Days out in Yorkshire

Historic castles, natural wonders and an abundance of exciting tourist attractions; Yorkshire is full of incredible things to see and do. 

If you’re planning a visit to Yorkshire, we’ve curated a list of some of the best experiences, including everything from exploring museums to delving into an underground cave, jumping on thrilling theme park rides and even relaxing spa days. 

From the Dales to the Yorkshire Coast, here are 15 of the best days out in Yorkshire – why not make it your holiday bucket list and see how many can you tick off? And don’t forget, if you need somewhere to stay, we have a wide choice of Yorkshire cottages to choose from too.

JORVIK Viking Centre

Perfect for: the whole family when the weather isn’t on your side

Family days out in Yorkshire don’t get much better than the Jorvik Viking Centre. In the heart of York, kids can discover a treasure trove of Viking artefacts excavated at the renowned Coppergate site and take a smells-and-all adventure through Viking York on a thrilling ride-on exhibit. With a wealth of indoor activities, this makes for a great rainy day out in North Yorkshire.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Perfect for: tots to teenagers, and even the dog!

This popular Yorkshire tourist attraction is located in the heart of Brontë Country. Step back in time and enjoy a magical steam-filled day out on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway which runs between Keighley and Oxenhope via Haworth. You’ll puff your way through some of the most beautiful landscapes in West Yorkshire, including the charming station at Oakworth which you might recognise from the well-loved 1970s film, The Railway Children.

White Scar Cave

Perfect for: those with a sense of adventure

Hidden deep underground in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is White Scar Cave, the longest show cave in the UK. Experience thundering waterfalls and curious rock formations such as the Devil's Tongue, the Arum Lily and the Judge's Head, and marvel at an enormous Ice Age cavern adorned with thousands of stalactites.

Aysgarth Falls

Perfect for: everyone as there is a ‘Miles without Stiles’ walking route to the falls

The three-stepped waterfalls at Aysgarth have been a popular tourist attraction in North Yorkshire for over 200 years. Particularly breathtaking after heavy rain, these cascading falls stretch for over half a mile on the River Ure in Lower Wensleydale and previously provided the dramatic setting for the blockbuster, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Perfect for: all seasons, whether visiting as a couple, family or group of friends

If you’re looking for East Yorkshire attractions that are ideal for warm summer days as well as winter days out, then Sewerby Hall and Gardens near Bridlington is a perfect choice. With 50 acres of award-winning gardens, a zoo packed with critters great and small, an adventure playground, a welcoming café and the historic country house itself, there is something here for everyone.

Flamingo Land Resort

Perfect for: days out with kids in Yorkshire with a variety of rides to suit toddlers to teenagers

For the ultimate in Yorkshire days out with the kids, head to Flamingo Land Resort where an award-winning zoo sits alongside some of the most hair-raising rides in the country. Experience lightning speeds on Velocity, the UK’s first and only motorbike launch coaster, high altitude thrills on Pterodactyl - which reaches a spine-tingling height of 151ft - and the gut-wrenching 112-degree vertical drop of Mumbo Jumbo. It’s one of Yorkshire’s best family days out, for sure.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Perfect for: kids who want to unleash their wild side!

If you’re planning a holiday in Yorkshire with children, then the Yorkshire Wildlife Park offers an abundance of fun and frolics. One of the most popular days out in South Yorkshire, kids can get right up close to a myriad of exotic animals including lions, polar bears, tigers, giraffes, meerkats, zebras and more. There are amazing indoor and outdoor play areas, a full programme of ranger talks and live shows, and a variety of food outlets.

Bronte Parsonage Museum

Perfect for: literary fans of the Brontë sisters

Wander the historic cobbled streets where the famous Brontë sisters once lived, wrote and loved, before entering the Bronte Parsonage Museum in the Pennine village of Haworth. This literary-themed day out in West Yorkshire is based in the former home of the Brontë family, where letters, papers and early edition novels are laid out on their original furniture, almost as if they had just stepped out for a walk.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Perfect for: anyone looking to satisfy their thirst for history in Yorkshire

Visit one of North Yorkshire’s top attractions and discover one of England's largest and best-preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries. National Trust’s Fountains Abbey is a World Heritage Site near Ripon and has a lot to offer adults and children alike. As well as the magnificent ruins of the 12th-century abbey and water mill, there is the Jacobean mansion of Fountains Hall, Studley Royal medieval deer park and beautiful Georgian water gardens.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs Seabird Centre

Perfect for: bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and those who appreciate incredible views

One of England's top wildlife attractions, Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast is home to over 200,000 nesting seabirds, including gannets, puffins and guillemots from April to September. There are six safe viewing platforms perched on the towering chalk cliff tops, so you can get up close to the birds as they nest and raise their young, as well as soak up the far-reaching views over the North Sea.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Perfect for: keen horticulturalists, amateur gardeners and nature lovers

A great day out in Yorkshire for adults, RHS Garden Harlow Carr sits just outside of Harrogate and is a showcase of horticultural excellence. One of Yorkshire’s top attractions, there are 68 acres of colourful gardens, ranging from wildflower meadows to sheltered woodlands, all full of innovative design, creative planting and practical ideas to take home. Visitors can enjoy a host of events throughout the year and a spot of afternoon tea in Betty’s Café Tea Rooms.

Harrogate Turkish Baths

Perfect for: couples in need of some R&R

If you’re searching for romantic days out in Yorkshire, then the Turkish Baths in Harrogate should be at the top of your list. Sample the rejuvenating benefits of the town’s natural medicinal springs with a relaxing spa experience, following the traditional ritual of heating, cooling and cleansing. Massages and various treatments are available, perfect for couples seeking a little pampering on their Yorkshire holiday.

Brimham Rocks

Perfect for: geologists, naturalists, climbers and walkers, as well as families who love the freedom to explore

One of the best free days out in North Yorkshire is the natural spectacle of Brimham Rocks near Harrogate. At a height of nearly 300 metres, these giant rock formations have been sculpted by centuries of ice, wind and rain and are now cared for by the National Trust. Let your imagination run wild as you look out for the Dancing Bear, the Gorilla and the Eagle, and delight in panoramic views across Nidderdale.

Skipton Castle

Perfect for: an educational day out in Yorkshire with the family

From the dungeons to the watchtower, and the bedchambers to the banqueting hall, little ones will love exploring one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. At more than 900 years old, Skipton Castle in the town of Skipton has become one of the most popular attractions in Yorkshire, especially because of its range of family activities and events throughout the year. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Yorkshire with the kids, you’re onto a winner here.

The Forbidden Corner

Perfect for: little adventurers and those young at heart!

An enthralling combination of curious labyrinths, mysterious follies, pathways to nowhere, underground lairs, revolving floors, pop-up fountains and plenty of secrets and surprises, The Forbidden Corner in Middleham is a day out with a difference. One of North Yorkshire’s more unusual attractions, there are decisions to make and tricks to avoid in this 4-acre garden, including the occasional spray of water! Just keep your eyes peeled for the elusive brass circles which reveal hidden markings and direct you on your mission.

Where to stay in Yorkshire

As you can see, there are so many great things to do in Yorkshire, whether you are looking for relaxing experiences with someone special or cheap days out in Yorkshire for the whole family. If you haven’t already found somewhere to base your stay, then why not have a browse of our warm and welcoming holiday cottages in Yorkshire?

There’s simply nothing better than putting your feet up and cosying up by a crackling wood burner after a fun-filled day. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, a large group of friends, or bringing the dog, we have Yorkshire cottages to suit everyone.