30 Must-Visit Yorkshire Attractions

If you’re planning a day out in Yorkshire, these 30 awesome attractions should be at the top of your list.

Yorkshire is chock-full of incredible things to do and see. Whether you want to take in a little culture, visit a historic castle or explore the many natural wonders that have helped give God’s Own County its richly deserved nickname, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice here. So to help you decide what to do first, second and third, we’ve rounded up 30 of the region’s must-visit attractions, perfect for your next adventure.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

A World Heritage Site, and with good reason, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden is one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful attractions. Here, you’ll find the remains of one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys in England, still as picturesque today as in 1132.

You can walk in the footsteps of monks and unearth all the monastery’s secrets on a guided tour. For a magical day out, catch your reflection in the mirror-like ponds in the 18th-century gardens, then follow the riverside paths to the deer park, home to over 500 bucks and stags.

Why we love it: Historic ruins and incredible gardens combine for a mighty day out.
Where? Ripon – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk

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. It has an ever-changing array of exhibitions, bringing you a host of historic and contemporary art to gaze upon.

But there’s much more to this world-leading gallery than initially meets the eye. Recently renovated, it also boasts a world-leading research centre, library and archive, that gives you the chance to delve deeper into the world of sculpture.

Why we love it: It’s the place to go for sculpture, not just in Yorkshire, but the UK.
Where? Leeds – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: henry-moore.org

The Deep

Need new ways to entertain the whole family? The Deep is one of the best attractions to visit in Yorkshire if you’ve got kids. You’ll go into the depths of an underwater world to meet an array of marine life from the deep blue.

From sharks and sawfish to penguins and jellyfish, you’ll find all the coolest and strangest sea creatures inside. Add to this a whole host of interactive activities that make learning fun, a soft play area and a pair of eateries in The Deep Cafe and The Halfway Cafe, it’s got everything you need for a great day out.

Why we love it: Have you seen the penguins at The Deep? If not, you’re missing out.
Where? Hull – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: thedeep.co.uk

RHS Harlow Carr

Want to get back to nature? RHS Harlow Carr is the perfect choice. One of Yorkshire’s best attractions, it promises 68 acres of awe-inspiring gardens, wildflower meadows and woodlands. Wandering around is an absolute pleasure, whether you’re exploring the Sub-Tropicana Garden or walking the length of the stream.

Feeling inspired? You can get stuck into a bit of gardening yourself at the Teaching Garden to get some top tips from the experts. And if the weather takes a turn for the worst, you can take shelter in the Alpine House, home to over 2,000 different plants.

Why we love it: 68 acres of glorious gardens await from a Yorkshire icon.
Where? Harrogate – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: rhs.org.uk

York Minster

If it’s stunning architecture you’re after, a trip to York Minster is a no-brainer. Built between 1220 and 1472, it’s a beauty to behold and has plenty to offer beyond just gazing up at its breathtaking exterior. Inside, you can join a guided tour or take a trip up the 275 steps to the top of the central tower for jaw-dropping views.

If that wasn’t enough, you can even venture into the chambers below to check out two millennia of York’s history. Using digital displays and a medley of incredible artefacts from the cathedral’s extensive collection, never before on public display, you can see its Roman and Viking connections.

Why we love it: Its sheer magnitude can only really be felt up close.
Where? York – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: yorkminster.org

Salts Mill

Saltaire is home to one of Yorkshire’s finest attractions. In fact, Salts Mill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The renovated mill houses the only permanent David Hockney exhibition in the country, so you can admire ‘The Arrival of Spring’ all year round.

Alongside the famed artist’s work are rooms filled with local history and an impressive stream of temporary exhibitions. Add to this a host of art-focused shops, selling everything from jewellery to books, antiques and art materials, as well as numerous eateries, and you’ve got a great day out.

Why we love it: A day spent in Saltaire, from the mill to the nearby bars and restaurants, is invigorating.
Where? Saltaire – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: saltsmill.org.uk

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

For a real adventure, bring the whole pack to Yorkshire Wildlife Park for a rip-roaring day out at the region’s finest safari park. You and the whole family will come face to face with all manner of exotic animals, from lemurs to giraffes, polar bears to lions.

And you won’t be driving by, but rather venturing into the enclosure on foot, within the safety of an 800-metre pathway. But it’s not just wildlife – you’ll also get a chance to learn a thing or two thanks to the many talks that take place throughout the day.

Why we love it: It’s got lions and tigers and bears – oh my!
Where? Doncaster – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Brimham Rocks

A real natural wonder of Yorkshire, Brimham Rocks will make you see why they call it God’s Own County in an instant. Set in the alluring countryside the region is best known for, it makes for a great day out in the great outdoors with the whole family.

As you wander between captivating heather moorland and ambient woodlands, you’ll catch glimpses of unique rock formations, like The Dancing Bear, The Eagle and The Gorilla, which are popular with local climbers. But that’s not all – it’s also the perfect spot to look out over the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty, with gorgeous views all around.

Why we love it: Nature’s sculptures sit high and mighty like nothing else you’ll see in Yorkshire.
Where? Harrogate – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk

The Hepworth

Part of the famous Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, The Hepworth should sit high on your list of cultural things to do in the region. It’s absolutely massive – 1,600 square metres filled with some truly exceptional works of art that make return visits oh-so-rewarding.

Wakefield’s collection includes pieces from the likes of Henry Moore, Harold Gilman and Ben Nicholson, while The Hepworth Family Gift offers rarely seen works by Barbara Hepworth. Look out for the Gott’s collection too – it documents 200 Yorkshire villages, towns and cities through enchanting pictures, watercolours, drawings and prints.

Why we love it: On every visit we’ve had, you see new pieces and see the gallery in a different light.
Where? Wakefield – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: hepworthwakefield.org

Kirkstall Abbey

It’s one of the most well-preserved examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain, and that alone should convince you that Kirkstall Abbey is one of Yorkshire’s top attractions. But there’s so much more to discover and enjoy here.

It’s surrounded by a wide open green space, right beside the River Aire – a perfect place for picnics. And journey across the road and you’ll find an entire Victorian street hidden inside the Abbey House Museum. Look out for the Abbey Market on the last weekend of the month for a chance to pick up some tasty local fare.

Why we love it: It’s a true Leeds icon, great as a backdrop for picnics or for exploring the city’s rich history.
Where? Leeds – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Bettys

This Yorkshire tearoom is quite the attraction, so it’s not unusual to see folk queuing out the door for a cuppa and cake. Their Harrogate bakery is the original, and though it’s smaller than some of their more recent additions, it offers the true Bettys experience in a quintessentially British setting – afternoon tea doesn’t compare anywhere else.

But don’t make it a flying visit – be sure to check out their shop, which is attached to the tearoom. This is where you can pick up all manner of treats to enjoy at home, from freshly baked cakes to homemade biscuits – we recommend the fat rascals – as well as their very own range of teas.

Why we love it: The fat rascals basically. But you’ll struggle to find anything you don’t like.
Where? Harrogate – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: bettys.co.uk

Stump Cross Caverns

If you want to enjoy a day out in Yorkshire that takes you to the heart of its natural beauty, make a beeline for Stump Cross Caverns. This wonder of Nidderdale brings together caverns, carvings and cuppas all in one place, starting with an exploration of the seemingly endless warren of chambers and paths.

You’ll take 65 steps underground to meet the incredible limestone formations, formed by underground streams over the course of millions of years. When you’re done, you can shelter in the cosy cafe for a brew and slice of cake, before popping by the visitor’s centre on your way out to see remains of wolverines that were found in the cavern.

Why we love it: It’s an endless procession of discovery, from the caverns to the chambers.
Where? Harrogate – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk

Ripon Cathedral

You’d be forgiven for never having heard of Ripon. A small city in North Yorkshire, it holds one of the county’s best attractions – its spectacular cathedral. It shows off a long history of local architecture, with brilliant gothic and Early English features.

The Saxon crypts of the original church have survived to this day, but the building above was constructed in the 1220s, with the nave rebuilt in the 1500s after the central tower collapsed. It’s beautiful both inside and out, well deserving of its Grade I-listed status and a visit from you.

Why we love it: A cathedral befitting the name, with history and beauty around every corner.
Where? Ripon – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: riponcathedral.org.uk

Skipton Castle

900-years-old and still going strong to this day, Skipton Castle has become one of the most popular attractions in Yorkshire and with good reason. The gatehouse will tempt you in to explore one of the best examples of a medieval castle in England to kick things off.

But it’s not just a little bit that you see – the entire building is open to the public, giving you the chance to explore everything from the dungeons to the watch tower, the bed chambers and even the bogs. It’s extremely popular with the little ones, so if you’re looking for things to do in Yorkshire with the kids, you’re onto a winner.

Why we love it: It’s a proper glimpse into the past, but tells its story in a way that’s accessible to all.
Where? Skipton – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: skiptoncastle.co.uk

The Forbidden Corner

If you like your days out a little less conventional, make a beeline for one of Yorkshire’s more unusual attractions. At first glance, The Forbidden Corner is nothing more than a scenic garden, but once you start to explore, you’ll soon discover that there’s a lot more to it.

You’ll find a seemingly endless labyrinth of tunnels and chambers underground, while back on the surface, art, statues and follies are hidden in every nook and cranny. It comes with quite a view over Leyburn and beyond too – you’ll just have to find your way to the perfect vantage spot.

Why we love it: It’s possibly the weirdest, most unusual attraction you’ll visit in Yorkshire.
Where? Leyburn – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: theforbiddencorner.co.uk

Brontë Parsonage Museum

Everyone’s heard of the Brontës. They’re one of the most famous literary families in the world – and they’re from right here in Yorkshire. Thanks to The Brontë Society, much of their legacy has been preserved and you can see it all at the Brontë Parsonage Museum.

They’ve gathered the most comprehensive collection of Brontë manuscripts, letters, early editions and poetry around – and it’s all on display in the very building they once lived and wrote in. Take a wander around Haworth while you’re here for a perfectly bookish day out in Yorkshire.

Why we love it: As literary buffs, the history is palpable in every single room.
Where? Haworth – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: bronte.org.uk

Go Ape Temple Newsam

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled day out in Yorkshire, Go Ape have more than got it covered. This epic treetop adventure course will see you scrambling through the woodland canopy of the Menagerie Wood at Temple Newsam, but have you got the nerve?

You’ll navigate all kinds of heart-racing obstacles, from bottle-testing zip lines to swaying bridges and exhilarating rope swings, all before you reach the stomach-dropping 11-metre plummet at the end of the course. They have a range of routes for different ages and abilities, and the higher you get, the tougher the challenge.

Why we love it: The farm’s great, the house is full of discovery, but a walk in the grounds is what we love most.
Where? Leeds – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: goape.co.uk

Malham Cove

Needless to say, some of the best days out in Yorkshire will see you venturing into the countryside in search of some serious natural beauty spots – and Malham Cove is one that you should definitely hunt out if you haven’t done so already. Heck, it should be even if you have.

This limestone scar is one of the region’s finest natural landmarks, and it’s surrounded by magnificent spots that make this one of the most popular walking spots in the Yorkshire Dales. You can visit Janet’s Foss waterfall, Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn all in one leisurely trek, as you cover over a seven-mile stretch from the cove.

Why we love it: The view from the limestone pavement at the top is one of our favourites in Yorkshire.
Where? Malham – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: malhamdale.com

Flamingo Land

A double-whammy that will please kids big and small, Flamingo Land has a lot to offer. On the one hand, it’s a theme park, with a whole host of hair-raising rides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping, as well as plenty of giggle-inducing options for the smaller ones in your party.

On the other, it’s a fully-fledged zoo, with all the wild animals you’d expect to see, including kangaroos, otters, Humboldt penguins and, of course, flamingos. This is a full-on family day out, perfect for those sunny Yorkshire days out.

Why we love it: A theme park with a zoo? A zoo with a theme park? However you look at it, it doesn’t get much better.
Where? Malton – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: flamingoland.co.uk

Castle Howard

An 18th-century country house that’s full of history, surrounded by 1,000 acres of stunningly landscaped grounds ripe for exploring, and with an extensive programme of events that cover everything from art exhibitions to supper clubs – it’s no wonder Castle Howard is one of the most popular attractions in Yorkshire.

Inside, it’s not only beautiful, but has plenty of stories to tell, which you’ll uncover as you wander through the grand halls and opulent bedrooms that took a century to build. Outside, the medley of walled gardens, woodlands, lakes, fountains and even temples are just waiting to be explored.

Why we love it: Beautiful on the inside and the outside, it’s also an underrated hub of culture for Yorkshire.
Where? York – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: castlehoward.co.uk

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

A beautiful setting that will see you enjoy the great outdoors at the same time you take in the arts, Yorkshire Sculpture Park has more than earned its place on this list. This attraction brings art and nature together across its breathtakingly beautiful 50-acre estate.

In the process, it showcases the work of some downright legendary local artists, like Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, as well as a constant stream of new exhibitions from artists living as far away as Japan. With so much to see, you’re in for a chock-full day out, and you’ll find yourself wanting to come back – even if only for the sheep.

Why we love it: Art lovers, nature lovers, all lovers – YSP is a jewel in the region’s cultural crown.
Where? Wakefield – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: ysp.org.uk

York Dungeon

One of the best days out for families in Yorkshire, York Dungeon promises guts, gore and horror. Real actors take on characters from the city’s dark, hidden past, from Eric Bloodaxe (yep, that’s his actual name), the last Viking King of York, and Guy Fawkes, the famed Parliament plotter.

Oh and there’s also Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman, alongside all manner of witches, plague doctors and torturers. You’ll be in for 13 different spectacles, as you make your way through the ghostly corridors of the dungeons, delving into 2,000 years worth of history with a knee-shaking twist.

Why we love it: The Dungeons are a UK favourite and York’s promises loads of spooky fun.
Where? York – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: thedungeons.com

White Scar Cave

Discovered in 1923 by Christopher Long, White Scar Cave is now one of the best attractions in Yorkshire. Inside, this impressive natural wonder boasts underground waterfalls and unique rock formations, many of which take the shape of familiar (but slightly creepy) things, like Witches Fingers and The Face.

On your one-mile hike, you’ll get to explore tunnels and squeeze through tight spots as you make your way towards the epic Battlefield Cavern, which has been made accessible to visitors by the addition of a 65-metre tunnel. You’ll quickly see how it’s the longest show cave in the UK.

Why we love it: This is a subterranean adventure like no other you’ll find in Yorkshire.
Where? Carnforth – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: whitescarcave.co.uk

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

You’re probably more accustomed to travelling to your day trip destinations than travelling on them, but The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is about to change all that. That’s because these incredible feats of engineering from days gone by are one of the best days out in Yorkshire.

It’ll see you jumping on board one of their steam or heritage diesel trains, as you travel from the idyllic market town of Pickering to the small village of Grosmont, then on to Whitby, passing through the beautiful countryside of the North Yorkshire Moors along the way. It makes for an absolute belter of a day out, come rain or shine – and you can even get a meal onboard.

Why we love it: Not just for steam train aficionados, a day on the NYMR shows off the beauty of Yorkshire as you ride.
Where? Pickering – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: nymr.co.uk

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

You’ll have to go the very north-west corner of the region for this one, but the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is one of the best things you can do in Yorkshire. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind to reach the Cumbrian border for a four-mile walk that will take you past as many as five different waterfalls.

But the rushing water is just one part of your experience – there are everything from gorges and glens to Roman roads to marvel at as you go too. Need a pitstop on the way around? Beezley Farm is a little refreshment saviour that’s perfect for a mid-hike break.

Why we love it: Yorkshire’s natural beauty intensifies with every stop on the trail.
Where? Ingleton – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk

Sheffield Winter Garden

A trip to the Steel City is always a great idea, but if there’s one thing you have to see in Sheffield, it’s the Winter Gardens. This is an urban oasis, slap bang in the middle of the city. The 22-metre arched greenhouse is one of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK in the last 100 years.

It will give you a taste of the tropics right here in God’s Own County and there are over 2,500 different species of plants to check out, from all corners of the earth. It’s free to enter and when you need a break, you can take five in the on-site cafe.

Why we love it: A glasshouse like no other, it’s the centrepiece of any Sheffield day out.
Where? Sheffield – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: sheffield.gov.uk

Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds Art Gallery boasts an incredible collection of 19th-century British art and more recent sculptures by the likes of Damien Hirst, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Their permanent displays are worthy of a visit in their own right, but they also bring in an ever-changing array of exhibitions.

They explore important themes and encourage discussion, using a broad range of media and modes, so it’s the place to be to get some all-important artistic inspiration. Be sure to stop by the awe-inspiring setting of The Tiled Hall Cafe while you’re here for a cuppa in a scenic spot.

Why we love it: Fans of 19th and 20th-century art will be in heaven on every visit.
Where? Leeds – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Bolton Abbey

After making your way through the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll arrive at Bolton Abbey, one of Yorkshire’s best days out for nature-lovers. It boasts an amazing 30,000 acres of countryside, with 80 miles of winding footpaths, so you can have a different experience every time you visit.

Cross the famed stepping stones (all 60 of them!), delve into the hilly woods and discover the abundant flora and fauna along the way – all this on top of seeing the ruins of the 12th-century priory, a stunning attraction in its own right. Make time for a visit to the nearby Devonshire Arms too.

Why we love it: The ruins and the grounds double up for a great day out, but it’s top for foodies too.
Where? Skipton – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: boltonabbey.com

York Art Gallery

From 14th-century Italian panels to 20th-century works by artists like David Hockney and LS Lowry, you’ll find an impressive selection of art at York Art Gallery. It also holds the largest collection of York artist William Etty’s paintings in the country, and the most extensive collection of British Studio Ceramics in the world.

Add to this a diverse range of rotating exhibitions that bring the best in modern art to the city, including the annual Aesthetica Art Prize exhibition, and you’ve got yourself a gallery that you’ll want to visit again and again.

Why we love it: From the classics to modern art, this is a gallery that spans styles and eras.
Where? York – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: yorkartgallery.org.uk

National Railway Museum

Take a trip back in time at the National Railway Museum, where you can discover all manner of locomotive-related artefacts, like sepia photos, old coins and uniforms, as well as some of the biggest trains in the world from throughout history.

From the Shinkasen, the only Japanese bullet train outside of Japan, to the Eurostar, the fastest train that runs in the UK, there are loads of examples of engineering brilliance kept here, as well as a few with royal links, like Queen Victoria’s own ‘palace on wheels’.

Why we love it: This is a train-based utopia, with exhibits and attractions for all ages.
Where? York – find it on Google Maps.
Find out more: railwaymuseum.org.uk

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