Thankfully, Yorkshire is home to some stunning towns and villages, with many in commutable distance to Leeds city centre.
Here are 20 places that are within an easy drive, train or busy journey into Leeds:
1. Farsley
For those who don't want to leave the Leeds postcode area, a great place to be would be Farsley. The charming west Leeds suburb boasts a great mix of homes that are much more affordable than other areas in Leeds. It also has good schools, a thriving independent high street and good transport links at New Pudsey railway station and local buses into the city centre. No wonder it was named as an up-and-coming area to watch in the The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021 guide.
2. Morley
Another Leeds area is the town of Morley. The market town is only five miles south-west of Leeds city centre with close links to the M621. It also has a railway station on the Huddersfield line, with direct trains into Leeds, and buses frequently run to Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield.
3. Ilkley
The spa town of Ilkley is popular with walkers due to the Ilkley Moor, subject of the well known Yorkshire tune 'On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at'. It is also a great place for young professionals and families to live due to its great commuter links. From Ilkley railway station, it takes about 31 minutes to get to Leeds city centre and about 35 to get to Bradford Forster Square. It takes about 40 minutes to drive to the centre of Leeds.
4. 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. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
5. Wetherby
The popular market town of Wetherby has been named as one of the best places to live in northern England - and for good reason. The quaint town, which sits on the River Wharfe, is in the Leeds metropolitan borough but is very close to the North Yorkshire border. It has a thriving town centre and serves as the main shopping and entertainment district for the surrounding villages. It takes between 30 and 40 minutes to drive into Leeds city centre. It takes between 50 and one hr 10 minutes on the bus.
6. 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. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe