I was there with some Argentine friends who were visiting and we all agreed on one thing: It really does not get any more English than that!
Saltaire
Not many people seem to know about this Victorian model village, which is only 15 minutes away from Leeds by train. It was erected in 1851 by Sir Titus Salt, a well-known industrialist and philanthropist, who decided to build not only a huge textile mill in the area, but also neat stone houses for all his workers, which are surprisingly well-preserved today. In fact, Saltaire —which is of course named after Mr. Salt— is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. How about that?
WHAT TO DO: Discover The Salts —the former mill which now houses a number of independent shops, art galleries and places to eat—, take a walk along the Leeds-Liverpool canal, and enjoy the views of the village from Roberts Park.
WHERE TO EAT: Have a quick soup and sandwich at Massarella’s and, if you are into sweets, head to Salts Village Bakery. I guarantee you will not regret it. Thirst for a beer? Go next door to the Don’t Tell Titus pub.
York
If you are looking for history, then you have to visit the cathedral city of York, which in the past was capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, capital of the Viking territory in Britain, and capital of the northern ecclesiastical province of the Church of England. Wow, right?
WHAT TO DO: The list of landmarks is large, but don’t forget to visit the York Minster, walk above the city walls, and take a selfie at the Shambles —a medieval cobbled street famous for inspiring the Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. I would also recommend the complimentary guided tour offered by the Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York.
WHERE TO EAT: Right next to the Shambles there is a cool street food market, with tons of ethnic options. In my case, I went with the greek food stand of Stam and Maria and it was great! Fancy a pint? Get it at the Last Drop Inn.
Have any questions about these or other places? Drop me an email!