Things to do in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is one of the beauty spots of the UK. Not only is there excellent hiking opportunities in The Yorkshire Dales and Moors, but the cities of Yorkshire also offer culture, history, and some amazing sites.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Yorkshire.
St Aidan’s Nature Park
St Aidan’s is a 400-hectare (990-acre) nature park located near Leeds. The land was formerly an opencast coal mining area that was flooded in 1988 after the riverbank collapsed. The park was originally opened in 2013 but had to close until it was transferred to Leeds City Council who gave a 99-year lease to the RSPB.
Some of the wildlife you can see includes, Bitterns, Black-headed gulls, Skylarks, Marsh harriers, and Short-eared owls.
The park is open year-round with the car park accessible between 6am and 8pm except over the festive period. The times for the toilets, visitors centre and refreshments can vary, we recommend visiting their website for the latest visitor information. Entry is free, the car park costs £4 per car but is free for RSPB members.
Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls are a triple flight of waterfalls, surrounded by wood and farmland, carved out by the River Ure. The falls are quite spectacular. They were formed after heavy rainfall and thousands of gallons of water cascading over a series of broad limestone steps. They are divided into three stages: Upper Force, Middle Force and Lower Force and featured in the film, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.
There is car parking for up to 80 cars at the visitor’s centre, which is open April to October, daily, 10am to 5pm.
November to March, weekends only*, 10am to 4pm.
Closed throughout January.
Additional opening: 22 and 23 December, 27 to 31 December.
Harewood House Trust
Harewood House was designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam, it was built, between 1759 and 1771, for Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood.
You can enjoy the fascinating House, 120 acres of stunning Gardens and Parkland, the Adventure Playground, Woodland Wonderland and more. You can enjoy something to eat at the Courtyard Café or even book afternoon tea at The Terrace Tearoom.
There are lots of events running throughout the year, including a feed the penguins experience, visit the what’s on page for the latest information.
Brimham Rocks
Brimham Rocks were formally known as Brimham Crags. It’s a 183-hectare biological SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and Geological Conservation Review site. It is on Brimham Moor in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There is plenty of wildlife to see, this includes birds, bugs and cattle. The moors are home to some rare plants as part of the ongoing conservation efforts.
You can explore the rocks yourself or take a guided walk and discover why the rocks are there in the first place.
You can gain access from 8am – dusk, the visitors centre and other facilities opening times can vairy so we recommend checking their website.
York Bird of Prey Center
Home to over 100 stunning birds of prey, including vultures, owls, hawks and eagles. York Bird of Prey Centre was opened in 2011 within the walled garden of Burn Hall Hotel. In 2013 the current centre was opened, and it is now home to 45 different species.
There are 2 flying displays every day and there is an on-site gift shop and café that serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and confectionery.
The Centre is open Wednesday – Monday 10.30 – 17.00 and closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets are, £9.00 for adults, £7.50 for Children & Concessions under 3’s are free. Family ticket for 4 is £28.00 (defined as 2 Adults & 2 Under 18’s) and a family tick for 5 is £32.00 (defined as 2 Adults & 3 Under 18’s)
York Maze
York Maze is made up of over 1 million living and growing maze plants. There are 5 different mazes, within the maze and 20 rides, shows and attractions.
You should allow around an hour to an hour and a half to explore the maze. Don’t worry if you do get lost, they have dedicated searchers who move around the maze, and they will be able to help you find your way out again.
The maze is open seasonally, 7 days a week, tickets must be purchased in advance. We recommend visiting their website for the current opening times and ticket prices.
Ribblehead Viaduct
If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you will definitely recognise this famous landmark. The viaduct was built by the Midland Railway and is just a short walk from Ribblehead station. The structure itself is Grade II listed.
Hundreds of railway builders (“navvies”) lost their lives building the line, from a combination of accidents, fights, and smallpox outbreaks. There were so many deaths relating to the build that the railway paid for an expansion of the local graveyard. There are memorials along the track to commemorate those who lost their lives.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a well-known circular trail beginning and ending in the village of Ingleton. It is maintained by the Ingleton Scenery Company.
The trail follows a well-defined footpath that runs as close to the edge of the two rivers as possible to provide spectacular views of the waterfalls. The path includes many steps which means that it is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. We would advise wearing walking boots or strong shoes.
There is limited free parking on site which is open March 1st – March 31st: 9am – 4pm, April 1st – August 31st: 9am – 7pm, September 1st – October 31st: 9am – 4pm, November 1st – February 28th/29th: 9am – 2.30pm. Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for under 16’s. They only accept card payments.
White Scar Cave
White Scar Cave is the longest cave in England. It is a solutional resurgence cave formed in Carboniferous limestone, is 6 kilometres long.
There are some amazing sights to see, including the First Waterfall, The Witches’ Finger, The Devils Tongue and The Face.
The tour of the cave will take about 80 minutes and is around a mile long. There are 2 low roof passages, you will need to bend low and wear a hard hat, which is provided. The cave can be cold, we recommend a jumper or jacket to keep warm.
The cave is open from July to October from 10am. Please refer to their home page message for specific tour times on the day.
If we have inspired you to visit Yorkshire, be sure to look at Landal Woodland Lakes, a luxurious lodge resort perfectly placed between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.
