Leeds is a brilliant place to live, but sometimes you just want a little more peace and quiet.
Luckily, you don't have to travel far from the city to find beautiful Yorkshire towns and villages packed with character, stunning scenery and plenty of countryside on the doorstep.
We've rounded up 13 breathtaking places that are all within easy commuting distance of Leeds, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the best of both worlds, with the city still within reach and a gorgeous setting to call home.
1. Bramham
You may have heard of Bramham as the home of Leeds Festival, which is held in Bramham Park, but it has much more to offer than live music and big crowds.The town has a long history that dates back to the Romans. The oldest part of All Saints Parish Church was built by the Normans in 1150 and the town is famed for the Battle of Bramham Moor which saw nobles rebel against King Henry IV in 1408. Today the town has great two great local pubs, a primary school and a thriving community. | James Hardisty
2. Sowerby Bridge
The market town of Sowerby Bridge is lesser known than its neighbour Hebden Bridge, however, it shouldn't be discounted as a great place to live. Nestled in the Upper Calder Valley, the former industrial town has a thriving high street, independent restaurants and pubs. It has its own railway station with a direct line to Leeds, or commuters can change at Bradford Interchange. It is also within commuting distance to Manchester. | Bruce Rollinson
3. Church Fenton
Church Fenton is a small village outside of Leeds in the Selby district. The small village has two pubs and a community shop run by residents of the village. It has great transport links and is only six miles from Tadcaster. It has its own railway station on the Leeds to York line. It takes between 30 and 40 minutes to drive to Leeds city centre. | Gerard Binks
4. Slaithwaite
The village that confuses everyone outside of Yorkshire - Slaithwaite. The tiny village is nestled in the Colne Valley and lays across the River Colne and Huddersfield Narrowe Canal. It has a vibrant village centre with many independent pubs and restaurants. It is served by the Slaithwaite railway station which is on the Huddersfield line. It has direct lines Leeds, taking three stops and 36 minutes. It also has direct a direct service to Manchester which takes 42 minutes. It takes 36 minutes to drive to Leeds. | Tony Johnson
5. North Rigton
North Rigton is a small village north of Leeds in the Harrogate District. Armscliffe Crag is adjacent to the village, which is considered one of the best rock climbing locations in the country. It is also a popular destination for walkers. Public transport commuters can get the A2 flyer or 36 from Harrogate Road. The nearest station is in Weeton, on the Leeds Harrogate line. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Leeds city centre by car. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. Skipton
Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales is Skipton. It sits on the River Aire and Leeds Liverpool Canal and boasts stunning views of the countryside. Although it is in north Yorkshire, it is in close driving distance of West Yorkshire towns like Keighley and Ilkley. It was once voted the 'Best Place to Live in Britain' by the Sunday Telegraph in 2014. There is a direct train line to Leeds Station and takes about 43 minutes. It takes about 53 minutes to drive to Leeds city centre. | Jonathan Gawthorpe