North East Travel Guide

Explore the best of North East in Leeds, West Yorkshire with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and more.


Introduction to North East

Located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, North East is a vibrant region filled with natural beauty, culture, and history. Known for its stunning outdoor adventures, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals, North East should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through all the top attractions to add to your itinerary, helpful tips to navigate the region, and everything in between.

List of Places to Visit in North East

If you’re planning a trip to North East, you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the things to see and do. Here are the top places you must add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Royal Armouries Museum - This museum showcases over 8,500 objects from the national collection of arms and armour.

  • Thackray Museum - This immersive museum offers a glimpse into the history of medicine, allowing visitors to explore the evolution of healthcare.

  • Leeds City Museum - With exhibits ranging from dinosaur bones to exhibits on ancient civilizations, this museum is a must-visit for history buffs.

  • Kirkstall Abbey - This historic monastery is a stunning example of medieval architecture and offers a peaceful escape from the busy city.

Natural Attractions of North East: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Roundhay Park - With over 700 acres of parkland, lakes, and woodland, this is a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

  • Harewood House and Gardens - This grand Georgian mansion and its stunning gardens are a perfect spot for those who love to soak in some culture with nature.

  • Nidderdale AONB - This area of outstanding natural beauty offers stunning countryside views and is perfect for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.

  • Yorkshire Dales National Park - This park cradles some of the most stunning countryside in the country, with cascading waterfalls and heather-covered moors.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North East

North East is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with several hiking and biking routes that offer breathtaking views of the region’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • The Meanwood Valley Trail - This 7-mile trail takes visitors past a river, a waterfall, and through the stunning woods of Meanwood Park.

  • The Leeds and Liverpool Canal - Stretching 127 miles from the iconic Liverpool waterfront to the rugged Pennines, this scenic canal is a perfect place for a long-distance bike ride.

  • Otley Chevin Forest Park - This stunning park is a must-visit for those who love hiking or mountain biking. With over 700 acres of woodland, there are plenty of trails to explore.

Best Things to Do in North East: Activities and Tours

North East has something for everyone, whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, indulging in the local food and drink scene, or soaking in some culture. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Take a Ghost Tour - Discover Leeds’ darker history on a haunted walking tour of the city.

  • Visit the Leeds Waterfront - Take a relaxing stroll along the historic waterfront, filled with museums, galleries, and restaurants.

  • Get Creative at Left Bank Leeds - This arts center offers a range of workshops and classes, from pottery to creative writing, there’s a class to suit every interest.

Week-Long Itinerary for North East

If you’re planning a week-long trip to North East, here’s a perfect itinerary to add to your list:

Day 1: Explore the Royal Armouries Museum, stop by the Thackray Museum, and end your day at the historic Kirkstall Abbey.

Day 2: Take a relaxing stroll through Roundhay Park before heading to Harewood House and Gardens.

Day 3: Explore the stunning Nidderdale AONB, with its picturesque countryside views.

Day 4: Take on the meanwood valley trail before heading to otley Chevin Forest Park

Day 5: Indulge in Yorkshire’s local cuisine at Kirkgate Market and take a brewery tour

Day 6: Take a relaxing canal boat ride on the Leeds and Liverpool canal

Day 7: Immerse yourself in creative workshops at Left Bank Leeds and end your trip with a ghost tour around the city.

Food and Drink Scene of North East

North East is famous for its food and drink scene that is distinct in flavor, texture, and personality. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Yorkshire Puddings - A traditional British food made of flour, eggs, and milk, served with roasted meat and vegetables.

  • Fish and Chips - A classic dish of fried fish served with chips, best enjoyed on the coast or by the canal.

  • Parkin - A traditional cake made of oatmeal and ginger that is perfect for an autumn evening.

Local Beverages

  • Real Ale - Yorkshire is home to several breweries that produce some of the best real ales in the country.

  • Yorkshire Tea - One of the most popular tea brands in the country, Yorkshire Tea, is a blend of fine teas from Africa, India, and Sri Lanka.

  • Whisky - The Shimla Distillery in North East produces whiskey utilizing the crystal-clear water of the Himalayas.

Where to Stay in North East: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North East has a variety of accommodation options that cater to all kinds of budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best options:

  • The Ellington Hotel - A boutique hotel that offers stylish and elegant rooms.

  • The Hinsley Hall - A charming guesthouse in a historic building that offers comfortable rooms and stunning views.

  • Leeds Backpackers - A budget-friendly hostel that offers dorm-style rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms.

What to Buy in North East: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North East offers several unique souvenirs and local products that make perfect gifts for friends and family. Here are some of the best items to bring home:

  • Yorkshire-made cheese - Yorkshire is home to several artisan cheese makers, and their products make perfect gifts.

  • Woolen products - Yorkshire is famous for its woolen products, and visitors can buy everything from blankets to scarfs and jumpers.

Local Culture and Customs of North East

North East has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors must understand the local customs and traditions. Here are some of the essentials:

  • Respect the locals - Yorkshire locals are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, but visitors must make an effort to understand and respect their customs and traditions.

  • Dress appropriately - Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable, so visitors must dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit North East

North East is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is warm and drier, and the countryside is in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of North East

Here are some of the key things to keep in mind when visiting North East:

Do:

  • Respect the locals and their customs.

  • Dress for the weather.

  • Try the local food and drink scene.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.

  • Ignore the safety guidelines when taking part in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

When traveling to North East, it’s essential to keep your safety and health in mind. Here are some helpful tips:

Safety in North East

  • Be cautious when carrying valuable items with you.

  • Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Health in North East

  • Carry enough medication with you if you require it.

  • Drink clean water and carry a reusable water bottle.

Getting to North East: Transportation Options and Logistics

Reaching North East is easy, with multiple transportation options available. Here are some of the best ways to get there:

Airports Near North East

  • Leeds Bradford Airport - Located just 12 miles away from the city center, this airport offers direct flights to several domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near North East

  • Leeds Bus Station - This well-connected bus station offers buses to and from several major cities in the country.

Other Options

  • Train Connections - Visitors can take a train to Leeds train station and from there, take a bus or a taxi to North East.

How to Get Around in North East

North East is easy to navigate with several transportation options available. Visitors can use the bus, train, taxi, or hire a car to get around.

Where to Go Next from North East: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North East is an ideal base for exploring some of the nearby destinations, including:

  • York - With its historic landmarks and stunning cathedral, York is a must-visit destination.

  • Harrogate - This spa town is famous for its luxurious spas and beautiful gardens.

Conclusion

North East is a stunning region that is perfect for those looking for a mix of adventure, nature, and culture. From hiking trails to historic landmarks, there is something to suit every interest. With our comprehensive travel guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to North East.

Harewood House Harewood House