The bustling city of Leeds is just a stone's throw away from some beautiful scenery, quaint villages and the rolling hills of the Dales.
Tourists and day-trippers flock to pretty towns such as Harrogate, Ilkley and Hebden Bridge, but there are many wonderful lesser-known places that are well worth seeing.
Here are 10 of the best hidden 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](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTI1MzcwMTU2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Lofthouse, North Yorkshire
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
![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](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTI1MzcwMTU3.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
2. Kettlewell
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
![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](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTI1MzcwMTU4.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. Skidby
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
![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](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTI1MzcwMTU5.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Thornton-le-Dale
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](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTI1MzcwMTYw.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Bolton Abbey
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
![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](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTI1MzcwMTYx.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Marsden
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