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6 Things To Do in Yorkshire: Local’s Ultimate Guide

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There are many great things to see and do in Yorkshire, a county that is home to some of the most unforgettable landscapes. With its breathtaking beauty, fascinating history, and thriving cultural scene, there is plenty to explore in this bustling region. This county has much more than just pubs and tea shops; this northern county is home to beautiful castles, natural wonders and even a subterranean spa. So if you’re looking for things to do there, this article will help you on your way. From exploring hidden tunnels beneath the streets of York to climbing the Three Peaks and everything in between, here are the top things to see and do in Yorkshire.

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Yorkshire art and culture

Yorkshire is home to many national and international museums, theatres, arts organisations and festivals. The world famous Yorkshire Museum in York and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield both have extensive collections of art from around the world. The Leeds City Museum, the National Media Museum in Bradford and the Yorkshire Dales National Park are all good places to visit for exhibitions about history, culture and art. The Yorkshire Sculpture Trail has sculptures along the A62 through Wakefield, Barnsley and Doncaster. Other big art events in York include the International Fringe Festival which takes place every August, and the Christmas Market and Big Top at Christmas.


Theatre in York is particularly strong with the York Theatre Royal being one of the biggest theatres in Europe. There are a number of smaller theatres such as the Northern Stage and Dryden’s. These focus on new writing or experimental work. Theatre companies based in York include YO!York Theatre Company and PlayNation.


The largest festival in Yorkshire is Leeds Festival which takes place every year over three weeks at locations across Leeds city centre. Other notable festivals include Barnsley Festival held each March. Kendal Calling held each July. Hebden Bridge Festival held each September. Kirkstall Hall Music Festival held each October/November. York Food & Drink festival held each May. Wild Bean Coffee Roasting Festival held each February and Cumbria.

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Hiking in Yorkshire

Hiking is one of the best ways to see Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside. From long-distance routes to nearby day walks, there’s something for everyone here.
The Yorkshire Dales is a good place to start as it has a wealth of trails across the area, making it ideal for hikers of all abilities.

If you prefer more relaxed surroundings, head to the coast and enjoy some gentle walks along the beaches. Alternatively, if you’re up for a challenge try one of the longer routes such as the Pennine Way. And if you want to do some night hiking, head out just before dusk and take advantage of the stunning views. Hiking in Yorkshire is great way to explore this beautiful part of England and make new friends too!

Literature in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is known for being home to the Bronte sisters. The Yorkshire Dales is known to have inspired their novels, especially the mysterious Wuthering Heights. The sisters often went on walks here and a trail has been devised for visitors to enjoy the same spots they would have spent time in.

The Bronte trail is a long distance walking route that takes in many of the locations where the Bronte sisters set their novels. It passes through the Dales, taking in the villages of Haworth and Greta Bridge, and finishing at Bronte Country.
It was devised by local resident and poet, David King-Smith, who has created a website to promote it.

The route begins at Haworth and runs through the towns of Keighley, Richmond, Skipton, Harrogate and finally finishes on the outskirts of Whitby near Gresham Priory.From there you can take one of several onward routes: East Cliff Walk (3 miles) or North Cliff Walk (2.5 miles) round to Robin Hood’s Bay. Alternatively, it is possible to continue southwards along the coastline to Whitby or northwards to Driffield. The walking distance is approximately 29 miles with an average elevation rise of 345 metres.

If you want to read more about the Brontes in Yorkshire, go and check out my most on Literary Locations in the UK.

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Visiting the historic sites

This county has many historic sites that are well worth visiting. If you are interested in the Anglo-Saxons and Viking history, you won’t want to miss the Jorvik Viking Centre in the city of York. This interactive museum brings Viking history to life through the use of holograms and animatronics. Entry is £14.60 for adults, or £11.30 for children. The City of York’s other major attraction is the Yorkshire Museum. This museum is one of the most visited museums in England and offers a look at the history of the county and its people. Entry is free. Other places worth visiting if you are interested in the county’s history include the Castle Howard and Brimham Rocks.

things to do in yorkshire brown concrete bridge under cloudy sky

Jumping on a train to explore more of Yorkshire

If you want to learn more about Yorkshire, the best way to do so is by jumping on a train. Yorkshire has a large and extensive rail network. This makes it easy to jump on a train and explore different areas of the county. If you have time, it is worth visiting the city of Leeds. This is the commercial and financial hub of the county. The city is also home to the world-famous canal and the Leeds Dock, which is a great place to visit at the end of the day. If you have time, it is also worth visiting the historic city of York, often called the city of towers. York is a wonderful place to explore, with the city walls making it easy to walk around the city and see its many attractions.

The food!

Another thing you must explore in Yorkshire is the food. While Yorkshire is most famous for its tea, there is much more to this county than just a cuppa. You can start the day with a traditional Yorkshire breakfast. This consists of black pudding, baked beans, bacon, and eggs. After breakfast, it is worth exploring the famous Yorkshire tea, a delicious blend of black tea with a creamy taste. If you are looking for a delicious meal to have for lunch or dinner, Yorkshire is famous for its meat and fish dishes. You can enjoy everything from steak and ale pie to fish and chips or a steak and kidney pie. If you are looking for something sweet to finish off your day, you can enjoy a steaming cup of Yorkshire tea or try a slice of Yorkshire Parkin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sutton Bank in the North York Moors is known to be one of the most beautiful places in the county. It is a hill that holds one of the best views in the entire country.

One of the things Yorkshire is best known for is the Yorkshire pudding. Otherwise, it is famous for being home to the Bronte sisters, and amazing steam railways.

Malham is a beautiful town, with amazing scenery and picturesque limestone buildings. It is very quaint and captures the spirit of Yorkshire perfectly.

There are a number of amazing waterfalls in Yorkshire for you to visit. Some of the best include Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force. You can even see many at once on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

Goole is a great place to visit in Yorkshire and has a lot of museums and activities to keep you occupied.

Conclusion

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Yorkshire is an amazing place to visit, and there is something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the beautiful countryside or immerse yourself in the thriving cities, Yorkshire has plenty to offer every type of traveler. With so much to see and do, you will not be short of things to explore during your trip to this wonderful county.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and I hope to see you back here again soon.

Ta-ta for now! x

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