3 hours to do whatever I want in the Leeds area - what should I do?

[E B]

Hello, today I am travelling to Leeds to visit some relatives. I was planning to meet them at 11 (when my train from Birmingham arrives) but something came up for them so I can’t meet them until 2.

So I have 3 hours around the leeds area to do anything, so what transport related things do you all recommend?

 

[zwk500]

Train to York and an hour and a bit in the NRM?

 

[E B]

Train to York and an hour and a bit in the NRM?

Could try that. Do you have to book in advance?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Do you have to book in advance?

For the National Rail Museum in York? No.

 

[zwk500]

Could try that. Do you have to book in advance?

AFAIK the NRM is walk-in as it's free to get in. It can get busy on weekends though.

 

[E B]

Update - I think I now have about 4/5 hours to kill

 

[E B]

For the National Rail Museum in York? No.

Ok. Thank you

 

[Haywain]

Train to Keighley and a trip on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway?

 

[E B]

Just in case I am not able to get to the NRM, or it is too busy, does anyone have any backup ideas?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Update - I think I now have about 4/5 hours to kill

Definitely do-able, then. Enjoy!

Just in case I am not able to get to the NRM, or it is too busy, does anyone have any backup ideas?

A walk around the City walls?

P.S. Train journey should take half an hour each way between Leeds and York. Train fare will depend on whether you wish to restrict yourself to Northern services (or even Advance singles).

 

[E B]

Okay, York it is. Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions. I am on a XC now so I will just stay on it to York (I do have a ticket!)

 

[WesternLancer]

Just in case I am not able to get to the NRM, or it is too busy, does anyone have any backup ideas?

It’s never going to be that busy as it’s a vast space to soak up numbers. Free entry just walk in. I think they like to check you in with a postcode to monitor visitors but I think if a queue you can just walk past.

Fitting in KWVR is a good option too.

Or you could buy a west yorks metro day ticket and rove rails within the bounds of the ticket validity which is a reasonable area iirc. Good if you like window gazing for example.

If the timings worked you might be able to get some way up the settle and Carlisle and back in 4 hours. Would depend on which station you could get to to connect with a rtn and service frequency is not high for this option.

 

[WesternLancer]

Okay, York it is. Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions. I am on a XC now so I will just stay on it to York (I do have a ticket!)

Just seen this. That’s a good choice! NRM always worth popping into imho.

 

[FrontSideBus]

Royal Armouries museum?

 

[cjw714]

If York is too busy or touristy I recommend a trip to Knaresborough for the view of the viaduct from the castle.

 

[Yorkshire09876]

If York is too busy or touristy I recommend a trip to Knaresborough for the view of the viaduct from the castle.

On a Saturday with weather like today, Knaresborough will be just as full of tourists as York will!

 

[Buzby]

Doesn’t really say much for Leeds attractions, does it? NRM wants you to scan a QR code for entry, and once in it’s really a kiddies play park - Locomotion is really the place to go. However, I’m going there myself and found this site useful for pointers.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in Leeds

If you’re on a budget, it doesn’t mean you have to stay at home! Who says having fun has to cost a fortune? Not in Leeds! There are lots of ways to enjoy a day out in and around the city without spending a single penny.

discoverleeds.co.uk

 

[E B]

Done the NRM, still have about 2 hours to spare

 

[FrontSideBus]

Wetherspoons at the station if all else fails

 

[Yorkshire09876]

Done the NRM, still have about 2 hours to spare

Walk round the city walls? Visit some of the pubs in the city centre (several decent ones on Goodramgate)?

 

[E B]

Walk round the city walls? Visit some of the pubs in the city centre (several decent ones on Goodramgate)?

I might do that.

 

[Haywain]

Wetherspoons at the station if all else fails

Far better to choose the York Tap.

 

[Yorkshire09876]

I might do that.

If you come off the walls at Monk Bar (good model train shop near the steps if you are interested in that), then turn right into Goodramgate, the Royal Oak and Golden Slipper are a few doors down - both good pubs.

 

[Haywain]

Better still, come off the wall at Fishergate Bar (George Street) and pop into the Phoenix Inn, which is right next to the wall, and an excellent traditional pub.

 

[E B]

I went for a walk on the walls and through the city. I’m not much of drinker myself so I didn’t go to any pubs. On the train to Leeds now, a bit earlier than planned (no specific reason)

Thank you very much to everyone for your comments and suggestions. They are much appreciated.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Thank you very much to everyone for your comments and suggestions. They are much appreciated.

Did you have a look around the National Rail Museum? Think I'm right in saying that not all of it (the Station Hall part) is open now?

 

[E B]

Yes I did.

Did you have a look around the National Rail Museum? Think I'm right in saying that not all of it (the Station Hall part) is open now?