The Yorkshire city is just about as inland as they get, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ways to get your fix of sea and sunshine.
And with the clocks going forward and the sun becoming more and more apparent, what better time to consider the best beaches to visit over the coming months?
We’ve featured a selection of beaches from along the Yorkshire Coast as well as the North West Coast and all can be accessed by car in under two hours. There’s also a few that are accessible through taking the Coastliner buses.
Check out our list of spots in the gallery below:
7. Saltburn-by-the-Sea
The northernmost beach on this list, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a popular family destination where you can paddle, swim, surf, hunt for fossils and see the donkeys. You can also stroll along the pier and grab a tasty portion of fish and chips, or grab an ice cream and if you fancy it you can visit the valley gardens or the steam railway. It takes one hour and 29 minutes to drive via the A1(M) and A19. | Mark Douglas/Wirestock Creators - stock.adobe.com
8. Bridlington
One of the most popular beach destinations for folk in Leeds, it would be a roundup of the best Yorkshire beaches without a mention for Bridlington. The fastest route is via the A64 but you can also drive via M62 and A614. It takes one hour and 45 minutes by car. | National World Photo: National World
9. St Anne's
Now we turn to the beaches along the North West Coast, starting with St Anne's. This Victorian seaside town has an enormous natural beach and the promenade gardens, with their waterfalls and animals, make for a great inland visit. It takes an hour and 33 minutes to travel from Leeds via the M62, M61 and then M55. | National World Photo: Blackpool Gazette
10. Blackpool
And in the same vicinity of St Anne's is, of course, Blackpool Beach. The historic English seaside town is still popular with visitors coming to ride the donkeys along the beach and walk along its three famous piers. It takes an hour and a half to get there from Leeds. | National World Photo: Blackpool Gazette
11. Fleetwood
Carry on up from the coast from Blackpool is Fleetwood beach, which has been praised for its accessibility and is known for its sandy beach, traditional seaside attractions, and views of Morecambe Bay and the River Wyre. The beach is an hour and 45 minute drive from Leeds. | National World Photo: Blackpool Gazette
12. Cleveleys
Located just four miles north of Blackpool, Cleveleys is a sand and shingle beach. Its Mythic Coastline sculptures like the Cleveleys Ogre (pictured) has an army of fans. You can get there from Leeds via the M62 in an hour and 42 minutes. | National World Photo: Blackpool Gazette