You hear a lot about how some destinations have a little bit of something for everyone. But Yorkshire is one of those places that actually lives up to that reputation. Spa town; museum quarters; dozens of campsites; two national parks; hiking trails; buzzing cities; restaurants and bars. Yorkshire has it all.
You’ll have no trouble finding things to occupy your day in Yorkshire. But because you can’t possibly see them all, here are 11 curated suggestions that take you through many of the important places.
Look out for England’s oldest tourist attraction, outdoor play areas, as well as some of the best attractions in the UK, never mind just Yorkshire.
1. Head Over to Harrogate
Harrogate in West Yorkshire is mostly famous as a spa town. But there are plenty of other attractions for visitors. Besides the abundant opportunities to pamper yourself to a pulp and take a dive in many of the outdoor swimming pools, you can also explore the Royal Pump Room Museum for some insight into the town’s history. Or, take a walk around Valley Gardens, a landscaped park in the very centre of Harrogate.
Harrogate is also well known for its great selection of tea rooms, making it perfect for a posh lunch or simply a nice day out in Yorkshire.
There are also a ton of places to visit around Harrogate, including Whitby, the North York Moors, and of course, the Yorkshire Dales.
2. Walking in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is obviously much more than a fun day out – with walks, quaint towns and villages as well as stately homes. Take a day out to places like Bolton Abbey, Wensleydale or Ingleton (which we’ll cover later in this guide.)
You could also just book a day tour that efficiently shows you the best parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and experience a lot of it at once. Since it’s one of two national parks, you’ll just have to save the other for another day out in Yorkshire.
But if you want to make a weekend of it, you can pack your camping gear and head to one of the 60 plus camp sites across the Dales.
From rustic camping to glamping, to cosy moorland cottages, camping in the Yorkshire Dales can be whatever you want it to be. Talking of camping…
3. Camp in the North Yorkshire Moors
The North York Moors are iconic, not just because they are visually stunning and a wonder to behold, but also because they have graced the big screens many times, from ITV’s Heartbeat to Downton Abbey.
There are also tons of great campsites to pitch your tent in the North York moors and enjoy a little bit of nature away from the noise of the city. You won’t be the only one camping in these moors, which is why you can pretty much find whatever you’re looking for to rent.
With upwards of 86 campsites and icons like Stately Castle Howard and Roseberry Topping a stone’s throw away, the Yorkshire Moors have enough activity to keep you occupied for the whole day.
4. Visit the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield
Even if you’re not really the arty type, there is plenty to enjoy at the Millennium gallery in Sheffield. It features a changing exhibition program that showcases superb national and international art and design, which means you’re bound to find something you enjoy.
You can also look out for the Sheffield Metalwork Collection, with nearly a thousand examples of cutlery and tableware that basically put the city on the map.
One of the best parts of the Millennium gallery is that it’s free, even though donations are welcomed and encouraged. Visit the official website to check their open times and plan your trip properly.
5. Check Out the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Bretton
Fancy your art in the great outdoors? Well, then head on over to Bretton and check out the Yorkshire sculpture park. With a magnificent 500-acre area, it’s packed with stunning sculptures, including realistic pieces, abstract art, and everything in between.
While it’s not completely free like the Millennium gallery, you only really have to pay for parking. Plus, there are tons of family-friendly activities if you’re having a day out with the kids in Yorkshire.
6. Get Your Fill of Museums
In East Yorkshire, Hull is a fantastic spot to get your fill of art. Its famed museum quarter merits a visit because all the museums are within walking distance of each other.
You’ll find the Streetlife museum, which charts centuries of transport developments from trams and buses to horse carriages. Another option is the Hull & East Riding Museum, which offers a different kind of walk through time as it takes you from the iron age to the reign of the Roman empire and beyond.
York offers more museums than anyone can reasonably see in a week, let alone a day.
If you’re having a bit of a family day with the kids, you can explore other museums in and around York. Start with the National Railway Museum, which has a unique “platform 9 3/4” plaque as a nod to Harry Potter.
If the national railway museum doesn’t do it for you, skip over to West Yorkshire, where you’ll find the National Children’s Museum, an interactive museum for kids. It focuses on learning through play and has enough attractions to keep your kids occupied for an entire family day.
7. Enjoy a big night out in Leeds
The Brudenell is a social club in Hyde park, Leeds, that offers live music and has faithfully held on to its atmosphere as a “working men’s club.” The club itself is divided into three areas: a concert room for live music, a bar area for grabbing a cold one or five, and yet another concert area.
Famous acts, including Franz Ferdinand and Kaiser Chiefs, have played secret gigs in the Brudenell social club, so who knows what acts you’ll catch when you visit?
Beyond the Brudenell, Leeds offers some of the most lively nightlife with venues like Cargo and The Domino Club.
If you love live music and a good time, your days out in Yorkshire is hardly complete without a big night out.
8. Discover the food capital of Yorkshire in Malton
When it comes to food, there are two types of visitors: those who are just looking for a bite, and those who love their food. If you fall into the latter, make a date with Malton in North Yorkshire.
Reportedly the food capital of Yorkshire, this small town packs a lot of culinary punch into its relatively small boundaries. From Stew and Oyster serving up, unsurprisingly, tasty stews and oysters – to Chapter One Bistro and their modern take on British classics.
If you come to Malton, come hungry.
9. Discover Huddersfield
If you’re looking to spend an entire day exploring Yorkshire, we can’t think of a better way than popping down to Huddersfield. It’s got everything from the scenery and the traditional market town aura to a little bit of romance for the love birds.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Greenhead park, explore the open market for premium local produce or walk up to Castle Hill to enjoy the view.
Taking the kids on a day out? Whistlestop Valley is a steam (train) powered day out with train rides, playgrounds and picnic areas. There are always interesting things to do in Huddersfield, so take a look.
10. Hike the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
If you’re looking for a brilliant time in the great outdoors surrounded by stunning scenery, nothing is going to tickle your fancy better than the Ingleton waterfall trail. It’s a 4.5-mile stretch that cuts across 6 different waterfalls.
Got 2 or 3 hours to kill? Find your way to Ingleton, the Dales town on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales and hike this scenic stretch of land.
In case you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls and stunning nature just yet, you can also find your way to White Scar Cave, the longest showcase in all of England. Descend a total of 97 breathtaking (literally) steps and check out the underground waterfalls.
11. Take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors railway is a great day out for young and old, even those who aren’t train spotters! During the trip, you’ll enjoy some stunning views of Yorkshire including the Levisham Moor, classic towns such as Whitby and even locations from the Harry Potter Movies.
Make a full day of it, and enjoy dining in the pullman car (reservations a must), or check their website for seasonal specials such as the Christmas Santa Special.
Make the most of your Yorkshire experience
Wherever you’re heading in Yorkshire, download the LoyalFree App. With LoyalFree you can discover super fun free activities such as local trails, save money and collect rewards on local shopping, and find out what’s on.
LoyalFree is totally free to download and could save you money on your big day out in Yorkshire!
There are many more places we haven’t even touched on, like the outdoor adventure playground in Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, or the lady bird rollercoaster in Lightwater Valley, North Yorkshire.
Or days out in stunning towns such as Hebden Bridge or Robin Hood Bay.
You can’t possibly get them all in one day. But we hope this blog serves as a useful starting point for your inspiration.
So whether you’re a local or a visitor, get out there and explore everything Yorkshire has to offer with the LoyalFree App.
Click Here Now to download the LoyalFree app today.
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