11 Best Things To Do In Yorkshire, England - Updated 2024

Virginia Maryann Dcruz
Virginia Maryann Dcruz 
Updated
| 5 min read

Visitors to Yorkshire do not have to look far to get a glimpse of the county’s historic roots. The county, which is the largest in the UK, was a stronghold of the Brigantes and other Celtic tribes and was also occupied by the Romans. The major city in the county is York, which was founded in 71 AD by the Romans who called it Eboracum. The ancient history and modern attractions have made Yorkshire a must-see destination for visitors. The county abounds with nature, and the national parks in the Peak District and the North York Moors are popular among those who love to spend time outdoors. Whether you are heading to the county for a short or long visit, you need to start your trip by checking out our list of the best things to do in Yorkshire, UK.

1. Walk along the calming River Ouse - contributed by Tour Guide, Andrew Ward

This magnificent river flows through the beautiful city of York and has been used for commercial navigation since the time of the Romans. It is lined by large, lush trees and is also around 52 miles (83.7 kilometers) long! During your visit, you may even be able to take a boat ride on the water.

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2. Spend quality time at the grand York Minster cathedral

York Minster Nave
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael D Beckwith used under CC0

Located in the city of York, the cathedral is one of the largest in the country. The world-famous Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York is popularly known as “York Minster.“ It was built in 1220 and was completed in 1472. York Minster is a must-see attraction for those on holiday and is also frequented by locals, as it still conducts mass and prayers. Stained glass windows, one of which is shaped like a rose and another shaped to resemble a heart, are important parts of the cathedral. The cathedral also has impressive vaulted ceilings.

York Minster

Address: Deangate, York, YO1 7HH, United Kingdom

Website: York Minster

Price: 17 USD

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3. Discover the wildlife of the North York Moors while trekking with a llama in Whitby (from USD 30.0)

Walking through the North York Moors gives visitors a chance to experience the local wildlife and landscapes. In this tour, people get to meet a llama and take it for a walk around a farm where they can meet sheep, goats, and other animals. A longer walk, which lasts over three hours and takes place on the moors, is also available for those who are interested. Walking with a llama gives visitors a chance to understand the wildlife from the locals’ perspective.

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Llama trekking on the North York Moors

Duration: 1.5 hours

71 reviews

4. Experience the Victorian age in costume at Abbey House Museum in Leeds

Abbey House Museum
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tim Green used under CC BY 2.0

Visiting Abbey House Museum in Leeds gives you a chance to experience a slice of life in the Victorian age. The museum is a family-friendly space and is situated in the gatehouse of Kirkstall Abbey. Visitors can experience several tours, one of which gives them a chance to dress up in costumes that are representative of the Victorian age and visit a street that has shops and services from the era. There are exhibitions in the museum, and activities are also designed for kids to enjoy.

Abbey House Museum

Address: Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH, United Kingdom

Website: Abbey House Museum

Price: 8 USD

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5. Hike to Aysgarth Falls in Yorkshire Dales National Park

Aysgarth Lower Falls
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tim Fields used under CC BY 2.0

If you want to spend time outdoors with your family when in Yorkshire Dales National Park, you should try hiking a few miles to Aysgarth Falls, which is an amazing experience. The falls are famous for spanning three flights and are located near the village of Aysgarth, from which it gets its name. The surrounding areas of the falls and the River Ure feature rich woodland and are great areas for hiking. Visitors can opt for a short or a long hike through the region and experience the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which is famous for its moorland.

Aysgarth Falls

Address: Church Bank, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3TH, United Kingdom

Website: Aysgarth Falls

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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6. Draw inspiration from Monet’s paintings and create your masterpiece (from USD 30.0)

One of the popular things to do in Yorkshire is to join a painting workshop. This workshop allows participants to recreate landscapes created by the French painter Oscar Claude Monet. The workshop, which lasts for two hours, is led by an instructor who provides the participants with information on how to recreate the painting. Ideal for those with an interest in painting and time to spare, the workshop gives participants a glimpse of how Monet created his paintings and his Impressionist style.

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Monet Magic Workshop

Duration: 2.5 hours

20 reviews

7. Tour a sanctuary and meet rescued animals in Whitby (from USD 48.0)

You can meet and feed animals during your vacation in Yorkshire. This kind of activity is a treat for the family, especially children. The animals at the sanctuary in Whitby have been rescued from around the area. There are over 150 sheep in the center. Varieties of these sheep range from Valais to badger. Most of the animals, including the cockerel, can be fed. Several of the lambs can also be carried around, and visitors are encouraged to hug them. Vegan treats are also provided to visitors for refreshments.

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Sanctuary Tour with rescued animals

Duration: 1 hour

42 reviews

8. Craft chocolate by hand in a workshop (from USD 95.0)

Making chocolate is a fun and rewarding experience when you are at a workshop in York. The course in the workshop lasts for four hours. During this workshop, participants will learn the basics of making chocolate by hand. The unique creations produced during the course include ganache, which is created using natural ingredients. Participants will also learn how to use molds to make chocolate and use a piping bag to create truffles. Lunch and other refreshments are provided to participants.

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Create Handmade Chocolate

Duration: 4 hours

2 reviews

9. Float along a canal while enjoying a roast dinner (from USD 40.0)

The canals of Yorkshire are extensive and are a great way to explore the region’s bridges, landscape, and historical sites. This particular canal trip lasts over three hours. It also includes a roast dinner that features local ingredients and is a good example of cuisine in Yorkshire. The journey on the waters of the canal happens at a leisurely pace and allows people to enjoy the cuisine and the views. Alcoholic drinks are also available, and they can be purchased from the bar.

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Roast Dinner Cruise

Duration: 3 hours

44 reviews

10. Have fun meeting penguins and seals at Sea Life Sanctuary (from USD 18.0)

The Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary is one of the must-see places in Yorkshire, as it provides an interesting insight into the lives of marine animals. Among the attractions to explore in the sanctuary are Penguin Island and Great Barrier Reef exhibits. The many exhibits allow visitors to learn more about marine life in the region and discover what lies around Scarborough. The sanctuary also has a seal hospital for seals in need of medical attention. Visitors can observe the rehabilitation efforts for seals.

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Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary Entrance Ticket

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

11. Experience Yorkshire's spookiest history at York Dungeon (from USD 18.0)

Fans of spooky places will find the York Dungeon irresistible. The dungeons of York, which reopened in 2013, showcase over 2000 years of history associated with the city and the county. Currently, the dungeons are the site of various shows, and actors are involved in the performances. The shows focus on events, such as Viking raids and witch trials, and aim to shock visitors and provide them with a spooky experience.

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The York Dungeon Ticket

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

10 reviews

Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored

Yorkshire has a rich history connected to the House of York. The white rose is still displayed proudly on the county flag. Whether you are heading to the county to see its many attractions or just visiting the picturesque moors, you are bound to find unique experiences.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Virginia, a dedicated writer, calls Tamil Nadu, India, her home. She nurtures a profound passion for both travel and indulging in diverse global cuisines. She fondly recalls savoring local sweets...Read more

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