Things to do in Yorkshire

The UK’s largest county, Yorkshire is packed with attractions and possibilities to discover. With large, historic cities, beautiful rolling countryside and some of the country’s most stunning coastline, Yorkshire is a delightful destination for enjoying a getaway.

YHA Grinton Lodge - Valentines Day

Spending Valentines Day at our most romantic location - YHA Grinton Lodge in the heart of North Yorkshire. As seen on ITV's This Morning and the Independent!

Top Yorkshire attractions

Fountains Abbey

The National Trust are lucky to preside over a number of superb properties and points of interest within the county of Yorkshire, and one of the most notable is Fountains Abbey.
Malham Cove

The Yorkshire Dales is renowned for its walking terrain, and there aren’t many better reasons as to why than a visit to Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. Formed by a melting glacier at the end of
National Railway Museum

One of York’s premier attractions, the National Railway Museum is the largest of its kind in the UK, with upwards of 100 locomotives lining the tightly packed site close to the city centre.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park

One of the county’s most thriving attractions, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the ideal location for a family day out.

Best things to do in Yorkshire

Alternative Technology Centre

See renewable energy systems and explore the One Planet exhibition room, full of quirky facts and information about sustainability. Visit the ATC website
Beverley Art Gallery

The largest collection of works by Fred & Mary Elwell. The gallery also hosts visiting exhibitions and special events.
Bolton Abbey

Take the steam train from Embsay or park at the Abbey for a stroll and picnic by the river.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum

The museum is in a 17th century house on Whitby's harbour where Captain Cook trained as a seaman, leading to his epic voyages of discovery. Visit the Museum website
Castle Howard

Set within 1000 acres of breathtaking landscape, the estate houses the Arboretum Trust - a collection of botanically important trees. Visit the website
Climbing in Kettlewell

For climbers we have one of Yorkshire's Big Three limestone crags, Kilnsey Crag (the other two being Gordale and Malham). This is mostly higher grade sport climbing but there are some very good
Cycling around Boggle Hole

Take a leisurely cycle along the National Cycle Route 1 or the North Sea trail which starts 10 minutes away from the hostel.
Cycling in Beverley

YHA Beverley Friary is on a national by-way. Cycle routes 65 and 66 go right past the hostel door as well as the National Cycle Network 1. The North Sea Cycle Route also passes through Beverley.
Cycling in Dalby Forest

The National Park has over 1400 miles of cycle ways for you to discover. Get out and about on your bike and enjoy the landscape.
Cycling in Kettlewell

For Cyclists, we are on the Tour de France route and the area is really popular with road cyclists. We have a large secure bike shed and concreted metal hoops in the floor so make sure that you bri
Cycling in Osmotherley

National Cycle network (Route 65) passes by the Mill which takes in minor roads and traffic-free routes on bridleways past Cod Beck reservoir.
Dales Countryside Museum

The Dales Countryside Museum shows the Yorkshire Dales way of life and explores traditions long gone, including lead mining, knitting, and cheese making.
Dracula Experience

A unique tour through the Dracula story and the connection to Whitby. Using animation, special effects and live actors. Visit the website
East Riddlesden Hall

Rebuilt during the Civil War, the house has a dramatic history and numerous ghosts. Beautiful embroideries and colourful gardens. Visit the National Trust website
Embsay & Bolton Steam Railway

The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway (E&BASR) is a heritage railway in North Yorkshire.
Eureka! - the Museum for Children

The only interactive museum designed especially for children aged 3-12, opens up a fascinating world of hands on exploration. Visit the Museum website
Helmsley Castle

This medieval castle’s impressive ruins stand on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye and still dominate the town.
Jorvik Viking Centre

A ground breaking visitor experience that lets you experience life in Viking-Age York. Don't miss a trip on the time capsule! Visit the website
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Take a memorable steam train journey back in time. Travel from delightfully restored stations through evocative scenery. Visit the website
Mountain biking around Boggle Hole

The disused railway line (National cycle route 1 - North Sea trail) offers easy, family friendly and car free cycling, all within 10 minutes of the hostel.
Mountain Biking at YHA Dalby Forest

Mountain Biking in Dalby Forest is a must for biking enthusiasts, with over 40 miles of man made trails at your wheels.
Mountain Biking in Mankinholes

There is a whole network of paths and tracks that are suitable for mountain biking.
Mountain biking in Osmotherley

There are numerous trails across the North Yorkshire Moors to test all abilities.
North York Moors Steam Railway

Step back in time with magnificent steam engines and beautiful rural stations. The railway is lovingly preserved and charmingly authentic.
Richmond Castle

Discover this Norman castle’s fascinating past before taking a peaceful stroll round the secluded Cockpit Garden.
Robin Hood's Bay

Robin Hood's Bay is a picturesque old fishing village with delightful streets and old fisher-folk running cafes. The village is rife with tall tales of old smugglers.
Rock pooling and fossil hunting

Try rock pooling, fossil hunting and playing on the beach making sandcastles, all a stone's throw from the hostel.
Running in Kettlewell

This is a simply amazing area for fell running. A popular winter route is night running over Great Whernside, only for the experienced, but with a clear night, there is really nowhere better on
Sea Fishing at Boggle Hole

Cast from the window of your room (almost!) and spend the whole day staring wistfully out to sea.
Skidby Mill and Museum of East Riding Rural Life

Yorkshire's last working windmill. Next door is the Museum of East Riding Rural Life, showing the rural history of the area. Visit the website
St Mary's Church

Beautiful gothic architecture, a ceiling of golden stars, a chancel of English kings, and the white rabbit from the Alice in Wonderland.
The Deep

This award-winning visitor attraction is home to over 3,500 fish including spectacular sharks and rays giving a great family day out.
The Judge’s Lodging

Explore the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ life of the Judges, their servants & felonious guests at this stunning house.
Top Withens

Walk from the parsonage, past Bronte Falls and continue to the now ruined Top Withens - inspiration for Wuthering Heights. Visit the website
Vintage Carriages Trust

Admire the carriages that are often used by film companies who to recreate a bygone era. The Vintage Carriages trust runs the Museum of Rail Travel in Ingrow. Visit the website
Walking and Rambling around Boggle Hole

If you're planning on staying at YHA Boggle Hole, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore t
Walking and Rambling in Mankinholes

There's a range of walks for all ages and abilities. From a gentle walk along the canal to Hebden Bridge or a serious hike along the Pennine Way.
Walking and Rambling in York

If you're planning on staying at YHA York,, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area at
Walks with a story in Yorkshire

Explore more of the area with Discovering Britain’s walks, trails and views. From stunning viewpoints to family-friendly strolls, from day long hikes in the countryside to urban trails - there's pl
Watersports in Boggle Hole

Step out of your room and into the sea and more importantly, you can then step out of the sea into a lovely hot shower!
Watersports near Kettlewell

The trout farm and shop down at Kilnsey Park Estate makes for a really good day out for any aspiring fisherman. See the Kilnsey Fishing website
Wensleydale Creamery

The perfect destination for fans of cheese - including Wallace & Gromit! See the cheese being made and then try a sample. Visit the website
Wild Swimming at Boggle Hole

Noted as a great place to swim in the Wild Swimming book. The sea at Boggle Hole is exhilarating, and perishing, all at once.
World of James Herriot Museum

An unforgettable experience and chance to see the veterinary practice that was at the heart of the much loved stories. Visit the website
York

Famous for exquisite architecture, a tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster - there's lots to see and do!
York Boat River Cruises

The largest fleet of modern sightseeing boats outside London. Sit back, relax and enjoy York by day or night down the River Ouse. Visit the website
York City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Sightseeing has never been so much fun! Hop on and off as much as you like, and see all the sights that the city has to offer. One route, but with 20 stops. Visit the Bus Tour website

Walking

Yorkshire is a haven for walkers, with routes and trails to suit all abilities on offer to those who wish to explore the county on two feet. Here’s our brief guide to three of the best walks from our hostels.

Hawes and Sedbusk

Starting from YHA Hawes and heading through the village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this circular walk isn’t long but is relatively strenuous. It’s well worth the effort for views of Hardraw Force and Wensleydale, plus features part of the Pennine Way.

3.5 miles, 2 hours

Boggle Hole to Robin Hood’s Bay

Take a walk along the North Yorkshire coastline to Robin Hood's Bay from Boggle Hole – along the old railway and then back across the clifftops or the beach (at low tide only) on your return. If the tide is low enough to walk along the beach, take some time to look for fossils or in the rock pools – the kids will love it!

3 miles, 1hr 45mins

Grinton

YHA Grinton Lodge is one of YHA’s grandest properties, with excellent walking terrain surrounding the hostel. With limestone scars, valley pastures, sweeping moorland and the remnants of an industrial past in the form of lead mine arches, walking in the area is varied and enjoyable.

4 miles, 2 hours

Transport

By train

Yorkshire’s largest cities are served by various mainline routes. From London, the Virgin East Coast services operate regular fast services to Leeds, Wakefield, York and Doncaster, and there are also consistent trains to Sheffield. Localised services operate between smaller towns and these larger areas, though make sure you plan your route thoroughly to ensure a smooth journey.

By bus

National Express Coaches operate regular direct services from London to the cities of York, Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster and Hull. There are comprehensive networks of local bus services throughout most areas of the county, giving visitors an easy way to explore the area.

By plane

Yorkshire is fortunate to be served by two large airports in Doncaster Sheffield (DSA) and Leeds Bradford. For flights from further afield, Manchester airport is only a relatively short drive away from the county.

By car

To travel to Yorkshire by car, take the M1 or A1 from the south, the M62 from the west and the A1 from the north east.

Find your perfect Yorkshire accommodation

Plan a trip

Yorkshire is large, so to make sure you see all you wish to, it’s well worth ensuring you’ve got at least two or three days to explore. To help you along your way, we’ve picked out four locations in which to base yourself!

York

Set within beautiful medieval city walls, York is well worthy of an independent visit, whether for a jam-packed day out or for a weekend away. The city is perhaps best known for its minster, one of the world’s premier cathedrals and a building which dominates the city. History is constantly celebrated around the city, with numerous tourist attractions pertaining to the city’s long and illustrious past. Go and explore it for yourself – you’ll not be disappointed.

Whitby

For a coastal town full of charm, dramatic scenery and plenty of tradition, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere better than Whitby. The jewel of its crown is the vast remains of Whitby Abbey, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the setting for numerous films and TV series. A visit isn’t complete without eating local fish and chips, with some of the country’s best exponents of the dish based in the town.

Harrogate

Set in the heart of the county, the spa town of Harrogate is perhaps Yorkshire’s most attractive settlement, owing to its handsome, historic architecture, its quaint cafes and its delightful gardens. Its most famous feature is Betty’s tea room, which draws visitors from far and wide for its enduringly popular afternoon teas.

Scarborough

If a more traditional British seaside holiday is on your agenda when considering a break in Yorkshire, then Scarborough should be top of the list, especially if you are seeking a family break. When the summer sun shines Scarborough comes to life, with two magnificent beaches providing the focal-point of a thriving town. The kids will love building their sandcastles, and should the Yorkshire weather not quite deliver, then neighbouring amusement arcades and souvenir shops will provide ample entertainment.

Best budget accommodation in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is packed with superb hostel accommodation, particularly in its two fantastic national parks. YHA boast 15 hostels across the county, from Hawes to Haworth, Beverley to Boggle Hole. These hostels are varied in size, setting and character, so whether you wish to stay next to a Benedictine abbey, in a medieval friary or simply in a purpose built hostel, we’re sure there’ll be something to suit you in Yorkshire.

View some of our popular Yorkshire blog posts

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