leeds countryside

[mews64]

is there a nice countryside place to go on train through burley park train station in Leeds?

[Buenchico]

(2 part post):

This isn't an easy question to answer because it's not clear what you mean by a 'nice countryside place'. Do you simply want to eat a meal in a pub with beautiful views outside or do you want a base for a 20-mile hike?

Burley Park is on the Leeds to York 'rural' route (operated by Northern Rail). While it serves two very pleasant towns (Harrogate and Knaresborough), none of the village stations along the route seem to have a great deal to recommend them. (NB: I'm in Suffolk and, although I lived in Yorkshire for 20 years, I don't claim to know every village in your area. If someone else posts to say that a particular village along the line has a great deal to recommend it, then I'm happy to bow to their superior knowledge).

If you're looking for an enjoyable 'countryside experience' then I suggest using the Sunday bus service from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge, as follows:
Depart Burley Park Rail Station 0959
Arrive Harrogate Rail Station 1031
Walk to Harrogate Bus Station
Depart Harrogate Bus Station 1105 (Service 24)
Arrive Pateley Bridge 1152.
(The journey between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge passes through attractive countryside).
A 3-hour stay in, and around, Pateley Bridge will provide sufficient time to have and pub lunch and briefly explore the area. Return times as follows:
Depart Pateley Bridge 1500
Arrive Harrogate 1545
There's an hour wait for the train but Harrogate is a pleasant town to explore and, because it's popular with tourists, there'll probably be a tea-room open somewhere.
Depart Harrogate 1653
Arrive 1720.

[Buenchico]

If you enjoy walking and require more time around Pateley Bridge you can stay longer if you return as follows:
Depart Pateley Bridge 1730
Arrive Harrogate 1815
Depart Harrogate 1853
Arrive Burley Park 1920.

(NB: While I take care to provide accurate information, please check those times before travelling! Traveline should be able to confirm both bus and train times: 0870 608 2 608).

An alternative route to countryside destinations (available all week) would be to take the train into Leeds and connect with the Ilkley service from Leeds. Details of the countrside around Ilkley are available from the tourist information centre (01943 602319) or from this website:
http://www.visitbahtatcountry.co.uk/

All train times can be found here:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/


Hoping something here helps,

Chris