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10 hidden gem villages within an easy drive of Leeds for a breathtaking winter walk

Burnsall lies on a bend of the River Wharfe surrounded by a spectacular circle of fells. The village was originally an Anglo-Viking settlement and the parish church still contains rare Viking and Anglo-Saxon carved stones. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15mins (Photo: Gary Longbottom)
Burnsall lies on a bend of the River Wharfe surrounded by a spectacular circle of fells. The village was originally an Anglo-Viking settlement and the parish church still contains rare Viking and Anglo-Saxon carved stones. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15mins (Photo: Gary Longbottom)

While there are plenty of stunning parks and walking trails in Leeds, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city and explore Yorkshire’s lesser-known villages. Take in the breath-taking scenery, quaint buildings and rolling hills.

Here are 10 of the best villages within an easy drive of Leeds that may be less familiar.

Lofthouse is a tiny village in the Nidderdale area of North Yorkshire and boasts the delightful Nidd Falls. Drive: 1hr 15min (Photo: Gerard Binks Photography)
Lofthouse is a tiny village in the Nidderdale area of North Yorkshire and boasts the delightful Nidd Falls. Drive: 1hr 15min (Photo: Gerard Binks Photography)
Hebden is a small yet historic village nestled in Lower Wharfedale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The village is designated as a conservation area. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15min (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
Hebden is a small yet historic village nestled in Lower Wharfedale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The village is designated as a conservation area. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15min (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
As you approach Skidby, near Beverley, you will see the impressive four-sailed mill standing on top of the hill. The gorgeous Millhouse Restaurant is worth a visit. Drive: 1hr 15min (Photo: Simon Hulme)
As you approach Skidby, near Beverley, you will see the impressive four-sailed mill standing on top of the hill. The gorgeous Millhouse Restaurant is worth a visit. Drive: 1hr 15min (Photo: Simon Hulme)
Bishop Burton is a small village on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. Much of the village forms a conservation area and it's home to one of Europe's leading Equestrian Centres. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15mi (Photo: Tony Johnson)
Bishop Burton is a small village on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. Much of the village forms a conservation area and it's home to one of Europe's leading Equestrian Centres. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15mi (Photo: Tony Johnson)
Marsden is a large village in the Colne Valley surrounded by peaks, canals, valleys and reservoirs. There's plenty to do in this historical location. Drive: 45min to 1hr (Photo: Tony Johnson)
Marsden is a large village in the Colne Valley surrounded by peaks, canals, valleys and reservoirs. There's plenty to do in this historical location. Drive: 45min to 1hr (Photo: Tony Johnson)
Kettlewell is an attractive grey stone village nestled in the steep, narrow part of the Yorkshire Dales. Walk through picturesque cottages before enjoying a pint in one of its pubs. Drive: 1hr 15mins to 1hr 30mins (Photo: Marisa Cashill)
Kettlewell is an attractive grey stone village nestled in the steep, narrow part of the Yorkshire Dales. Walk through picturesque cottages before enjoying a pint in one of its pubs. Drive: 1hr 15mins to 1hr 30mins (Photo: Marisa Cashill)
Osmotherley, a tiny village in the Hambleton hills, boasts wide views across to the Yorkshire Dales. The village has three pubs, two cafes and a fish and chip shop and is close to the stunning Cod Beck reservoir. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15min (Photo: Simon Hulme)
Osmotherley, a tiny village in the Hambleton hills, boasts wide views across to the Yorkshire Dales. The village has three pubs, two cafes and a fish and chip shop and is close to the stunning Cod Beck reservoir. Drive: 1hr to 1hr 15min (Photo: Simon Hulme)
Thornton-le-Dale is a pretty village on the edge of the North York Moors. A woodland footpath runs from the car park to the village and there are plenty of local walks to take in the surrounding countryside. Drive: 1hr 15mins (Photo: Richard Ponter)
Thornton-le-Dale is a pretty village on the edge of the North York Moors. A woodland footpath runs from the car park to the village and there are plenty of local walks to take in the surrounding countryside. Drive: 1hr 15mins (Photo: Richard Ponter)
Bolton Abbey is famous for its striking Priory, but the village itself shouldn't be overlooked. It has a delightful tearoom and is surrounded by stunning countryside. Drive: 45min to 1hr (Photo: Tony Johnson)
Bolton Abbey is famous for its striking Priory, but the village itself shouldn't be overlooked. It has a delightful tearoom and is surrounded by stunning countryside. Drive: 45min to 1hr (Photo: Tony Johnson)