Explore the Wonders of Yorkshire

Yorkshire – or God’s Own County as locals like to call it – has long inspired writers, painters, and film-location scouts. This industrial powerhouse has played a significant role in shaping modern Britain. With dramatic landscapes, stunning heritage sites, vibrant urban areas, and world-renowned walking trails, it remains one of Britain’s most appealing destinations today.

One cannot help but be enchanted by the clink of pint glasses in a cozy country pub and the welcoming, broad-accented locals. Here’s a guide to the best experiences in Yorkshire, showcasing the rich tapestry of Northern England.

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Take a Bronte Country Tour

Yorkshire boasts some of the most evocative landscapes in England. On the wild, windy moors, Heathcliff and Cathy from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights roamed. The limestone scars of the dales inspired Tolkien’s Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings. Authors like Lewis Carroll and Bram Stoker found their own inspirations within the myths of the Yorkshire Coast.

In the charming town of Haworth, West Yorkshire, visit the Bronte Parsonage, once home to the famous trio, now a museum filled with 19th-century literary artifacts. Don’t miss a stop at the well-preserved apothecary, where their brother procured his laudanum, which now houses the quirky Cabinet of Curiosities. Afterward, hike over Haworth Moor to Bronte Waterfall, a scenic 2.75-mile trek.

Hike Over Moors and Dales

With mild summers, Yorkshire is ideal for invigorating country walks. Residents cherish their right to roam, frequently exploring public footpaths that weave through rolling valleys or following dry-stone walls across two national parks: the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

Historic inns in quaint villages cater to hikers traversing long-distance treks like the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast. A highlight is the 4.5-mile Malham Landscape Trail, featuring Malham Cove, a stunning limestone cliff that served as a backdrop in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Ride the Rails Like a Victorian

Two delightful heritage railway lines connect small towns and rural villages across Yorkshire’s dales and moors. Both lines feature steam locomotives and classic diesel engines, stopping at well-preserved 19th-century stations. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is particularly special for Harry Potter fans, as it operates between Whitby and Pickering via Goathland, featured in multiple films.

In West Yorkshire, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway offers a 5-mile journey through Brontë country, renowned as a filming location for the 1970s adaptation of The Railway Children.

Experience the Historical Richness of York

York boasts a historic legacy as the Roman city of Eboracum and the Viking settlement of Jorvik, making it a treasure trove for history lovers and archaeology enthusiasts. Moreover, the city’s photogenic medieval architecture captivates visitors. The crooked half-timbered houses along the Shambles inspired JK Rowling’s depiction of Diagon Alley, complemented by a flourishing number of Harry Potter-themed shops nearby.

Exploring York over several days is highly recommended, as it is one of the most delightful places to visit in Yorkshire. Don’t miss the magnificent York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe, alongside its fascinating Undercroft museum. Walking atop the meticulously preserved city walls and bars (gates) offers a delightful perspective of the city, coupled with the interactive Jorvik Viking Centre for a family-friendly experience.

Relax in Harrogate’s Thermal Springs

Harrogate has long been celebrated as a spa destination, dating back to the discovery of its bubbling sulfurous waters in what is now the Valley Gardens. The town has attracted famous figures like Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, and Agatha Christie. Today, it presents a picturesque ambiance, making it a favored weekend escape for locals just 30 minutes by train from York.

A major highlight is the Victorian-era Turkish Baths, which are still in excellent condition. The mock-Moorish interior remains stunning, inviting visitors for a steam bath and scrub after a guided tour. Harrogate is also famous for Bettys tearooms, an iconic spot renowned for delightful refreshments.

Relive Bridgerton Moments at Castle Howard

If you’ve enjoyed Bridgerton, Castle Howard may seem familiar, having served as the backdrop for the Duke of Hastings’ family estate. This stunning estate stands as one of England’s finest examples of baroque and Palladian architecture, boasting the first domed roof in a domestic building designed by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor.

Visitors can explore a boating lake, informative guides, and an exhibition in the main house dedicated to Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited, with the estate featured in both the film and original 1981 TV adaptation. The extensive grounds, complete with rose gardens and baroque fountains, make for a perfect day of exploration.

Follow Dracula’s Trail in Whitby

The Yorkshire Coast features charming seaside towns loved for their delicious fish and chips and lively amusements, but Whitby stands out as a jewel beyond just a coastal resort. This town is home to the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey, founded in the 7th century, and was a significant shipbuilding center in the 18th century. Captain Cook, noted for his explorations to Australia and New Zealand, began his journey here, with his former home now a fascinating museum.

Moreover, Whitby is tied to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, where the iconic vampire first landed in England, inspired by the town’s eerie lanes and fishing cottages, leading to a vibrant local goth culture that descends on the town every Halloween. Visitors often explore the local church St Mary’s Church, searching for the vampire’s grave, only to be met with the realization it doesn’t exist.

Experience Thrills at the Forbidden Corner

One of Yorkshire’s quirkiest attractions, the Forbidden Corner is a maze of tunnels and gothic follies reminiscent of the film Labyrinth. Originally intended as a private folly, its success led to its opening for public enjoyment, covering four acres.

While designed primarily for families, be warned that some children may find it more frightening than fun. The garden has no map, encouraging visitors to explore at their own pace, regardless of the occasional eerie noises that may surprise!

Discover Leeds’ Craft Beer Scene

As Yorkshire’s largest city, Leeds offers a dynamic urban experience enriched by its historical significance during the industrial revolution. Known for its lively students and nightlife, Leeds is particularly noted for its vibrant beer scene. The Tetley brewery’s former headquarters now serves as a community space with contemporary art and dining options.

Beer lovers can sample unique brews throughout the city, with numerous taprooms available. A visit to the Northern Monk craft brewery is essential, nestled within a 19th-century flax mill. Furthermore, North Brewing Co features a lively taproom terrace, perfect for enjoying the local craft beers, all while following a scenic route through Woodhouse Ridge toward Meanwood Brewery’s taproom.

Explore Hull’s Wilberforce House

Since earning the title of the UK’s Capital of Culture in 2017, Hull has revitalized its marina district into a trendy restaurant and bar area, along with renovated maritime museums and heritage ships. This city is also home to William Wilberforce, one of the UK’s leading abolitionists, who played a crucial role in ending slavery.

Wilberforce’s residence is transformed into a museum dedicated to his cause, featuring poignant exhibits that address the history of slavery throughout the western world.

Learn about the Industrial Revolution in Sheffield

Sheffield, known as the “steel city,” proudly preserves its industrial heritage, especially in the historic Kelham Island area. Here, visitors will find an exceptional museum that showcases the region’s metalworking history, alongside the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, preserving a glimpse into the lives of workers before the rise of major steel factories.

For those seeking adventure, consider descending 40 feet into a mining pit at the National Coal Mining Museum in Overton, which is set atop a historic mine closed in the 1980s during the decline of Britain’s coal industry.

Experience Local Pubs

Indulging in a pie and pint at a Yorkshire pub provides fantastic insight into local culture, as the village pubs serve as social hubs. An extensive selection of watering holes invites exploration, showcasing the rich diversity of Yorkshire’s ale scene.

The dales and moors abound with historic inns, including the famous Tan Hill Inn, renowned as the highest pub in England. The atmosphere here is enhanced by references to local legends such as the werewolf featured on a poster inside.

Several picturesque old pubs have been transformed into Michelin-starred gastropubs, offering exquisite Yorkshire cuisine. Notable mentions include Black Swan at Oldstead, Star Inn at Harome, and Pipe & Glass at South Dalton.

Explore Yorkshire Dales’ Cheese Traditions

As fans of Wallace & Gromit know, Wensleydale cheese is regarded as one of the best globally, and its namesake village in the Yorkshire Dales is proud to embrace this fame. In Hawes, the community-operated Wensleydale Creamery offers a delightful museum filled with humor and knowledge about local cheesemaking traditions.

Visitors have the opportunity to watch the cheese-making process and sample various cheeses, including a unique flavor infused with Black Sheep Brewery’s Riggwelter ale. Additionally, to learn how Yorkshire is reviving its once-thriving cheese-making cottage industry, be sure to stop by the award-winning Courtyard Dairy cheese shop and maturation rooms located along the moors.

Tour the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle

West Yorkshire is home to two of England’s most celebrated 20th-century sculptors, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, whose legacy has inspired a collection of artistic institutions called the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle.

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a standout location, featuring works from world-renowned artists like Ai Weiwei and Andy Goldsworthy scattered across a vast open-air gallery within the 500-acre Bretton Estate near Wakefield.

For the best glimpse of Moore and Hepworth’s work, the Hepworth Wakefield gallery offers a concentrated collection of their masterpieces, while the final segment of the triangle can be discovered at the Leeds Art Gallery, known for its important British art collection.

While exploring the galleries, keep an eye out for street art in bustling areas like Leeds train station, Kirkgate Market, and the historic Holbeck district, resulting from a local council initiative to enliven the streets.

This article was first published May 16, 2018, and updated July 15, 2022.