Leeds Bradford Airport sits to the north-west of Leeds itself, close to the picturesque Otley Chevin Forest Park. If heading to Bradford, take the A658 to the south-west. For Leeds, you’ll want to take the same road north-east for a short while, before joining the A660 south-east which takes you all the way into the centre of Leeds via the lively student area of Headingley. You’ll pass the cricket and rugby grounds on your way.

Leeds City centre has a number of one-way routes and streets, but is generally easy to navigate. The main shopping street, Briggate, was pedestrianised a few years ago, but there are plenty of car parks in the centre of town.

North of the airport, you’re approaching the Yorkshire Dales where there are delightful drives aplenty. The A65 skirts the south of the national park, and you’ll find lots of minor roads heading into it. Alternatively, you could head past Harrogate and take the A61 north-east, joining the A170 just past Thirsk to venture into the North York Moors national park.

York is also only a short drive away from the airport, always popular with tourists for its Viking and Roman heritage, York Minster and much more. Take the A658 north-east, joining the A59 which takes you directly to York.

If you pick up a hire car at Leeds Bradford airport, you’ll be ideally situated to start exploring the Yorkshire area – there are great sights in all directions. This is one of Britain’s most popular counties to visit, thanks to the combination of exciting cities and unspoilt countryside.

The famous Yorkshire Dales

The renowned Yorkshire Dales National Park is a short drive to the north-west. These inspiring landscapes of green valley’s running between high rolling hills are dotted with picturesque stone farmhouses and cottages. You’ll enjoy gazing at the timeless views and it’s easy to find plenty of stately homes and pretty little villages to explore.

Look out for proud rural market towns like Richmond and Leyburn too. They’re perfect for browsing antique shops and finding traditional pubs and cafes. And don’t miss the big sights, like the amazing Ribblehead railway viaduct at Settle and the White Scar Caves at Ingleton, the longest show cave in the country.

The capital of West Yorkshire

The old industrial powerhouse of Leeds has been reborn as a glamorous city-break destination. The city’s factories and mills have become stylish galleries and designer stores - look out for big names in fashion like Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood. You’ll also find a selection of major attractions, like the Royal Armouries Museum, the beautifully restored Victorian Quarter and Kirkgate Market, the biggest covered market in Europe.

The food scene has thrived in recent years with dozens of new openings vying for attention. The Man Behind the Curtain has the city’s only Michelin star, and is known for its inventive, mercurial approach to modern cuisine – his black cod emancipation a TV hit that looks like it was cooked by Jackson Pollock. However, Ox Club is the new kid on the block, serving up mouth-watering flat-iron steaks straight from the wood grill and earthy coal roast sweet potato. Family friendly, they do a great brunch too. The coconut French toast with maple butter and either bacon or bruleed banana is a belt-busting thing of wonder.

Visit the city of Bradford

The mills of Bradford date back to the industrial revolution but are more likely now to house arts centres and spas. The best one to visit is Saltaire, which stands amid a neat model village of terraced houses originally built for its workers. The whole complex has been designated as a World Heritage Site and you’ll find it is full of bohemian galleries, shops and cafes. In the heart of Bradford check out the fascinating interactive displays at the National Media Museum before sampling the city’s famous curries. Up on the moors, enjoy a stroll around the pretty village of Haworth, once the home of the Bronte family.

Relax in a spa town

A short drive to the north of Leeds Bradford airport, the elegant spa town of Harrogate has a genteel air thanks to tree-lined streets of period villas, neat parks and up-market shops. Enjoy a classic English tea at the award-winning Betty’s teashop and relax in the tiled interior of the public spa.

Car hire at Leeds Bradford Airport allows you to get out and explore this wonderful part of the world and brings all the breath-taking scenery of West Yorkshire much closer.