10 best day trips in driving distance (Yorkshire)
The cold winds and showers are finally starting to give way to sunnier days, and with the sunshine comes the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy some fresh air with your family! According to a recent survey carried out by us, most people are willing to drive up to three hours away for the perfect day trip, and this year’s staycation trend means many of you will be planning your first escape of the year. That’s why we’re helping out by finding the top 10 best days out within driving distance of Yorkshire for you and your family to enjoy.
The benefits of getting outside, especially as our roadmap out of lockdown is still on course, are huge – recent studies have shown that those who have had the chance to spend time in the fresh air during lockdown found the stresses of the pandemic easier to handle than those who didn’t. So, take a look below and pick your favourite destination to enjoy some time away from home…don’t forget to let us know where you decide to go!
The Yorkshire Arboretum
The Yorkshire Arboretum is an ideal day out for families, with a woodland playground and plenty of trails and woodland walks. Discover a stunning landscape of parkland, lakes and ponds – the backdrop for a collection of more than 6,000 trees from around the world. Book your entry here.
Get directions here.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Now established as the outdoor cultural venue for Sheffield, the Botanical Gardens feature sweeping lawns with mature trees and beautiful herbaceous borders. For children, they’ll have plenty of fun exploring the Bear Pit and the Marnock Gardens, along with a 300-million-year-old fossilised tree stump! There’s no dedicated car park, but plenty of street parking nearby.
Get directions here.
Sheffield Winter Garden
One of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK during the last 100 years, the Sheffield Winter Garden has created a stunning green world in the heart of the city – a perfect day out for all weathers. There are more than 2,500 plants from around the world, creating a superb display.
Get directions here.
Sheffield Heart of the City Treasure Hunt Trail
Explore Sheffield in a whole new light, on a fun treasure hunt trail that will take you through the heart of the city and all its amazing sights. Fully interactive and fun for all ages, have some fun being the tourist in your own town or exploring somewhere new. Book your treasure hunt pack here.
Get directions here.
Go Ape Dalby
Offering the Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure and Forest Segway, there’s an adventure on offer for everyone at Go Ape Dalby! Explore the stunning forest from on high or at ground level – book your tickets here.
Get directions here.
Yorkshire Wolds Way
The Yorkshire Wolds Way is a 79-mile walking route in the chalk landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds. The National Trail wends through some of the most tranquil and gentle countryside in England, making it the perfect day out for all ages.
Get directions here.
Shibden Hall
The park surrounding Shibden Hall offers stunning wildlife and walks, where there are a range of features and attractions, including a café and visitor facilities, miniature railway, boating lake, walking trails, play area, orienteering course and woodland where you can roam at your leisure. Pay and display parking starts at 50p for one hour.
Get directions here.
Kirklees Light Railway
Travel in beautiful hand-painted wooden carriages behind one of Yorkshire's Great Little Steam Trains at the 15-inch narrow-gauge Kirklees Light Railway. Running from Clayton West to Shelley, you’ll take in glorious countryside, the ancient Blacker Wood, deep cuttings and the Shelley Woodhouse Tunnel – the longest tunnel on any 15-inch railway in Britain. A fantastic day out for children and adults alike, book your tickets here.
Get directions here.
Nidderdale Llamas
One of the top attractions in Harrogate, have fun learning all about the weird, wonderful and cute llamas and alpacas – and even go on a trek alongside them. A fun family day out, children must be over 7 years old to engage in the family experience and over 10 years old to take part in the trek. Book your tickets here.
Get directions here.
Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
Perfect for those who love a good nature walk, the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail has it all: free parking, a café, children’s play area, plenty of paddling spots and lots of stunning waterfalls and wildlife to explore. Parts of the trail are also pram-friendly, and dogs are welcome.
Get directions here.
The most important thing to remember before a long trip is to make sure your car is in tip-top condition. After going so long without much use, it’s worth being extra careful to make sure you don’t end up waiting for recovery at the side of the road. Perrys can help with a health check and service for complete peace of mind before you set off.
Looking for the perfect car for the trip? We think a spacious family SUV is just right for the job, offering all the comfort, space and power you need for everyone to enjoy the journey.
Our Perrys Recommendations or view our range of used cars::