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Heading to a new city that’s surrounded by stunning countryside right on its doorstep is one of my favourite ways to spend a weekend away in the UK – I get two trips rolled into one, and combine a day of urban exploring, with a relaxing break in the great outdoors.

Put another way, I like to spend my Saturdays shopping, eating and drinking my way round town, then go hiking in the hills on Sunday, so I can come home feeling virtuous.

If you fancy maximising your time away, combining the pace of a city break with the peace of the countryside, then Yorkshire is the place to be.

Why Yearn For Yorkshire?

This historic region is home to three of the most thrilling cities in the country, each blessed with the best of England’s beautiful rural scenery on their outskirts. So your trickiest task is deciding if York, Leeds or Sheffield is more your style.

Each offers a brilliant blend of history, architecture, shopping, food, and culture - not forgetting the fun of their student-fuelled nightlife scenes.

Throw in easy access to three of the country’s most celebrated and stunning natural landscapes and you’ve got yourself a perfect combo.

Whether you're drawn to the rugged beauty of the Peak District, the rolling landscapes of the Moors, or the views of the Dales, Yorkshire offers the best of both weekend worlds.

York: Magic, Muggles & Moors

Of Yorkshire’s 8 cities, York, with its Roman heritage is certainly the most historic, and arguably the most famous.

Strolling the cobbled streets of The Shambles is always first on the agenda here - one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, it’s lined with a blend of atmospheric olde world shops and cafes, including specialty stores you won’t find elsewhere. It's said to have been the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, making it a magical place to explore.

York Heritage & Highlights

York Minster

The Star Inn The City

York Art Gallery is a great place to start, with an impressive collection of paintings, ceramics, and decorative arts - known for historic and contemporary works it is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local art scene, past and present.

York's rich and varied ancient history is best understood with a visit the Jorvik Viking Centre, an interactive museum that brings the Viking era to life. Plus no visit to York would be complete without exploring York Minster, one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Standing at an impressive 72 metres, this imposing structure has been a place of worship for over 800 years.

In addition to The Shambles, be sure to explore Stonegate, another historic street offering a mix of local independent shops and high-street brands. Before you leave, a visit to Betty’s Tea Rooms is a must. There are usually long queues for a table, but you can always grab a cake to take away if you’re short on time.

York City Views

For a dining experience with a scenic view, try The Star Inn The City on the River Ouse. The restaurant serves modern British cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. But best for panoramic city views, without tackling the climb at York Minster, is the rooftop bar and restaurant at Malmaison York, where you can sip a cocktail while enjoying the spectacular skyline.

Sunday Stroll

Leave the city behind and head for the North Yorkshire Moors, a vast and dramatic expanse of heather-clad hills, ancient woodlands, and secluded villages.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the charming town of Helmsley, embark on a hike across the moors, or hop aboard a steam train for a nostalgic journey through the epic landscape that inspired literature such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

Where To Stay in York: Franklin House

York University accommodation provides excellent value and the unique experience of staying in a tranquil, collegiate setting while in the city.

The university has numerous halls and colleges located on the Heslington Campus’ 200+ acres of mature parklands, set around a central lake, just outside York's historic city walls.

A standout accommodation option is Franklin House, located on the university campus. This modern, stylish property offers comfortable ensuite rooms with access to shared kitchens and lounges, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re flying solo, travelling as a couple, or in a group. Travellers say the beds are comfy, the facilities are clean and contemporary, and it represents real value.

With easy access to York’s city centre via a short bus ride or a scenic walk, this spot provides a peaceful retreat after a day of seeing the city sights, or meandering across the Moors.

Leeds: A Dynamic City on The Yorkshire Dales

Leeds is a cracking city with a rich industrial heritage and a thriving modern cultural scene, with tons of energy.

Once a hub for the wool and textile trades, Leeds has evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting destinations, known for vibrant arts, fashionable shopping, and cool bar scene.

With grand Victorian architecture lining its streets, historic arcades housing luxury boutiques, and a food scene that ranges from Michelin-starred dining to authentic street eats, Leeds offers the perfect urban adventure.

Leeds Heritage & Highlights

One of the best ways to get a feel for Leeds is to dive into its creative culture. Start at Leeds Art Gallery's impressive collection of 20th-century British art, which has the bonus of free entry.

You don’t need to be a military history buff to enjoy the Royal Armouries Museum - the UK’s national museum of arms and armour, brings history to life with interactive displays of medieval knights, samurai warriors, and modern military artifacts. It’s also completely free.

Leeds is a city built on industry, particularly textiles, and its heritage still shines through today, with stunning Victorian shopping arcades, like the elegant Victoria Quarter, where you’ll find luxury designer boutiques.

Kirkgate Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, offers a different style of shopping, packed with everything from fresh produce to quirky independent stalls.

And then there’s the food scene. If you’re a fan of Thai food, make sure you stop by Zaap Thai – I always make a beeline for this Bangkok-style street food spot whenever I’m in Yorkshire. The lively atmosphere and authentic dishes make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a bustling Thai night market.

Leeds City Views

For an incredible view of Leeds, head to the Sky Lounge at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Located on the 13th floor, this stylish rooftop bar offers panoramic views over the city’s skyline. Visit by day to take in the urban landscape or in the evening when Leeds’ city lights are twinkling.

Sunday Strolls

Come Sunday, trade the energy of the city for the peaceful beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, just an hour’s drive away.

Home to rolling green hills, dramatic limestone formations, and market towns, top highlights include Malham Cove, a stunning natural amphitheatre, and Aysgarth Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that are particularly impressive after one of England’s signature downpours.

Where to Stay in Leeds: Storm Jameson Court

For an affordable and unique stay in Leeds, take a look at Storm Jameson Court, located at the University of Leeds. This modern, well-equipped residence is available for visitors outside of term time, and makes a fantastic base for exploring the city.

These comfortable, ensuite rooms with high ratings for cleanliness, value for money and a peaceful yet friendly atmosphere in quiet surroundings, are located within walking distance of Leeds city centre. This means it will be easy to explore without needing to rely on transport.

Sheffield: A City of Steel & Peaks

Sheffield is a great example of a city reinvented. Once the steel capital of the world, it’s been transformed into a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and independent spirit. Set in a natural amphitheatre formed by seven hills and five rivers, with over 60% of its area made up of parks, woodlands, and countryside it is a city encircled by nature.

Sheffield Heritage & Highlights

Industrial heritage meets modern innovation, with grand old Victorian buildings and museums dedicated to its previous status as a steel city, standing alongside cutting-edge street art.

Sheffield’s cultural scene is thriving, and nowhere captures this better than the Millennium Gallery. This sleek space showcases everything from metalwork and design to contemporary art and celebrates Sheffield’s creative heritage.

Just next door, the Winter Garden is a pretty glasshouse filled with exotic plants – an unexpected oasis in the middle of the city.

Sheffield is a dream destination for British music lovers; it punches above its weight in terms of musical legacy producing bands like Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, and The Human League, and still has a great gig scene. The Leadmill is an iconic venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music, and there’s plenty of options for live music venues where you might just catch the next big thing.

Food lovers will feel right at home in Sheffield too; Kelham Island, a former industrial quarter turned foodie hotspot, is packed with independent cafes, street food markets, and craft breweries.

For a meal with a local flavour, try The Milestone, known for its inventive British dishes, or grab a seat at one of the riverside spots serving everything from tapas to wood-fired pizza.

Sheffield’s Best Panoramic View

Fittingly for one of the UK’s greenest cities, the most spectacular views of Sheffield are from Meersbrook Park which boasts a panorama of the city skyline, with the rolling hills of South Yorkshire in the distance.

The park is a lovely place to unwind, and home to Bishops’ House, a beautifully preserved Tudor building that gives you another glimpse into Sheffield’s past.

Sunday Strolls

Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, The Peak District national park is a paradise for walkers, climbers, and anyone who loves wide-open landscapes. You can hike up to the dramatic rock formations of Stanage Edge, explore the picturesque village of Castleton, or take a leisurely stroll around the serene waters of Ladybower Reservoir.

Whether you want a challenging trek or a gentle countryside walk, the Peaks offer a delightful contrast to the energy of the city.

Where to Stay in Sheffield: Jonas at the University of Sheffield

For a comfortable and budget-friendly stay in Sheffield, Jonas at the University of Sheffield is a great choice. Located within easy reach of the city centre, it offers a peaceful retreat with modern ensuite rooms, making it an ideal base for a weekend break.

Guests always appreciate the friendly atmosphere, clean and comfortable rooms, and excellent location. With easy access to both the city’s cultural attractions and the Peak District, it’s a smart and affordable option for a Sheffield getaway.

Three Cities; Two Breaks Rolled into One

Creating a weekend away with a town and country twist is as easy as 1,2,3 in any of these Yorkshire Cities.

Book a room during the academic vacations in Easter (mid-March to mid-April), Summer (early July to end-September) or Christmas (early December to mid-January).

Spend Saturday pounding the pavements and soaking up the sights – from ancient architecture and fantastic food to the heady art and music scene.

Escape the urban on Sunday with a tranquil trip to explore the local rural scenery, before heading home.