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20 Enchanting Places to Discover in Yorkshire

One of the most popular places to visit “up North” and with good reason, this fiercely proud and historic county is also known for its unspoiled rugged beauty.

It’s an area filled with charm and bags of character, from flat caps and tea shops to feisty locals to pints of bitter and I’m personally a huge fan, this place is seriously atmospheric! It’s a tough choice but I’ve managed to narrow down my favourite beauty spots…

York minster - places to visit in the UK in autumn

This beautiful historic city is the jewel in the crown of this wonderful county. It’s known for its Roman and Viking roots, its impressive ancient walls, the dungeons, and numerous museums (the National Railway Museum , York Castle Museum, and York Art Gallery are just a few) fabulous independent shops, and the spectacular York Minster , a truly beautiful cathedral which is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.

It has a wonderful suspended-in-time atmosphere and many gorgeous places to explore. I suggest heading down the narrow cobbled lanes and browsing the designer stores, independent shops, and boutiques galore.

Don’t miss the very special Shambles district which is lined with timber-framed buildings, some dating back to the 14th century.

Don’t forget to stop at one of the many quaint tea or cake shops along the way! 

My must-do highlights

  • Walk along the medieval stone walls , a great way to view the city and Minister.
  • Wander down the narrow cobble roads of The Shambles , well known for being the prettiest street in York.
  • Hire a little red boat to cruise along the river and admire the cute buildings along the way.
  • Stay in one of the many cool boutique hotels in York .

2. North York Moors

Yorkshire Moors - dog friendly UK places

This is an area of outstanding beauty and I love this spot. The landscapes here are made up of 1,400 miles of natural and unspoiled wilderness beauty and they are most definitely breathtaking.

The region is a natural habitat for flora and fauna comprising heather moorland, pine forests, rolling hills, and shimmering coastline as well as badgers, roe deer, and hawks. 

It’s unsurprisingly a haven for outdoor activity lovers and here you can go walking, hiking, cycling or just head out for a very beautiful scenic drive. 

  • With an array of trails across the area, going on a hike to explore the beautiful scenic landscape is a must.
  • Ride on the 24-mile-long steam railway for picturesque views of the area.
  • Visit Dalby Forest to enjoy mountain biking , a great activity to do with friends or family.

3. Yorkshire Dales National Park

Yorkshire Dales - pretty drive

One of the most famous attractions in Northern England, I think the scenery here is just incredible! It’s an unspoiled and perfectly preserved place filled with moors, green valleys, rolling hills, grand castles, abbeys, gorgeous stone-built villages, and plenty of nature and fresh country air. 

Highlights of the Yorkshire Dales National Park include Malham Cove, Bolton Priory, Aysgarth Falls, Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, the Ingleborough hiking trail for gorgeous views, and White Star Cave.

I would suggest not leaving without paying a visit to one of the traditional cosy pubs or staying in a pretty riverside cottage. 

  • Discover the spectacular Ingleton Waterfalls along a 4.5-mile trail through the ancient woodland.
  • Hike to the stunning Malham Cove to see the dramatic cliff and gorge.
  • Explore the ruins of a historic 12th-century Augustinian church, Bolton Priory.

4. Harrogate

Harrogate North England

Harrogate may be small when it comes to size, but it packs a huge cultural punch, and this affluent and pretty historic town is known for its lovely parks, great range of independent shops, and theatres.

Although it’s arguably best known for being a spa town some of the best places to visit here include the lovely Montpellier Quarter with the Royal Pump Room Museum and here you can find out about the history of the local mineral springs.

Also, I would recommend not missing the Grade II listed baths restored Moorish-style Turkish Baths now functioning as a luxury health spa.

Other reasons to visit this gem include the many beautiful historic buildings, castles, and Abbeys, afternoon tea at the famous Betty’s tearooms, and the Valley Gardens complete with the pretty Art Deco Sun Pavilion! 

  • Relax in the exquisite Turkish baths filled with steam rooms, heating chambers and a refreshingly cold plunge pool.
  • Visit the vibrant and Insta-worthy RHS Garden Harlow Carr , after wandering around you can also pop into Betty’s Tea Room.
  • Check out the grand rock formations of Brimham Rocks where you can also find some great viewpoints.

5. Scarborough

Scarborough harbour in Yorkshire England

This is a very charming and picturesque seaside resort located on the North Sea coast which has an elegant, timeless atmosphere.

Scarb0rough’s heyday was the Victorian times and there are still many attractions that have a Victorian feel but with a modern twist – think amusement arcades, fish and chips, and sticks of rock. 

It’s blessed with two gorgeous sandy bays divided by a headland where the striking 12th-century Scarborough Castle resides.

Other highlights of this popular seaside holiday spot include the Rotunda Museum, the Victorian Central Tramway funicular train which links the town centre with South Bay and its harbour, the lovely  Scarborough Spa , and The Grand Hotel which is positioned dramatically on the cliff-top.

  • Spend some time at the Oriental-inspired Peasholm Park , featuring a lake, a small island and an interesting Chinese-style pagoda.
  • For the best views overlooking the town, visit Scarborough Castle.
  • On a sunny day, enjoy a day at the beach and along the promenade filled with entertainment, cafes and shops.

Whitby seaside town Yorkshire

Whitby is a very popular seaside town! Located by the River Esk it offers a heady mix of gorgeous coastal scenery, plenty of fresh salty air, old-fashioned seaside fun, and even an alternative subculture!

This is sometimes where goths gather and the reason is because Whitby Abbey was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for his famous “Dracula” novel.

Other stand-out attractions include the Captain Cook Memorial Museum (where the legendary Captain Cook once lived) and the very easy-on-the-eye west part of town where you can explore or relax on West Cliff Beach which is lined with photogenic beach huts.

It’s also a fabulous place to base yourself if you want to go on scenic clifftop walks. 

  • Climb up the famous 199 steps to the unique St Mary’s Church whilst admiring picturesque views.
  • Check out the impressive and historic Whitby Abbey , one of the most popular attractions to see.
  • Enjoy a refreshing drink after a day of sightseeing at the petite Whitby Brewery.
  • Stay in one of the many cool.

7. Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay Yorkshire

This is a gorgeous area to explore in Yorkshire, this wonderfully picturesque old fishing village is located on the beautiful Heritage Coast of the North York Moors. Built between two imposing cliffs the village is home to quaint charming cottages which spill right down to the edge of the sea.

It makes a charming and cosy coastal getaway where you can discover incredible coastal walks, and the village’s unusual architecture, and learn all about the smuggling history of the bay.

More of my favourite highlights include the historic Church of St Stephen, Robin Hood Bay Museum, the Old Coastguard Station , and the   Falling Foss Waterfall & Tea Garden .

My must-do highlights 

  • Learn about the history of the area at the museum and see a replica of a smuggler’s house.
  • For a spooky experience, book a ghost tour to check out the town after it goes dark.
  • Take a walk along the beach to discover the hidden Boggle Hole where you can also explore through the caves.

8. Flamborough Head coast and cliffs

Flamborough Head Yorkshire

This stunning and unspoilt 8-mile-long chalk headland, with its sheer white cliffs.

Located between the Filey and Bridlington bays of the North Sea, the ridges also provide nesting for thousands of seabirds and it’s also home to two standing lighthouse towers, the oldest dates from 1669, and Flamborough Head Lighthouse was built in 1806. 

Take talk to walk and explore this gorgeous Yorkshire gem and you’ll find all kinds of scenic delights including the striking chalk cliffs, magical coves complete with rock pools, sea caves, sea stacks, and magnificent archways.

  • Visit the oldest lighthouse in England which was built in 1966 but never lit.
  • Go for a walk along the coastal paths for breathtaking views overlooking the ocean and to spot naturally formed sea arches.
  • Catch a sunset from Selwicks Bay , and find the perfect spot on the 400-foot high chalk cliffs to watch the sky turn into a golden glow.

9. Castle Howard

Castle Howard Yorkshire

Beautiful Castle Howard is considered to be one of Britain’s finest historic houses and I’m a big fan of this place. Located in the Howardian Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) 15 miles north of York it sits proudly in the centre of  1000 acres of pristinely kept formal gardens and parkland estate which includes pretty lakes, fountains, lovely woodlands, temples, and statues. 

In the 18th-century walled garden, you can enjoy a stunning collection of heritage roses, that have a heady scent and vibrant colours. Within the ornamental vegetable garden, you will find sweet pea wigwams mingling with the vegetable patches. 

The castle itself is simply spectacular and has been the private residence of the Howard family for more than 300 years. It was built in the 18th century and is fabulously gilded and ornate. The gardens and house are usually open daily for visitors to enjoy. 

  • Admire the perfectly groomed gardens surrounding the house and the iconic Atlas Fountain.
  • Discover the fascinating Aztec Pyramid covered in moss, a unique but unusual monument featured within the grounds.
  • Take a guided tour around the house, featuring over 145 rooms this is one of the largest country houses in England.

10. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

Ingleton Falls Yorkshire

Ingleton Waterfalls is a beautiful circular trail to explore in North Yorkshire beginning and ending in the village of Ingleton. It’s maintained by the Ingleton Scenery Company and is 8 km in length with a vertical rise of 169 m.

It has some of the most beautiful and scenic waterfalls and woodland scenery in the north of England. 

The highlight of the trail is the stunning waterfall which plunges 14 metres over a limestone cliff which formed over 330 million years ago. The walk is easy to follow and is open seven days a week, throughout the year. 

  • Get your camera ready to snap some Instagrammable shots of the scenery as you explore through the trail.
  • Dip your feet in the waterfall base to cool down after hiking to find it.
  • Take a picnic to enjoy whilst being amazed by one of the most stunning waterfalls in the North of England.

11. Saltburn-by-the-sea

Saltburn-by-the-Sea England

This is a lovely coastal town located in Redcar and Cleveland, North Yorkshire. It’s a popular spot and offers plenty of Victorian charm, a clean Blue Flag status beach and family-friendly beachside amenities.

As well as being a great place for a staycation, surfers and paddleboarders also love this place. My favourite highlights include the spectacular Saltburn Cliff Tramway, the Victorian pier, Captain Cook’s Heritage Centre, and of course the beautiful sandy beach. 

  • Ride up the Saltburn Cliff Lift which connects the seafront pier to the town.
  • Before taking the lift, enjoy a portion of fish and chips on the Victorian Pier.
  • For those who love to surf, catch some waves at the beach , well known for having some great breaks and high tides.

12. Wentworth Castle and Gardens

Wentworth Castle Yorkshire

Imagine being surrounded by glorious gardens, woodland, and parkland. That is precisely what you can expect from Wentworth Castle and Gardens located near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. 

Sadly the Grade II listed country house is closed to the public due to funding issues but the beautiful gardens are opened and maintained by the National Trust and are open to the public. 

The grand stately home is surrounded by 60 acres of gardens with trees, shrubs, hedges, and flowers in varied planting styles as well as a wider park and surrounding woodlands. I would suggest taking the time to explore one of the many walking trails on the estate. 

  • Check out the gorgeous Victorian Flower Garden , where you can walk up to a viewpoint for a bird’s eye view.
  • Visit the Sun Monument , one of the oldest in England and a tribute to the forward-thinking lady.
  • Discover the second castle located on the highest point of the estate, Stainborough Castle.

13. Runswick Bay 

Runswick Bay Yorkshire

This stunning Yorkshire gem has a sweeping and sheltered bay and a cluster of pretty red-roofed cottages with many delightful alleyways.

Located just a few miles north of Whitby here you’ll find a gorgeous and clean sandy beach sometimes filled with brightly coloured anchored boats. 

It’s often said to be one of the best beaches to visit in Yorkshire and once you visit you’ll see why – the scenery here is very charming and picturesque. Many walks follow along the cliff tops so I would suggest taking your time to enjoy! 

  • Explore through the pretty streets of the town , featuring cute red-roofed cottages and several shops.
  • Hire a paddleboard or kayak and spend some time out on the waters having fun.
  • Take part in beach cleaning , find the #2minutebeachclean board and follow the instructions to help out the environment.

14. Marsden Moor

Marsden Moor Yorkshire

Yorkshire does pristine wilderness very well and this is one of the many wonderful places to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature.

This sprawling expanse is owned by the National Trust and is located in the beautiful South Pennines, between West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

There are more than 5000 acres of landscapes to explore ranging from deep peat moors to historic trans-Pennine transport routes. Here you’ll also find a variety of plants and wildlife and many cycling and walking trails. 

  • Be amazed by the gorgeous scenery along an array of trails and walks throughout the area.
  • For those who love to cycle, take your bike to cover more ground in a day and enjoy a beautiful ride.
  • Discover the best viewpoints overlooking the landscape and capture some incredible shots.

15. Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens

Burton Agnes Hall

Burton Agnes Hall is a spectacular Elizabethan manor house located in the village of Burton Agnes in East Riding of Yorkshire.

It’s a much-loved place which was originally built in 1601–10 by Sir Henry Griffith. The house and gardens are open to the public and the interiors have a lived-in feel with plenty of charm and character.

The stunning gardens are award-winning and home to a walled garden with many different species of plants, herbaceous borders, a pretty jungle garden, a yew maze, and even some giant games which the kids and young-at-heart adults can enjoy.

The woodland is planted in a peaceful arboretum walk and is also home to a fun adventure playground.

  • Take a tour around the grand Elizabeth stately home which has been owned by the same family for over 400 years.
  • Wander through the perfectly prepared gardens filled with stunning plants, trees and bushes.
  • Have some fun on the giant games and yew maze located across the estate.

16. Staithes

Staithes village in Yorkshire

This is a wonderful hidden Yorkshire gem! It’s actually a pretty seaside village located on a hillside in the Scarborough borough of North Yorkshire.

It was one of the largest fishing ports in the North East with a very much thriving industry but today it offers visitors a chance to explore a typical Yorkshire seaside village complete with a cosy harbour, quaint houses, wonderful views, and locally built boats. 

It’s also a great place for exploring Yorkshire’s cliff-top paths and also for fossil hunting. It’s also the charming home to a community of well-known artists. In my opinion, this place is a must-see! 

  • Discover the eight painted illusions created by local artist Paul Czainski, dotted throughout the town.
  • Go for a walk along the harbour , where you can also find several pubs, galleries and eating spots.
  • Take a hike along the cliff tops for spectacular views across the landscape and try your luck at finding a fossil.

17. Knaresborough

Knaresborough - pretty places in Yorkshire

Located right next door to beautiful Harrogate, this wonderful spa and market town is smaller but just as pretty as its rival. It’s mostly known for its very striking viaduct which towers over Nidd Gorge as well as being home to the historically famous prophetess, Mother Shipton. 

It enjoys an elevated position high above the River Nidd and is filled with fine architecture, a great range of independent shops and a maze of medieval streets.

Head to the Royal Forest of Knaresborough to see Mother Shipton’s Cave – England’s oldest visitor attraction which contains a petrifying well that turns everyday objects to stone.

  • Check out the marketplace on a Wednesday to stroll around the stalls selling local produce, flowers, whole foods and more.
  • Visit the Knaresborough Castle , a monument of the town, which stands tall on a high cliff with views overlooking the River Nidd.
  • Walk along the waterside of the River Nidd where you can stop off at a local café for coffee and cake along the way.

18. Harewood House

Harewood House West Yorkshire

There are many interesting attractions in West Yorkshire including the locally famous Royal Armories Museum the beautiful Roundhay Park and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park but I personally think Harewood House is one of the best!

The wider estate is most known for being a filming location for the popular TV series Emmerdale but there are also many other great reasons to visit. 

Built in 1759, the fine country house was designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam and is one of the treasure houses of England. The outside is very handsome and inside history, lovers will love the rare Chippendale furniture and jaw-dropping interior designs in the State Rooms.

  • Take a guided tour of the historic house for a discovery talk to explore the different rooms and see the treasures.
  • Spend some time out on the lake with a ferry trip or boat ride.
  • With over 100 acres of gardens, a stroll around the magnificent surroundings of the house is a must-do activity,

19. Gordale Scar

Gordale Scar Yorkshire

This is a scenic limestone geological formation complete with two wonderful waterfalls and a stream running through a deep-sided gorge. 

Located one mile northeast of Malham, North Yorkshire, it’s truly a beautiful place and its huge size can only be appreciated once you stand right in the middle!

  • Take a moment to soak up the spectacular landscape formed from limestone and featuring two waterfalls.
  • Walk through the enchanting woodlands to reach the Janet’s Foss waterfall where you can take a quick dip to cool down on a hot day.
  • Spend some time exploring the cavern or just chill out whilst being surrounded by magnificent scenery.

20. Fountains Abbey 

Owned by the National Trust and located in a secluded valley, this is one of the largest and best-preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England.

Founded in 1132,  as well as its historical importance –  it was one of the wealthiest monasteries in England until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539 – it’s a captivating place and I personally think it’s well worth a visit! Enjoy! 

  • Wander through the serene and grand ruins of the Abbey.
  • Check out the exhibition held at Fountains Hall.
  • Take some great shots of the landmarks located throughout.

We also have posts on…

  • Amazing places to visit in Northern England
  • The most beautiful places to visit in Northumberland

Scott Balaam

Scott Balaam – writer and photographer

Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Australia, Ireland, UK and the USA but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting thirst for culture, good food and great football. In his spare time Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, the rest of Italy, Amsterdam, USA, Athens, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Find Scott on Linkedin , Instagram , or Twitter .

Hotel Reviewing Experience –Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Sweden ,  OET (Spanish Tourism Office) , Sultanate of Oman and  Travel Alberta . Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . Also mentioned as a top UK travel journalist .

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Hey Scott, Wow… what an amazing read. I am also planning for UK tour after covid and I got my guide post. Thank you so much for bringing this post. Best Regards 🙂

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The best things to do in Yorkshire, UK

Jul 15, 2022 • 11 min read

A female hiker rests on the Yorkshire moors

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.

The Yorkshire countryside is a good reason to visit God's Own County © Farm Images / Contributor / Getty Images

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 .  

Stroll York's medieval walls, visit its magnificent minster, then strike out to explore more of the region © Peter Etchells / Shutterstock

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. 

Arabesque interior at Harrogate's Turkish Baths

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.

The ruins of Whitby Abbey at sunset

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! 

Making quality craft beer is something of a 'habit' at Northern Monk in Leeds © Lorna Parkes / Lonely Planet

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. 

Industrial revolution relics at the Kelham Island Museum in Sheffield

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.

Say (Wensleydale) cheese! © Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

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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Must-Visit Attractions in Yorkshire

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of the most exciting outdoor art spaces in the UK

Yorkshire is a sprawling county with lots to see and do, from dramatic natural landscapes such as Ilkley Moor and Malham Cove to cultural attractions like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. If you’re planning a visit, we’ve curated a list of the 25 best attractions all around the county.

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Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Park, Architectural Landmark One of the most exciting outdoor art spaces in the UK, Yorkshire Sculpture Park boasts an impressive collection of sculptures across its 500 acres (202ha), including works by Ai Weiwei, Barbara Hepworth and Antony Gormley.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Natural Feature, Hiking Trail

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Follow this 5-mile (8km) circular trail through a wooded glen to view one of the most impressive collections of waterfalls in Yorkshire, including the dramatic 46ft-high (14m) Thornton Force.

Malham Cove

Natural Feature Whether you marvel at Malham Cove from the bottom of its cliff or admire the view from its limestone pavement, you are sure to be impressed by this Yorkshire Dales landmark.

Bempton Cliffs

Natural Feature

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One of the most important seabird colonies in the British Isles, Bempton Cliffs are home to an impressive array of species, including puffins and guillemots. Walks along the chalk cliffs (among the highest in England) offer several viewpoints to admire the wildlife.

Hebden Bridge

Bridge This former textile town in the Calder Valley is as well known for being a creative hub as it is for its beautiful surroundings. Visit the independent shops and cafes, or take a stroll through the wooded valleys to understand why so many city folk flock here.

Ilkley Moor

Park Time your visit for late summer when Ilkley Moor explodes with a riot of colour as the purple heather enters full bloom. Ensure that your visit includes a walk to the famous Cow and Calf Rocks to enjoy vistas over the surrounding moorland.

Harrogate Turkish Baths

Spa Enjoy a relaxing afternoon bathing and some pampering treatments in the best-preserved baths in the country. Dating back to 1897, the Royal Baths boast beautiful interiors featuring original tiles, painted ceilings and mosaic floors.

The Henry Moore Institute

Art Gallery Located in the city centre of Leeds, the Henry Moore Institute is a space dedicated to celebrating sculpture, in particular the works of the eponymous local artist. Talks, discussions and after-hours events complement the rotating series of exhibitions.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

© travelbild / Alamy Stock Photo

This stunning Victorian village is perfectly preserved, thanks to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Salts Mill to view their impressive David Hockney collection, take a stroll past the United Reformed Church, and enjoy a pint from the award-winning brewery.

The Forbidden Corner

Park The perfect place to take children, the Forbidden Corner is an enthralling combination of labyrinths, Victorian follies, pathways to nowhere and underground lairs. Enter, if you dare, and try to tick off every attraction on the unusual map.

National Railway Museum

Museum Visit York’s National Railway Museum to view the largest collection of railway memorabilia in the world, based in a former steam-train depot in the centre of the city. Admire the collection of Royal trains, and allow your children to explore the carriages.

Whitby Abbey

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Any visitor to the seaside town of Whitby should climb up to the eerie ruins of the abbey that overlooks the town. There’s a small charge to enter the 13th-century remains, but it’s worth it to soak up the atmosphere that inspired the story of Dracula.

White Scar Caves

Natural Feature The longest show caves in Britain aren’t for the claustrophobic, as you’ll have to crawl and squeeze through narrow gaps to admire the waterfalls, stalagmites, stalactites and gigantic caverns that lurk inside. If you’re up to it though, the subterranean scenery is fascinating to study.

Park Kids will love this JCB theme park in West Yorkshire. Attractions include racing events, digger rides and the chance for kids of all ages to have a go at operating their very own diggers. Keep an eye on the website to find out what’s on.

The Hepworth Wakefield

Art Gallery, Museum One of the most impressive exhibition spaces outside of London, The Hepworth’s architecture is just as spectacular as the collections housed inside. View rare pieces by famed local sculptor Barbara Hepworth, alongside a series of visiting exhibitions.

The Three Peaks

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Whether you decide to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge or simply pick one mountain to scale, a visit to Yorkshire isn’t complete without summiting either Ingleborough, Whernside or Pen-y-Ghent.

How Stean Gorge

Natural Feature One of the best sites in Yorkshire to attempt gorge scrambling, rock climbing or abseiling, How Stean Gorge is a natural limestone ravine that offers excellent walking trails and exhilarating adventure sports.

Gaping Gill

Natural Feature Visit this gigantic cavern looming below Ingleborough on one of the two days of the year that the local potholing club lowers visitors down into its depths on a winch. The cave is so big that it’s rumoured to be able to house St Paul’s Cathedral.

Bolton Abbey

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark, Natural Feature The ruins of the Augustinian monastery are open to the public to wander around and explore. The surrounding area offers beautiful scenery for relaxing walks through the woods and by the river.

Aquarium Arguably the best aquarium anywhere in the UK, The Deep is unique in that it was built specifically to help drive up Hull’s tapering tourist trade as well as to support marine conservation. Now, it’s one of the most visually striking and popular attractions in the north, with several living exhibitions and thousands of species on display, including seven types of shark.

Brimham Rocks

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Many areas of the Yorkshire countryside look like something out of a fantasy film, and this is especially true of Brimham Rocks. The huge natural rock formations were carved into strange shapes by an ancient river and now sit prominently in the midst of the rolling hills of the Dales.

Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Museum Another Whitby attraction, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is housed in the building where Cook himself got his apprenticeship with the merchant navy in 1747. Now, it sports an ever-growing collection of artefacts and documents relating to Cook’s life and seeks to educate visitors about not only Cook but also the naval and exploratory history of the UK.

Brontë Parsonage Museum

Museum Many of Britain’s most well recognised historical figures were born in Yorkshire, and the Brontë sisters are no exception. Kept inside their old house in Haworth, the Passage Museum contains the largest collection of their manuscripts, letters and other writings anywhere in the world. A true beacon of literary history.

National Science and Media Museum

© National Science and Media Museum

There are many different science museums dotted around the UK, but the National Science and Media Museum is uniquely focused on film, photography and television, which is fitting given it’s in Bradford, the first UNESCO City of Film. You can learn all about the history and technology that powers our screens, experience hands-on learning exhibitions and even watch a film on one of the three massive IMAX screens. Additional reporting by Callum Davies

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YORKSHIRE

16 best things to do in Yorkshire

From music to museums, kid-friendly fun and scenic gardens, these are the best things to do in Yorkshire

Lisa Wright

A gem of The North, harbouring sprawling countryside and entertainment-filled metropolitan spaces all at once that offer a ton of fun things to do, Yorkshire is God's own county. Technically split across three regions of England , even its main bulk of Yorkshire and the Humber is home to seven cities including Leeds , Sheffield and York —each with their own vibrant scenes. It's a lot to take in, so we've gathered up the county's absolute best bits—cherrypicked from throughout the area, and chosen for their relative must-see qualities. So whether you want to tap into the local history, sit down for some top-notch grub or just keep the little ones entertained for a while, here's exactly where and why you should be going on your next visit.

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Find out more about  how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world .

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Best things to do in Yorkshire

Yorkshire Dales National Park

1.  Yorkshire Dales National Park

What is it? A spectacular National Park of gently rolling hills and quaint stone villages. 

Why go?  Get out of the city and immerse yourself in one of the prettiest and greenest parts of the UK. The Yorkshire Dales National Park (also more casually referred to as just 'the Dales') has some seriously impressive scenery: Limestone outcrops, waterfalls and hidden cave networks as well as areas of wild moorland and rolling green countryside. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails, steel yourself and try some caving or just perch yourself at a proper Yorkshire pub and nurse a pint. 

The Brudenell Social Club

2.  The Brudenell Social Club

What is it? A working men's club turned music venue, that's lost none of its old school charm.

Why go? To see the country's best new bands and eat a pie, all under one roof. The Brudenell Social Club might be a bit of a trek away from Leeds city centre, but there's a reason that it's still one of the area's most treasured musical gems, regardless. In the live room, you've got a lovingly-programmed bill of bands from new faves to established big hitters (Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines and more have all popped back for special gigs); in the bar area, you can play darts and chow down on grub from Pieminister, while outside in the substantial beer garden, they've got a permanent pizza van, too. What's not to love?

Sheffield Winter Gardens

3.  Sheffield Winter Gardens

What is it? One of the largest temperate glass houses built in the last century (aka a very big, impressive greenhouse).

Why go? For an unexpected oasis of calm in the city centre. Having a bad day? Need to soothe your screen-burnt eyes with a little bit of greenery? Then head to Sheffield's Winter Gardens. A slice of serenity in the middle of town, it's home to 2,500 plants, all housed in one huge structure. 10 minutes in here and you'll have forgotten all about the outside world; the only trouble will be forcing yourself to leave.

Abbey House Museum

4.  Abbey House Museum

What is it? A throwback to Victorian times, complete with a fully wander-able Victorian shopping street.

Why go? You don't have to be a history buff to get into the old fashioned spirit here. Located just outside of Kirkstall, Yorkshire's Abbey House Museum ditches the old-fashioned 'be quiet, no touching' stereotypes in favour of fully immersive, experiential fun. Step back in time to the Victoria era, where you can wander through a specially-recreated shopping street, play dress up and do some enjoyable learning through their series of guest exhibitions. When you're done, you can even wander over the road for a roam through Kirkstall Abbey's impressive grounds.

Humber Street

5.  Humber Street

What is it? Revamped area in Hull, home to all manner of arty and interesting exploits.

Why go? Go for the scene, stay for the Sesh. Until the beginning of the decade, Humber Street was home to a fading fruit market, and little else. Now after an almighty revamp, it's been turned into the city's hippest area with a veritable treasure trove of cool bars, tasty eateries, galleries and boutique shops in its midst. It's also home to the annual Humber Street Sesh – a massive party showcasing the best of Hull's local music scene.

Harewood House

6.  Harewood House

What is it? One of the Treasure Houses of England – and just as grand as the name might suggest.

Why go? Peruse some art or watch a show, in the most opulent of surrounds. You only need glimpse the grandiose exteriors of Harewood House to know it's a bit of a special one. One of nine 'Treasure Houses' (aka the poshest stately homes in the country), even just a wander round its interiors and grounds is enough of a reason to pay a visit. Harewood House doesn't just rely on its beauty to bring the people in, however. Hosting a constant stream of exhibitions, events and gigs, there's always something to tickle your fancy among the dazzling surroundings.

Leeds Corn Exchange

7.  Leeds Corn Exchange

What is it? A modern shopping mecca, under one giant dome.

Why go? For the best of Leeds' independent traders, in an unconventional setting. Sure, your Westfields and your city malls might be convenient, but they're not exactly brimming with personality, are they? If you're in the market for some more... well, market-like shopping experiences, however, then Leeds' Corn Exchange is the one for you. Under architect Cuthbert Broderick's expansive, domed roof, the best of the city's independent traders nuzzle up to seriously good food stands and places to stop for a quick bev; it's a creative spot with a focus on lifestyle and design and not a Starbucks in sight.

Pintura

8.  Pintura

What is it? Basque-inspired small plates restaurant in Leeds with a gin bar in the basement.

Why go? To sample their delectable pintxos and tapas selection – if the food is small, that means we can have loads, right? A homage to Spain's gastronomic mecca, the Basque region, Pintura takes all the tiny treats of the area and serves them up in an authentically decorated space in Leeds' slightly-less-sunny Trinity Centre. Upstairs, it's all pintxos (bite-sized bar food) and lip-smacking tapas; downstairs, they've got over 100 types of gin, sourced from around the globe. Forget mother's ruin, this place is a glorious haven for us all.

Showroom Cinema

9.  Showroom Cinema

What is it? Sheffield's premier independent picturehouse, showing arty flicks and special screenings.

Why go? To discover the kind of cinematic treats you won't find down the Odeon. Sheffield's independent cinema scene is thriving. Home to the annual Sheffield DocFest among other acclaimed events, the Steel City knows what it's talking about when it comes to the big screen. Showroom is the gem in its crown; featuring four screens and showing a range of current and classic left-field choices, it's the kind of place that would rather open your eyes than spoonfeed them the latest blockbuster. A real treasure

The Donkey Sanctuary

10.  The Donkey Sanctuary

What is it? A haven for the kind-eyed cuties, open six days a week.

Why go? Show us a kid (or an adult tbh) who doesn't want to pet one of these lot, and we'll eat our novelty furry ears. Founded in 1999, Leeds' Donkey Sanctuary – located on the outskirts of the city – does what it says on the tin. Home to 22 of the lovable creatures, it's a rural, charitable place that provides a home for animals, and offers donkey-assisted learning facilities for children with additional needs. Basically, if this place doesn't warm your heart, you're a lost cause. Pop down for a visit between 3pm and 5pm (except on Wednesdays), where you can meet the residents and take part in various donkey-related events. You'll be far chirpier than Eeyore when you leave.

York Minster

11.  York Minster

What is it? York's most famous resident – its big ol' cathedral, of course.

Why go? People have been visiting this guy for over 1000 years, so he's probably got something going for him. There are some buildings so steeped in history, and so universally revered that you probably ought to tick them off the list at least once in your lifetime. York Minster is one of them. A grand cathedral built back in the 7 th century (that's pretty damn old), its grand, imposing pillars and ornate, exquisite carvings are still mighty impressive, even by modern standards. And they didn't even have electric tools to build it with! Imagine!

Tamper Sellers Wheel

12.  Tamper Sellers Wheel

What is it? New Zealand-influenced eatery in the heart of Sheffield's Cultural Industries Quarter.

Why go?  Everyone knows that the best bit about a weekend afternoon is a leisurely brunch, and there's none finer to be had than Tamper Sellers Wheel's NZ-inspired affair. From sweetcorn fritters to Kiwi classic, mince on toast (braised beef cheeks, served with poached egg and hollandaise), the whole menu is a foodie delight from start to finish. And you don't even need suffer the crippling jetlag to sample it.

National Science and Media Museum

13.  National Science and Media Museum

What is it? Bradford’s six-floor mecca to the power of image and sound.

Why go? For all kinds of informative yet interactive fun. With a mission statement aiming to “inspire the scientists and engineers of the future to see more, hear more, think more and do more,” Bradford's Science and Media Museum is certainly aiming high. Luckily, its six floors of exhibitions, interactive areas, cinema screens and more are enough to make any wannabe visual explorers wide-eyed. What's more, it's free. So if you think you've got a budding Graeme Ferguson (he created the IMAX dontchaknow) in your midst, you've no excuse not to fuel their creative fires.

Emily’s at The Bronte Birthplace

14.  Emily’s at The Bronte Birthplace

What is it? Locally-sourced dining at the first home of the literary dynasty.

Why go? To feel a little closer to Heathcliff, while also eating some avo toast. You've likely seen those little blue plaques around – detailing that someone of note previously resided at that address, they're worth a peek but often that's where it ends. Not so at The Bronte Birthplace, however. Of course, the main point of interest here is to see the place where the noted literary family, responsible for 'Wuthering Heights', 'Jane Eyre' and more, lived. But if you want to extend your stay, you can visit Emily's – a rather charming cafe serving locally-sourced produce and a damn fine ploughman's lunch. It's what they would have wanted.

Jorvik Viking Centre

15.  Jorvik Viking Centre

What is it? A York institution, dedicated to the old Norse seafarers.

Why go? For a history as bloody as Game of Thrones, but y’know, real. The Vikings haven't exactly been remembered as history's nicest guys, but you can't pretend they're not interesting. At the Jorvik Viking Centre, they certainly agree, as they've dedicated a whole building to the exploits of the Nordic folk. Travel back to the 10 th Century on a very 21 st century capsule ride, before checking out the centre's admirably large selection of genuine artefacts.

Belgrave Music Hall

16.  Belgrave Music Hall

What is it? Top notch gig space with a rooftop bar serving after-hours cocktails.

Why go? To pretend you're lounging about on holiday, even though you're in LS2. Belgrave Music Hall's got a pretty natty 300-capacity event space, but it's the rooftop terrace that we're swooning over here. Featuring deck chairs, wooden canopies and various other places to perch while you swig on a craft ale / scoff some pizza from the Slice Bar downstairs, it's an unintimidating gem with the best vibes around. Who needs tropical holidays anyway, eh?

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YEN Top 10 – Most Visited Tourist Destinations In Yorkshire

YEN Top 10 - Most Visited Tourist Destinations In Yorkshire

Rich in heritage, culture and attractions, Yorkshire’s tourist destinations generate around £6.3 billion towards the county’s annual economy. Our compilation of Yorkshire’s leading destinations may surprise you and hopefully lead to a great family day out.

#10 – Doncaster

Annual Visitors: 2.1 Million

Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery is the town’s main museum. It opened in 1964, and explores natural history, archaeology, local history, and fine and decorative art. It has a major exhibit dedicated to silverware and trophies won at Doncaster Racecourse. The museum houses the Regimental Museum of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. The aircraft museum Aeroventure is based on the site of the former site of RAF Doncaster at Doncaster Lakeside. The Trolleybus Museum in the nearby village of Sandtoft specialises in the preservation of trolleybuses, and claims to have the largest collection of preserved trolleybuses in Europe, with over 60 examples.

There are events and concert that take place at Doncaster Racecourse and The Dome Leisure Centre. Cast is the new £22 million venue opened officially on Monday 2 September 2013. Cast includes a 620-seat auditorium, a flexible studio space, drama studio, dance studio, education and ancillary space. Doncaster nightlife consist of the Silver Street, Cleveland Street and High Street areas have over 40 bars and clubs within a 2-3 minute walk of each other and other bars can be found on Priory Walk, Lazarus Court, Bradford Row and around the Market Place.

#9 – Skipton

Annual Visitors: 2.3 Million

The annual heritage event Skipton Sheep Day which takes place on the first Sunday in July on Skipton High Street and showcases what Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales has to offer with demonstrations, stalls, entertainment and food on offer. The town hall in Skipton holds regular craft fairs and special events and also houses the Craven Museum & Gallery as well as a tourist information centre.

Skipton has numerous public houses, two nightclubs (within one building), and restaurants including traditional fish and chips, modern British, American, French, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Italian. In March 2014 The Sunday Times judged Skipton as the “best place to live” because of its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales, it’s great schooling and its independent shops along a ‘buzzing’ high street.

#8 – Bridlington

Annual Visitors: 2.9 Million

Bridlington is a coastal town and civil parish on the Holderness Coast of the North Sea, situated in the county of the East Yorkshire approximately 24 miles (39 km) north of Kingston upon Hull. Bridlington is a minor sea fishing port with a working harbour and is well known for its shellfish. It has a mix of small businesses across the manufacturing, retail and service sectors with its prime trade being tourism during the summer months.

The Bridlington Spa was originally opened in 1896, in its heyday Bridlington was a leading entertainment resort thanks to this nationally-famous dance venue where many well-known entertainers appeared, including David Bowie & Morrissey. It has since again begun to attract ‘big’ names from the world of entertainment: in 2013 Indie Rock bands The Kaiser Chiefs and Kasabian, Irish band The Script and Joe McElderry all performed at the venue, attracting large crowds.

#7 – Harrogate

Annual Visitors: 3.2 Million

Harrogate has a strong and varied economy. The conference and exhibition industry is the focus of the town’s business, with Harrogate International Centre the third largest fully integrated conference and exhibition centre in the UK, and one of the largest in Europe. It brings in over £150 million to the local economy every year and attracts in excess of 350,000 business visitors annually. Eating out is popular in Harrogate, and the town well served by restaurants. Parliament Street and Cheltenham Parade are lined with many independent and chain restaurants.

On 5 July 2014, Harrogate served as the finish line of the first stage of the Tour de France. The event attracted record crowds to the town centre and was televised to a global audience. British cyclist Mark Cavendish was forced to exit the race when he crashed a few metres from the finish line and suffered a dislocated shoulder. A March 2013 survey from the British property website Rightmove ranked Harrogate as the “happiest place” to live in the United Kingdom, an acclaim repeated in 2014 and 2015. Harrogate District Hospital also has the best cancer care of any hospital in England.

#6 – Kingston Upon Hull

Annual Visitors: 4.8 Million

In the early 21st-century spending boom before the late 2000s recession the city saw large amounts of new retail, commercial, housing and public service construction spending. Tourist attractions include the historic Old Town and Museum Quarter, Hull Marina and The Deep, a city landmark. The redevelopment of one of Hull’s main thoroughfares, Ferensway, included the opening of St. Stephen’s Hull and the new Hull Truck Theatre.

Spectator sports include Championship football and Super League Rugby. The KC Stadium houses Hull City football club and Hull FC rugby club and Craven Park rugby club Hull Kingston Rovers. Hull is also home to the English Premier Ice Hockey League Hull Pirates. In 2013, it was announced that Hull would be the 2017 UK City of Culture.

#5 – Sheffield

Annual Visitors: 6.5 Million

A third of the City of Sheffield lies within the Peak District national park. This means there are more than 250 parks, woodlands and gardens in the city, and an estimated 2 million trees, giving Sheffield the highest ratio of trees to people of any city in Europe. The Sheffield Walk of Fame in the City Centre honours famous Sheffield residents past and present in a similar way to the Hollywood version. There are about 1,100 listed buildings in Sheffield, of these, only five are Grade I listed.

Sheffield has been home to several well-known bands and musicians, with a notably large number of synthpop and other electronic bands originating from the city. In 1999, the National Centre for Popular Music, a museum dedicated to the subject of popular music, was opened in the city. It was not as successful as was hoped, however, and later evolved to become a live music venue.

#4 – York

Annual Visitors: 6.8 Million

The City of York offers a wealth of historic attractions, of which York Minster is the most prominent, and a variety of cultural and sporting activities making it a popular tourist destination for millions. York was voted European Tourism City of the Year by European Cities Marketing in June 2007 beating 130 other European cities to gain first place, surpassing Gothenburg in Sweden (second) and Valencia in Spain (third). York was also voted safest place to visit in the 2010 conde nast readers traveller awards.

York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, dominates the city. York Castle, a complex of buildings ranging from the medieval Clifford’s Tower to the 20th century entrance to the York Castle Museum. York is noted for its numerous churches and pubs. Most of the remaining churches in York are from the medieval period. St William’s College behind the Minster, and Bedern Hall, off Goodramgate, are former dwelling places of the canons of the Minster.

The city contains numerous museums and historic buildings such the Yorkshire Museum and its Museum Gardens, JORVIK Viking Centre, the York Art Gallery, The Richard III Museum and the Merchant Adventures’ Hall.

#3 – Bradford

Annual Visitors: 8.6 Million

The National Media Museum hosts the Bradford International Film Festival annually in March. In June 2009 Bradford was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Film for its links to the production and distribution of films, its media and film museum and its “cinematographic legacy”. There are four theatres in Bradford. The Alhambra also has a smaller studio theatre in the same complex. These are operated by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. The Theatre in the Mill is a small studio theatre at the University of Bradford, which presents student and community shows and small-scale touring professional work. The Bradford Playhouse is a privately run venue with a medium-sized proscenium theatre and a small studio.

Nightlife in Bradford has traditionally centred on Manor Row and Manningham Lane. More recently, several clubs and pubs have opened in the West End of Bradford, around the Alhambra Theatre, turning what was a previously fairly quiet area into one that is often crowded and vibrant at night. North Parade has also seen several new themed bars open and is at the heart of the Independent Quarter of the city. The Bradford Mela is now part of the bigger Bradford Festival which takes place in June. The word mela is Sanskrit for ‘a gathering’ or ‘to meet’. In the UK, melas provide an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and share their cultures.

#2 – Scarborough

Annual Visitors: 9.2 Million

With a population of just over 61,000, Scarborough is the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast. The town has fishing and service industries, including a growing digital and creative economy, as well as being a tourist destination. The South Bay was the site of the original early-medieval settlement and harbour, which form the old town. This remains the main tourist area, with a sandy beach, cafés, amusements, arcades, theatres and entertainment facilities. In 2010 the town was the winner of the ‘Great Town Award’, as nominated by the Academy of Urbanism, beating Chester and Cambridge respectively.

The tourism trade continues to be a major part of the local economy despite the current affordability of foreign holidays. While weekend and mid-week-break trade are tending to replace the traditional week-long family holiday, the beaches and attractions are always very busy throughout summer – a marked contrast to the quieter winter months when Scarborough is often seen as a peaceful bolt-hole from cities such as Leeds and Bradford.

#1 – Leeds

Annual Visitors: 11.5 Million

Today, Leeds is ranked as a gamma world city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network; and is considered the cultural, financial and commercial heart of the West Yorkshire Urban Area. Outside of London, Leeds has the third busiest railway station and sixteenth busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers in England. Leeds has seen great expenditure on regenerating the city, attracting in investments and flagship projects, as found in Leeds city centre. Many developments boasting luxurious penthouse apartments have been built close to the city centre.

The extensive retail area of Leeds is identified as the principal regional shopping centre for the whole of the Yorkshire and the Humber region and approximately 3.2 million people live within its catchment area. There are a number of indoor shopping centres in the centre of the city, including the Merrion Centre, St John’s Centre, The Core, the Victoria Quarter, The Light, the Corn Exchange and Trinity Leeds.In total there are approximately 1,000 retail stores, with a combined floorspace of 2,264,100 square feet (210,340 m2).

The built environment embraces edifices of civic pride like Morley Town Hall and the trio of buildings in Leeds, Leeds Town Hall, Corn Exchange and Leeds City Museum by the architect Cuthbert Brodrick.

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UK Travel Planning

Yorkshire Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2023

O ur  Yorkshire Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, best day trips, accommodation options, tips and more for England’s largest county. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Yorkshire (or as the locals like to call it “God’s own country”

Plan your visit to Yorkshire

Yorkshire, England’s largest county offers visitors historic cities, beautiful countryside, pretty seaside towns, areas of outstanding natural beauty, rivers, waterfalls, 3 National Parks and countless day trip opportunities.

Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire England

What you will find in this complete Yorkshire Travel Guide

Map showing the location of Yorkshire

When is the best time of year to visit yorkshire, how many days do you need in yorkshire, what is the best way to explore yorkshire, 🚆 by train from london – york, 🚙 by car, listen to our podcasts about visiting yorkshire.

  • St Mary's Guest House

Jorvik House

🎟 tickets, tours & attractions in yorkshire, books set in yorkshire, 💛 enjoy your visit to yorkshire, 📖 yorkshire travel guide – visiting yorkshire faq’s.

With warm summers and cool winters, Yorkshire is a great destination all year round.

During winter snow can fall on higher ground which can make some roads at higher altitudes over the Pennines impassable. Always check the weather before planning any road trips and hikes.

Wrap up warmly (wear layers) with waterproof boots and jackets. Christmas celebrations and markets in many of the cities and historic houses make this a popular time to visit.

Spring days are mild to warm with wet weather to be expected too (it is England after all). In summer the days are warm with the occasional hot day thrown in. Days are long so expect daylight into the late evening.

Enjoy the colours of Autumn during the cooler months of September to November.

  • Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide.

There are a number of festivals and events held in Yorkshire during the year including

  • Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival 21st/22nd/23rd July 202 3
  • Tramlines – 3 day music festival in Sheffield 21/22/23 July 202 3
  • Whitby Goth Weekend 28/29/30 April 2023 & 27/28/29 Oct 2023

Durham is the perfect weekend break (or UK staycation) destination although you can spend a day in the city and explore the main sights if you prefer.

If you are travelling around the UK by train we recommend including Durham in your train trip itinerary . Durham is only a few hours by train from both London and Edinburgh. Durham train station is located a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Haworth

By train – Much of Yorkshire can be travelled by train (particularly to and from the larger cities) Take the Settle to Carlisle line which is one of the UK’s most scenic train lines (and one of our top 10 train lines to take in the UK)

There are also popular heritage railways such as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway or the Wensleydale Railway.

Check out timetables and prices at thetrainline.com

By car – Yorkshire is perfect for a road trip with many scenic driving roads. If you are travelling around by car there are many Park & Ride schemes available which make parking easier. Park & Ride can be found in York, Leeds, Scarborough, Sheffield and Whitby.

North York moors

What is the best way to travel to Yorkshire from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline. Take the train to Durham for a short break or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

  • Distance from London: 320 km
  • Time taken by train: Just under 2 hours
  • Leave from: London Euston or London King’s Cross

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

Yorkshire is served by an excellent road network that provides easy access from the north or south of the country.

⬆️ Follow the A1/A1(M) motorway from the south.

⬇️ From the north take the A1 and A19

Read – UK transportation guide

⭐️ Attractions, things to do and best day trips in Yorkshire

Click the links for more information about the best places to visit in Yorkshire.

Clifford Tower York.

YORK TRAVEL GUIDE

Yorkshire Dales.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN YORKSHIRE

Whitby - Yorkshire Travel Guide.

BEST YORKSHIRE DAY TRIPS

Fountains Abbey.

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER PARK

Saltaire - Yorkshire Travel Guide.

THINGS TO DO IN YORK

  • Episode #3 – Discover York
  • Episode #16 – Best day trips from York

🏩 Yorkshire Accommodation

Knaresborough Yorkshire.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORKSHIRE or BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORK

Accommodation Quick Picks (York)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superb location in the city centre. Swimming pool, sauna and gym.

189057 15062413360030621962

St Mary’s Guest House

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wifi and free parking B&B with excellent reviews

155622325

Boutique Hotel in historic location with spacious rooms and helpful staff 

226160304

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

Yorkshire Travel Guide - Bolton Abbey.

⭐️ CLICK FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OUR TRAVEL ITINERARY PLANNERS

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Yorkshire. These posts will also provide practical advice for travelling around the UK:

  • UK train travel guide
  • Britain by train – top 10 UK rail journeys (+ map & tips)
  • 17 Things to do in the Cotswolds
  • Oxford Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
  • Whitby Travel Guide

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

PlanetWare.com

16 Top-Rated Things to Do in York, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Although Yorkshire has long been divided into four counties, York is still considered the capital of this lovely corner of Northern England.

The city is filled with fun things to do and attractions that reveal the many layers of its long history. York boasts the country's longest circuit of medieval city walls , stretching over two miles and offering marvelous views of the city. It is also home to York Minster , the largest medieval church in England.

York is immensely walkable. Restrictions keep vehicles away from the major attractions that you'll most likely to want to visit, ensuring a safe, traffic-free experience as you wander.

For more great ideas about these and other things to do in this beautiful part of England, read through our list of the top attractions in York, England.

See also: Where to Stay in York

1. York Minster

2. national railway museum, 3. medieval york city walls, 4. ramble through the shambles, 5. york castle museum, 6. clifford's tower, 7. jorvik viking centre, 8. castle howard, 9. yorkshire museum and gardens, 10. stonegate and barley hall, 11. explore the river ouse by boat or on foot, 12. visit york's many churches, 13. head to beverley to see yorkshire's other minster, 14. yorkshire wolds way, 15. yorkshire air museum & allied air forces memorial, 16. york early music festival, where to stay in york for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to york, more must-see destinations near york.

York Minster

Imposing York Minster, known in full as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, is a must-visit. It was built to commemorate the monks who converted those living in the surrounding countryside to Christianity. You'll spot its spires from pretty much every corner of the city, making it an easy attraction to find.

Dedicated to St. Peter, York Minster's bishops even sat on the council at Arles in 314 CE. After this, little is known until 627 CE, when the oldest documented wooden church was built here for the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria. Succeeding Saxon and Norman constructions were destroyed, and the present cathedral was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century.

A highlight of a tour is seeing the Minster's impressive stained-glass windows, most notably the Pilgrimage Window . Dating from about 1312 and positioned above a stunning golden dragon's head that stares up at it, the window depicts Peter surrounded by pilgrims along with a few unusual details, such as the funeral of a monkey.

York Minster

Also of interest is the Cathedral Treasury, with its interactive galleries portraying the building's colorful history from its Roman roots to today. Displays include more than 2,000 years of remarkable artifacts found nearby that provide an insight into the cathedral's important role over the centuries.

And if you've got a head for heights, York Minster's spectacular medieval Central Tower , the highest point in the city, is a must-do. But be warned: it does involve a climb of 230 feet up 275 steps, so be prepared to expend some energy.

Along the way, you'll enjoy close-up views of some of the cathedral's most interesting decorative features, including its pinnacles and gargoyles. Once outside, all that hard work will be rewarded with superb views of York's historic city center, so have your camera ready.

Address: Deangate, York, England

Official site: https://yorkminster.org

  • Read More: Exploring York Minster: A Visitor's Guide

National Railway Museum

Located just a short walk away from York railway station, the National Railway Museum has an impressive array of locomotives and carriages dating from 1820 to the present day. You'll want to begin your adventure exploring the many exhibits in the Great Hall. Here, you'll find displays and engines related to the early days of steam, from the famous Stephenson's Rocket , which pulled Britain's first passengers, to the exquisite Mallard , the world's fastest steam engine.

The Great Hall also houses an impressive collection of modern diesel and electric engines, including a Japanese bullet train. Other fun things to do here include climbing over a replica pedestrian bridge for a bird's-eye view of the engines, and taking a fast virtual ride aboard the Mallard Experience.

Over in Station Hall, preserved railway platforms and their parked engines offer an authentic peek into the workings of a Victorian-era train station. Highlights include a Victorian mail train from 1838, turn-of-the-century freight and steam trains, and luxurious Edwardian Pullman carriages.

Also on display is a collection of Royal Trains, including carriages once used by Queen Victoria . If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular demonstrations of the facility's vintage turntable for an up-close look at how these massive machines were turned around (check the museum's official website below for details).

The museum also boasts more than a million artifacts. The collection includes everything from posters to paintings, along with more than 1,000 hours of unique recordings relating to Britain's rich railway history. A reference library, known as the "Search Engine," is also available for those wanting to dig a little deeper.

No-cost admission undoubtedly makes this attraction the best thing to do for free in York. Guided tours are available for a fee. A great York afternoon tea experience can also be enjoyed in the historic Countess of York carriage (advance bookings recommended).

Address: Leeman Road, York, England

Official site: www.nrm.org.uk

York City Walls

A walk along York's medieval city walls leaves a lasting impression of this beautiful city. Built mainly in the 14th century, the walls incorporate some of the city's original Roman structures and total over two miles (3.4 kilometers) in length.

Adding to the fun is the chance to explore four of the old gates , all of them well-preserved. These include Walmgate Bar, Monk Bar, and Bootham Bar, all with their original portcullis, and Micklegate Bar with its three knights.

If you've only got time to tackle part of the wall, the stretch of wall between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar offers excellent views of York Minster.

Location: Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar, York, England

Official site: www.york.gov.uk/CityWalls

The Shambles

One of York's biggest tourist attractions is the Shambles, a narrow 14th-century thoroughfare with lovely overhanging timber-framed buildings.

Once known as "The Great Flesh Shambles" for its numerous butcher shops and stalls, the area is now an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, tearooms, and boutiques. Look up as you stroll, and you can still spot the meat hooks outside many of these old shop fronts.

The Shambles is also where you'll find five of York's fascinating Snickelways . This collection of small streets and winding footpaths connects the old city and is a treat to explore. The area is especially fun to explore in early winter, when the streets are lit as part of the city's annual Christmas Festival.

York Castle Museum

Built on the site of the original castle, York Castle Museum offers a marvelous insight into the English way of life throughout the centuries. Highlights include Kirkgate , a perfect recreation of a Victorian street, complete with shops; Toy Stories , a history of children's toys; and a Victorian parlor and 17th-century dining room.

Another fascinating exhibit is The Cells in the old Debtors Prison. A highlight of a visit is seeing the former Condemned Cell once occupied by highwayman Dick Turpin. The site has in fact been a place of incarceration for more than 1,000 years, with the York Crown Court still holding those accused of serious crimes.

Afterwards, be sure to check out the museum's database of former prisoners and victims going back hundreds of years for mention of any relatives! Picnic facilities are available, along with a gift shop.

Address: Tower Street, York, England

Official site: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Clifford's Tower

Located between Fishergate and Skeldergate Bridge and overlooking York Castle Museum, Clifford's Tower was originally built of wood by the Normans in 1068. What you see towering above you today, however, was constructed in the 13th century as a replacement for the original wooden fortress, and is the oldest remaining part of York Castle.

Named after Roger de Clifford, who was executed here in 1322 as leader of the Lancastrian party, the tower was also infamous as the place where the king would put those he had executed on display.

Clifford's Tower

Recently upgraded and renovated with large wood beams and steel stairways, the tower is popular today for its stunning panoramic views over the city.

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/

Jorvik Viking Centre

The Jorvik Viking Centre in Coppergate documents the daily lives of the Vikings in 9th-century York, or "Jorvik." The site includes reconstructions of Viking dwellings and medieval workshops and is built above the remains of 1,000-year-old wooden houses.

The museum also hosts on- and off-site reenactments , as well as opportunities for young and old alike to dress up and play Vikings – without, of course, any of the pillaging. If possible, try to plan your visit to coincide with the center's annual Viking Festival, held each February.

Address: 19 Coppergate, York, England

Castle Howard

An easy 30-minute drive northeast of York is majestic Castle Howard. Set amid 1,000 acres of parkland and richly furnished with antiquities and treasures, family-owned Castle Howard is undoubtedly one of England's most spectacular country estates.

This magnificent Palladian mansion, famous as the backdrop for acclaimed TV drama Brideshead Revisited , was built for the third Earl of Carlisle by dramatist-turned-architect John Vanbrugh. Its many elegant rooms contain paintings and carvings, period furniture, and costumes, as well as valuable vases and statues.

The grounds are on a scale to match the house, with an impressive family mausoleum, an obelisk, a pyramid, and the lovely Temple of the Four Winds . And, of course, there's the spectacular fountain at the front of the mansion, perfect for the ultimate "selfie."

Feeling peckish? There are no less than three great cafés on-site, each serving a wonderful afternoon tea, plus a coffee shop and ice-cream parlor. Be sure to check the official website for news of concerts and events, including the popular Festival of Dogs , a fun gathering of pet-owners from far and wide, with their pups, of course.

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

Official site: www.castlehoward.co.uk

Yorkshire Museum

Along with its superb geological and natural history collections, the Yorkshire Museum contains many important Roman and Anglo-Saxon archaeological artifacts. It's also where you'll find the 1,000-year-old Cawood Sword , the best preserved such Viking weapon in the world. Medieval sculptures and utensils are exhibited in St. Mary's Abbey.

Be sure to spend time in the lovely, and free to enter, Museum Gardens . Extending across some 10 acres in the heart of the old city, this beautiful garden is home to more than 40 species of birds, as well as trees, shrubs, and flowers under the ruined walls and arches of the medieval St. Mary's Abbey.

Recently expanded, the gardens now include an Edible Wood and an Artists Garden, an outdoor gallery with rotating exhibits.

Address: Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, England

Official site: www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

Barley Hall

The area between Coney Street and King's Square near York Minster is a bustling pedestrianized shopping quarter famous for its narrow cobbled streets and charming shops and cafés. It's where you'll find old St. Helen's Church, named in honor of the mother of Emperor Constantine, with its 15th-century stained glass windows.

It's also where you'll find the Mansion House, designed by Lord Burlington. Built in 1725, it's now the official residence of the Lord Mayor. Also worthy of a visit in Stonegate is Barley Hall , a 14th-century townhouse that aims to provide an authentic look at life during medieval times.

Address: 2 Coffee Yard, York, England

Official site: www.barleyhall.co.uk

River Ouse in York

Spend time exploring the banks of the River Ouse, which splits York in two. In addition to its numerous lovely gardens, you can see wonderful examples of riverside architecture, such as the majestic 15th-century Guildhall .

Another great view of York can be enjoyed from a cruise on the river, either on an all-weather passenger boat or on a self-drive motor boat. In the summer, cruises also go to Bishopthorpe Palace , the riverside residence of the Archbishop of York. And don't forget to stop for a sweet treat from the Solar Ice Cream Boat .

York Oratory

Two of York's prettiest churches are St. Martin-le-Grand in Coney Street, a charming mix of medieval and modern architecture, and St. Michael's in Spurriergate, with its 12th-century arcades, glass paintings, and impressive 18th-century altarpiece.

Other churches of note include St. Mary's in Bishophill Junior, with its Saxon tower and an altar by Temple Moore; St. Denys' in Walmgate, with 14th-century stained-glass windows; St. Margaret's (also in Walmgate) with its Roman doorway and tower; and attractive little Trinity Church (14th century) in Goodramgate, with its small garden.

The 15th-century All Saints Church in North Street is also worth visiting, and is notable for its stained-glass windows, and the Oratory Church of Saint Wilfrid, York, usually just called York Oratory, is known as the "Mother Church of the city of York."

Beverley: Yorkshire's Other Minster

Just 29 miles from York, the attractive old market town of Beverley lies in the foothills of the East Yorkshire Wolds. Its best-known landmark is the impressive Beverley Minster , a 334-foot-long cathedral made even more famous for its starring role as a stand-in for London's Westminster Abbey in the hit TV series, Queen Victoria .

Notable highlights include its lovely Romanesque marble font and the Maiden's Tomb . The choir is a magnificent example of Early English architecture, and its choir-stalls (1520) have the largest number of misericords in England (68).

Other fun things to do in Beverley include visiting St. Mary's , a cross-shaped church begun in the 12th century, and attending the Beverley Early Music Festival in May, which highlights both early music and the architectural heritage of the town.

Address: 38 Highgate, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

Yorkshire Wolds Way

Part of the National Trail Network, Yorkshire Wolds Way passes through the delightful scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds , which in places rises to heights of up to 800 feet.

This nearly 80-mile trail runs from Filey near Scarborough on the North East Coast south to Hull . Along the way, you can stop off at quaint B&Bs or well-equipped campsites (the full trail takes six days to complete), or simply tackle one or two highlights such as the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy.

Official site: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/yorkshire-wolds-way

Yorkshire Air Museum

Just 20 minutes' drive east of historic downtown York, the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial makes a pleasant outing for those interested in the machinery and the history of war. Established in RAF Elvington, a former WWII bomber base, the museum encompasses the largest independently owned collections of aircraft in the country.

Highlights include exhibits focusing on the history of flight, along with a variety of static displays of vintage aircraft and vehicles. Of the 50 planes owned by the museum, many are still operational and are put through their paces during special "Thunder Day" events held throughout the year.

Address: Halifax Way, Elvington, York, England

Official site: www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

The weeklong York Early Music Festival (NCEM) takes place each July and focuses on a different composer and theme each year. Events include choral and chamber concerts and recitals as well as larger symphonic performances in some of York's most popular music venues.

There are also lectures related to featured composers. Another annual event is the York Food Festival held in the autumn, an excellent chance to sample some of the best food and drink from the city and its surrounds.

Address: The National Centre for Early Music, St. Margaret's Church, Percy's Lane, York, England

Official site: www.ncem.co.uk

York's top tourist attractions lie within or just outside its irregular ring of ancient walls. Less than two kilometers across, this area is best explored on foot, so any address inside is a perfect location for sightseeing. This old city center is divided by the River Ouse, with most major sights on the northeast side. The rail station is just outside the walls on the west. Here are some highly-rated hotels in York:

Luxury Hotels :

  • On the side of the old town near the rail station, The Grand Hotel & Spa has a pool, a restaurant, and superb service.
  • Just outside the walls and only a two-minute walk from the station and boasting its own entrance from this transportation hub, the opulently restored The Principal York has a pool and rooms with lovely views over the gardens and York Minster, an easy 10-minute walk away.
  • The well-located boutique The Parisi Hotel and Townhouse has characterful rooms, some overlooking the courtyard, along with complimentary breakfast and parking.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Close to several restaurants and a short walk from attractions, Hotel Indigo York has individually decorated rooms and an intimate boutique feel.
  • Locations don't get any better than Dean Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection , overlooking York Minster, surrounded by restaurants and shops, and about one minute from the Shambles and three minutes from access to walking around the wall.
  • Just across the river from York Castle Museum and Tower Gardens, Middletons York is set in well-kept grounds with a pool and gym.

Budget Hotels:

  • Novotel York Centre overlooks the river near York Castle Museum and Tower Gardens and has an indoor pool.
  • Also overlooking the river, Park Inn by Radisson York has rooms with views of York Minster, a short walk away.
  • Just across the bridge from the old center and the Jorvik Viking Center, The Queens Hotel has on-site parking.

Sightseeing :

  • If you're planning on cramming in as many places to see as you can, consider a handy City Sightseeing York Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour . This sightseeing bus takes in most of the major tourist attractions and is valid for 24 hours.
  • The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group tour is another way to see the city while getting a little exercise. This allows you to see some of the major sites as you wander the streets with a guide. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours.

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Most tourists visiting York want to see a bit more of northern England, too. Several interesting choices are not far away. Leeds , a short distance to the southeast, is a cultural center known for annual events such as the Leeds Festival, the Leeds International Film Festival, and the Leeds International Concert Season.

To the southeast is the university town of Hull , named the UK City of Culture for 2017. North of York is Durham , with its magnificent cathedral, and not far beyond is Newcastle-upon-Tyne , with the Theatre Royal and City Hall, which make the city a magnet for rock and pop concert goers.

Those planning to visit the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park should consider traveling a bit farther into the Lake District , where another national park protects 16 glacial lakes surrounded by fells, moors, and mountains.

York Map - Tourist Attractions

More on England

England Travel Guide

Top Tourist Attractions in Yorkshire and the Humber

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

York Minster

The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York Minster, is the cathedral of York, North Yorkshire,…

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

The Shambles is an old street in York, England, with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Clifford's Tower

A silent witness of York's long history, the tower was built by William the Conqueror and it's the last remnant of York Castle.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey was a 7th-century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Studley Royal Park including the ruins of Fountains Abbey is a designated World Heritage Site in North Yorkshire, England.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Newgate Market

This daily open market is packed with various goods and everyone can find something interesting here, from food to fashion items.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Museum Gardens

The York Museum Gardens are botanic gardens in the centre of York, England, beside the River Ouse.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an open-air gallery in West Bretton, Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England, showing work by British and…

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Harewood House & Gardens

Harewood House is a country house in Harewood, West Yorkshire, England.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Kirkstall Abbey (Ruins)

Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall, north-west of Leeds city centre in West Yorkshire, England.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Rievaulx Abbey

Rievaulx Abbey ree-VOH was a Cistercian abbey in Rievaulx, situated near Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire,…

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Waltham Windmill

Waltham Windmill is a six-sailed windmill located in the village of Waltham, five miles from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire, England.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

White Horse of Kilburn

The Kilburn White Horse, grid reference SE516813, is a hill figure cut into the hillside in the North York Moors National Park near…

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England, stands in a commanding position above the River Swale, close to the centre of the…

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Middleham Castle

Middleham Castle is a ruined castle in Middleham in Wensleydale, in the county of North Yorkshire, England.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Ripley Castle

Ripley Castle is a Grade I listed 14th-century country house in Ripley, North Yorkshire, England, 3 miles north of Harrogate.The house is…

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

St Robert's Cave

Robert of Knaresborough was a British hermit who lived in a cave by the River Nidd, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Conisbrough Castle

Conisbrough Castle is a medieval fortification in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, England.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

Brodsworth Hall, near Brodsworth, 5 miles north-west of Doncaster in South Yorkshire, is one of the most complete surviving examples of a…

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Gordale Scar

Gordale Scar is a limestone ravine 1 mile northeast of Malham, North Yorkshire, England.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Carlton Towers

Carlton Towers in the parish of Carlton, 5 miles south-east of Selby, North Yorkshire, England, is a very large Grade I listed country…

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Top Things to Do in Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales National Park Attractions

Things to do in yorkshire dales national park, explore popular experiences, popular cities in yorkshire dales national park.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Ways to tour Yorkshire Dales National Park

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

  • Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

  • Full-Day Discovering All Creatures Great and Small Tour of Yorkshire

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

"All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

The Yorkshire Dales of All Creatures Great & Small

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

  • Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour from York

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Yorkshire Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

  • Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Tour - Magnificent Views - Photo Stops - Expert Guide

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Private Half-Day Yorkshire Dales National Park Tour from York or Harrogate

Top attractions in yorkshire dales national park.

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Cultural & Theme Tours

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Full-day Tours

top tourist attractions in yorkshire

Private & Custom Tours

What travellers are saying.

NSD

  • Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
  • Ingleborough
  • Malham Cove
  • Hardraw Force
  • Gordale Scar
  • White Scar Cave
  • Ingleborough Cave
  • Aysgarth Falls
  • The Yorkshire Dales of All Creatures Great & Small
  • Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Yorkshire Dales National Park Attractions Information

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  2. Top 21 most beautiful places to visit in Yorkshire

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  4. The Best Things to Do in Yorkshire, England

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  5. Yorkshire Walks

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  6. 13 of the Most Stunning Places To Visit in Yorkshire (+map and insider

    top tourist attractions in yorkshire

COMMENTS

  1. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Yorkshire

    Things to Do in Yorkshire, England: See Tripadvisor's 3,933,089 traveller reviews and photos of Yorkshire tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. We have reviews of the best places to see in Yorkshire. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Yorkshire (Updated 2024)

    3. Stockeld Park. 6,993. Amusement & Theme Parks. Stockeld Park is a unique all weather family attraction located near Wetherby in Yorkshire. The renowned Enchanted Forest is filled with magical interactive fun and is home to five fantastically themed adventure playgrounds!

  3. 30 Must-Visit Yorkshire Attractions

    Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY. 2. Henry Moore Institute. Credit: Henry Moore Institute. One of the most popular cultural attractions in Yorkshire, let alone Leeds, the Henry Moore Institute is a one-of-a-kind exhibition space that celebrates sculpture in all its forms.

  4. 20 Enchanting Places to Discover in Yorkshire

    7. Robin Hood's Bay. This is a gorgeous area to explore in Yorkshire, this wonderfully picturesque old fishing village is located on the beautiful Heritage Coast of the North York Moors. Built between two imposing cliffs the village is home to quaint charming cottages which spill right down to the edge of the sea.

  5. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Yorkshire

    3. Visit the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. Royal Armouries Museum. 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.

  6. Places to visit in Yorkshire

    Yorkshire is full of incredible places to visit, but we've tried to organise them for you here, so you can fit the very best the historic county has to offer during your next visit. Be sure to check out our weather forecast for today, tomorrow and the week in Yorkshire. Table of Contents.

  7. The top things to do in Yorkshire

    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 ...

  8. Must-Visit Attractions In Yorkshire

    Must-Visit Attractions in Yorkshire. Yorkshire is a sprawling county with lots to see and do, from dramatic natural landscapes such as Ilkley Moor and Malham Cove to cultural attractions like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. If you're planning a visit, we've curated a list of the 25 best attractions all around the county.

  9. Best Things To Do in Yorkshire

    York Minster is one of them. A grand cathedral built back in the 7 th century (that's pretty damn old), its grand, imposing pillars and ornate, exquisite carvings are still mighty impressive, even ...

  10. The 13 best things to do in Yorkshire

    The 13 best things to do in Yorkshire. From art in the park to railway rides, a holiday in Yorkshire showcases the very best of a British break. Helen Pickles, Destination Expert 1 August 2023 ...

  11. Top 10 places to visit in Yorkshire

    Lets explore the top 10 places to visit in Yorkshire. 1. Visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park. One of my favourite destinations in Yorkshire is Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park. Fountains Abbey was closed after the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1539. Although it lies in ruins today you can get a sense ...

  12. YEN Top 10

    Rich in heritage, culture and attractions, Yorkshire's tourist destinations generate around £6.3 billion towards the county's annual economy. Our compilation of Yorkshire's leading destinations may surprise you and hopefully lead to a great family day out. #10 - Doncaster. Annual Visitors: 2.1 Million

  13. Yorkshire Travel Guide (Essential tips, itineraries & map)

    Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide. There are a number of festivals and events held in Yorkshire during the year including. Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival 21st/22nd/23rd July 202 3. Tramlines - 3 day music festival in Sheffield 21/22/23 July 202 3. Whitby Goth Weekend 28/29/30 April 2023 & 27/28/29 Oct 2023.

  14. Best tourist attractions in Yorkshire selected by people who live here

    On Tourism Day in 2018, Yorkshire attracted 129.8 million visitors from all over the world and £5.066 billion was spent. In 2017, York was rated twelfth among The 15 Best Cities in the UK for ...

  15. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in York

    2023. 10. Jorvik Viking Centre. 8,318. Speciality Museums. The year is AD960 and the last Viking King in Jorvik, Eric Bloodaxe, has been banished. The city is thriving with a flourishing manufacturing centre and wide trading links. There are new buildings, new peoples and new stories to be told...

  16. 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in York, England

    York's top tourist attractions lie within or just outside its irregular ring of ancient walls. Less than two kilometers across, this area is best explored on foot, so any address inside is a perfect location for sightseeing. ... 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Leeds, West Yorkshire. 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hull. 10 Best Things ...

  17. Top Tourist Attractions in Yorkshire and the Humber

    Discover Yorkshire and the Humber with Sygic Travel. Pick the best sights and create your daily travel itinerary. Sync your plans to mobile apps, get offline maps and hit the road.

  18. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in North Yorkshire (Updated 2024)

    Things to Do in North Yorkshire, England: See Tripadvisor's 2,008,993 traveler reviews and photos of North Yorkshire tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. We have reviews of the best places to see in North Yorkshire. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  19. The 13 best things to do in York

    Top tips for exploring the city with more attractions per square mile than any other destination in the UK Tina Walsh, Travel writer 25 April 2023 • 12:00pm READ MORE ABOUT:

  20. Things to Do in Yorkshire Dales National Park

    4. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. A 4½ mile trail, via a series of spectacular waterfalls, through ancient woodland and beautiful Yorkshire Dales scenery. 5. Ribblehead Viaduct. Managed to view the steam train cross which was an added bonus, plenty of parking nearby. 6. Ingleborough Cave. Ingleborough Cave, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales ...

  21. What to do in York

    1. The Shambles. One of the most picturesque York tourist attractions. The Shambles, a tiny street in the center of York, is the first thing that comes to mind when discussing what to do in York, England. The Shambles was actually the butcher quarter in the 16th century.