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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in the Yorkshire Dales Itinerary

Published on June 29, 2023

by Olivia Ellis

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Visiting the English countryside is one of the most enjoyable parts of any trip to England , and planning a Yorkshire Dales itinerary is a must. From dramatic terrains and historic castles to idyllic villages, spending 2 to 3 days in the Yorkshire Dales will take you on a journey throughout one of England’s most beautiful national parks.

As one of England’s largest National Parks, the Yorkshire Dales is the epitome of classic English Countryside; quaint, historic, picturesque, timeless and waiting to be explored.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the Yorkshire Dales?

The first step to planning a Yorkshire Dales itinerary is deciding how many days to spend in the Yorkshire Dales. With that being said, you could easily spend a full week in the Yorkshire Dales exploring the extent of the park. However, if you’re short on time, 2-3 days is best.

With 2 days in the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll be able to enjoy more than just one area or town in the park, giving a broader experience in the national park and the chance to stay the night in one of the park’s quaint towns or villages.

If you decide to spend 3 days in the Yorkshire Dales, your extended time and extra day in the park will allow you to explore even further, enjoying other areas, famous landmarks, and enjoying a hike or two.

Getting To & Around the Yorkshire Dales

When it comes to getting to and around the Yorkshire Dales, it’s fair to say that driving to/around the park as part of a Yorkshire Dales road trip is the ideal mode of transportation.

By renting a car and driving throughout your time in the park, you’ll have the most flexibility as to where to go, how long to spend in each location, and the option of visiting locations not included on the bus routes throughout the park. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices across major companies.

From larger nearby North Yorkshire cities of Leeds and York , you can reach the Yorkshire Dales in around an hour and from Manchester , around an hour and a half. You can also easily reach the lovely Yorkshire coast from the Dales.

A great option to explore the national parks of northern England is to combine a Yorkshire Dales itinerary with time in the Lake District National Park , England’s largest national park, just 30 minutes away from the Yorkshire Dales.

With that being said, there is a bus service throughout the Yorkshire Dales National Park, connecting the park itself, along with a few cities and towns outside of the park.

Throughout the year, there’s a generous number of active routes, and in the high season between April and October, other routes are added as supplements.

When it comes to accommodation, basing yourself in the town of Skipton or Harrogate are both good options with easy access.

If you don’t want to drive, it is possible to take organised tours from York such as this full-day tour or this private tour.

2 to 3 Days in the Yorkshire Dales Itinerary

From serene, awe-inspiring waterfalls to idyllic villages and delicious food, there’s something for everyone during these 3 days spent in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Day 1 – Skipton & Malham

A convenient and ideal start to any trip to the Yorkshire Dales is in the town of Skipton, otherwise known as “the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales”.

Dating back over 1,000 years, Skipton is a town steeped in history and heritage. As an important market town since medieval times, a visit to Skipton has many things to offer, including Skipton Castle and Skipton Market.

Skipton Castle was first built in the 11th century and has since been passed through various notable families, as well as held a major role in many events, including the English Civil War. A visit to Skipton Castle is a great way to learn more about the history of the area, as well as what life was like in Skipton centuries ago.

For an even more comprehensive visit, take part in one of the guided tours that the castle offers. Otherwise, enjoy exploring the castle independently at your own pace. The castle is open every day of the week with various ticket costs depending on the age and size of your group.

After visiting Skipton Castle, make sure to stop by the famed Skipton Market, which is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, every week. Skipton Market has been in operation for over 800 years, and to this day still offers a wide assortment of various local goods, from produce to clothing and antiques.

Bolton Abbey Estate

After spending time in the town of Skipton, take a short 10-minute drive to your next stop, Bolton Abbey Estate.

While known as Bolton Abbey due to its location, what you’ll actually be visiting are the remnants of Bolton Priory, an Augustinian monastery established in the 12th century as well as the surrounding areas of the estate.

During your visit, make sure to spend time visiting the centerpiece of the estate, the ruins of Bolton Priory as well as enjoying the pleasant riverside walks in the area running along the River Wharf.

Weather depending, this is also your perfect opportunity to enjoy a scenic picnic surrounded by nature and history!

Malham Cove

From Bolton Abbey, travel around 25 km northwest further into the Yorkshire Dales to one of the park’s most famous land formations, Malham Cove. Malham Cove is a natural limestone cavern formation that’s enticed visitors for centuries due to its impressive geological features and stunning appearance.

Malham Cove was formed around 12,000 years ago during the last ice age and has its current appearance due to the melting of glacier ice, leaving a large hollowed-out, half-domed shaped cliff behind.

Malham Cove is open 24 hours a day and is free for visitors to visit and explore its magnificence.

Near Malham, you can also visit the beautiful Gordale Scar, another beautiful geological formation in a river gorge close to the village.

Dinner at Lister Arms

There’s no better fitting way to end a day exploring the countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, than by heading to a cosy, local pub to enjoy a comforting, traditional meal and a pint of something local.

A great option is Lister Arms, a top-rated pub and inn in the town of Malham. As this is the last stop of day 1, Malham is also a great area to stay for the night, for its beautiful surroundings and close proximity to where you’ll begin day 2.

Day 2 – Wensleydale & Hawes

Ribblehead viaduct.

Begin your second day in the Yorkshire Dales at one of Yorkshire’s most iconic sights, the Ribblehead Viaduct. Spanning an impressive length of 400 meters and consisting of 24 stone arches, the Ribblehead Viaduct is truly an impressive structure.

The viaduct is located near the village of Ribblehead, between the towns of Settle and Carlisle, and is accessible by both road and railway (Ribblehead Station), depending on your means of transportation.

With such a stunning backdrop and the Ribblehead Viaduct being surrounded by stunning countryside, the surrounding area offers fantastic walking and hiking opportunities. If you’re keen to get out on the trails and enjoy the Yorkshire Dales countryside, this is an ideal opportunity.

If you want to take in some more natural sites, then consider heading over to nearby Ingleton and visit the gorgeous Ingleton Waterfalls, which aren’t far from the viaduct. En route, you can also pass by the Yorkshire Three Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent.

Wensleydale Creamery

While the majority of famous English cheeses hail from the south of the country, Yorkshire is the home to one of England’s most well-known and delicious cheeses, Wensleydale. The history of the cheese dates back to a style of cheese originating from a monastery of French Cistercian monks who had settled in northern England in the 13th century.

While the cheese is now made throughout the UK, the Wensleydale Creamery is still the main producer of Wensleydale cheese, as well as the perfect stop on any Yorkshire Dales itinerary.

The Wensleydale Creamery consists of a cheese museum, interactive exhibits, guided tours, and a cheese shop. Visiting the creamery is a must for not just cheese enthusiasts, but also those interested in this key cultural side of the Yorkshire Dales, providing insights into Wensleydale cheese’s history, production, and the chance to sample and purchase a variety of delicious cheeses.

Opening hours of The Wensleydale Creamery are daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with closure on specific days, so make sure to check the hours in advance before visiting. Ticket costs depend on which exhibits and parts of the creamery you wish to visit.

After spending time learning about Wensleydale Cheese at the Wensleydale Creamery, head to the local village of Hawes to experience traditional Yorkshire charm.

Hawes is a small market town located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and traditional stone-built buildings and homes.

Hawes offers a delightful variety of experiences and things to do; from inviting tea rooms, to cozy cafes, and charming traditional pubs, perfect for indulging in a satisfying meal or savoring a cup of tea amidst the rolling green surroundings.

Furthermore, the town boasts a variety of shops that showcase local crafts, souvenirs, and products, providing an ideal opportunity to find unique Yorkshire gifts and treasures. You can also visit the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes if you want a bit of historic context to your visit.

For an incredible pub meal to round out your day, I highly suggest heading to The White Hart Inn, located on the village’s main street.

The atmosphere is everything that you’d want in a pub in the Yorkshire Dales; cosy, inviting, charming, and connected to the feeling of the countryside. From fish and chips to a hearty steak pie, the recipes are homemade, homecooked, and absolutely delicious.

Day 3 – Aysgarth & Castle Bolton

Start your 3rd and final day in the Yorkshire Dales in the quaint countryside hamlet village of Aysgarth, tucked within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Nestled amidst the idyllic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, Aysgarth is a haven of natural beauty and rural Yorkshire charm.

The pinnacle of visiting Aysgarth is undoubtedly the majestic Aysgarth Falls, a spectacular series of waterfalls located within the village of Aysgarth. Prepare to be amazed as you witness the cascading waters tumbling down the limestone steps, creating a stunning appearance.

Aysgarth Falls has three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls are often considered the most popular. With their dramatic display of water tumbling over rocky ledges, but all three falls are worth visiting for their own unique characteristics.

The falls are open 24/7 with free admission, and to learn more about the area, make sure to visit the visitors center (note you have to pay for the car park) for interesting insights into Aysgarth Falls, its geology, and preservation. The area itself also has a wide number of trails worth visiting, with peaceful and serene surroundings.

After spending time at the falls, make sure to spend time in the village of Aysgarth itself. The village feels like it’s stuck in time, from the small stone bridges passing over the River Ure, to the classic pubs and tea rooms waiting to make your acquaintance.

The village also has various shops, from classic souvenir and craft shops to more modern art galleries featuring local artists.

Castle Bolton

After discovering the charming village of Aysgarth and its wondrous waterfalls, head about a 10 minute drive away into the countryside to historic Bolton Castle.

Castle Bolton is a medieval fortress nestled in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park that holds historical and cultural significance as a medieval fortress, giving a deeper insight into the county’s heritage and offering insights into the lives of nobles throughout history.

With a strong association with Mary Queen of Scots and other historic figures, the castle is an off-the-beaten-path spot yet with rich history and outstanding surroundings.

While visiting the castle, you’ll wander through well-preserved chambers and various rooms throughout the castle, explore its enchanting gardens, and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere in the middle of the green hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Where to Stay in the Yorkshire Dales

Herriots Hotel – Located in the town of Skipton at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, this hotel is an excellent place to base yourself when exploring this natural area. They have a number of lovely rooms available along with plenty of great amenities for guests to enjoy.

The Gamekeeper’s Inn – This quaint inn situated in Skipton makes for the perfect base when exploring the Yorkshire Dales. They have an array of cosy rooms to choose from along with amenities such as a swimming pool and a spa/wellness centre.

Howgills Apartments – If you’re looking for a self-catering option, these apartments are a great choice. They have a number of flats on offer located in the town of Sedbergh within easy reach of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

YHA Malham – This hostel in Skipton is a great choice for those looking for budget accommodation during their trip to the Yorkshire Dales. They have both dorms and private rooms available along with good self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Yorkshire Dales hotels!

As one of the most stunning countryside getaways, yet one of the least visited spots in England by international visitors, the Yorkshire Dales is a truly special spot in Northern England offering the ideal blend of serenity, history, and enjoyment of life.

Are you planning to visit the Yorkshire Dales? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Great article with good information about visiting the Yorkshire Dales. Thank you!

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The best things to do in Yorkshire, UK

Jul 15, 2022 • 11 min read

Spend any time in Yorkshire's dales and moorlands and you'll see why they call this God's Own County © Andrew Bret Wallis / Getty Images

Yorkshire – or God’s Own County as locals like to call it – has long played the muse for writers, painters and film-location scouts, as well as being an industrial powerhouse that helped shape modern Britain. Dramatic topography, stunning heritage sites, urban regeneration areas and world-renowned walking trails are just some of the things that make this one of Britain’s most appealing destinations today.

Don’t be surprised though if it’s the clink of pint glasses in a country pub or the broad-accented, straight-talking locals that make the biggest impression. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Yorkshire, for a taste of the rich brew that is Northern England.

Take a Bronte country tour

Yorkshire has some of the most evocative landscapes in England. It was out on the wiley, windy moors that Heathcliff and Cathy of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights roamed. It was the limestone scars of the dales that supposedly gave Tolkien (a professor at the University of Leeds in the 1920s) inspiration for the fortress of Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings . And Lewis Carroll and Bram Stoker found their own fantasies in the myths and legends of the Yorkshire Coast.

In the timewarp town of Haworth, West Yorkshire, make a pilgrimage to the Bronte Parsonage where the three Victorian authors lived, now a house museum crammed with 19th-century literary artifacts. Visit the exquisitely preserved town apothecary where their brother procured his laudanum – today, it's the offbeat store, Cabinet of Curiosities . Afterward, you can strike out over Haworth Moor for the 2.75-mile hike to the Bronte Waterfall.

Hike over moors and dales

Thanks to Yorkshire’s mild summers, it’s never too hot for a bracing country walk. Locals treasure their right to roam and can often be found tramping down the public footpaths that crisscross the rolling valleys, or tracing the lines of drystone walls across the region’s two national parks (the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors ) – often with a dog in tow. 

Historic coaching inns in tiny villages cater to hikers on the long-distance Pennine Way and Coast to Coast trails. But one of the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales is the 4.5-mile Malham Landscape Trail which takes in Malham Cove , a sheer limestone cliff and nesting spot for peregrine falcons that was used as a setting in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . 

Ride the rails like a Victorian

Two charming heritage railway lines ricochet between small towns and rural villages across the dales and moors of Yorkshire. Both lines are served by steam locomotives as well as classic diesel engines, with stops at some of the best-preserved 19th-century stations in England. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one for Harry Potter fans, as it chugs daily between Whitby and Pickering via Goathland, which was used as a filming location in several of the films.

In West Yorkshire, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is a 5-mile track through Bronte country, stopping at Haworth. But it has an equal claim to fame as a movie location – several stations along this line were used to film the original 1970s movie of the Railway Children .  

See layers of history in York

York ’s historic lineage as the Roman city of Eboracum and later the Viking settlement of Jorvik makes it one of Europe’s most interesting cities for history-lovers and archaeology buffs. However, it’s York’s photogenic medieval remains that particularly ensnare visitors. The crooked half-timbered houses along the Shambles are said to have inspired JK Rowling’s depiction of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books (you’ll notice a flourishing number of Harry Potter magic and potion shops nearby). There are also several excellent medieval house museums to explore, including the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Barley Hall . 

York is a city that’s really worth exploring over several days, and it’s one of the best places to stay in Yorkshire. Make time for York Minster – the largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe – and its excellent Undercroft museum that digs beneath the city. Circumnavigating the immaculately preserved city walls and bars (gates) is another popular activity. And the interactive Jorvik Viking Centre , with its warts-and-all animatronic theme park-style ride, is another must-see – especially for families. 

Get steamy in Harrogate’s thermal springs

Ever since people first noticed the sulfurous waters bubbling up in what is now Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, this Yorkshire town has been known as a spa destination. Developed from the 16th century onward, its thermal springs have attracted a steady stream of luminaries, including Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie. Today it’s an especially pretty country town, popular for weekend breaks with locals and just 30 minutes by train from York. 

One of the most compelling reasons to visit is to book a session at Harrogate's Victorian -era Turkish Baths , which are still in perfect working order. The mock-Moorish interior is still as exquisite as the day it opened – book in for a tour followed by a steam bath and scrub. Harrogate is also the home of Bettys tearooms, an icon of Yorkshire that never fails to draw a queue.

Relive favorite Bridgerton moments at Castle Howard

If you’ve seen Bridgerton , Castle Howard might look familiar. It played the part of the Duke of Hastings’ family estate in the first season of the phenomenally popular British period drama, but in real life it’s one of England’s finest examples of baroque and Palladian design. This was the first domestic building in the country to have a domed roof – put there by Nicholas Hawksmoor, one of the architects who worked on St Paul’s Cathedral in London, after which it was modeled. 

There’s a boating lake as well as informative guides and an exhibition in the main house dedicated to  Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited – Castle Howard was used as a location for both the film and original 1981 TV adaptation. You could spend a day just roaming the rose gardens, temple follies and baroque fountains in the grounds.

Follow Dracula’s trail in Whitby 

The Yorkshire Coast has a string of traditional seaside towns beloved by locals for generous servings of fish and chips, seaside amusements and bracing stretches of seafront. Whitby , though, is the jewel in the crown and much more than just a coastal resort. Its haunting, ruined abbey was founded by Abbess Hild in the 7th century, and in the 18th century, the town was an important shipbuilding center. Captain Cook – famed for his exploratory expeditions to Australia and New Zealand – learned his trade here and his old home has been turned into a fascinating museum . 

Whitby also has a literary cachet as the point where Dracula – the vampire from Bram Stoker’s acclaimed 1897 novel – made landfall in England. Stoker found inspiration for his ghoulish blood-sucker in the haunted lanes and fishing cottages on Whitby. This legacy has spawned a local goth movement, with thousands descending on the seaside town each year – especially over Halloween. Bemused officials at St Mary’s Church encounter so many fans on a fruitless hunt for the vampire’s grave that they’ve had to put up a notice explaining that it doesn’t exist.

Scare yourself witless at the Forbidden Corner

Possibly Yorkshire’s most offbeat attraction, the Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth of tunnels, mock-gothic follies and nightmarish chambers reminiscent of David Bowie’s Labyrinth movie. Covering four acres, it was originally conceived as a private folly, but the results were so good the owners couldn’t keep it to themselves.

Although it’s essentially a family attraction, a word of warning: some kids love it, but some get really spooked by it. There’s no map for the gardens; you just have to dive in and hope you don’t get too rattled when the clanking, wailing and moaning starts! 

Drink deep of Leeds’ hopping craft beer scene

Leeds is Yorkshire’s largest urban hub – a dynamic, good-time Yorkshire city that grew rich during the industrial revolution and is now legendary for its student scene, nightlife and Victorian-era shopping arcades. But beer is the city's lifeblood. Brewing giant Tetley’s was originally based here and the brewery’s old art deco headquarters is now a cool community space, contemporary gallery and bar-restaurant that's well worth visiting. 

Today, Leeds is one of the best places to sample Yorkshire's craft beers, with beer bars and taprooms galore where beer lovers can taste-test unique drops. Try the Northern Monk craft brewery and taproom, wedged into a 19th-century flax mill in Holbeck. There’s also North Brewing Co , which has a giant taproom terrace with DJs and food trucks at Springwell, 10 minutes from Leeds city center. Walk from here along the forested Woodhouse Ridge path and you can continue your beer crawl in the neighborhood taproom of Meanwood Brewery.

Learn more about the abolition of slavery at Hull's Wilberforce House

Since being  fêted as the UK's Capital of Culture in 2017, the city of Hull has got a new spring in its step. The marina area has been reborn as a restaurant and bar enclave, the city's permanently docked heritage ships and maritime museums have been revamped, and there’s Stage@TheDock – a new outdoor performance venue overlooking the water. 

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hull was one of the UK’s premier whaling ports, but less well known is the fact that this was also the home of William Wilberforce, England’s preeminent abolitionist. Wilberforce was instrumental in the campaign to end slavery across the British Empire and his home is now a must-see museum dedicated to his cause, with poignant displays on the history of slavery in the western world. 

Learn about the industrial revolution in Sheffield

Of all Yorkshire’s cities, it is Sheffield – the "steel city," surrounded by rich metal deposits – that has clung to its industrial revolution roots most fondly. The city's oldest district, Kelham Island , houses an excellent museum on Sheffield's metalworking heritage, and the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet – preserved within a modern city suburb – is a frozen-in-time example of a workers’ community before the days of the big steel factories.

In between Leeds and Sheffield, it’s also possible to descend 40ft into a grimy mining pit on a subterranean tour with cheery ex-miners at the National Coal Mining Museum in Overton. The museum sits atop a vintage mine abandoned in the 1980s when Britain’s waning coal industry finally gasped its last breath.

Go t’ut pub with the locals

Grab a pie and a pint in a Yorkshire pub and you’ll learn everything you need to know about local culture, because the village boozer is the epicenter of county life. The array of watering holes on offer is vast – you could create a comprehensive Yorkshire tour based on an extended pub crawl, visiting rural real-ale pubs and urban craft beer taprooms . 

The dales and moors are crammed with ancient inns such as Tan Hill Inn , the highest pub in England where the wind howls outside, making you wonder about the werewolf on a poster inside the bar (a nod to the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London , which follows two American backpackers on a doomed hike over the Yorkshire moors).

A number of beautiful old pubs have now been turned into Michelin-starred gastropubs serving brilliant Yorkshire food, most notably the Black Swan at Oldstead , Star Inn at Harome and Pipe & Glass at South Dalton.

Learn about the Yorkshire Dales’ tasty cheese traditions

As every Wallace & Gromit fan knows, the best cheese in the world is Wensleydale. And Wensleydale – a real place in the Yorkshire dales – has been capitalizing on its fame for some time. In the hiking hub of Hawes, the community-backed Wensleydale Creamery has an excellent museum with a dash of Wallace humor and a lot of information about local cheese-making traditions. 

Visitors can see the curds and whey being sifted before tasting dozens of samples, including a cheese infused with Black Sheep Brewery ’s Riggwelter ale. To find out more about how Yorkshire is trying to revive its once-thriving cheese-making cottage industry , it’s also well worth visiting the award-winning Courtyard Dairy cheese shop and maturing rooms on the eastern edge of the moors. 

Tour the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle

Two of England’s greatest 20th-century sculptors – Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth – had West Yorkshire roots and drew inspiration from the landscapes of this rugged region. Their legacy has spawned numerous art institutions worthy of any visitor’s time, creating what has been dubbed the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle.

The top dog is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park , which has drawn such internationally acclaimed artists as Ai Weiwei and Andy Goldsworthy. Sculptures are dotted across a vast open-air gallery within the 500-acre Bretton Estate near Wakefield – it feels like pure whimsy, and a stroll through the grounds is utter magic.

But the best place to see Moore and Hepworth’s work is the ultra-modern Hepworth Wakefield gallery nearby. The collection is small but it’s the most concentrated hit of either artist’s work you’ll find anywhere in the world. The third prong of the triangle is Leeds Art Gallery , which has a nationally important collection of British art and sculpture.

Beyond the galleries, look out for street art around hubs such as Leeds train station, Kirkgate Market and the old mill district of Holbeck – partly the result of an inspired commissioning spree by the local council to bring more color to the streets of the city.

This article was first published May 2018 and updated July 2022

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Yorkshire Travel Guide

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It’s easy to be glib about Yorkshire – to outsiders it’s the archetypal “up North” with all the clichés that implies, from flat caps to grim factories. For their part, many Yorkshire locals are happy to play up to these prejudices, while nursing a secret conviction that there really is no better place in the world to live. In some respects, it’s a world apart, its most distinctive characteristics – from the broad dialect to the breathtaking landscapes – deriving from a long history of settlement, invention and independence. As for Yorkshire’s other boasts (the beer’s better, the air’s cleaner, the people are friendlier) – anyone who spends any time here will find it hard to argue with those.

Bradford and around

The east yorkshire coast, leeds and around, the north york moors, ripon and around, sheffield and around, york and around, the yorkshire dales.

The number-one destination is undoubtedly York , for centuries England’s second city, until the Industrial Revolution created new centres of power and influence. York’s mixture of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture is repeated in towns such as Beverley , Ripon and Richmond , while the Yorkshire coast, too, retains something of its erstwhile grandeur – Bridlington and Scarborough boomed in the nineteenth century and again in the postwar period, though it’s in smaller resorts like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay that the best of the coast is to be found today.

The engine of growth during the Industrial Revolution was not in the north of the county, but in the south and west, where Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and their satellites were once the world’s mightiest producers of textiles and steel. Ruthless economic logic devastated the area in the twentieth century, but a new vigour has infused South and West Yorkshire during the last decade. The city-centre transformations of Leeds and Sheffield in particular have been remarkable, while Bradford is a fine diversion on the way to Haworth , home of the Brontë sisters.

The Yorkshire Dales , to the northwest, possesses a glorious collection of places to visit, with a patchwork of stone-built villages, limestone hills, serene valleys and majestic heights. The county’s other National Park, the North York Moors , is divided into bleak upland moors and a tremendous rugged coastline between Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes.

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Explore the sets of the TV show "All Creatures Great and Small". The show follows the adventures of a young veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s. Start in London and make your way up to Yorkshire and then further to Edinburgh in Scotland.

With its tangle of old streets, cobbled lanes and elegant Georgian and Victorian terraces BEVERLEY , nine miles north of Hull, is the very picture of a traditional market town. More than 350 of its buildings are listed, and though you could see its first-rank offerings in a morning, it makes an appealing place to stay.

BRADFORD has always been a working town, booming in tandem with the Industrial Revolution, when just a few decades saw it transform from a rural seat of woollen manufacture to a polluted metropolis. In its Victorian heyday it was the world’s biggest producer of worsted cloth, its skyline etched black with mill chimneys, and its hills clogged with some of the foulest back-to-back houses of any northern city. A look at the Venetian-Gothic Wool Exchange building on Market Street, or a walk through Little Germany , northeast of the city centre (named for the German wool merchants who populated the area in the second half of the 1800s) provides ample evidence of the wealth of nineteenth-century Bradford.

Contemporary Bradford, perhaps the most multicultural centre in the UK outside London, is valiantly rinsing away its associations with urban decrepitude, and while it can hardly yet be compared with neighbouring Leeds as a visitor attraction, it has two must-see attractions in the National Media Museum and the industrial heritage site of Saltaire . The major annual event is the Bradford Mela , a one-day celebration of the arts, culture and food of the Indian subcontinent, held in June or July.

The East Yorkshire coast curves south in a gentle arc from the mighty cliffs of Flamborough Head to Spurn Head, a hook-shaped promontory formed by relentless erosion and shifting currents. There are few parts of the British coast as dangerous – indeed, the Humber lifeboat station at Spurn Point is the only one in Britain permanently staffed by a professional crew. Between the two points lie a handful of tranquil villages and miles of windswept dunes and mud flats. The two main resorts, Bridlington and Filey , couldn’t be more different, but each has their own appeal.

Bridlington and around

The southernmost resort on the Yorkshire coast, BRIDLINGTON has maintained its harbour for almost a thousand years. The seafront promenade looks down upon the town’s best asset – its sweeping sandy beach . It’s an out-and-out family resort, which means plenty of candyfloss, fish and chips, rides, boat trips and amusement arcades. The historic core of town is a mile inland, where in the largely Georgian Bridlington Old Town the Bayle Museum presents local history in a building that once served as the gateway to a fourteenth-century priory. Every November, Bridlington hosts a highly regarded World Music Festival, Musicport , which pulls in some very big names.

Around fourteen miles of precipitous 400ft-high cliffs gird Flamborough Head , just to the northeast of Bridlington. The best of the seascapes are visitable on the peninsula’s north side, accessible by road from Flamborough village.

HARROGATE – the very picture of genteel Yorkshire respectability – owes its landscaped appearance and early prosperity to the discovery of Tewit Well in 1571. This was the first of more than eighty ferrous and sulphurous springs that, by the nineteenth century, were to turn the town into one of the country’s leading spas. Tours of the town should begin with the Royal Baths , facing Crescent Road, first opened in 1897 and now restored to their late Victorian finery. You can experience the beautiful Moorish-style interior during a session at the Turkish Baths and Health Spa . Just along Crescent Road from the Royal Baths stands the Royal Pump Room , built in 1842 over the sulphur well that feeds the baths. The town’s earliest surviving spa building, the old Promenade Room of 1806, is just 100 yards from the Pump Room on Swan Road – now housing the Mercer Art Gallery .

To the southwest (entrance opposite the Royal Pump Room), the 120-acre Valley Gardens are a delight, while many visitors also make for the botanical gardens at Harlow Carr , the northern showpiece of the Royal Horticultural Society. These lie 1.5 miles out, on the town’s western edge – the nicest approach is to walk through the Valley Gardens and pine woods, though bus #106 will get you there as well.

Of English literary shrines, probably only Stratford sees more visitors than the quarter of a million who swarm annually into the village of HAWORTH , eight miles north of Bradford, to tramp the cobbles once trodden by the Brontë sisters. In summer the village’s steep Main Street is lost under huge crowds, herded by multilingual signs around the various stations on the Brontë trail . The most popular local walk runs to Brontë Falls and Bridge , reached via West Lane (a continuation of Main Street) and a track from the village, signposted “Bronte Falls”, and to Top Withens , a mile beyond, a ruin fancifully (and erroneously) thought to be the model for the manor, Wuthering Heights (allow 3hr for the round trip). The moorland setting beautifully evokes the flavour of the book, and to enjoy it further you could walk on another two and a half miles to Ponden Hall , claimed by some to be Thrushcross Grange is Wuthering Heights .

HULL – officially Kingston upon Hull – dates back to 1299, when it was laid out as a seaport by Edward I. It quickly became England’s leading harbour, and was still a vital garrison when the gates were closed against Charles I in 1642, the first serious act of rebellion of what was to become the English Civil War. Fishing and seafaring have always been important here, and today’s city maintains a firm grip on its heritage with a number of superb visitor attractions.

Yorkshire’s commercial capital, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, LEEDS has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. There’s still a true northern grit to its character, and in many of its dilapidated suburbs, but the grime has been removed from the impressive Victorian buildings and the city is revelling in its new persona as a booming financial, commercial and cultural centre. The renowned shops , restaurants , bars and clubs provide one focus of a visit to contemporary Leeds – it’s certainly Yorkshire’s top destination for a day or two of conspicuous consumption and indulgence. Museums include the impressive Royal Armouries , which hold the national arms and armour collection, while the City Art Gallery has one of the best collections of British twentieth-century art outside London. Beyond the city, a number of major attractions are accessible by bus or train, from the stately home Harewood House and the gritty National Coal Mining Museum to the stunning new Hepworth Gallery and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park .

Leeds concerts and festivals

Temple Newsam , four miles east of the centre hosts numerous concerts and events, from plays to rock gigs and opera, and at Kirkstall Abbey every summer there’s a Shakespeare Festival with open-air productions of the Bard’s works. Roundhay Park is the other large outdoor venue for concerts, while Bramham Park, ten miles east of the city, hosts the annual Leeds Carling Festival at the end of August with rock/indie music on five stages. August bank holiday weekend heralds the West Indian Carnival in the Chapeltown area of Leeds.

National Coal Mining Museum

While the gentry enjoyed the comforts of life in grand houses like Harewood, just a few miles away generations of Yorkshiremen sweated out a living underground. Mining is now little more than a memory in most parts of Yorkshire, but visitors can get all too vivid an idea of pit life through the ages at the excellent

. Based in a former pit, Caphouse Colliery, the highlight is an underground mine tour (90min, warm clothes required; arrive early in school hols) with a former miner as your guide.

Virtually the whole of the North York Moors , from the Hambleton and Cleveland hills in the west to the cliff-edged coastline to the east, is protected by one of the country’s finest National Parks. The heather-covered, flat-topped hills are cut by deep, steep-sided valleys, and views here stretch for miles, interrupted only by giant cultivated forests. This is great walking country; footpaths include the superb Cleveland Way , one of England’s premier long-distance National Trails, which embraces both wild moorland and the cliff scenery of the North Yorkshire coast. Barrows and ancient forts provide memorials of early settlers, mingling on the high moorland with the battered stone crosses of the first Christian inhabitants and the ruins of great monastic houses such as Rievaulx Abbey .

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway connects Pickering with the Esk Valley (Middlesbrough–Whitby) line at Grosmont , eighteen miles to the north. The line was completed by George Stephenson in 1835, just ten years after the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Scheduled services operate year-round, and a day-return ticket costs £16. Part of the line’s attraction are the steam trains , though be warned that diesels are pulled into service when the fire risk in the forests is high. Steam services have also been extended from the end of the NYMR line at Grosmont to the nearby seaside resort of Whitby – departures are usually during school and bank holidays, with a return fare from Pickering of £21.

The attractive market town of RIPON , eleven miles north of Harrogate, is centred upon its small cathedral , which can trace its ancestry back to its foundation by St Wilfrid in 672; the original crypt below the central tower can still be reached down a stone passage. The town’s other focus is its Market Place , linked by narrow Kirkgate to the cathedral (market day is Thursday, with a farmers’ market on the third Sunday of the month). Meanwhile, three restored buildings – prison, courthouse and workhouse – show a different side of the local heritage, under the banner of the Yorkshire Law and Order Museums . Just four miles away lies Fountains Abbey , the one Yorkshire monastic ruin you must see.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

It’s tantalizing to imagine how the English landscape might have appeared had Henry VIII not dissolved the monasteries:

Fountains Abbey

gives a good idea of what might have been. The abbey was founded in 1133 by thirteen dissident Benedictine monks and formally adopted by the Cistercian order two years later. Within a hundred years, Fountains had become the wealthiest Cistercian foundation in England, supporting a magnificent

abbey church

Perpendicular Tower

, almost 180ft high, looms over the whole ensemble, while equally grandiose in scale is the undercroft of the

Lay Brothers’ Dormitory

off the cloister, a stunningly vaulted space over 300ft long that was used to store the monastery’s annual harvest of fleeces. Its sheer size gives some idea of the abbey’s entrepreneurial scope; some thirteen tons of wool a year were turned over, most of it sold to Venetian and Florentine merchants who toured the monasteries.

A riverside walk, marked from the visitor centre car park, takes you through Fountains Abbey to a series of ponds and ornamental gardens, harbingers of Studley Royal (same times as the abbey), which can also be entered via the village of Studley Roger, where there’s a separate car park. This lush medley of lawns, lake, woodland and Deer Park was laid out in 1720 to form a setting for the abbey, and there are some scintillating views from the gardens, though it’s the cascades and water gardens that command most attention.

Yorkshire’s second city, SHEFFIELD remains linked with its steel industry, in particular the production of high-quality cutlery. As early as the fourteenth century the carefully fashioned, hard-wearing knives of hardworking Sheffield enjoyed national repute, while technological advances later turned the city into one of the country’s foremost centres of heavy and specialist engineering. Unsurprisingly, it was bombed heavily during World War II, and by the 1980s the steel industry’s subsequent downturn had tipped parts of Sheffield into dispiriting decline. The subsequent revival has been rapid, however, with the centre utterly transformed by flagship architectural projects. Steel, of course, still underpins much of what Sheffield is about: museum collections tend to focus on the region’s industrial heritage, complemented by the startling science-and-adventure exhibits at Magna , built in a disused steel works at Rotherham , the former coal and iron town a few miles northeast of the city.

Sheffield orientation

Sheffield’s city centre is very compact and easily explored on foot. Southeast of the Winter Garden/Peace Gardens hub, clubs and galleries exist alongside arts and media businesses in the Cultural Industries Quarter . North of the stations, near the River Don, Castlegate has a traditional indoor market (closed Sun) while spruced-up warehouses and cobbled towpaths line the neighbouring canal basin, Victoria Quays . South of here, down Fargate and across Peace Gardens, the pedestrianized Moor Quarter draws in shoppers, though it’s the Devonshire Quarter , east of the gardens and centred on Division Street, that is the trendiest shopping area. A little further out, to the northeast of the city centre and easily accessible by bus or tram, lies the huge Meadowhall Shopping Complex , built on the site of one of Sheffield’s most famous steelworks.

YORK is the North’s most compelling city, a place whose history, said George VI, “is the history of England”. This is perhaps overstating things a little, but it reflects the significance of a metropolis that stood at the heart of the country’s religious and political life for centuries, and until the Industrial Revolution was second only to London in population and importance. These days a more provincial air hangs over the city, except in summer when it comes to feel like a heritage site for the benefit of tourists. That said, no trip to this part of the country is complete without a visit to York, and the city is also well placed for any number of day-trips , the most essential being to Castle Howard , the gem amongst English stately homes.

The Minster is the obvious place to start, and you won’t want to miss a walk around the walls. The medieval city is at its most evocative around the streets known as Stonegate and the Shambles , while the earlier Viking city is entertainingly presented at Jorvik , perhaps the city’s favourite family attraction. Standout historic buildings include the Minster’s Treasurer’s House, Georgian Fairfax House, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, and the stark remnants of York’s Castle . The two major museum collections are the incomparable Castle Museum and the National Railway Museum (where the appeal goes way beyond railway memorabilia), while the evocative ruins and gardens of St Mary’s Abbey house the family-friendly Yorkshire Museum . Just fifteen miles away from town, and accessible by bus, Castle Howard is one of the nation’s finest stately homes.

Brief history

An early Roman fortress of 71 AD in time became a city – Eboracum, capital of the empire’s northern European territories and the base for Hadrian’s northern campaigns. Later, the city became the fulcrum of Christianity in northern England: on Easter Day in 627, Bishop Paulinus, on a mission to establish the Roman Church, baptized King Edwin of Northumbria in a small timber chapel. Six years later the church became the first minster and Paulinus the first archbishop of York. In 867 the city fell to the Danes , who renamed it Jorvik , and later made it the capital of eastern England (Danelaw). Later Viking raids culminated in the decisive Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066) six miles east of the city, where English King Harold defeated Norse King Harald – a pyrrhic victory in the event, for his weakened army was defeated by the Normans just a few days later at the Battle of Hastings, with well-known consequences for all concerned.

The Normans devastated much of York’s hinterland in their infamous “Harrying of the North”. Stone walls were thrown up during the thirteenth century, when the city became a favoured Plantagenet retreat and commercial capital of the north, its importance reflected in the new title of Duke of York, bestowed ever since on the monarch’s second son. Although Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries took its toll on a city crammed with religious houses, York remained wedded to the Cathoic cause, and the most famous of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators, Guy Fawkes , was born here. During the Civil War Charles I established his court in the city, which was strongly pro-Royalist, inviting a Parliamentarian siege. Royalist troops, however, were routed by Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, another seminal battle in England’s history, which took place six miles west of York.

The city’s eighteenth-century history was marked by its emergence as a social centre for Yorkshire’s landed elite. Whilst the Industrial Revolution largely passed it by, the arrival of the railways brought renewed prosperity, thanks to the enterprise of pioneering “Railway King” George Hudson, lord mayor during the 1830s and 1840s. The railway is gradually losing its role as a major employer, as is the traditional but declining confectionery industry, and incomes are now generated by new service and bioscience industries – not forgetting, of course, the four million annual tourists.

Where Jorvik shows what was unearthed at Coppergate, the associated attraction that is

illustrates the science involved. Housed five minutes’ walk away from the museum, in the medieval church of St Saviour, on St Savioursgate, a simulated dig allows you to take part in a range of excavations in the company of archeologists, using authentic tools and methods. Tours to visit

Dig Hungate

, York’s latest major archeological excavation, start from here.

The city’s blockbuster historic exhibit is

, located by the Coppergate shopping centre. Propelling visitors in “time capsules” on a ride through the tenth-century city of York, the museum presents not only the sights but also the sounds and even the smells of a riverside Viking city. Excavations of Coppergate in 1976 uncovered a real Viking settlement, now largely buried beneath the shopping centre outside. But at Jorvik you can see how the unearthed artefacts were used, and watch live-action domestic scenes on actual Viking-age streets, with constipated villagers, axe-fighting and other singular attractions.

The Yorkshire Dales – “dales” from the Viking word dalr (valley) – form a varied upland area of limestone hills and pastoral valleys at the heart of the Pennines. Protected as a National Park, (or, in the case of Nidderdale, as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), there are more than twenty main dales covering 680 square miles, crammed with opportunities for outdoor activities. Most approaches are from the south, via the superbly engineered Settle to Carlisle Railway , or along the main A65 road from towns such as Skipton , Settle and Ingleton . Southern dales like Wharfedale are the most visited, while neighbouring Malhamdale is also immensely popular due to the fascinating scenery squeezed into its narrow confines around Malham village. Ribblesdale is more sombre, its villages popular with hikers intent on tackling the famous Three Peaks – the mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. To the northwest lies the more remote Dentdale , one of the least known but most beautiful of the valleys, and further north still Wensleydale and Swaledale , the latter of which rivals Dentdale as the most rewarding overall target. Both flow east, with Swaledale’s lower stretches encompassing the appealing historic town of Richmond .

Here for the beer

If you’re a beer fan, the handsome Wensleydale market town of Masham (pronounced Mass’m) is an essential point of pilgrimage. At Theakston brewery (tours daily 11am–3pm; reservations advised; w theakstons.co.uk ), sited here since 1827, you can learn the arcane intricacies of the brewer’s art and become familiar with the legendary Old Peculier ale. The Black Sheep Brewery , set up in the early 1990s by one of the Theakston family brewing team, also offers tours (daily 11am–4pm, but call for availability; w blacksheepbrewery.com ). Both are just a few minutes’ signposted walk out of the centre.

A few miles west of Wharfedale lies Malhamdale , one of the National Park’s most heavily visited regions, thanks to its three outstanding natural features of Malham Cove , Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar . All three attractions are within easy hiking distance of Malham village .

MALHAM village is home to barely a couple of hundred people who inhabit the huddled stone houses on either side of a bubbling river. Appearing in spectacular fashion a mile to the north, the white-walled limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove rises 300ft above its surroundings. After a breath-sapping haul to the top, you are rewarded with fine views and the famous limestone pavement, an expanse of clints (slabs) and grykes (clefts) created by water seeping through weaker lines in the limestone rock. A simple walk (or summer shuttle bus ride) over the moors abruptly brings Malham Tarn into sight, its waterfowl protected by a nature reserve on the west bank. Meanwhile, at Gordale Scar (also easily approached direct from Malham village), the cliffs are if anything more spectacular than at Malham Cove. The classic circuit takes in cove, tarn and scar in a clockwise walk from Malham (8 miles; 3hr 30min), but you can also do it on horseback – the Yorkshire Dales Trekking Centre at Holme Farm in the village centre is the place to enquire about saddling up.

The Settle to Carlisle Railway

The 72-mile Settle to Carlisle line is a feat of Victorian engineering that has few equals in Britain. In particular, between Horton and Ribblehead, “ England’s most scenic railway ” climbs 200ft in five miles, before crossing the famous 24-arched Ribblehead viaduct and disappearing into the 2629 yards of the Blea Tunnel. Meanwhile, the station at Dent Head is the highest, and bleakest, mainline station in England. The journey from Settle to Carlisle takes 1hr 40min, so it’s easy to do the full return trip in one day. If your time is short, ride the most dramatic section between Settle and Garsdale. There are connections to Settle from Skipton and Leeds.

RICHMOND is the Dales’ single most tempting destination, thanks mainly to its magnificent castle , whose extensive walls and colossal keep cling to a precipice above the River Swale. Indeed, the entire town is an absolute gem, centred on a huge cobbled market square backed by Georgian buildings, hidden alleys and gardens. Market day is Saturday, augmented by a farmers’ market on the third Saturday of the month.

Top image: Aerial view of Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, England © Andrei Petrus/Shutterstock

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17 Amazing Yorkshire Day Trips (+ Map & Insider Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 27, 2023

Yorkshire county in northern England is a perfect destination that has something to offer for everyone. Beautiful towns, charming villages, and two national parks offer plenty of sightseeing options. There is something to see and do to suit all ages, interests, and abilities.

If you are looking for ideas on what to see and do in Yorkshire , this article will give you plenty of inspiration on where to go and what to do. In this selection, we feature 17 amazing Yorkshire day trip ideas – the very best things to do in Yorkshire. From the most famous tourist destinations to local’s favorites, quirky attractions, and hidden gems of Yorkshire.

Good to know: This article features insider tips and recommendations by Yorkshire-native Sinead from York with Kids . She lives in York and knows the region really well. For our blog, she selected the very best day trips and places to see in Yorkshire and also included practical tips and suggestions to help you plan your visit.

We also included a map featuring all the best places to visit in Yorkshire mentioned in this article. At the bottom of this post, you can also find tips for getting around Yorkshire and the best base for your day trips and excursions in this beautiful part of England. Find out!

Yorkshire is very diverse and there is so much to see and do! The cosmopolitan cities of York, Leeds, Sheffield, and Hull offer world-class museums and lively city centers. You’ll find countless historical attractions in Yorkshire’s market towns and villages.

The hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales NP have stunning landscapes of woodlands and waterfalls. Whereas the contrasting, windswept Moors provide fantastic hiking opportunities…

If you don’t have a car and are looking for the best day tours in Yorkshire, here’s an overview of the very best organized day trips that you can do from York:

• The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York
• Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip
• North York Moors & Whitby from York

Further below, you can find the very best day trip destinations in Yorkshire. And here is a map indicating all the main locations mentioned in this article.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Good to know: If you are looking for Yorkshire Dales National Park on this list, you should know that it’s a huge National Park with towns, villages, endless hiking possibilities, etc. So it’s not just one place to go visit. Several places mentioned in this article are inside Yorkshire Dales NP. If you want to see the very best of this area in a nutshell, then you should consider visiting with an organized day tour that covers several locations in one day .

These are the best things to do in Yorkshire as a day trip:

No trip to Yorkshire would be complete without visiting York , one of the nicest cities in the UK . It’s a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage and a range of attractions dating from the Roman, Viking, Georgian, and Victorian eras. The city center has parks and pedestrianized streets making York a very pleasant city trip destination; it’s also easy to visit with kids. 

There are so many unmissable  things to do in York  that you will want to spend more than one day in the city!

Don’t miss the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster . If you are up for it, climb the 275 steps of the central tower for a fabulous view of the city. Every Saturday, York Minster runs engaging tours of the cathedral.

Walk the city’s medieval stone walls . At two miles long, they are the longest city walls in England. Make sure to check out the quirky old street The Shambles , voted ‘Best Street in Britain’. It’s said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. 

If you want to learn about the history of York, visit the Jorvik Viking Centre , the Yorkshire Museum , or the excellent York Castle Museum . 

Walk the windy ramparts of Clifford’s Tower or take a break from the city center with a relaxing cruise down the River Ouse.  

TIP:  Anyone visiting  York with kids , should take the tasty tour at York Chocolate Story . It ends with the opportunity to make your own chocolate lollipop. 

How to visit:   Leave your car at one of the city’s Park & Ride locations to avoid city center driving and parking fees. Alternatively, travel to York by train. York’s central rail station is a short, ten-minute walk to the city center. If you want to see all the highlights in a short time, consider joining this popular walking tour with a local guide . If you want to ‘see it all’ in a day, hop-on hop-off bus might be a good option for getting around York.

2. Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey or Bolton Priory is part of a private estate owned by the Duke of Devonshire and an amazing place to visit as a day trip from York. It’s located on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is often included in Yorkshire Dales day tours . This is not the same place as Bolton Castle, mentioned under the Wensleydale day trip above.

There is so much to see and explore at this historic site! The main highlight is the ruins of the Augustinian abbey and church which was founded here in the 12th century. 

The rest of the extensive estate lies across a narrow river accessed by a wooden bridge or over Bolton Abbey’s iconic 6o stepping stones. Kids and adults alike love hopping from stone to stone in order to cross the river. There are also a number of scenic walking trails along the riverbank or through the shaded Strid Wood. Don’t miss Strid Wood’s famous ‘money tree.’

Bolton Abbey is free to visit; you only pay for car parking. You can find more practical information on their website .

TIP: Pack a towel if visiting Bolton Abbey in summer as you won’t be able to resist paddling in the river on a hot Yorkshire day! You can easily spend 4-5 hours exploring the estate. Count even more time if you enjoy a paddle and a picnic.

How to visit:   Bolton Abbey is about 1-hour drive from York and is best visited by car. You can also catch a steam train from nearby Embsay. The train ride takes 20 minutes to reach tiny Bolton Abbey station from where it is a 1,5-mile walk to Bolton Abbey estate. Alternatively, you can also visit with this organized tour from York .

3. Wensleydale

Wensleydale is a valley in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A day trip here encompasses the best that the Dales has to offer – waterfalls, history, food, and farming. This is the place that most Yorkshire Dales National Park tours visit.

First stop is Bolton Castle . This privately-owned castle is the best-preserved medieval castle in England and offers something for visitors of all ages.

From February to November, visitors can tour rooms in the castle and observe an archery display in the impressive castle courtyard. In the manicured grounds of the castle, you’ll find a maze and delightful herb garden. There is a Bird of Prey and Falconry display daily and visitors can brave the wild boar feeding session.

Two miles away from Bolton Castle is Aysgarth Falls . This attraction is free to enter, but there is a small fee for parking. The falls are actually three separate waterfalls – Upper Force, Middle Force, and Lower Force. These waterfalls tumble over three limestone steps over a scenic, one mile stretch of the River Ure. The falls can be viewed from a woodland path that runs alongside the river. 

Aysgarth Falls is a beautiful location to visit at any time of year. The changing colors of spring and autumn provide perfect photo opportunities. The waterfalls are particularly spectacular after heavy rainfall. 

A 12-minute drive away (unless you get stuck behind a tractor!) is the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes . This small museum is housed in a lovely Victorian rail station and depicts the changes in life and farming for people living in the Yorkshire Dales. There is a rolling program of activities and exhibitions with the opportunity to try out traditional crafts and farming skills. 

Whilst in Hawes, pop into the Wensleydale creamery to see the famous Yorkshire cheese being made. 

Wensleydale is the favorite cheese of the character Wallace, from Wallace and Gromit movies. You will not be able to leave the creamery without making a purchase. 

TIP: At Aysgarth Falls, visitors can access the water’s edge at Upper Force and at Lower Force. Lower Force is accessed by an uneven path descending from the main path. Both riverbanks are unfenced and the rocks can be slippery when wet. Aysgarth Falls is the best location during this day trip for a picnic. 

How to visit : The start of your day trip, Bolton Castle, is a one-hour drive from York. You should count the whole day for this area.

Whitby is a popular seaside resort on the North Yorkshire coast but one that retains a traditional feel. it’s a working harbor town that is thankfully not overrun with arcades or funfairs. 

You can stroll Whitby’s long, clean, sandy beach, wander the town’s cobbled lanes, or visit the museum dedicated to Whitby’s famous son, the explorer Captain James Cook.  

Strong legs can climb Whitby’s famous 199 stone steps which lead to an iconic clifftop Yorkshire landmark, Whitby Abbey . The 13th century gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey are well worth a visit. You also get a fantastic view of Whitby and the North Yorkshire coastline. 

Whitby is an atmospheric, windswept location. This is why Bram Stoker was inspired to cast Whitby as Dracula’s landing place in his famous vampire novel.

TIP: People drive from all over Yorkshire just to buy fish and chips in Whitby! Don’t leave the town until you have tried a Whitby chippy dinner.

How to visit: Whitby can be reached by public bus or by car from York or Leeds. The regular ‘Coastliner’ service crosses the Yorkshire Moors to reach Whitby and the route was recently voted ‘Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Route’. Whitby is also part of organized day tours that include several other great attractions in this area .

5. Robin Hood’s Bay

Robins Hood’s Bay is an old fishing village whose steep, cobbled lanes are too narrow for cars to access. You can explore the winding lanes lined with tiny, Victorian-era cottages, or visit the free Old Coastguard Station on the seafront. This is a good place to learn about the geology of the area and its seafaring history. 

The village also has a long, sandy beach offering plenty of space to play, relax or explore the rock pools. Robin Hoods Bay is part of Yorkshire’s Jurassic coastline. Fossils such as ammonites, belemnites, and Devils Toenail are regularly found on the beach.

TIP: Extend your trip with a hike to visit the seal colony at nearby Ravenscar. 

Insider tip: Robin Hood’s Bay can be visited on foot from Whitby by hiking along the North Yorkshire Coastal Path, part of the long-distance Cleveland Way National Trail. It’s a scenic, 7-mile walk (one way) with dramatic views of the coastline, sheltered coves, secluded bays, and Whitby’s isolated lighthouse. The challenging, undulating walk is not technically difficult but is high up and unfenced! You can return along the same path or catch a public bus from Robin Hoods Bay back to Whitby.

How to visit: Visitors to Robin Hoods Bay must park in one of the fee-paying car parks on the top of the hill outside the village. It is a steep descent down into the village and your legs will feel the strain on the way back up! Robin Hood’s Bay can also be visited with a tour from York .

6. Ingleton

Ingleton is a charming Dales town lying on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales NP. It is well worth spending a long day trip here as there are several excellent attractions within this area. 

One of the most popular attractions in Ingleton is the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail . This 4,5-mile hike over privately owned land offers scenic views of 6 pretty waterfalls. This is a beautiful hiking trail offering a mix of woodland, waterside paths, and wooden bridges. There is a fee to access the trail, but it’s well worth it! Depending on your walking speed, the trail will take between 2 – 3 hours.

A trip to nearby White Scar Cave – the longest showcave in England – will take around 2 hours. Kids will love donning a hard hat to descend the 97 steps into the depths of the cave. Once underground, metal walkways and earthen paths lead you around the cave. You can see an underground waterfall and formations such as the spookily named ‘The Witches Fingers’. 

Most of White Scar Cave is head height, but there are a couple of sections where you have to bend a bit. There is also one very narrow section that will require a squeeze! 

Alternatively, bring your hiking boots and attempt to hike to the top of Yorkshire’s second-highest peak, Ingleborough , at 723 meters high. There are several routes of differing lengths to reach the top of Ingleborough. The most interesting route starts in the village of Clapham. You will pass several cave entrances along the way, including Gaping Gill which contains the largest cave cavern in England. 

When you reach the plateau summit of Ingleborough, you will be rewarded with fantastic views across the Dale. On a clear day, you can see the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct . 

You can descend via the same route or on a circular route on which you will cross over ethereal limestone outcrops similar to those at the top of Malham Cove. Ingleborough is not a technically challenging hike though there are some steep climbs in places. 

TIP: Expect the hike to the top of Ingleborough to take around 4-5 hours round trip. There are no facilities once you leave Clapham, so bring plenty of snacks and water. The weather in the Yorkshire Dales can change quickly so always be prepared for any weather. 

How to visit : From the city of York, Ingleton is a 2-hour drive. There are several day-tour possibilities as well.

7. North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North York Moors Railway is an old-fashioned steam train running from Pickering, across the Yorkshire Moors, to the pretty village of Goathland. This is a very nice day trip in Yorkshire, popular with locals and tourists alike.

The ‘hop on hop off’ tickets are valid the whole day, so this is a great way to explore the villages and sights of the North Yorkshire Moors. For example, take a break at lovely Levisham and hike over Levisham Moor. Keep an eye for evidence of Bronze Age habitation and burial sites along the way. 

Your final destination is Goathland, featured in the hit tv series’ Heartbeat’. It will be more recognizable to children as the setting for Hogsmeade Rail Station in the Harry Potter movies. 

A direct, non-stop trip from Pickering to Goathland takes approximately 45 minutes. Stopping off at the different stations will require a full day, so arrive early to catch one of the first trains departing Pickering.

TIP: It is also possible to travel to Whitby using the North York Moors Railway. The line operates from April to October with festive trips available on December weekends.

How to visit : Catch the train from Pickering station, a 30-minute drive from York. The railway ticket is also included in the multi-day York explorer pass . There is also a tour that covers Whitby, Moors, and Yorkshire Railway as a day trip from York.

8. Malham Cove

Malham Cove is an unmissable location in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The imposing stone cove is a natural amphitheater. It’s 230 feet high and was once home to a plunging waterfall higher than Niagara Falls. 

At the base of Malham Cove, a set of uneven stone steps wind to the top of the cove and a fantastic view over the Yorkshire Dales. The edge of the cove is unfenced and the limestone ‘pavement’ at the top is riddled with holes and crevices, so take care where you walk! 

The pavement top of Malham Cove is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans! This is the site where Hermione and Harry camped in the Deathly Hallows movie . 

There are a number of excellent hiking opportunities in this area. One of the best hikes is a long, full day circular hike that encompasses all of the major sights in this area. Starting from Malham Village, a signposted trail leads through woodland to pretty Janet’s Foss Waterfall . From here, it is a further 0,5 mile to dramatic Gordale Scar , a huge gorge with towering rock faces. 

There are a couple of route options to reach the top of the gorge where the path eventually arrives at Malham Tarn , one of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales. From Malham Tarn, it is a short walk to the top of Malham Cove to where you can descend back to your starting point in Malham village. 

The hike is not technically difficult but is a full day 13-kilometer hike. It will take around 5 hours with stops. There are no facilities on the hiking trails.

TIP: There are two family-friendly pubs and an excellent tea room in Malham Village.

How to visit : You’ll need a car to get here. Park in the permitted parking areas in Malham Village. This is a free to access rural area, but please be respectful to local residents and only park in approved car parks. There are also some guided day tours that visit this area from York, Liverpool, or Manchester.

9. National Railway Museum in York

The National Railway Museum is one of the best  free things to do in York. You will need a full day to see everything at the museum, so this is a great day trip in itself! But since it’s free, you can always take a look even if you don’t have that much time.

The museum is packed with gleaming train engines and carriages of every shape and color. See inside the luxurious Royal Train or rest weary feet in a Shinkansen carriage, the only Bullet Train carriage displayed outside Japan. 

Marvel at the size of a Eurostar nose cone under a cross-section of the Channel Tunnel and view historic trains such as the fastest steam train in the world, the Mallard. 

Families will love the entertaining and educational science shows that run daily. Kids will particularly enjoy seeing Barbie shot out of a cannon!

View the talented restorers at work from an elevated walkway above the museum workshop or wave at trains entering and departing York rail station from the Museum’s popular outdoor balcony. 

TIP: There is an excellent restaurant and cafe on site, but visitors are permitted to bring their own picnic. 

How to visit : The Museum is a 10-minute walk from the center of York or you can catch the museum’s ‘road train’ from outside York Minster. It is located just behind York railway station making it an ideal attraction to visit if arriving in  York by train . There is also a car park on-site (paid). For more practical information, please check the official website of the museum .

10. Castle Howard and Yorkshire Arboretum

Castle Howard is an impressive, privately owned country home located in the rolling Howardian Hills, just outside the city of York.

The historic house is beautifully restored and you can tour the elaborately furnished rooms. The highlights include the decorated dome of the main hall and the ornate chapel. The extensive grounds at Castle Howard provide scenic walks with lovely countryside views. 

In addition, there is a recently renovated outdoor adventure playground in an idyllic woodland/ lakeside setting. Visitors to Castle Howard will recognize it as the setting for the TV series ‘Brideshead Revisited.’

Castle Howard will take most of your day but if you have any time to spare, visit the Yorkshire Arboretum which is directly opposite the entrance drive to Castle Howard. The arboretum covers a huge 120-acre site and contains 6,000 trees from around the world. You can freely wander the tree collection or follow self-guided trails between 1 -2 hours long. 

TIP: Castle Howard is a great place to visit at any time of year but Yorkshire residents like to come here at Christmas time. For many, it has become a family tradition. Every Christmas, the rooms of the house are colorfully and artistically decorated to a new theme. 

How to visit : Castle Howard is only accessible by car. It is a short 20-minute drive from York city center. You can find more information and book your tickets here . Admission is also included in the multi-day York explorer pass .

11. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an outdoor art gallery in a stunning landscape in Bretton, just south of Leeds and less than an hour from York. It’s a wonderful day trip in Yorkshire, especially for those who are looking to get a bit off the beaten path. It’s also a great value for money as you only pay for parking. 

The 500-acre park is packed with sculptures ranging from unusual, abstract pieces to more traditional metal or wood carvings. Most of the sculptures are engaging, large works of art. Some pieces are over 10 meters tall. Even if you spend here the whole day, you are unlikely to cover all the sculptures within this beautiful park. There is so much to see!

Families can get creative at one of the family-friendly activities on offer in the indoor galleries. 

TIP: Pack waterproofs as the park is completely open to the elements. But don’t let bad weather put you off visiting; the sculpture park can be an atmospheric location on a rainy day. 

How to visit : The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is easiest to reach by car; it’s a 45minute drive from York via the major M1 motorway. Getting here by public transport is also possible. For more practical info, please check their website .

12. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden is a beautiful historic property in Ripon, North Yorkshire. It is owned by England’s National Trust and one entry ticket covers both sections of the estate. 

Fountains Abbey contains the largest monastic ruins in England. The extensive 12th-century Benedictine ruins are full of hidden alcoves and secret staircases. The open, angular ruins create fantastic photo opportunities. 

Discover the history of the abbey at the Porters Lodge exhibition or have a go at traditional crafts such as weaving at Swanley Grange near the entrance to the abbey ruins. Don’t miss the Grange’s excellent, medieval-inspired vegetable garden. 

Fountains Abbey is linked by a grass walkway to Studley Royal Water Garden . These stunning gardens were landscaped in the 18th century and contain summerhouses, ornamental lakes, moon ponds, and countless sculptures. There are also several hidden folly’s for children to find and extensive walking trails around the deer park and Studley’s ancient woodland. 

Studley Royal Water Garden is a beautiful, tranquil location. It is not your average garden attraction. This is why it was granted World Heritage status in 1986. Well-worth visiting!

TIP:  Comfortable walking shoes are essential – you can spend all day walking here! If you are visiting with children, don’t miss Fountains Abbey’s large adventure playground. This is one of the best outdoor playgrounds in Yorkshire.

How to visit : The estate is a 45-minute drive from York. You can also visit with an organized small-group day tour from York .

13. Harrogate, Knaresborough, and Harlow Carr

Harrogate town in North Yorkshire was famous in the Victorian era as a wellbeing destination and rejuvenating spa town. The town retains many grand Victorian buildings. 

You can learn about the history of Harrogate at the town’s Royal Pump Room Museum and join one of their daily tours to see the wells. Be warned – the sulfur wells are reputed to be the strongest in Europe! Allow 1 – 2 hours for your visit. 

After the museum, indulge in a traditional Turkish bath in the beautifully restored, 19th-century Turkish Baths . Rejuvenated, take a stroll around pretty Valley Gardens , a landscaped park in the center of Harrogate. From the center of Harrogate, it is a 40-minute signposted walk or a short 10-minute drive to Harlow Carr. 

The nearby Knaresborough Castle and Knaresborough town is also well worth a visit.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a beautiful garden that is open to the public year-round. Every season offers a different experience for visitors. Within the 58-acre garden, there is a woodland and wildflower area as well as more traditional areas such as a kitchen garden, alpine garden, and colorful borders.

Harlow Carr offers activities centered around the plants and animals found within the gardens. There is also a huge woodland treehouse on site. To fully explore Harlow Carr, allow 2 – 3 hours for your visit. Many visitors stay here all day. 

TIP: After a full day exploring, treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the iconic Bettys Café Tea Rooms . This 100-year-old tea room can be found in the Harrogate town center. The tea room is famous for its art deco appearance and luxurious, elegant style. Make sure to try one of Betty’s signature cakes, the delicious Fat Rascal!

How to visit:  Harrogate can be accessed by train from York or Leeds in just 20 minutes. Avoid driving into the town center if you can as parking is limited. 

14. Sutton Bank NP, Kilburn White Horse & Rievaulx Abbey

Sutton Bank is a steep hill in North Yorkshire whose escarpment and plateau were formed as a result of the movement of ice age glaciers. This area forms the western edge of the North York Moors National Park . 

Visitors to the Sutton Bank National Park Centre will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Vale of York. You can get hiking maps at the visitors’ center, but most people come to Sutton Bank for its thrilling cycling trails and for the White Horse. Sutton Bank offers cycle trails to suit all ages and abilities and you can hire bikes and spend half a day here.

Don’t miss the Kilburn White Horse . The White Horse ‘sculpture’ is an iconic Yorkshire landmark that can be seen for miles around. Yorkshire people assess the weather based on whether they can see the white horse or not! 

The horse was constructed in 1857 to compete with giant chalk sculptures in the south of England. Unlike its competitors, the Kilburn White Horse was not cut into the chalk, but limestone. This means the horse requires regular ‘whitening’ with chalk chippings to stay white. This is no easy task as the horse measures 314 ft long and 228 ft high! 

You can complete a circular walk to the White Horse returning to Sutton Bank via a pretty woodland trail. Allow 2 hours for this walk. 

If you rather do some more sightseeing in Yorkshire instead of biking or hiking, you may want to check out the nearby Rievaulx Abbey . Here, you can visit the ruins of an impressive 11th-century abbey and a nice museum that captures the lives of monks. There is also a nice cafe on-site cafe serving amazing hot chocolates and scones.

TIP: Sutton Bank is a designated Dark Skies area. After dark, car parking is free for keen stargazers to gather to look at the night sky. Sutton Bank National Park runs year-round stargazing activities. The North York Moors National Park hosts an annual Dark Skies festival every February. 

How to visit : The White Horse can only be reached by car along some of Yorkshire’s windiest roads! Leave the A19 to head towards the small village of Kilburn from where you can pick up the brown road signs to reach the elevated car park under the White Horse. If you drive directly to Sutton Bank Visitor Centre, it can be found just off the A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley. Rievaulx Abbey is just a short ride from Helmsley as well.

The port city of Hull is an underrated visitor attraction in Yorkshire. It’s a great Yorkshire day trip destination for young and old! The city boasts a charming old town section lined with grand Georgian and Victorian-era houses, maritime warehouses, and cobbled streets. The old town is packed with lively restaurants and cafes and is a great place to get lost in! 

Within this old town is Hull’s excellent Museum Quarter . All of the museums here are worth a visit and are in close proximity to each other.

The free Streetlife Museum charts 200 years of transport developments. You can climb aboard trams, buses, and walk a recreated 1940’s street. It is a ‘must visit’ for social history fans as well as vehicle lovers.

Next door is the Hull & East Riding Museum and a little further on, Wilberforce House . Wilberforce House was the home of William Wilberforce, who is credited with bringing an end to slavery in England. Both of these excellent museums are free to enter and well worth your time.

In addition, check out Hull Minster church or head to the bustling Fruit Market at Hull Marina for a fantastic choice of street food. 

TIP: If you have any time left in your day trip to Hull, head to The Deep , a world-class, aquarium on the waterfront. 

How to visit : Hull can easily be accessed by train from York, Sheffield, or Leeds. Hull’s central rail station is just a 15-minute walk to the Museum Quarter. 

16. Newby Hall

Newby Hall is an 18th-century country house with beautiful gardens. It’s a favorite day out for many Yorkshire families, especially those on a multigenerational trip. The privately-owned Newby Hall helpfully offers separate entrance tickets to the stately home and the extensive gardens. So depending on your interests, you can choose which sections of the estate to visit. 

Newby Hall manor was built in the 1690s by Sir Christopher Wren who also built St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The house is elegantly and elaborately decorated in an 18th-century style. You can visit recreated dining rooms and bedrooms, with highlights including the Billiards Room and the intricate needlework of the Tapestry Room. 

The colorful, landscaped gardens are dotted with winding paths leading to special interest sections such as the Tropical Garden or the White Garden. For reluctant little legs, there is a miniature steam railway that runs a 1.4-kilometer loop around a section of the garden that borders the River Ure.

However, the main attraction for families at Newby Hall is a huge, outdoor adventure playground. Kids will love the aerial slide, climbing frames, sandpit, and rope-operated aerial swing boats. Adults are not left out and are able to use the pedalo boats on the playground’s central lake. 

TIP: If you have any time after your day trip to Newby Hall, check out Ripon Cathedral in the nearby market town of Ripon. This stunning cathedral retains its original 7th-century crypt from the church that was originally built here by St Wilfred. 

The current church that now stands above the crypt was built in the 12th century. It is world-famous for its unusual misericords (supports in the choir stalls) which date from the late 15th century. 

How to visit:  Newby Hall is only accessible by car and is approximately a 40-minute drive from York. For practical information and opening times, please check their website .

17. The Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner near Bedale is a fun, 4-acre park and a very unique Yorkshire attraction. Visitors receive a ‘map’ upon entry which shows you what there is to see inside the park. However, the map does not tell you how to find these attractions.

You have to follow every path and turn every door handle in a quest to discover the park’s secret passageways and underground chambers. It’s one of the best things to do in the  Yorkshire Dales with kids !

You will need to squeeze through narrow walls, crawl through cramped tunnels, and dodge water-spouting statues and follies. In other words, a visit to the Forbidden Corner is about expecting the unexpected! 

The park can be rushed in 2-3 hours but you will need longer if you want to discover all the park’s attractions. Food is not allowed inside The Forbidden Corner but there is a large, shaded picnic area outside the park entrance.

TIP: Spend the rest of your day exploring Tupgill Park in which the Forbidden Corner is situated. 

How to visit: Bedale is a one-hour drive from the city of York and a 1,5 hrs drive from Leeds. After leaving the major A1 (M) road, you will be driving on winding, undulating roads to reach the Forbidden Corner. For more info, please consult their website .

Because this place is so special and quirky, no pictures do it justice. Take a look at the video below if you want to get an idea of what to expect.

How to get to Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a 5-hour drive or just 2 hours by train from London . The region can be reached in 3 hours by train from Edinburgh .

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford International Airport, located in West Yorkshire. The airport has good bus links to local train stations and to other parts of Yorkshire. 

Alternatively, many visitors arrive by ferry into the East Yorkshire city of Hull. Ferries travel to Hull from Rotterdam in the Netherlands and from Zeebrugge in Belgium.

How to travel around Yorkshire

Yorkshire is England’s biggest county and encompasses a large section of the north of England. It is divided into the smaller counties of North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.

The major cities of each area – Leeds, Sheffield, York, and Hull can be accessed by motorway, major ‘A’ roads, and by frequent, fast rail links. 

There is a good public bus network to explore Yorkshire’s smaller towns and villages. But to fully explore rural Yorkshire, it’s best to hire a car ( see here for car rental ). Self-driving in Yorkshire is easy; roads are well maintained with good signposting. 

However, if you are visiting rural areas such as the Yorkshire Dales or Yorkshire Moors, you should be prepared for narrow, winding roads with high hedges and dry-stone walls blocking visibility in places. Yorkshire is dotted with one-lane roads, blind bends, and summits. So adjust your speed and familiarize yourself with the rules of countryside driving. 

In addition, country roads can add a significant amount of time onto relatively short journeys. For example, from the city of York to Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales is only 68 miles / 109 km, but due to the nature of the roads, the journey time averages 2 hours each way.  

Where to stay for exploring Yorkshire

The city of York is a perfect base for exploring the rest of Yorkshire. York lies in the middle of the region and has excellent road, rail and bus links around the county.

Traveling by train, you can reach Leeds in 30 minutes and Hull in 50 minutes. By car, it is a 1-hour drive to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and a 1 ½ hour drive to the North Yorkshire Coast.

TIP: If you don’t want to rent a car, York is the best base for exploring as well. There are many great organized tours from York that allow you to easily see some of the best places in Yorkshire.

Here are some nice hotels in York for all budgets:

• £££££ The Grand, York – a wonderful 5-star hotel with an excellent location.
• ££££ Hilton York and Novotel York Centre are popular choices among the 4-star hotels in York.
• £££ Park Inn by Radisson York City Centre – a great 3-star hotel, one of the best picks in York.
• ££ Ibis York Center is a good lower-budget option in York.

TIP: Using the map below, you can find the best deals for hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rental accommodations in and around York . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

More inspiration for your trip to England:

• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• Liverpool Day Trip from London
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• Manchester in One Day
• Best Places to Visit in Cornwall
• Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Best Things to Do in Blackpool
• Tips for Visiting Blackpool
• Places to Go Near Blackpool
• The Beatles Attractions in Liverpool

London travel guides:

• Tips for Visiting London
• Best Things to Do in London
• 2 Days London Itinerary
• Hidden Gems of London
• Things to Do in Greenwich
• Things to Do in Camden Town
• London with Kids
• Best Views of London
• Best Day Tours from London

Travel inspiration for Scotland:

• Top Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• One Day in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow

READ ALSO: Best Traditional British Dishes to Try in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Colleen Bower

Wednesday 18th of January 2023

Thank you so much for this website it has given me plenty of ideas as I was not sure of best place to stay but it looks like York best place to be in and do tours. Again great website thank you

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Glad to hear you found it useful, Colleen. York can be a great base especially if you want to take some tours. But if you are renting a car, you can also plan a mini road trip around the region. It's all about how you prefer to travel. Have a great trip!

Friday 4th of February 2022

Wonderful website! Beautiful photos and helpful info

Thanks, Denise. Happy travels!

Saturday 20th of March 2021

Yorkshire is awesome

The Most Epic One Week Itinerary for Yorkshire, England

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Yorkshire is massive. And overwhelming. And spread out. It’s hard to put together an itinerary for Yorkshire if you’ve never been or have no idea what you’re doing… or what you want to do!

Do you want to focus on the coast and eat your weight in delicious, fresh seafood? Or do you want to spend your time hiking in the Yorkshire Dales and eating fresh Wensleydale cheese? Do you want to see waterfalls or rivers? Beaches or moors? Steam trains or canal boats?

Epic Yorkshire Itinerary

I promise this epic itinerary for Yorkshire will immerse you in the Yorkshire culture and show you the best sights Yorkshire has to offer!

If you’re planning your own itinerary, then make sure you check out my ULTIMATE Yorkshire Bucket List!

I’ve started this week-long Yorkshire itinerary with the assumption that you have already made it to Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Dales (left), Studley Royal Water Gardens (right)

You’ll also need a car. If you are flying into London, then you can take a direct train from Kings Cross to Harrogate and rent a car from the area (there is an Enterprise Rent-a-Car close to Harrogate). If you are flying into Manchester, then it would be easier to rent a car from the airport and drive a couple of hours over to Harrogate.

Day one of this Yorkshire itinerary will start in the morning! So if you have a long drive, you might want to consider spending an extra night in Harrogate prior to the start of this week!

I’ve also kept the “city hopping” to a minimum so you’re not spending every night in a different hotel.

Yorkshire Itinerary Round-Up

• Seven days total
• Three nights in Harrogate (town center), two nights in York (city center), two nights in Whitby (town center)
• Total Mileage: 401 miles
• Four driving days, Three non-driving days

Day One – Harrogate

Some would say this is an unusual town to make a base for exploring, but I think it’s the perfect gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and a great taste of Yorkshire hospitality.

I have to say my ABSOLUTE favorite place to stay in Harrogate is The Majestic . This gorgeous Victorian hotel has just been renovated into its former spa town glory. Fun Fact: Winston Churchill was once a guest here.

Harrogate is famous for its spa water which was discovered in the 16th century. In the following centuries, it became known as the “The English Spa” and people flocked here to bathe in the healing waters. The town continued to gain popularity and is now famous for its afternoon tea and Turkish baths.

Don’t miss out on visiting the original Betty’s Tea Rooms or having a traditional Turkish bath. If you’re looking for a cool place to have a drink, the Winter Gardens is in the former Royal Baths building and it’s sooooo grand!

Knaresborough

Once you’ve settled into Harrogate, you can take a 10-minute train journey over to Knaresborough.

I have a whole post about what you can do in Knaresborough and my love for this beautiful, little town. You’ll want to set aside at least 3 hours for exploring. Especially if you want to rent a boat and row under the Victorian viaduct on the River Nidd or visit England’s oldest tourist attraction, Mother Shipton’s Cave.

Day Two – Hikes, hikes, and more hikes

This is going to be a big hiking day.

I’ll give you the option if you want to choose one of the hikes or do both! It’s absolutely possible to do both hikes and you’ll be rewarded with magical waterfalls, lush forests, open countryside, and even a Harry Potter filming location.

Pecca Falls (left), Thornton Force (right)

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

You’ll need to head to Ingleton for the first hike and leave at about 7:30am. You’ll want to get to the entrance of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail when they open at 9:00am just because you need to get an early start to this 4.5-mile hike.

I have a complete guide to hiking the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail with all the waterfalls you will see and what it’s like to hike the circular trail.

Malham Cove

Once you’ve completed the trail, it’s time to head to Malham. It will take you about 30-40 minutes to get to the parking lot.

Malham Cove was an Ice Age waterfall that has long since dried up. You can explore the unique limestone pavement on top of the cove, or paddle in the creek that emerges from the bottom of the cove. You’ll recognize the limestone pavement as a filming location for Harry Potter.

You have a couple of options for hiking in this area. If you want to just go to the cove, it’s about a mile from the parking lot. (Here’s my hiking guide for Malham Cove ). If you’re not tired from your morning hike, then you can follow the signs to Janet’s Foss (another waterfall) and Gordale Scar (a beautiful gorge with a three-tiered waterfall).

Malham Cove is the perfect spot for a picnic! So instead of going to a cafe, why don’t you grab some to-go sandwiches and eat them on a grassy spot in the countryside.

Day Three – Yorkshire Dales

Time to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park! You’ve already had your taste of the Yorkshire Dales with the Ingleton Waterfalls and Malham Cove, so now it’s time to delve more into this beautiful part of Yorkshire.

Your first stop on your Yorkshire Dales tour is Hawes. Hawes is pretty much the epitome of a Yorkshire Dales town/village. This market town has been in the record books since 1307 and is home to the famous Wensleydale cheese. In fact, the best place to park is the Wensleydale Creamery parking lot!

Spend some time walking around Hawes, especially if it’s a market day! You’ll find some great local fare that you can take back with you! Once you’ve finished exploring the town and surrounding area, head on back to the Wensleydale Creamery.

For a small fee, you can take a self-guided tour of the cheese factory. You’ll learn the history of the cheese, all about Wallace and Gromit (Wensleydale was their favorite cheese after all), and even see it being made!

Once you’re finished with your tour, you’ll head into the visitor center. The first part is a shop where you’ll find local crafts and goods and the back part is a cafe… perfect for an early lunch! (My favorite is the Wensleydale and Red Leister toastie!!). In between the shop and cafe is the cheese tasting room.

YOU CAN TASTE EVERY CHEESE THEY MAKE.

I drive to the Wensleydale Creamery just to have a toastie and sample (and buy, of course) all of the cheese!! Because you can’t find the unique cheeses in the grocery store (and when you do, it’s a one-off).

Aysgarth Falls

After lunch, you’ll head 20 minutes down the road to Aysgarth Falls.

Aysgarth Falls is comprised of the lower, middle, and upper falls that stretch about one mile down the River Ure. It’s a short walk to the upper falls, which was a filming location for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the most popular (and most pictured) section of the falls.

Head back to the parking lot and keep walking past it, you’ll get to the less crowded middle and lower falls.

Aysgarth – Upper Falls (left), Bolton Castle (right)

Bolton Castle

Now you’re done with Aysgarth, it’s time to head to Bolton Castle. It’s only 10 minutes away!!

Bolton Castle is such a magical castle on a hill with rolling views of the dales. It’s BEAUTIFUL! This 14th-century fortress played a part in the English Civil War and was once a “prison” to Mary, Queen of Scots in 1568 after Mary escaped Scotland.

You’ll be able to walk through her bedroom and learn about her short time at Bolton Castle then walk through the ruins of the castle.

Day three is complete! Head back to Harrogate and enjoy your last night in the spa town.

Day Four – National Trust Sites

Time to check out of the hotel and head to York, but before you do, you have a day of exploring the area’s National Trust sites.

Brimham Rocks

The first stop is Brimham Rocks. National Trust members can park for free, if you’re not a member then you’ll have to pay for parking, but there is free entry.

Brimham Rocks is a collection of unique rock formations made over 300 million years from intense weather, a massive river, and continental movement… all 100 million years BEFORE the dinosaurs.

There’s no set path or direction to follow, so just enjoy walking around and exploring on your own. I have a post on exploring Brimham Rocks if you want some ideas.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens

The next location is only 15 minutes away and it’s another National Trust site.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is the perfect place to transport yourself back to the Georgian period. Where women wore pretty dresses and walked around the water gardens and met for dinner and drinks in the banqueting house. Where couples strolled around to Anne Boleyn’s seat to admire the surprise view of the dramatic abbey ruins.

You can spend HOURS here.

Walking all the way around the gardens and then exploring the abbey ruins. There’s also Fountains Hall, the old mill, the valley of the seven bridges AND SO MUCH MORE!

I have a complete guide to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal so you don’t miss anything! Because if you do, you’ll regret it.

Make sure you leave enough energy for your drive over to York which will take a little under an hour.

Day Five – York

You can’t have a Yorkshire itinerary and not include a visit to York.

York was once known as the capital of the north and has been invaded by everyone from Romans to Normans to Vikings.

I’ll let you make your own itinerary for this day because there’s so much to do! If you wanted to spend a couple of days here, I still don’t think you would see it all.

This will be your base for the next couple of days, so after you get back from exploring and hiking, you’ll be able to explore even more of this amazing, historic city!

Highlights for me are climbing to the top of the York Minster, drinking a couple of pints on a haunted pub crawl, getting lost weaving through the snickelways, shopping on The Shambles, and enjoying the many events throughout the year… (the Christmas markets are amazing!).

Use my ultimate guide to York to give you options to create your own schedule. I even have a one-day itinerary for day trippers from London to York which you can use!

Day Six – North Yorkshire Coast

It’s time to head to Whitby! However, you’re going to make a pit stop first!

Flamborough Head

You’re going to head east of York to the coast. It takes about an hour and a half to get to your destination, so leave at about 7:30am. Your first stop is Flamborough Head.

This is a hidden gem on the Yorkshire coast and it’s not a tourist spot. It’s more like a local secret.

You have three options for your visit here. North Landing, South Landing, and Flamborough Head. North Landing is a beach with easy access to the water, South Landing is a hot spot for water sports and sea kayaking, and Flamborough Head, which should be your main focus here.

Once you park by the lighthouse, you’re given direct access to the beach below. It’s a rugged climb down, but doable. The best time to visit is during low tide because the cove opens up to caves and hidden areas.

Finished exploring the beach? Walk back up the cliffside and head past the lighthouse, there’s some amazing coastline and stacks rising from the sea. Wow is the only word that comes to mind.

If you want to grab lunch, the cafe next to the parking lot has some really good sandwiches!

If you want to skip the next location and take a longer hike, this 6-mile hike from Flamborough Head to Bridlington is the perfect coastal walk.

Scarborough

Now it’s time to head north 20 miles to Scarborough. It will take you about 40-45 minutes.

Scarborough is a classic, ol’ fashioned British seaside holiday resort. You can have some beach time here, or explore the castle on the hill. Waste some change in the amusements or grab a fresh crab to eat along the boardwalk.

Just a couple of hours here is all you need to get a taste of Scarborough.

Once you arrive in Whitby, it should be check-in time. Get settled in and then get ready for sunset.

You’re going to drive 10 miles up the coast to Staithes.

Staithes is a classic fishing village snuggled in a small cove. You’ll park at the top of the hill and walk down into the village.

For a great view at sunset, walk up the OTHER SIDE of the village to the viewpoint overlooking the entire village. The setting sun lights up the houses and surrounding cliffs during golden hour.

Viewpoint over Staithes

Day Seven – North York Moors

Oh no! It’s the last day of your Yorkshire itinerary! Time to get your day started early because you’re exploring a little bit of Whitby until lunchtime.

I recommend wandering aimlessly through the streets and then heading down to the mouth of the harbor and checking out the beach. Then you HAVE to eat fish and chips for lunch… or some of the other amazing fresh, local seafood Whitby has to offer.

The Magpie Cafe is my FAVORITE! I will eat anything and everything on the menu (and I have)!

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

After lunch head to the train station where you’ll hop on a steam train on the heritage line of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

There are four stops until you reach the other end of the line which is in Pickering. Each station is unique from a different decade and a couple have been used as filming locations for major movies and big TV shows.

What’s great about the railway is you can hop on and hop off. Take note that the heritage line also has vintage diesel engines, so if your heart is set on a steam train, make sure you check online at the schedule and work around that.

Viaduct on the way to Whitby (left), Grosmont Station (right)

Grosmont station is a 1950’s style station. There’s plenty to explore here and you can even walk through the tunnel down to the engine sheds where you can see the restoration projects and engine prep.

Goathland Station will look VERY familiar if you are a Harry Potter fan, this is the filming location for Hogsmeade Station. Levisham is a smaller early 1900’s style station with access to a great hike around the Hole of Horcum.

The final station is Pickering, a 1930’s style station. You can walk around the market town or check out Pickering Castle while you’re here. This station has been the filming location for the ABC Murders, A Very British Christmas , Dad’s Army, and more!

For more info, I have a full post on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway !

Exploring Whitby

Now head back to Whitby, because you’ll need to finish exploring the places you haven’t been!

The famous 199 steps in Whitby

If you don’t know, Whitby is the birthplace of Dracula. Bram Stoker stayed in Whitby in 1890 and spent his vacation exploring the streets of Whitby and listening to old fisherman’s tall tales. In fact, Dracula’s first victim’s name can be found in the church graveyard.

So make sure you walk up the famous 199 steps to the church and then stop by Whitby Abbey just through the churchyard. Trust me, you won’t miss it!

Once you’ve finished exploring the abbey, you can head back down to the harbor and stop by the Captain Cook Museum to learn all about the famous captain that discovered Australia and sailed around the world. You can also visit The Endeavour, which is a replica of Captain Cook’s tall ship.

Extending Your Week in Yorkshire

Now your trip has come to an end, you’re probably exhausted! But if you want to extend your trip, you can spend more time in the North York Moors or do some more hiking.

Spend some more time in the countryside and isolate yourself in a small village BnB OR spend the night in a castle ( Hazlewood Castle is amazing to “get away from it all” for a couple of nights).

If you want to shop ’til you drop or experience some nightlife then you can visit Leeds or Sheffield.

Or you could just extend your time in Harrogate, York, or Whitby and spend an extra day or two exploring.

Entrance to Whitby Harbor

Heading to Yorkshire and thinking about using this itinerary? Visiting Yorkshire soon? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you!!

More posts from Yorkshire

• 10 Places to Visit in Yorkshire After Lockdown
• 10 Secret Day Trips from York
• Exploring the National Railway Museum in York

Save this EPIC Yorkshire Itinerary for later on Pinterest!

Tags : Aysgarth , Bolton , Brimham Rocks , England , Flamborough Head , Fountains Abbey , Harrogate , Hawes , Ingleton , Knaresborough , Malham , North York Moors , Scarborough , Staithes , Whitby , York , Yorkshire Dales

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The Most Perfect One Week Yorkshire Road Trip Itinerary

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: September 21, 2023

A driving holiday in Yorkshire is the perfect place to take a road trip in England. You can rest assured that this beautiful northern county is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

You will be able to visit medieval castles, stately homes and beautiful Yorkshire villages and towns and immerse yourself in the Yorkshire national parks, some of the most beautiful areas of countryside in the UK.

And let’s not forget the stunning coastal walks and sandy beaches in Yorkshire that are a magnet for locals and tourists in the warmer months – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Without a doubt, Yorkshire is a fabulous destination to explore on one of the best road trips in the UK.

This post will help you to plan your Yorkshire road trip itinerary. It follows my driving route and includes where I stayed in Yorkshire and the Yorkshire attractions I visited. Depending on your schedule, it can be tweaked for you to spend either more or fewer days in Yorkshire.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip to Yorkshire

Epic 6-night / 7-day yorkshire road trip itinerary.

If you want to spend longer in Yorkshire, I suggest adding another day in Whitby and York.

Whitby – one night

Howardian Hills – two nights

York – one night

Harrogate – two nights

No time to read right now? Pin for later!

Drive time from London to Whitby is approximately five hours, depending on traffic.

Yorkshire map.

Yorkshire is England’s largest county with a population bigger than Scotland.

We started our week-long Yorkshire road trip itinerary in Whitby and arrived in the early evening. I chose Whitby as the first stop on my itinerary as I had always wanted to see the famous Whitby Abbey and follow in Dracula’s footsteps.

Yes, you have read that correctly! Bram Stoker created Dracula after he spent time in Whitby, and the 199 steps leading from the harbour to the abbey are featured in the Dracula novel.

Supposedly, this is one of Whitby’s most popular tourist attractions, and I have to say there were plenty of people walking up and down the steps when I visited.

Of course, there are many things to do in Whitby besides vampire hunting, but Whitby Abbey is undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in Yorkshire.

One night in Whitby at The Resolution Hotel

We spent our first night in Yorkshire at The Resolution Hotel. The hotel offers en-suite accommodation in the heart of Whitby and is home to the renowned Vault restaurant and Main Deck bar.

Our room at the Resolution had impressive views over the town’s rooftops to Whitby Abbey.

Whitby is the UK’s number one destination for lovers of the quintessential British seaside meal. Make sure to check out  the best fish and chip shops in Whitby  on your visit. 

Spend Day One in Whitby and the Yorkshire Moors

Whitby abbey.

There are so many attractions in Whitby, but the gothic ruins of the Benedictine monastery Whitby Abbey , are the most impressive.

Perched high on a hill above the town, the views across Whitby harbour are fabulous. Wander around the ruins, look inside the museum and visit St Mary’s church, where you will find Dracula’s grave!

Once you’ve finished exploring the abbey ruins, visit the Captain Cook Museum and learn all about the famous captain who departed Whitby to sail around the world and eventually discovered Australia!

A photo spot in Whitby is by the whalebone arch on the hill opposite Whitby Abbey. It attests to the town’s past importance in the whaling trade.

Thankfully whaling stopped a while back, but fishing in Whitby is still important to the local economy. A stroll along the pier will give you information on Whitby’s past and present maritime history.

Back in town, wander along the cobbled streets and dip into some of Whitby’s jewellery shops to see the black jet made famous as mourning jewellery by Queen Victoria. You may even find a piece to take home as a souvenir.

If you are an English Heritage membership holder , entry to Whitby Abbey is free.

Activities in Whitby

Drive time from whitby to robin hood’s bay is 15 minutes, north york moors national park.

The North York Moors is one of three national parks in Yorkshire. The other two are the Yorkshire Dales National Park and parts of the Peak District National Park.

The North York Moors have some of the most breathtaking landscapes in England, giving Yorkshire the accolade of being ‘God’s Own County’.

The North York Moors also contains one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the United Kingdom. Our first day in Yorkshire was spent driving to these different locations within the National Park.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay has a colourful history of smugglers and ghosts, and this sleepy fishing village on the Yorkshire coast is a delight to explore. If you have ever visited Rye in East Sussex , it will give you some idea of what Robin Hood’s Bay is like.

All along the cobbled lanes, you can see quaint cottages with brightly coloured flowers clinging to their facades.

The charm continues with independent shops, art galleries, and old-world pubs peeping out from their precarious positions along the steep hill that leads down to the beach.

The large sandy beach is picture-perfect, with fishing boats bobbing on the water and children scouring rock pools for signs of sea creatures.

I bought ice cream from local favourite “Dollies sweet shop” before paddling in the sea and enjoying the calming views.

There are two walking routes in the area to explore. One is part of “The Cleveland Way” and is an iconic seven mile-track from Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby.

The second walk is a shorter 1.5-mile trail from Robin Hood’s Bay to Fylinghall and is part of the longer “The Cinder Track”. This disused railway track has incredible views of Yorkshire’s countryside and coastline.

Drive Time from Robin Hood’s Bay to Rosedale is 45 minutes

A stunning Yorkshire scenic drive is through the moors and down the winding country lanes in Rosedale en route to the charming Dale Head Farm Tea Garden .

Home-baked cakes, many made to ancient Yorkshire recipes, will have your mouth-watering. Order from the counter, sit in the picturesque garden and relax!

Afterwards, head to Rosedale Bank Top Kilns in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park for incredible views. Bring a picnic, follow the steep road from Rosedale and park the car by Bank Top Kilns.

You will get the most stunning views of the Yorkshire countryside from here, with only sheep for company!

Walkers might like to follow the Rosedale Trail and discover how this sleepy area was once a hub of industry in the Iron Age.

In the late afternoon, head to the Howardian Hills for your next two nights in Yorkshire.

Drive Time from Rosedale to the Howardian Hills – 40 minutes

Two nights’ accommodation at the librarians cottage on the castle howard estate, spend day two in the howardian hills, drive time from the howardian hills to rievaulx abbey – 20 minutes, rievaulx abbey.

Rievaulx Abbey dates back to 1132AD and remains one of the most complete of England’s abbey ruins. The ruins are spectacular, and the site is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy a picnic or refreshments from the cafe.

There is a popular scenic 7-mile circular walking route from  Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx Abbey  for keen walkers.

Parking for Rievaulx Abbey can be found on-site or in the nearby privately-owned field. There is a small parking fee for both locations.

How to find Rievaulx Abbey : Rievaulx, Nr Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LB

If you are an English Heritage membership holder , entry to Rievaulx Abbey is free.

Richmond is an elegant market town in the Yorkshire Dales, is 950 years old and was the first location in the world to be given the place name Richmond.

It also holds the title of having the best-preserved Norman castle in England, so with credentials like those, you will want to add this historic town to your Yorkshire road trip itinerary.

Like many Yorkshire towns, its central hub is the cobbled marketplace lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture and home to quite a few pubs from what I saw!

There are several walks in Richmond and numerous hiking trails to discover in the surrounding Yorkshire Dales.

One takes you through the town and down to the small waterfalls in the local park. Watch out in summer as this area becomes a magnet for teenagers!

If you want to see the ruins of Easby Abbey, you can walk the mile-long route alongside the River Swale. The ruins date back to the 12th century and are maintained by English Heritage .

When it’s time for refreshments, head to The Station , a converted Victorian railway station by the local leisure centre’s car park. It has a cafe and ice-cream parlour, some art and craft exhibits and if you fancy watching a film, it even has a cinema. 

Drive Time from Richmond to Wensleydale is 45 minutes

Wensleydale.

Fans of Wallace and Gromit will know that Wensleydale is the home of these animated characters.

It is a typical Yorkshire village, with its main tourist attraction being the Wensleydale Creamery, where Cistercian monks first started making Wensleydale cheese in 1150.

There are several pubs in Wensleydale if you want to stop for lunch and a pint.

Drive Time from Wensleydale to Castle Bolton – 20 minutes

Bolton castle.

Bolton Castle is a spectacular medieval fortress preserved in outstanding condition. It is situated in the heart of Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The castle was built in the 14th century as one of England’s finest and most luxurious homes.

Visitors to the castle can see the medieval Mary Garden (Catholic Garden), herb garden, vineyard & maze, rose gardens & falconry displays. The adult entry fee for the castle and gardens is £12.50

How to find Bolton Castle : Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4ET

In the late afternoon, head back to the Howardian Hills.

Spend Day Three in the Howardian Hills

From the Librarian’s Cottage , it was a quick 5-minute drive to the magnificent Castle Howard stately home and grounds.

Castle Howard

Castle Howard is one of Britain’s most beautiful privately-owned stately homes and one of the grand palaces of Europe. The sprawling estate covers over and has been home to the Howard family for the last 300 years and is a must-visit on a Yorkshire road trip.

Fans of the Netflix series Bridgerton might spot that parts of the series were filmed in this location.

The estate comprises a manor house, extensive grounds, mesmerising lakes, a walled garden, folly temples and a wooded area.

There is an adventure playground for younger family members, and for refreshments, there are several eateries and a fantastic farm shop selling local Yorkshire products.

Castle Howard should be on every Yorkshire itinerary as it is a jewel in Yorkshire’s crown.

We spent around 5 hours at Castle Howard. This time included going inside the house, wandering around the grounds, having lunch and relaxing by the lake.

How to find Castle Howard: Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA

Drive Time from Castle Howard to Yorkshire Lavender – 10 minutes

Yorkshire lavender.

I love visiting the UK’s most beautiful lavender farms , and Yorkshire Lavender was no exception. The owners have put a lot of thought into how they have planted their lavender, creating a beautiful setting with the backdrop of rolling Yorkshire hills.

A gift shop selling everything you can think of relating to lavender is sure to impress. I ended up buying up half the shop myself, but then I do love lavender!

A small cafe selling light bites, ice creams and drinks is also on-site.

Find Yorkshire Lavender in Terrington, York, YO60 6PB

Spend Day Four in York

Head to york, drive time from howardian hills to york – 30 minutes, one night accommodation in york at the travelodge mickelgate.

Travelodge at Micklegate Hotel was a 10-minute walk from the famous York landmarks. 

We chose a travel lodge for our night in York because it had free on-site parking. This is a massive bonus in York, as parking spots are hard to find. We arrived well before our check-in time and were able to park the car at the hotel and go out to explore York.

Explore the City of York

No Yorkshire road trip would be complete without visiting York, one of England’s favourite cities and one of the most amazing places in the UK, for a one-night break.

It is steeped in history, and there are so many things to do in York, from exploring the famous city walls and the must-see York Minster Cathedral to visiting York Castle Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre and the York Dungeons.

For Harry Potter fans, a guided tour along The Shambles and a look at the HP shops will be on every muggle’s bucket list.

While taking an evening ghost tour or themed witches tour around Britain’s most haunted city is a must for all visitors to York. You won’t believe how many ghosts and ghouls wander around this medieval city!

We spent the day in York and enjoyed walking the city walls, looking in the shops, visiting York Minster Cathedral and enjoying lunch and a glass of wine at Merchants Adventurers Hall.

We booked a ghost tour in the evening and then had one of York’s famous Yorkshire pudding roast dinners.

When in York you just have to try this famous dish!

Activities in York

Spend day five in york.

We had a few hours to kill this morning and so headed back into York city centre for breakfast/brunch.

We chose to eat at Brew and Brownie as it had such good reviews – it turned out too good as we had to queue for a table! I have to say it was very good and worth the accolade of York’s best breakfast restaurant.

Afterwards, we went to York Castle Gardens to see the ruins and walk along the river.

It is a peaceful spot in an otherwise very busy city. And before leaving York, I had to pop into one of the most beautiful shops in York – The Yorkshire Soap Company – to buy some of their beauty products.

We didn’t make it to Betty’s Tea Rooms as our time in York had come to an end. However, do visit there if you have more time to spare.

Head to Harrogate

Drive time from york to harrogate – 45 minutes, two nights’ accommodation in harrogate at rudding park hotel.

Visitors can find Harrogate accommodation availability and pricing here on Booking.com

Spend Day Six in Harrogate

Harrogate is home to some of the best attractions in Yorkshire and a firm favourite for visitors to North Yorkshire. The Victorian spa town is a good spot for shoppers with a good range of independent and high street chain stores. 

Betty’s Cafe Tearooms  is a destination in its own right and began its story in Harrogate in 1919. The cafe started by selling Yorkshire’s famous ‘Fat Rascal’ scones before evolving into Harrogate’s must-visit attraction.

Harrogate is best known as a spa town for its  Victorian Turkish Spa Baths , dating back to 1897 and fully restored to their former glory. Spend some time relaxing in the warm baths before indulging in a full body massage – heaven!

Harrogate and its surrounding area are rich in historical sites, from medieval castles to stately homes and not forgetting  Fountains Abbey , Britain’s best-preserved monastic   abbey ruins, only a short drive away.

Spend Day Seven in the Yorkshire Dales

Check out of your harrogate hotel and continue your yorkshire road trip to pateley bridge., drive time from harrogate to pateley bridge – 30 minutes, pateley bridge.

Pateley Bridge is a small market town in Nidderdale near Harrogate. It is just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is so pretty you can’t help but like it.

Comprising one main road lined with several independent shops, the first is the oldest sweet shop in England, dating back to the 17th century. Follow the  Pateley Bridge Heritage Trail  and find some other fascinating locations in the town.

Walk from the car park to the top of the road, and you will come across  Cocoa Joe’s , the chocolate drinks specialist. You can choose the origin of chocolate that you want your chocolate drink made from ( I chose Venezuela), and it was delicious.

A walk through the Pateley Bridge park and along the river is a relaxing way to spend a while or follow the hour-long Bewerley walking trail to Fishpond wood.

And before you leave this charming town, grab a bite to eat at The Bridge Inn, located by the bridge and river.

Drive Time from Pateley Bridge to Haworth – 60 minutes

Haworth and the bronte waterfall walk.

Haworth is a beautiful village in West Yorkshire and famous for being the home of the Bronte sisters.

The number one Haworth attraction is the Bronte Parsonage Museum, a look at the Bronte family’s lives in the early 1900s.

The rough and rugged Yorkshire landscape around the village inspired the setting of Wuthering Heights.

Haworth Railway Station is another great place to visit on a Yorkshire road trip and was the location for the iconic 1970s film ‘The Railway Children ‘. Watch the steam trains chugging past on their route through the Yorkshire countryside.  

Stroll through Bronte Country

For walkers, there are plenty of chances to enjoy the Yorkshire landscape. 

Top Withens Walk is a popular Yorkshire Dales walk and takes you out of Haworth along signposted pathways to the moorland that inspired the Brontes to write their epic novels. 

The Railway Children was also filmed in Haworth, and visitors can find a walking route map following locations from the film here.

Bronte Waterfall Walk is another charming walk to do and does not entail the climb up to Top Withens (I chose this as the easier option)

It takes you through the beautiful countryside and finishes with a small bridge and waterfall. Along the waterfall route, there is uneven terrain that is only suitable for walkers who are steady on their feet.

To reach the waterfall, the walk is 45 minutes from Haworth High Street or a 30-minute walk from Penistone Country Park, where you can park your car.

Following our final walk in Yorkshire, we climbed back into the car and started our journey home. Yorkshire has been a real eye-opener and one of the best UK road trips I have experienced.

Drive Time from Haworth to London – 4 hours and 30 minutes

Are you looking for yorkshire accommodation, please read my post: best yorkshire accommodation for a 7-night road trip ., are you interested in visiting other towns and villages in yorkshire, please read my post: 13 most stunning places to visit in yorkshire.

Or why not head to Leeds or Sheffield to explore the urban sights in two of Yorkshire’s most famous cities?

Please Pin for Future Travel to Yorkshire !

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Saturday 21st of May 2022

This looks like a divine road trip, Angela! I can see myself enjoying every moment.

Linda (LD Holland)

We always planned to do a long road trip when we get to England for a long visit; I now have some great spots to add for the Yorkshire part of our route. And a better idea of how much time we might need! Castles would certainly be the draw. But great to know that there are some great national parks we need to have on the plan. I am always fascinated by abbey ruins and how much is left standing.

Friday 20th of May 2022

I would absolutely love this one week Yorkshire road trip! So many beautiful and historic sites to see along the way.

WhereAngieWanders

I am glad you enjoyed reading this post. You are right, there are some really special places to visit in Yorkshire. I wonder if you had a favourite from the itinerary that you would particularly like to see?

27 Things To Do in Yorkshire: Unveiling England’s Hidden Gems

Posted on Last updated: January 3, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » England » 27 Things To Do in Yorkshire: Unveiling England’s Hidden Gems

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Planning a trip to England and thinking about visiting Yorkshire? Keep scrolling for my list of things to do in Yorkshire to see if it’s worth adding to your England itinerary!

This list of things to do in yorkshire england was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

When I visited Yorkshire, I had NO idea just how massive it is.

Yorkshire is by far the largest county in England with two national parks, two official areas of natural beauty, over 100 nature reserves, and 45 miles of rugged coastline.

Phew! No wonder there are so many incredible things to do in Yorkshire. 

This county is famous for its rugged moors covered in purple heather and incredible natural wonders like waterfalls and caverns. And on rainy days, there are historic castles, railways, and tons of other indoor attractions and activities.

It’s a great place to visit as a couple, with family, or with friends!

This list is full of great ideas for things to do in Yorkshire so that you have an unforgettable time in the English countryside regardless of whether you’re visiting for a day, week, or more.

27 Things To Do in Yorkshire

Climb the three peaks.

One of the most challenging things to do in Yorkshire Dales National Park is to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge . 

It’s a 24-mile, round-trip route up the Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough mountains that keen, advanced hikers try to complete in one day.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you don’t have to ruin your vacation by calling Mountain Rescue!

York Minster and the Shambles

Without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire is to visit the historic, Roman city of York. 

Plan one or two days to walk along York’s City Walls, head inside the beautiful Gothic cathedral York Minster, and visit some of the museums.

The National Railway Museum, York Dungeon , and JORVIK Viking Center are highlights of York.

Walking along Shambles, a medieval cobblestone lane with timber buildings, is one of the top things to do in Yorkshire for Harry Potter fans. It looks like a real-life Diagon Alley!

Explore Grassington

If you’re a fan of the TV series All Things Great and Small , you’ll definitely want to visit Grassington!

This is where they film parts of the show and you’ll be able to see the town where the surgery is, as well as the grocery store and the Drover’s Arms.

Plus, there are TONS of cute shops and little cafes that are fabulous.

Betty’s Tea Rooms in Harrogate

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British experience, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy it than Betty’s Tea Rooms . It’s one of the top things to do in Harrogate.

Lines snake outside of the front door even in the off-season so make sure you book ahead.

Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth

There’s a reason why Yorkshire is often referred to as ‘Brontë Country.’ The literary sisters Emily, Charlotte, and Anne lived in Yorkshire and the wild moors were often a key setting for their novels.

One of the top things to do in Haworth is to visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum where the women lived with their family for most of their lives. 

It’s a super detailed museum and a must-visit for literary fans. You can read many of their letters and see some of their clothing and personal items. 

There’s also a great kids’ area with activities plus a dress-up area for both adults and kids!

Eat Fish and Chips in Whitby

Visiting the seaside town of Whitby is one of the most popular days out in Yorkshire, and one of the top things to do in Whitby is to eat traditional English fish and chips.

Trenchers and Magpie Cafe are both highly acclaimed seafood restaurants in Whitby.

Waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales

Looking for Yorkshire Dales things to do? Head to some of the national park’s most beautiful waterfalls.

There are well over 50 waterfalls in this park alone!

Aysgarth Falls, Hardraw Force Waterfall, Janet’s Foss, and Linton Falls are awe-inspiring and easily accessible which means they are some of the best things to do in Yorkshire for families.

Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse

Many of the top Yorkshire attractions are historic castles and one of the top things to do in Knaresborough is to visit its beautiful castle.

Dating back to the 1300s, this ruined Knaresborough Castle is on a hilltop overlooking the River Nidd and the picturesque Knaresborough Viaduct.

Hornsea Beach

One of the best things to do in Hornsea is to visit its stunning sandy beach. If it’s not the best beach in Yorkshire then it’s definitely in the top five.

Hornsea has undergone a lot of renovation in the last few years so there’s plenty of parking and amenities for a stress-free day out.

Peasholm Park in Scarborough

Looking for cool places to visit in North Yorkshire? Peasholm Park regularly tops the best parks in the UK and Europe lists.

It’s gone all-out on a Japanese theme with perfectly manicured formal gardens, huge ornate pagodas, and dragon peddle boats so you can sail around the ponds.

Beverley Westwood Park

If you’re looking for things to do near Hull or things to do in Beverley then Beverley Westwood Park is a great option on a sunny day. 

It’s literally just a nice open green space with some woodland. But during the summer months, there is an open-air cinema and cows roaming freely.

Malton’s Traditional Saturday Market

Every weekend, the tiny town of Malton is overtaken by its huge Saturday Market, and browsing the stalls is one of the most fun things to do in Malton.

There are antiques, fruit and vegetables, freshly-baked pies, tarts, and lots of other food and souvenir stalls too.

Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Center

This popular cheese manufacturer’s visitor center is one of the best things to do in Hawes. 

Visit their cheese shop, enjoy lunch at their cafe, and learn more about the cheese-making process in their exhibition space.

Richmond Castle

One of the top things to do in Richmond, Yorkshire is to visit Richmond Castle.

It’s unfortunately a ruined castle but when you consider that it was built by the Normans in the 1070s, it’s held up pretty well!

It’s also a large, hilltop castle with views over the River Swale below.

Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate

It’s a little off the beaten path, but one of the most fun and quirky things to do in Harrogate is to stay at or call into the Old Swan Hotel for a cup of tea.

It first opened in 1777 so it’s a historic building, but that’s not why it’s interesting. Mystery writer Agatha Christie hid here for 11 days in 1926 to punish her adulterous first husband. 

She was missing for 11 days in total and made international headlines!

Malham Cove in Skipton

One of the most popular places to go in the Yorkshire Dales and things to do near Skipton is to visit Malham Cove.

You can (carefully) walk up the steps to the top of this incredible geological formation that looks like a cliff formed at the side of a hill. Don’t get too close to the edge on a windy day!

Whitby Abbey and the 199 Steps

Since Whitby is one of the most popular places to visit in Yorkshire, there are so many more Whitby attractions to see. 

Whitby Abbey dates back to 657 AD and the 199 steps leading up to this historic church inspired author Bram Stoker when writing his novel Dracula .

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough

There are plenty more cool Knaresborough things to do, and Mother Shipton’s Cave is also one of the top things to do near Harrogate since it is only two miles away.

This cave was named after a legend about a local witch who gave prophecies and there’s even a statue of the woman at the cave. It’s also said that there is a well in the cave that can turn things to stone. 

Legend or not, the cave is in a beautiful location on the River Nidd with stairs making it easily accessible.

Stump Cross Caverns in Pateley Bridge

Want to see more caves? Visiting Stump Cross Caverns is one of the best things to do in Pateley Bridge. 

These are natural limestone caves and you can take a guided or self-guided tour.

Fountains Abbey in Ripon

One of the most popular Yorkshire places to visit and things to do near Thirsk has to be the Fountains Abbey . 

This medieval former monastery is nestled on the edge of the pretty Yorkshire Dales and you can visit the landscaped gardens and take a tour.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Goathland

Harry Potter fans visiting the North Yorkshire Moors National Park have to visit Goathland. 

Not only is taking the old steam train that crosses through Goathland station one of the best things to do near Whitby, but this train station also stood in as Hogsmeade Station during the first movie.

Skipton Castle

Miraculously still intact, one of the best Skipton things to do in the Yorkshire Dales is visiting Skipton Castle. 

This medieval castle has a dungeon and several halls you can visit too.

Castle Howard

No castle in Yorkshire is more lavish or opulent than Castle Howard , one of the top places to visit near York.

It’s a typical 18th-century, English country home surrounded by acres of lush green fields as well as fountains, walled gardens, and several small lakes.

Robin Hood’s Bay Village

One of the most picturesque places to visit near Whitby is the village of Robin Hood’s Bay. 

Its rugged cliffs and postcard-perfect cobblestone lanes make it a great stop on a coastal road trip.

Sculpture Park in West Bretton

Locals looking for family days out Yorkshire will often head to the Sculpture Park in West Bretton .

There are dozens of large-scale sculptures and farm animals roaming free in this spacious park. On a summer’s day, it’s one of the top free things to do in West Yorkshire for sure.

The Deep Aquarium in Hull

Often overlooked in favor of the north, one of the top things to do in East Yorkshire is to visit The Deep in Hull.

This purpose-built, state-of-the-art aquarium boasts over 3,000 sea creatures including sharks and stingrays. Put it on your list in case of a rainy day!

The Forbidden Corner in Middleham

Part interactive maze and part sculpture park, one of the best things to do in North Yorkshire for those with young kids is to visit The Forbidden Corner . 

It’s an epic scavenger hunt to find everything on a checklist within the park. It’s an impressive and super fun experience for the whole family.

Things To Do in Yorkshire FAQs

Which part of yorkshire is most beautiful.

Yorkshire is home to two national parks, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors, and it also covers a long stretch of beautiful coastline.

Picking which of the three areas is the most beautiful is so tricky!

But there’s no denying that the unique natural landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales make it potentially the most beautiful part of Yorkshire.

Are the Yorkshire Dales worth visiting?

Yes, the Yorkshire Dales are absolutely worth visiting!

The Yorkshire Dales National Park boasts epic waterfalls, rugged mountain trails, historic estates, caverns, and unique geological cliffs and rock formations.

Yorkshire’s nickname isn’t ‘God’s own county’ for nothing.

When should I visit Yorkshire?

The best months to visit Yorkshire are between May to September. 

These months have the most daylight hours and the warmest weather. Note that ‘warm’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘dry’ as it can (and does) rain every month of the year in Yorkshire.

Summer might be the busiest and most expensive time to travel, but many of the castles and indoor attractions close in the off-season.

What are some must-see historical sites in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire is steeped in history. Key sites include the medieval York Minster, Castle Howard, Clifford’s Tower, the UNESCO-listed Saltaire Village, and the historic city of York itself.

Are there family-friendly activities in Yorkshire?

Absolutely. Yorkshire has plenty for families including the National Railway Museum, Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and the Jorvik Viking Centre.

What outdoor activities can I do in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can hike in the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors, visit the stunning coastline with cliffs and beaches, or explore picturesque towns like Haworth and Whitby.

What are some recommended cultural activities in Yorkshire?

There are numerous cultural activities in Yorkshire, such as visiting the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Leeds Art Gallery, Hepworth Wakefield, and experiencing a play at the Leeds Playhouse or the Sheffield Crucible.

Are there any food and drink activities I should try in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire is famous for its traditional English pubs, breweries, and tea rooms. Don’t miss the chance to try a Yorkshire pudding or a traditional afternoon tea. You could also visit the Rhubarb Triangle for a unique culinary experience.

Can I do a day trip from Yorkshire to another city?

Yes, Yorkshire’s central location makes it easy for day trips to cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and even London.

Things To Do in Yorkshire Wrap Up

From castles to caverns, waterfalls to walking across moors, there are so many great things to do in Yorkshire.

While this list doesn’t cover some of the big cities like Leeds or Sheffield, it does offer tons of inspiration for all the best activities in the Yorkshire countryside.

Grab your waterproof jacket, put on your hiking boots, and prepare for an adventurous vacation in the English county of Yorkshire!

Looking for more England travel resources? Check out the best cheap things to do in Bath , best cheap things to do in Oxford , things to do in the Lake District for families , and the best day trips from London by train !

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12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Yorkshire

Written by Bryan Dearsley Nov 17, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of the most visited regions of the UK , the historic county of Yorkshire has plenty to offer those seeking fun things to do while on vacation in England. Set on the east coast of Northern England and known officially as the County of York, Yorkshire is in fact split into four individual counties for administrative purposes: North Yorkshire , South Yorkshire , West Yorkshire , and the East Riding of Yorkshire .

Yorkshire is Britain's largest county and one of the best places to visit if you're seeking an authentic English travel experience. Here, you'll find everything from stunning old cathedrals to perfectly preserved medieval-era homes and shopfronts rubbing shoulders with world-class museums, art galleries, and entertainment facilities.

It's also easy getting to Yorkshire from London . It's also easy to get around by car or bus, with most of its remotest corners accessible by a good road network.

To learn more about the county's numerous attractions, be sure to read through our list of the top things to do in Yorkshire.

1. Take a Tour of York Minster

2. take the train to the national railway museum, york, 3. visit the royal armouries museum, leeds, 4. sheffield botanical gardens, sheffield, 5. amble along the shambles, york, 6. england's top country estate: castle howard, york, 7. visit britain's floral city: harrogate, 8. explore york castle museum & clifford's tower, york, 9. take the kids to the streetlife museum in hull, 10. hike the yorkshire wolds way, 11. make the climb to scarborough castle, 12. explore the ruins of rievaulx abbey, map of things to do in yorkshire.

Immensely walkable, the beautiful city of York makes for an ideal location to begin your Yorkshire adventure. One of the city's top attractions is undoubtedly its impressive cathedral: York Minster . England's largest medieval cathedral, York Minster was constructed in the 1200s and is as attractive on the inside as it is on the outside.

Notable features include its spectacular stained-glass windows, in particular the famous Pilgrimage Window. Added in the early 14th century, it's unusual for its golden dragon and monkey.

Also worth seeing, the Cathedral Treasury features fascinating interactive galleries depicting the cathedral's construction and rich history.

For an unforgettable bucket-list adventure, climb the 275 steps of York Minster's Central Tower. You'll be rewarded not just with spectacular views over the city but also of the cathedral's richly decorated interior.

Speaking of views, book one of the spectacular cathedral-view rooms at the fully renovated Principal York .

Even closer to York Minster on Chapter House Street, the historic Grays Court Hotel dates back to the 11th century and is just steps away from the cathedral; it's restaurant, The Bow Room , offers an incredible multi-course dining experience overlooking the hotel's garden and York City Walls.

Address: Deangate, York, North Yorkshire, England

Official site: https://yorkminster.org

One of the top free things to do in York for families is a visit to the National Railway Museum. While only a short stroll away from York's historic train station, it's a big museum, so be sure to allow plenty of time to see it all.

In addition to its huge collection of historic steam engines and carriages, many of which you can see from specially raised viewing platforms, the museum is home to the Rocket , the country's first passenger service. Plenty of modern engines are included, too, including high-speed British and overseas examples. A number of Royal carriages are also on display.

In addition to a well-stocked shop selling train-related models, toys, and books, a fun afternoon tea experience aboard a historic Royal carriage is also available.

Address: Leeman Road, York, England

Official site: www.nrm.org.uk

The county town of West Yorkshire, Leeds offers plenty of fun things to do . Topping most lists is paying a visit to the Royal Armouries Museum. Here, you'll find the UK's official collection of old arms and armor, including examples from around the world.

Laid out in a series of themed galleries, must-sees include the Tournament Gallery, with its displays relating to knights and jousting, including original armor once worn by King Henry VIII; and the international collection, which includes rarities from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Tolkien fans will also want to visit the museum's collection of weaponry props used in the making of the hit Lord of the Rings movies.

Check the official website for details of special family events, workshops, and programs, including re-enactments and weapon demonstrations. Guided tours are available, and a gift shop and café are located on-site.

Address: Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

Green thumb or not, a visit to Sheffield Botanical Gardens is time well spent. Located just three miles west of the city center, it's an easy Sheffield attraction to get to by car or bus.

Set amid 19 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the gardens were founded in 1836 and remain one of the top such collections in England.

Among its over 5,000 plant species, many of them housed in the property's historic glasshouses, are examples from the Southern Hemisphere. Also of note is the attractive Victorian Garden and the Four Seasons Garden with its hardier plant types.

Admission is free, and a café is located on-site. Best time to visit? If you can, try to plan a visit for spring or early summer when everything is in bloom.

Address: Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England

Taking a stroll along the famous Shambles in York is another great reason to visit this historic cathedral city. This large collection of fabulously preserved old timber-framed houses and shopfronts dates from the 14th century and is fun to explore.

Too narrow for cars and trucks, the Shambles is a cobbled street that is immensely pleasurable to explore thanks to the absence of anything other than people traffic. Along the way, you'll notice many of these old buildings actually seem to hang over the streets.

If you look closely, some still have the hooks used to hang meat, as the area was known as the city's butcher district. Today, they house everything from fun souvenir shops to tearooms and boutique stores.

Location: The Shambles, York, North Yorkshire, England

One of the most picturesque of English country estates, elegant Castle Howard is a must-visit when exploring the Yorkshire countryside. Just 15 miles from downtown York, Castle Howard is so vast, it actually took over 100 years to complete, with construction on the county's original mega-project completed in 1799.

It's easy to spend the best part of a day exploring both the grounds and the estate home itself, set on 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Highlights include enjoying a guided sightseeing tour of the sprawling, still-privately owned home, taking in its well-preserved furnishings, artworks, and stunning décor.

For the ultimate Yorkshire selfie, head to the fountain at the front, framing the home in your shot behind you.

Address: The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, England

Known affectionately as "Britain's Floral Resort," the attractive town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire is a must-visit for fans of formal gardens and urban green spaces. An easy day-trip from Leeds, York, or the city of Manchester, Harrogate first hit the public's radar after the discovery of hot springs in the 1500s and has been a popular tourist destination ever since.

These days, the big attractions are the town's lovely gardens. One of the best is Valley Gardens , a 17-acre park replete with lovely floral blooms in spring. Other highlights include its spectacular Art Deco pavilion, a kids' adventure playground, and free music concerts in the summer.

Other must-visit green spaces in Harrogate include the 68-acre RHS Garden Harlow Carr with its garden museum and fun model village, and the year-round Harrogate International Festivals , which add a splash of culture and entertainment to an already colorful travel destination.

Address: Valley Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England

The recently refurbished and upgraded Clifford's Tower in York not only offers a fascinating look into the development of the city's first battlements, as well as spectacular views over the Minster and its surrounds. Built in the 1200s as a replacement for the original wood fort that stood here, it's the oldest remaining part of York Castle.

You can learn more about the tower and castle at the York Castle Museum . Just a short stroll away from Clifford's Tower, this excellent museum offers a fascinating glimpse at life in Yorkshire down the centuries.

Highlights include an authentic reproduction of a Victorian-era street scene, along with shops and homes, as well as a look at historic prison cells in the Debtors Prison.

Address: Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire, England

Planning a family outing to the Streetlife Museum of Transport is a great excuse to visit Kingston Upon Hull . One of this Northern England city's top attractions, this fun museum showcases over 200 years of British transportation innovation and history.

Exhibit highlights include large collections of historic carriages, the original "horse power" two-wheeled transportation, including bicycles and motorbikes, as well as cars and trucks from the present day.

Also fun are the recreations of "street scenes" from various periods in time, including WW2, as well as displays relating to train travel.

Address: High Street, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England

Official site: www.hcandl.co.uk/museums-and-galleries/streetlife-museum/streetlife-museum

There's no better way to truly experience Yorkshire than by donning a pair of good walking shoes or boots and hitting the trails of the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

Stretching for 80 miles from the coastline near Scarborough all the way to Hull, this Yorkshire hiking route is part of England's National Trail Network and can easily be broken up into bite-size pieces for those wanting to tackle a picturesque portion of the stunning North Yorkshire Moors .

Other highlights include passing through Old Byland , one of England's prettiest villages , located in the heart of North York Moors National Park and notable for its old abbey ruins.

The seaside resort town of Scarborough makes for a superb day trip from York. It's less than an hour's journey via an extremely scenic train ride.

You'll want to make Scarborough Castle your first stop. It was built in the 12th century and largely destroyed during the English Civil War after being under siege, the last of five such sieges it experienced. Guided tours describe its importance in various periods of English history.

While you might think it a bit of a climb, the views from these castle ruins are simply spectacular. Below you, the town's beaches stretch into the distance in both directions up and down the coast, begging to be explored.

Once rested, visit neighboring St. Mary's Church , still bearing battle scars from the Civil War. Charlotte Bronte's younger sister was buried here in 1849. From here, you can take the downhill path through Royal Albert Gardens and head into town along scenic Marine Drive.

Address: Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

Also within North York Moors National Park, the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey are well worth visiting. Dating from 1132, it was at one time reputedly one of the largest monasteries in England, abandoned. It was plundered in 1538 by a disgruntled, vengeful King Henry VIII. You can learn much about this fascinating and turbulent time in Northern England at the attraction's recently opened visitor center.

Afterwards be sure to have a wander through Rievaulx village itself, camera at the ready. It's some of the most idyllic village scenery in Yorkshire. You'll notice that many of the prettiest old buildings were in fact built using stones from the abbey ruins.

Address: Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire

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35 best things to do in yorkshire, uk.

Ahh my favourite of all the northern counties!

Yes, the Grand Old Duke of York knew what he was up to when he marched to the top of the hill around here, because this really is a region of good marching hills and stunning views from the top.

And that’s not to mention the plethora of wonderful villages, towns and cities, full to the brim with historic delights, independent shops, quaint streets and thriving communities.

And they’re all surrounded by some of the best landscapes in England too of course!

From the North York Moors National Park and the world-famous Yorkshire Dales National Park, through to the dramatic clifftop coastline, sandy beaches and ancient woodlands aplenty – Yorkshire boasts it all.

Which is why it’s an absolute fav UK staycation spot of mine and why I return year after year.

Honestly, there’s so much to see and do here you’ll never see it all!

So if you’re looking for a part of England to explore that seems to have it all, look no further than Yorkshire and my list of the 35 best things to do there…

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#1 Row a Boat in Knaresborough

And kicking off this list of the best things to do in Yorkshire, we have an absolute winner, especially on a sunny day.

Yes rowing in a hired boat up the River Nidd under the stunning viaduct in Knaresborough and at the foot of its lovely castle, really is hard to top on a glorious day in my opinion!

#2 Hike the Three Peaks

Next up is a hiking classic – yes the 3 Peaks Challenge in Yorkshire is well-renowned and rightly so.

This serious undertaking will transplant you to the heart of the Dales, but all your efforts will be rewarded when you make it to the stunning summits of the National Parks’ 3 highest peaks and enjoy the views!

If you have the time, don’t miss the Ingleton Waterfall Trail while you’re out here either!

It costs £10 to get in, but you can learn how to sneak in without paying in this post !

#3 Go Back in Time in York

After all that climbing, it’s time to come back down to earth and explore one of Yorkshire’s top cities.

Definitely a must-visit place in the county, York is a historic city, which boasts beautiful cobbled streets like the Shambles, as well as a beautiful Minster.

And who can forget the National Railway Museum and Viking Centre too – it’s all here, which makes a day trip to York absolutely one of the best things to do in the county.

#4 Get your Literature Fix in Haworth

Next up we move from major city to small village, as we head out west to the cute town of Haworth which lies in the Calder Valley region.

Home to the literary superstars the Bronte sisters – you know, the Jane Eyre crew – Haworth is well worth a stop on your Yorkshire itinerary if you want to learn more about these related writers and their family life.

The key place to visit here is the Bronte Parsonage where the sisters lived and worked.

If you’re into your classic works of literature, this is a must-see place!

#5 Watch a Performance at Hebden Bridge

And just down the road from Haworth is another famous Yorkshire village – this time it’s the creative enclave of Hebden Bridge.

Known for its artistic and liberal community who moved here in the 70’s when land was cheap, this is a beautiful canal-side town which boasts loads of wonderful independent shops and artistic venues.

From live music to film festivals, galleries to picturehouses, there’s tons going on in this lovely and lively artistic community hub.

Check out my list of the top 15 things to do in Hebden Bridge here .

#6 Enjoy Gibson Mill and Hardcastle Crags

And from Hebden Bridge you can actually enjoy a beautiful walk out along the lovely National Trust spot of Hardcastle Crags.

A delightful woodland area with loads of lovely walking trails and a 19 th century mill to boot, combining this place with Hebden Bridg6 makes for a super Yorkshire day out.

Discover my 7 other top Hebden Bridge hikes here .

#7 Let your Hair Down in Leeds

Next up we come to city life again, because absolutely one of the must-do things in Yorkshire, is spend some time in its flagship city of Leeds.

A bustling metropolis full of great attractions, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops, Leeds is actually where I was an undergraduate student so I know it well… and love it a lot.

This city has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, meaning it’s now a real cultural hub in the area and definitely deserves at least a day of your time.

One of the top places to visit in Yorkshire for sure, check out this specific post I wrote about the city for my list of the top things to do in Leeds.

#8 Combine Castles & Canals in Skipton

And just up the road from Leeds is the town of Skipton, which sits at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.

Not only a great access point for exploring more of this beautifully preserved area, Skipton boasts its own lovely canal setting and a castle to boot!

At almost 900 years old, this is a pretty impressive castle – in fact, it’s one of the best-preserved Medieval fortifications in the country, ooooh!

#9 Spot Puffins at Flamborough Head

From castles to cliffs, one place in Yorkshire you can’t miss are the amazing cliffs along Flamborough Head.

Situated out in East Yorkshire, this coastal spot is a paradise for bird watchers and top of most twitchers’ lists are the puffins!

Yes, if you’re yet to encounter these great birds with their colourful beaks and feet, then Flamborough is the place for you!

Plus you can enjoy long stretches of beautiful coastline, hidden sandy coves to swim at and a delightful lighthouse to boot!

Get more ideas for a trip to the Yorkshire coast with my list of the best 9 spots to visit there .

#10 Swim at Runswick Bay

And another top coastal spot in Yorkshire has to the award-winning Runswick Bay.

Voted one of Britain’s best beaches, this Yorkshire gem is a beautiful sandy stretch with safe swimming and some glorious clifftop walking opps around too.

#11 Take in the View from Otley Chevin

And if it’s good walking you want, then Otley Chevin is an excellent thing to do in Yorkshire, especially if you’re Leeds-based, as it’s just a short drive from this city.

With elevated views over the lovely town of Otley, as well as the Dales beyond, this is a great family day out with plenty of fresh air and some woodland paths to compliment the open-air ones too.

#12 Discover Ilkley Moor

And similar to the Otley Chevin, just down the road, Ilkley Moor also offers elevated views over the beautiful market town that sits below it, as well as across to the Dales National Park.

I actually walked this giant on a freezing cold and very icy day in January (not advised by the way), but this wild and open moorland really is stunning almost any time of the year.

Just be careful that, if you pick a day when the weather is bad, you don’t get lost, because mist and fog can quickly blanket this vast and wild moorland and make orientating yourself here almost impossible!

#13 Sink a Pint

And from the historic Whitelocks in Leeds (one of the oldest pubs in the county) to Ye Olde Starre Inne in York or the historic watering holes in just about any village in the Dales, sinking a pint of local beer or ale is a must when you visit Yorkshire.

If you’re doing the tour, then Tan Hill Inn in the Dales is the highest pub in Britain and The Bingley Arms in (yes, you guessed it) Bingley is thought to be the oldest, so you really have got plenty of record-setters to sip at!

#14 Run Round a Reservoir

It’s all about balance of course, which is why if you have enjoyed a few drinks in some of Yorkshire’s quintessential boozers, it’s time to do some exercise in the fresh air and burn it off.

I’ve been for a few runs with my sports-mad friends who live this way and top of the list are always some of the county’s reservoirs, which provide peaceful, traffic-free spots for both strolls and jogs.

Eccup Reservoir is a great spot do just this, but my favourite has to be Fewston with its waterside paths and historic features.

Widdop near Hebden Bridge is another treat!

#15 Get Muddy on the Meanwood Trail

And if it’s good car-free trails you’re after, then the Meanwood Valley Trail is another top one near Leeds where you can enjoy a walk, cycle or run.

Stretching all the way from Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre Park, this 7 mile one-way route is the perfect place to get those legs working!

Also Golden Acre Park is a nice place to finish with its cafe and cute model railway.

#16 Marvel at Fountains Abbey

But now we move onto some more historical stuff and one of the best Yorkshire day trips, yes it’s time to marvel at the beauty that is Fountains Abbey.

A UNESCO-listed gem, these huge Abbey ruins are absolutely incredible and very atmospheric.

However it’s the vast grounds of this place, as well as the nearby Studley Royal Water Gardens and the amazing free talks, that really make this spot one of the top things to do in Yorkshire.

Run by the National Trust, if you’re not a member (which you def should be if you plan to travel in the UK a lot by the way!), it will cost you around £15 enter Fountains Abbey for the day.

Otherwise, the nearby Deer Park and St Mary’s Church can be visited for free.

Whatever you prefer, just make sure you get to this North Yorkshire gem… you won’t regret it!

#17 Check out Whitby

And another North Yorkshire gem, the city of Whitby is definitely one of the top places to visit in this county.

Right on the coast and boasting a famous Abbey (thought to inspired Bran Stoker’s Dracula btw), this picturesque maritime enclave combines classic British seaside vibes, with a rather goth-inspired streak thanks to its gory literary links.

The Abbey is run by English Heritage – so free to enter if you are a member – otherwise, climbing up to the steps to take in the ruins from the gates provides amazing views over this whole town.

A must of this list of the top things to do in Yorkshire.

#18 Stroll Saltburn Pier

If you want to see the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, then Saltburn on the North Yorkshire coast is definitely the place to head for.

Built in 1867, this beautiful historic pier is now a Grade II listed building and the surrounding town is full of charm including an award-winning beach and vibrant arts scene.

#19 Walk to Malham Cove

And yet another charming historic town in Yorkshire, it’s the fabulous destination of Malham.

Deep in the Yorkshire Dales, this tiny stonewall hamlet is a delight with plenty of beautiful walks, as well as rolling countryside and traditional hospitality to boot.

Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and the lovely waterfall of Janet’s Foss are all must-sees in the area, and you can learn more about visiting all these spots in this post I wrote specifically about visiting Malham .

#20 Hit the Beach

We’ve already talked a little bit in this post about some of the best coastal spots to visit in Yorkshire, but I wanted to also give a shout-out to the great beaches more generally in the county too.

Because from Runswick to Robin Hood’s Bay, Scarborough to Filey, there’s a lot more golden sand to lie out on here than you might imagine!

Yes hitting the beach is definitely one of the top things to do in Yorkshire… you’ve just got to get the weather!

#21 Spend the Day at Bolton Abbey

And if you do get a fine weather day, then another top spot to head for in Yorkshire is the wonder of Bolton Abbey.

Set right on the edge of the Dales, these monastic ruins are again well worth an explore, but it’s also the lovely grounds here, complete with a flowing river and waterfall, as well as wonderful woodland walks, that makes it a super day out for the whole family.

With parking just £10 per car, and free entry after that, this really is a must-see spot… it definitely has a kind of magic to it.

#22 Eat to Heart’s Content in Malton

And another place that seems to have some magic to it is the gorgeous town of Malton in the North York Moors.

Top of the list here is the epic foodie scene (it’s known as the food capital of Yorkshire!) and the numerous food festivals that take place throughout the year are definitely the best time to visit.

Awash with bespoke producers and places to wet your whistle, it’s almost impossible to leave here not stuffed to the brim!

#23 Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Harrogate

And another place where you can savour the best tastes in Yorkshire is Harrogate.

This famous historic town is super pretty and quaint, but it’s not for the Royal Pump Room or Turkish Baths that most people come here anymore, instead it’s for the afternoon tea!

The most popular place for this is the world-famous Betty’s, but if you don’t want to queue and STILL get amazing cakes and coffee, then nearby Baltzersen’s gets my vote every time!

#24 Go Back in Time at Harewood House

From tours of the house to walks around the amazing gardens, plus farmyards and playgrounds for kids, and café and tearooms for the big kids – this is a full day out!

This is especially true if you take into account all the events that run here, including cinema screenings, theatre performances and craft markets.

Check out their latest Whats On guide here .

#25 Relax in Roundhay Park

And another place that often has events running, especially gigs, is Leeds’ amazing Roundhay Park.

Actually one of the largest urban parks in the world, this guy is huge and if you’re in the city it’s well worth a stroll around.

Complete with a gorgeous lake, tennis courts, cafes and historic structures, this park is the perfect place to get some time out from the city and to be as relaxed or active as you like.

#26 Don’t Miss Aysgarth Falls

Deep in the Dales, the Aysgarth Falls are absolutely one of the top things to see in Yorkshire.

A series of cascading falls set in gorgeous parkland, this beautiful spot is perfectly situated along the River Ure.

#27 Learn Something at the National Coal Mining Museum

I haven’t covered many museums in this list, but this is an absolute classic!

Yes the National Coal Mining Museum really is a must, especially if you want to learn more about the industrial heritage that formed the backbone of life for many in this part of the country.

Led by former miners, this is an eye-opening tour that takes you down into a former mineshaft and should not be missed!

Just make sure you book ahead. The prices are very reasonable.

#28 See an Exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

And not far from the National Mining Museum, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park can be combined to make the perfect day trip.

Set in glorious grounds with fabulous sculptures dotted around and often roaming exhibitions by famous artists too, this is a must-see.

When I visited, there was a Damien Hurst exhibition on.

Well you can’t get better than that! Especially because entrance is free too!

#29 Catch a Show in Sheffield

And keeping up with the cultural feels, heading to the former mining city of Sheffield to get your theatrical fix is a great idea.

Here the Crucible Theatre hosts an array of world-renowned performances in an eclectic programme that offers something for everyone.

Alternatively, the Lyceum and Studio Theatres in Sheffield, the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds and the Alhambra in Bradford are also great arts venues to check out.

#30 Feel the Wildness on the North York Moors

Coming towards the end of this mammoth list now, the North York Moors are the second national park in this huge county and their wildness and vastness shouldn’t be underestimated.

The perfect place to imagine Heathcliff running across the bleak and desolate hills, this is a great spot to take in some fresh air and live out your literary melancholic fantasies!

#31 Shop in Independent Helmsley

And situated within the North York Moors, the lovely destination of Helmsley is a key town that acts as the perfect place to refuel after a good walk.

Full of independent cafes and shops, it’s a delightful spot to wander at a leisurely pace and to refresh after your time out on the wild moors.

#32 Tick Saltaire off your UNESCO list

Back closer to Bradford now, Saltaire is another UNESCO-listed gem in Yorkshire thanks to its beautifully preserved mill complex – a remnant of the former textile industry here.

Still very much a living village, the Mill is free to enter and the beautiful streets and buildings of this town make for an educational wander too.

#33 Get Your Cheese on in Wensleydale

If you’re into your cheeses, then you’ll know it’s a bit of a thing on this blog too – what with Cheddar Gorge down in Somerset and now Wensleydale up on Yorkshire.

Yes stopping by this famous valley in the Dales is a must to try your weight in the delicious crumbly stuff!

Made famous by the TV series Wallace and Gromit, there’s more besides cheese tastings to do in this cute area though!

Nearby Hawes (also former home of the Brontes’) is just the tip of the iceberg.

#34 Admire Beautiful Staithes

And talking of lovely spots, somewhere that always steals my heart when I visit Yorkshire is the amazing fishing village of Staithes.

Wandering the tiny cobbled and steep streets here is like stepping back in time and with the bobbing fishing boats and gorgeous fisherman cottages, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find it hard to take your camera away from your face!

#35 Go Deep in Hull

And last but not least on this list of the top things to do in Yorkshire, we come to Hull, down the coast from Staithes.

Top of my must-see list here is The Deep – an epic aquarium in a futuristic building that comes complete with an underwater viewing tunnel.

With over 3,500 fish, this is one of the UK’s best aquariums and located in the fishing port of Hull it couldn’t be better placed.

But my favourite has to be the penguins… of course!

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Mini Travel Guide to Yorkshire

When to Visit?

There’s no question in my mind, the best time to visit Yorkshire is during the summer season, when the UK’s good weather allows you to get the nicest experience from your time there, especially if you want to enjoy some hiking and rolling countryside views.

The only problem with the summer and the weekend is that this is when many of the county’s top attractions are busiest, so do be warned.

If you have the option to visit some of Yorkshire’s most popular days out on a weekday, or outside of school holidays, then I’d advise this as parking and getting some good snaps without a ton of other people in-frame will be a lot easier at these times!

How to Travel to Yorkshire?

Driving to Yorkshire from across the UK is easy and straightforward with lots of good motorway connections.

Public transport is also easy if you’re basing yourself in one of the major cities such as Leeds, York, Sheffield, Hull or Bradford.

Indeed from London, and many other UK cities, there are good connections both by train and coach to all these destinations, as well as to smaller cities like Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Harrogate.

Once you arrive into one of these destinations, you may have to hire a car or transfer to a more local bus service if you’re heading somewhere more rural.

As always, I use Trainline to book my UK train and coach journeys, as they compare a huge range of transport options, as well as use split-fare features, to get you the best deal on tickets.

Their handy app also allows you to track your journey, as well as save all your tickets in one handy place!

How to Get Around?

Hiring a car is probably the best option if you want to explore all of the top things to do in the Yorkshire area, because public transport in the more rural and coastal parts of the county can be a bit thin on the ground.

This was the transport choice I opted for when I visited Yorkshire and I was really glad of the flexibility an electric hire car gave me.

If you’re looking to hire a car in England, Discover Cars offer some very competitive rates.

It’s worth noting that much of the parking across Yorkshire’s cities and towns is paid, so don’t forget to factor that, as well as fuel, into your costs too.

Alternatively, if you’re a National Trust member like me, or an English Heritage member, you can park at some of the places I mention in this article for free.

Otherwise, if you want to take a tour to Yorkshire, that will show you some of the top highlights in the region without you having to fuss about hiring a car or finding a bus, check out these top options:

• The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York
• Yorkshire Dales Tour from Leeds
• From Manchester: Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip
• Windermere: The Brontes, Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre Tour

Where to Stay in Yorkshire?

If you want to be connected, then I would recommend staying either in Leeds or York for your time in this county.

As always, the Premier Inn in York and those in Leeds are hard to pass up when it comes to excellent value for money and location.

For something more independent, then check out  Ashbourne House Bed & Breakfast in York or The Queens Hotel in Leeds.

If you want to get off the beaten track however and stay in the beautiful countryside in Yorkshire, then both the Dales and the coastline are my top picks.

In either of these locations, I highly suggest renting a cottage, as it will allow you to soak in the traditional village hospitality at its best.

My go-to website for rentals when travelling is always VRBO, so check out this gem in Malham or this beauty in the North York Moors close to the coast for some ideas about what they offer.

How Long to Visit Yorkshire For?

If you can manage a week in Yorkshire, then you’ll certainly be able to tick a good few of these top places to visit off your list.

A great combination with 7 days up your sleeve would be to explore the Dales for 3 days, the coast for 3 days and enjoy a night in a city to round off your trip.

If you want to start including some big hikes or more remote spots in your itinerary too, then I’d allow 10 days to 2 weeks to see as much as possible!

Yorkshire Packing Essentials

#1 A Good Camera – No doubt you’re going to be snapping like crazy in this amazing region and need to ensure you have a good camera to do the place justice.

I love my Sony A6000 and GoPro , which are both light, compact and great for travel.

#2 Decent Walking Shoes – No point coming this far and not being able to enjoy a walk in the wonderful countryside of Yorkshire.

Get prepared therefore and ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes. These cross trainers from New Balance are ideal (and totally stylish) for the job.

#3 Light Waterproof Jacket – Whatever the time of year, you have to remember this is England – a country inwhich the heavens can open at any point!

Don’t get caught out therefore and ensure you have a good lightweight and waterproof jacket with you. This North Face one is perfect.

#4 Compact Hiking Day Pack – I never go on any UK trip without a sturdy backpack to ensure I’ve got everything I need and that the weight is equally distributed across my back and shoulders.

This super featherweight Kompressor Backpack from Marmot is my go-to, because it folds down to nothing and is water-resistant – ideal for those sudden showers!

#5 Portable Charger – And finally, I would never head off anywhere without my trusty Anker Portable Charger , which keeps my phone and camera batteries full all day, every day!

This means that, no matter how many top things to do in Yorkshire I’m enjoying, I can take all the snaps and use all the maps I need during the day!

Travel Insurance for Yorkshire & the UK

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money

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So there you have it folks, my list of the top 35 things to do in Yorkshire, England.

A beautiful county in the glorious northeast of the country, there’s no question this spot should be on everyone’s staycation list!

Have you visited Yorkshire?

What was your favourite thing to do there?

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Travel to Yorkshire, England – Episode 334

The Amateur Traveler talks to Elspeth about her native Yorkshire in northern England.

“Yorkshire has a very strong regional identity as a lot of English counties have. You will probably recognize the Yorkshire Rose as what became part of what became the Tudor Rose connected with the War of the Roses. It’s a very friendly place, most people comment on that when they visit. There is a fantastic coastline, there are inland national parks, its cities, its small towns, it’s a beautiful place. ”

Elspeth starts us in York with its rich medieval history, then takes us to some of the seaside towns, the larger towns of Leeds and Hull, and some of the smaller picturesque villages like Beverly where she grew up. She winds up in the countryside and the North York moors and the North Yorkshire dales.

Yorkshire York York Minster Jorvik Viking Centre National Railway Museum Cat Gallery Beverly Minster Beverley Saturday Market Nellies – The White Horse Inn The Deep (aquarium) The Deep Aquarium Whitby Scarborough, North Yorkshire Magpie Cafe Yorkshire Pudding Yorkshire Pudding Recipe Yorkshire Pudding II Recipe Yorkshire Curd Tart Recipe Yorkshire Curd Tart Wensleydale cheese Samuel Smith Brewery Bridlington David Hockney Hockney Trail Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough Technical Information at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough – Contact Us Leeds Create Welcome to Robin Hood’s Bay Robin Hood Robin Hood’s Bay Fountains Abbey Fountains Abbey on Wikipedia Yorkshire Dales All Creatures Great and Small Premier Inn Little Holtby York Central Hotel Beverly Market

The battle over $33 flights to Hong Kong Stranded in China, United fliers stage ‘mini-revolt’ Chinese Park Offers Discount To Women Wearing Miniskirts

Travel to The Island of Java in Indonesia – Episode 333 said some controversial things about Jakarta, Indonesia.

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by Chris Christensen

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One Response to “Travel to Yorkshire, England – Episode 334”

Ian McManus

Hi Chris, Both my wife and I love listening to your show when we are driving long distances. (We live in Queensland, Australia).

When you changed servers recently, it seems that the Podcast links were broken and we are now unable to subscribe via iTunes?

Regards, Ian

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THINKING ABOUT VISITING YORK BUT NOT SURE WHEN TO GO? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Historic walled York in North Yorkshire, England, is a popular tourist destination with rich history and cultural landmarks, including medieval walls, York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum.

A friendly, year-round tourist destination, there’s no best month or perfect time to visit York. But the variation in the seasons is notable, and each brings different cultural attractions, festivals, and dramatically different weather!

If I’m pushed – I’d suggest that late Spring is the perfect time to visit York, although the city is absolutely fantastic during December, with one of the best Christmas markets in the UK!

Ultimately, the best time to visit York depends on what you want to see and do in the city and what type of weather you prefer!

From bustling festivals and “the great outdoors” in the summer to cosy winter days by a roaring fire in a friendly pub or browsing for bargains in York’s award-winning Christmas markets , there’s something for everyone in York – year-round.

This article shares the best time to visit York, shares information about the weather and average temperatures, and highlights some of the city’s most exciting events throughout the year.

Let’s get stuck in 🙂 because you are going to LOVE York, just like I do!

When Is The Best Time to Visit York?

I’ve lived in Yorkshire for over a decade and know York well! I know that York has four distinct seasons with dramatically different weather patterns and temperatures:

• 🐣 Spring (March-May) Shoulder Season
• 🌻 Summer (June-August) High Season
• ☂️ Autumn (Fall) (September-November) Shoulder Season
• ❄️ Winter (December-February) Low Season ( except Christmas )

The busiest tourist seasons in York are Easter, the UK school holidays (mid/late July to early September) and Christmas.

1. Visiting York in the Spring 🐣

• Great value time to visit
• Spring flowers in bloom
• Go to the races

York Literature Festival

• Easter celebrations
• Busy at Easter
• Busy over May public holidays
• Likely to rain

Spring in York is gorgeous, with average temperatures rising from 9°C in March to 17°C in May. April, however, is one of York’s wettest months of the year, with an average rainfall of 77 mm! 

☔️ Local Tip: If you plan to visit York in the spring, pack a windproof travel umbrella and light rain gear.

After a long, cold winter, York eagerly awaits the first signs of spring. As the days start to lengthen, it’s a great time to visit before the summer crowds descend.

York buzzes with tourists at Eastertime, and the wonderful Easter services at York Minster (York’s gothic cathedral) are particularly popular.

In early spring, hosts of cheery golden daffodils carpet the banks of the medieval York City Walls and Clifford’s Tower before the delicate pink and white cherry blossoms appear and make the city even more beautiful.

🌸 Find York’s most beautiful cherry tree blossoms between York Station and the city walls, or take a short train ride to see Harrogate’s glorious cherry trees on the Stray.

🌧 If the weather is cold and wet, you won’t run out of amazing places to explore indoors, and you can save money on entry charges to York’s key attractions with a York Pass .

🍺 When you get chilled, warm up by a roaring fire in one of York’s characterful old pubs and tuck into some hearty Yorkshire food while you wait for the sun to reappear.

Alternatively, you can dodge the raindrops in the Shambles – the best-preserved medieval street in Europe – where stalls sell everything from local produce to international delicacies.

Over the busy Easter weekend and during the UK public holidays at the start and end of May, expect accommodations to sell out fast!

➡️ Find the best deals on York’s hotels, B&Bs and private accommodations here .

events in York in the Spring

York chocolate festival.

The festival includes chocolate lollipop making, chocolate tastings, hands-on cookery workshops, and a chocolate walking trail. YUM!

Easter Celebrations

• Awe-inspiring services at York Minster
• Easter-themed gifts to buy in the Shambles market and in the beautiful Käthe Wohlfahrt store
• Edible Easter goodies at Betty’s Cafe & Tea Rooms (look out for the fabulous window display)

Live events celebrating the written and spoken word, with more than 20 events held throughout March at venues across the city centre.  

A day at the races is the perfect excuse to put your glad rags on, sip Champagne and have a flutter on your favourite horse. 

York Races run from April to September on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They are easy to get to, even if you don’t have a car and a great opportunity to experience some of the city’s rich racing heritage

2. Visiting York in the Summer 🌻

• Warm weather
• Long days for exploring
• Boat trips & river cruises
• Al fresco dining
• Peak season prices
• Availability of accommodations

If you love warmer temperatures and like exploring without the hassle of a coat, summer is the best time to visit York. With the best weather of all seasons, summer is the perfect time to explore York’s atmospheric streets and outdoor attractions.

Average temperatures rarely become oppressive, even in high summer, so you’ll enjoy pleasant weather when you visit York in the summer.

Summertime is York’s busiest season, with the longest hours of sunshine and the warmest days. The city swells with tourists – especially during the UK summer holiday season (late July to early September).

August is typically the busiest month in the city , while early June to early July offers comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds.

If you don’t enjoy crowds,it’s easy to avoid the city centre and use your York Pass to focus on York’s quieter attractions, such as the Yorkshire Museum and Clifford’s Tower, or take a cruise on the River Ouse .

Alternatively, spend long sunny days on day trips from York to some of the best places in the surrounding area, including the vast and beautiful North York Moors.

York is in the far north of England! While summer is generally warm, don’t assume it won’t rain! June is the wettest month of the year in York, with an average rainfall of 3 inches (77 mm).

Events in York in the Summer

York early music festival.

This cultural festival will celebrate York’s many medieval churches, guildhalls and historic houses through historically informed music making.

Merchants Adventurer’s Beer Festival

New for 2023, this charity event – in the 665 year old, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall – will bring quality ales, tasty food, local entertainment and (hopefully) summer sunshine together!

York Festival of Ideas

York Festival of Ideas offers stimulating and diverse events for all ages and interests at venues throughout the city, including world-class speakers, films, guided walks, and family-friendly activities.

Summer might just be the best time to dress up and head to the races with friends!

READ NEXT : The Ultimate Packing List for Yorkshire . Discover the essential items you will need for your trip to York.

3. Visiting York in the Autumn ☂️

• Cheaper accommodations
• Awesome Christmas markets
• Atmospheric ghost tours
• Real fires in cosy pubs
• Short daylight hours
• It’s often VERY cold

Autumn is an excellent time to explore some of the city’s famous historical attractions. York Minster is a hot favourite (make sure to arrive early for the remarkable tower tour), or explore life as a Viking in York at the excellent Jorvik Viking Centre.

While there’s a good chance of rain at this time of year, September’s average high temperature is around 17°C. This drops to a chilly 7°C by November, so you’ll want to pack a warm jacket and waterproof shoes.

The days are getting shorter for sightseeing, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 pm in November, so you’ll want to maximise the daylight hours.

It’s still very pleasant to walk around the city in the autumn, to see all the trees wreathed in shades of russet and red. There are fewer tourists than in the summer, but you won’t feel like Billy No-Mates visiting the city – in fact, it’s a great city for solo travellers.

Events in York in the Autumn

Autumn is the best time to visit York for festivals – there’s a packed programme of cultural events to choose from!

York Food Festival

22nd Sept to 1st Oct  2023

York Beer Festival (CAMRA)

Wed 13 – Sun 17 Sept

Fossgate Festival

A unique way to experience city life in York and enjoy one of York’s oldest and most characterful streets, with independent shops, cafes, bars, and the beautiful Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. 

The street is closed to vehicles making it safe for everyone to browse and enjoy. The festival runs from ​12 noon to 7:30 pm; however, bars and restaurants remain open later, in line with their usual opening hours. 

As the most haunted city in Europe, York is a superb place to celebrate Halloween! ➡️ Check out the best ghost tours in York here >

Bonfire Night

Where better to celebrate the 5th of November than the city where Guy Fawkes plotted with others to blow up the Houses of Parliament?

If the organised events with bonfires, fireworks and hearty warming food don’t tempt you out into the cold, pop into the pub where Guy Fawkes was born for the evening instead!

October is your last chance for the year to attend the races.

4. Visiting York in the Winter ❄️

Despite its northern location, winter is a great time to visit York. With less chance of snow than in other parts of England, temperatures are relatively mild – but it can feel much colder when brutally cold winds blow in from the east coast – straight from the Balkans! 

February is typically the coldest month of the year, but it’s also the cheapest time to visit the city.

Top Tip:  Dress for the cold with a winter coat, sturdy shoes to keep out the worst of the weather, a warm hat and gloves, and a scarf.

Winter is a great time to enjoy the  Christmas markets or go ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland . It’s also the best time of year to go on a spooky guided ghost tour around the medieval streets after dark.

Visit York before the Christmas market arrives, and you’ll have the luxury of exploring an uncrowded city. The local restaurants and pubs will welcome you with open arms at this time of year!

Events In The Winter in York

St nicholas fayre christmas market..

York’s St Nicholas Christmas market in the historic city centre is a gem. More than 80 Swiss-style chalets sell everything from hand-crafted Christmas decorations and gift ideas to delicious roast chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine or cider. 

The market runs from late November until Christmas Eve, lighting up the medieval city walls and buildings and making the city feel even more atmospheric than usual!

York’s Winter Wonderland

Ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland is sure to warm you up! The outdoor rink opens from late November until early January, making it ideal for active winter fun with loved ones. 

JORVIK Viking Festival (11th-19th February 2023.)

Vikings pitch their tents in central York in a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage. This is Europe’s largest Viking festival and a fun way to ward off the winter chills.

Accommodations in York

York is exceptionally busy at Easter, in the summer, and in the month before Christmas: this is when you’ll find the highest prices. The best hotel room deals are quickly snapped up at these peak times.

T he best deals on hotel rooms in York are in early January and February 🙂

With so much to do in York, why not book a stay and enjoy more of what this exciting city offers?

Parking in York

Here’s the bad news! Parking in York is expensive – and driving around medieval city streets not designed for modern traffic is a nightmare!

If your accommodation has reserved parking, you’re onto a winner. Otherwise, it’s much easier, quicker and cheaper to use one of York’s excellent Park & Ride services or to travel to the city by train.

How To Get To York

York is located in Northern England, in the large, rural county of North Yorkshire. It’s well connected locally and nationally and easy to reach:

York is around 2 1/2 hours from London by train or 3 hours from Edinburgh. Manchester International Airport is 1 hour and 50 minutes by train.

From London and the South: Take the M1 motorway to Leeds, then the A1M to Junction 44. Take the A64 into York.

From Edinburgh : Take the A1M to Junction to Junction 47 and take the A59 into York.

Map of York in the UK

FAQs: the best time to visit York

Is january a good time to visit york.

January is a great time to visit York to shop for bargains, get great hotel deals and breeze through all of York’s tourist attractions without crowds!

Is York worth visiting in winter?

Definitely! York is very atmospheric in the winter, with plenty of things to do, an award-winning Christmas Market and wonderful cosy pubs to hunker down in after a chilly walk.

Does York have good weather?

Absolutely. York’s temperate climate makes it a great city to explore without getting too hot or cold!

Is York UK worth visiting?

I’ve written a whole post on this subject 🙂 Discover more about visiting York here .

What is the coldest month in York?

The coldest month overall is January, however, February typically sees the lowest minimum temperatures. Wrap up warm on those chilly days!

What is the hottest month in York?

Average temperatures peak in York in July, although August also sees warm, pleasant days.

Does it rain a lot in York?

York has a temperate climate and typically sees around 630 millimetres of rain yearly, with rain seen in most months. June is the wettest month of the year in York.

Is York nice at Christmas?

York is enchanting at Christmas. The medieval buildings look wonderful, bathed in the twinkling glow of the Christmas lights, and the award-winning York Christmas markets are a treat to visit.

How many tourists visit York each year?

York welcomes tourists, as they contribute over £760 million to York’s economy. Around 8.4 million people visit York each year.

Does it snow in York in January?

It can snow in York during winter, but this is unusual. It will be cold, so wearing warm clothes is advisable when visiting York in the winter.

What is the weather like in York at Christmas?

Expect single-digit temperatures in York for Christmas, with an average temperature of 5°C. Pack warm clothes, gloves, your cutest beanie and waterproof boots to keep the chills out.

What is the longest day in York?

The year’s longest day in York is the summer solstice in June.

What is the shortest day of the year in York?

The shortest day of the year in York is the mid-December winter solstice.

Is York good for a day trip?

York is the perfect city for a day trip, with a train journey from Leeds taking around 30 minutes, while direct trains from London take around 2 hours.

Final Thoughts On The Best Time To Visit York

York is a beautiful city to visit year-round. Each season offers its unique charm and attractions. However, the best time to visit York depends on your preferences and interests:

• Spring is the best time to visit York for good value, Easter celebrations, and to enjoy all the spring flowers
• Summer may be ideal for you if you enjoy warm weather, dining al fresco, and outdoor activities
• Autumn has mild weather, cool festivals and the chance to spend Halloween in Europe’s most haunted city !
• Winter could be the perfect season to experience all that York offers if you love traditional festive events and cosy indoor activities

These are the companies I use to book all of my trips. I only recommend companies I use and trust personally.

• ⭐️ Flight Deals : Wayaway or Expedia , or Skyscanner  
• ⭐️ Hotel Booking : Booking.com or Hotels.com
• ⭐️ Self-Catered Accommodation : VRBO
• ⭐️ Tours / Things To Do / Airport Transfers : Viator or Get Your Guide
• ⭐️ Travel Insurance : Travel Insurance Master  
• ⭐️ Car Rentals : Rentalcars.com

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Seven of the UK’s best canal walks

Spot springtime flowers, bucolic countryside and feats of engineering on these terrific towpath routes — many of which end at a local pub.

‘G ongoozling” refers to the pastime of watching narrowboats drift along canals (think of it as a water-based version of trainspotting). We’re lucky: the UK has close to 5,000 miles of navigable waterways and the most wonderful have impressive aqueducts, ancient lock flights and plenty of passing wildlife to spot along the way. Here’s our pick of the ones to work into a weekend away.

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1. Heritage South Wales walk

Talybont to Llangynidr, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal This canal winds its way through Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons National Park) and Goytre Wharf, a 200-year-old industrial heritage site near Abergavenny. Make for the four-mile stretch between Talybont and Llangynidr where you can watch anxious narrowboat captains navigate the five-lock Llangynidr flight and enjoy the bluebells, wood anemones and primroses lining the towpath. Afterwards, go for an amble in the wilds of Bannau Brycheiniog and check in at the Coach & Horses Inn in Llangynidr; the canalside pub’s deli is the perfect place to shop for picnic supplies, including an excellent homemade chutney. Details B&B doubles from £85 (thecoachandhorsesinn.com)

2. Breweries and woodland near Belfast

Stranmillis to Lisburn, Lagan Canal Towpath Starting in Stranmillis, to the south of Belfast city centre, this tranquil 11-mile route passes through pretty woodlands and wildflower meadows before finishing in Lisburn. Hilden Brewery is a great place to stop for a breather — it’s Northern Ireland’s oldest independent brewery and after a hearty lunch and a pint, you can take a guided tour to learn all about it. Base yourself at the Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, which is a 20-minute drive from Stranmillis, where the route begins — previous guests include CS Lewis and George W Bush. Details B&B doubles from £155 (theoldinn.com)

3. Village green picnics in Gloucestershire

Sharpness to Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Built to connect the River Severn with Gloucester Docks, this canal was the deepest in the world before eroding riverbanks almost destroyed it in 1909. Barges were sunk to create a tidal barrier and you can spot their rusting skeletons in the boat graveyard at Purton Hulks, near the start of this seven-mile route. Finish at Frampton-on-Severn, where you can roll out your picnic rug on the village green (it’s one of the longest in England) before spending the night at the Bell Inn, on the green’s edge. Details B&B doubles from £90 (quality-inns.co.uk)

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4. an art trail in the west midlands.

Hawkesbury Junction to Coventry Setting off from Hawkesbury Junction, where Coventry Canal meets Oxford Canal,you’ll find a five-mile trail lined with sculptures created by local artists. Look out for Stephen Hitchin’s The Journeyman , made from tools used by the navvies who built the canal. It finishes in the city centre, where you can visit Coventry Transport Museum to see the world’s largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles and two of the world’s fastest cars. Check in later at the Coombe Abbey Hotel, just outside Coventry, to be surrounded by spectacular gardens designed by Capability Brown. Details B&B doubles from £99 (coombeabbey.com)

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5. Wildflowers and ancient history in Wiltshire

Bradford-on-Avon to Devizes, Kennet & Avon Canal This 12-mile route starts in the market town of Bradford-on-Avon, which dates back to Roman times and is lined with woodland, including Widbrook Wood, on the outskirts of Trowbridge. It’s one of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s newest reserves and in May, wildflowers bloom between the ash, poplar and willow trees. During your walk, keep an eye out for rare chaser dragonflies (identifiable by their orange abdomens) as well as songbirds, including blackcaps and chiffchaffs. Finish at Caen Hill Locks, on the outskirts of Devizes. Here, 29 locks form the country’s longest continuous flight. Warm up in front of the log fire at Devizes’ Bear Hotel, which is also a 25-minute drive from Stonehenge. Details B&B doubles from £85 (thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk)

6. Dramatic locks and scenic Saltaire in West Yorkshire

Bingley to Saltaire, Leeds & Liverpool Canal The 250-year-old, grade I listed Bingley Five Rise Locks is the steepest lock flight in the UK; for those who navigate its 60ft height, it feels part canal, part rollercoaster. Come to watch the action before following the water for three miles to the Unesco world heritage site of Saltaire, a model village built in the late 1800s with beautifully ornate turrets and arched windows. Cosy up later at Bracken Hall House in Baildon, where you’ll be in walking distance of Shipley Glen, a former Victorian pleasure ground with a tramway built in the late 1800s. Details B&B doubles from £99 (brackenhallhouse.co.uk)

7. Ghosts and aqueducts near Edinburgh

Ratho to Edinburgh, Union Canal This eight-mile route starts in Ratho, a village once used as a base by the navvies who built the Union Canal. Two of the labourers were the infamous murderers and body snatchers Burke and Hare, who stole some of their bodies from the village’s graveyard. Much more soothing is the canal’s striking Lin’s Mill Aqueduct, a 30-minute walk west from Ratho, which is a favourite landing spot for kingfishers and buzzards. More history awaits with a stay at the Bridge Inn in Ratho, said to be haunted by the ghost of George Bryce, who, after murdering a local maid, was the last person to be publicly hanged in Edinburgh. His spirit is said to stalk the hotel’s corridors. Details B&B doubles from £93 (bridgeinn.com)

Have we missed your favourite canal walk? Let us know in the comments below

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