nice places to visit west yorkshire

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15 Best Places to Visit in West Yorkshire

If you need the fun and culture of a city, Leeds should be your starting point in West Yorkshire, but the dales and moors in the countryside must not be missed.

Adding layers of interest and excitement to rural West Yorkshire is the roll call of cultural giants associated with these villages and towns, from the Brontë sisters to Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and J.M.W. Turner.

One look at the wild moors at Keighley and Haworth and you’ll be transported to Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.

If you’re into industrial history, Yorkshire was the wool capital of the world in the 1800s and lots of those imposing old mills are now listed buildings, converted into museums or local amenities.

This city was reborn in the 1990s, bouncing back from the decline of the textile industry that was its lifeblood to become the second largest financial centre in the UK. The two universities also give Leeds a youthful and alternative edge and it’s now a prosperous and dynamic city bursting with culture, dining, nightlife, shopping and sights.

You have to see the beautiful amenities built for the wealthy citizens in 19th century, like the Leeds Corn Exchange, the City Varieties Music Hall and Grand Theatre, or the exquisite shopping arcades.

The Exchange Quarter has become a stylish destination for nights out and dining, and there are first-class museums like the Royal Armouries and the Thackray Medical Museum.

2. Bradford

One of the big centres for the woollen textile industry, the city of Bradford has kept hold of a great deal of its 18th and 19th century heritage.

It doesn’t get grander than Little Germany, which got its name from the Germany Jewish merchants who constructed ornate warehouses to store and sell woollen goods manufactured in the local mills.

These magnificent buildings have been converted, so Little Germany is still a thriving commercial district, with offices and places to shop.

The Bradford Industrial Museum is in the former Moorside Mills and conserves printing and textile machinery, a lot of which has been kept in working order.

And if you’re partial to Indian and Pakistani food you can’t go wrong in Bradford, which has some of the best curry restaurants in England.

3. Wakefield

In industrial times Wakefield was a textiles and coal city: In the village of Overton just to the southwest is the riveting National Mining Museum, in the buildings of the old Caphouse Colliery.

For something more ancient, the spire of the medieval gothic cathedral is still the tallest structure in Wakefield, soaring to 75 metres.

The cathedral was restored in the 19th century but if you go into the choir you’ll be in the former chancel, which has 15th-century bosses carved into the ceiling.

Come back to modern times with the bold new Hepworth Gallery, named for the 20th-century sculptor Barbara Hepworth, a Wakefield native.

More than 40 of her works are on show, as well as pieces by Henry Moore, who was born in Wakefield’s Castleford district.

The large market town of Halifax has been spinning wool since the 1400s, and of course, this business really took off in the Industrial Revolution.

For a humungous slab of industrial history, Dean Clough was one of the world’s biggest carpet factories when it was built in the mid-1850s.

This Grade II-listed complex is slightly north of Halifax and along its half-mile length are now 150 local businesses, including a radio station.

Shibden Hall is an older delight, with a Tudor timber-framed facade, and a team of volunteers happy to recount stories about former occupants of a manor that goes back to the 1400s.

In the out-buildings are old workshops, preserving a traditional tannery, brewery, stables and basket-weaving shop.

5. Huddersfield

Now a university town, Huddersfield grew quickly in the 1700s when it was taken over by woollen textiles mills.

For a voyage back to industrial times you could book a barge ride through the 3-mile-long Standedge Tunnels on the old Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

The sandstone Castle Hill is just to the south of Huddersfield and was the site of some sort of fortification from the Bronze Age onwards.

In 1899, to celebrate Victoria’s record-breaking silver jubilee, a 30-metre stone tower was placed at the crest.

Make the walk for photo-worthy panoramas of Huddersfield laid out in the Holme and Colne valleys below.

In the 1700s the local spring was ascribed health-giving properties and Ilkley  became a spa town.

Wealthy people would come from far and wide to take “hydropathic” treatments, and one of these was Charles Darwin in 1859, at the very time On the Origin of Species was being published.

There’s still an upmarket atmosphere in Ilkley, underlined by the broad streets and sweet Victorian houses with independent shops, tea rooms and award-winning restaurants.

Now people stay in Ilkley to escape to the Yorkshire Dales, and the 84-mile Dales Way trail starts at the Old Bridge right by the centre of town.

Lastly, the All Saints Church is a blend of Victorian and medieval gothic architecture, but you need to look inside to see the three Saxon crosses, dating to the 8th century.

7. Saltaire

There was no such place as Saltaire until the 1850s when the industrialist Sir Titus Salt established his colossal woollen mill next to the River Aire and added streets of handsome cottages for his workers.

This model village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, “model” meaning a place of reference.

All of the houses in Saltaire are listed buildings, and the most protected is the Unified Reformed Church, with an Italianate Classical design drawn up by Salt himself.

In 1986 Jonathan Silver, the same man who helped to convert Halifax’s Dean Clough, bought Salt’s Mill and started turning it into shops, offices and leisure facilities.

Don’t miss the gallery devoted to David Hockney, a native of Bradford.

8. Keighley

If ever there were a location that crystallises the spirit of the Brontë novels it’s Keighley.

The National Trust property East Riddelsden Hall has actually been  a shooting location for a TV adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.

While the countryside of the Keighley Moors and Airedale has the rugged sandstone hills that may send you into romantic reverie.

Or you could sit back and watch the beautiful Worth Valley roll by on the Keighley and Worth Valley Heritage Railway, which still uses steam and diesel locomotives.

In a moody Victorian manor is the Cliffe Castle Museum, which has all kinds of interesting oddities like Victorian costume, fossils, an Egyptian mummy, a mineral collection and machinery and tools relating to local trades and industry.

9. Pontefract

At one time the market town of Pontefract was said to have had the most pubs per square mile in Britain.

While that can’t be true today there are lots of establishments to call in on for a pint and some warming grub.

The big landmark is Pontefract Castle, which has been an eerie ruin since the 17th-century English Civil War when the royalist forces were besieged several times by the Parliamentarians.

Earlier, King Richard II is claimed to have died in Pontefract Castle, and his supposed death at this place is mentioned in Shakespeare’s Richard III.

10. Haworth

Then immerse yourself even more in the mysterious world of the Brontë sisters at Haworth, where the former Brontë family property has been kept as a museum.

All the three sisters spent the majority of their lives in this very house, and nearly all of the objects in the rooms belonged to them.

Hike along the nature trail over the moors to the Brontë Waterfall, a picturesque walk southwest of the village.

You could also show yourself around the Haworth parish church, where their father Patrick Brontë was the minister until 1861.

11. Hebden Bridge

Simultaneously picturesque and defiantly alternative, Hebden Bridge is populated by artists and new age types.

The market town is described as the lesbian capital of the UK, home to a women-only disco and fabled music venue, the Trades Club.

The likes of Damo Suzuki, Nico and Patti Smith have all played here.

If you’re feeling fit you can make the climb up the steep hill to the village of Heptonstall.

Road traffic is banned in this adorable little settlement so if you do come by car you’ll need to park up outside and enter the cobblestone lanes on foot.

In the secondary graveyard at the St. Thomas the Apostle Church is the burial place of the beloved American poet Sylvia Plath.

12. Holmfirth

An adorable little town folded into the Peak District’s heather moorland, Holmfirth is all sandstone cottages and townhouses.

The fondly-remembered BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine was filmed in the countryside and outside buildings around Holmfirth.

Many people find themselves in the town for a gig at the Picturedrome, an old cinema converted into a live music venue where artists like Adam Ant and the Buzzcocks have all played.

While others come for the the access to the majestic, undulating landscapes of the Holme Valley, a rambler’s dream.

Nestling in the Wharfdale valley, Otley’s a pretty town that J.M.W. Turner would often visit to paint and see his patron, Walter Ramsden Fawkes.

Weave your way up through forest, heather and meadows to the summit of the Chevin, a 282-metre escarpment.

On the way up there’s a megalithic boundary of big sandstone slabs lining the path.

At “surprise view” you’re granted exhilarating vistas over Otley and lower Wharfdale, which opens out behind.

The River Wharf is beautiful in Otley and a lot of the north bank is parkland taking in the weir and the solemn old tannery and wool mills by the water.

14. Kirkstall

Your main motivation to drive or get the train from Leeds City Centre to this northwestern suburb is for Kirkstall Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery that was left to fall into ruin after the 16th-century Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Despite being abandoned for 500 years the ruins are remarkably complete and great fun to explore, as the cloister, chapter house and church nave are all easy to identify.

J.M.W. Turner also painted this scene in the 1797.

15. Wetherby

The meandering River Wharfe in Wetherby is uncommonly picturesque and you can get down to the banks to see their weir and a large gear from a mill that used to stand here.

The subject of most photos is Wetherby Bridge, which was built in the 1200s and was once on the Great North Road, running from London to Edinburgh.

J.M.W. Turner came by in 1816 and painted this very scene.

The local Wetherby Racecourse was known for being the only course in Yorkshire that not only hosted national hunt (jump) meetings, but put on its first flat race 2015.

15 Best Places to Visit in West Yorkshire:

• Huddersfield
• Hebden Bridge

Places to visit in West Yorkshire

The charming northern county of West Yorkshire promises vibrant cities, industrial heritage towns and pretty Pennine villages in equal doses. There’s no shortage of things to do in West Yorkshire. Drop into cosmopolitan Leeds for museums and galleries and elegant shopping centres, feel the wind in your hair on Pennine trails and cycle ways, visit Bradford for Victorian industrial heritage and grand city parks, or pack a copy of Wuthering Heights and head to Haworth to explore Brontë-country villages and vales in this inspiring literary county. With so many places to visit in West Yorkshire, you’ll soon be planning your return trip.

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24 hours in Leeds

Victorian warehouses and shiny 21st-century architecture collide to awesome effect in this gritty Yorkshire city.

See the light at the end of the tunnel

Standedge Tunnel, in the heart of the Pennine countryside, is the longest canal tunnel in Britain.

Location: Marsden, Yorkshire

Nine floors of silver-screens

A visit to the National Media Museum is a must if you love photography, film, television, animation, gaming or the internet.

Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire

Life in Victorian Bradford

Founded by Sir Titus Salt in 1853, Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a living, working 19th century village.

Location: Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Ride the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

This exciting heritage steam railway runs through the picturesque Yorkshire countryside where the classic movie The Railway Children was filmed.

Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire

Walk in the footsteps of the famous Brontë sisters

Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum and explore the beautiful home and surroundings that inspired classic Brontë novels.

Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire

Rainy Day Activities: Discover military history at The Royal Armouries

Britain’s national museum of arms and armour is home to a fascinating and unique collection, including the only existing suit of armour built for an elephant.

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Splash your cash in Victoria Leeds

A haven for designer brands, Victoria Leeds is the destination for luxury shopping.

Embrace the pop-up dining trend at Trinity Kitchen

Take your pick from a mix of vibrant restaurants and street food vans all under one roof.

Visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle

Celebrate 200 of the world’s greatest artists at 4 leading arts venues in Yorkshire.

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Raise a glass of English wine at Holmfirth Vineyard

How about a glass of English wine? That’s award-winning English wine. Come to Holmfirth Vineyard and discover their home-grown delight.

Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Enjoy a tipple at Pure Cider North

Cider anyone? Head to Deanhouse Farm, nestled in the Holme Valley and enjoy a sup or two of local, artisan cider producer, Rob North’s passion.

Visit England’s highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel

All aboard! Take a seat on the glass topped boat and take a journey into the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in the country.

Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire

Calling all food lovers to Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival

A weekend of tasty treats, markets, live music and entertainment in Holmfirth.

November events: Get inspired at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival

Listen along to amazing performances at the UK’s largest international festival of new and experimental music.

Location: Huddersfield , West Yorkshire

Take in a weekend of jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival

Hear old school traditional to cutting-edge contemporary jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival.

July events: Holmfirth Art Week

Over 400 artists combine art, music, comedy, theatre and literature for the UK's largest open art exhibition.

Explore an ecological paradise at Marsden Moor

Walk, cycle or climb your way across this rugged wild landscape steeped in history that has inspired people since prehistoric times.

Industry meets art at Salts Mill

Packed to its Victorian rafters with independent traders and the largest collection of David Hockney’s work.

Make yourself at home at Harewood House

This 18th century home is filled with fine art and surrounded by gardens and parkland that is home to many animals including flamingos and penguins.

Location: Harewood, West Yorkshire

Explore the magnificent ruins of Kirkstall Abbey

This atmospheric 12th-century abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain, surrounded by tranquil tree-filled parkland.

Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

Unleash your inner explorer at Tropical World

Set off on a journey through the jungle, the desert and below the surface of the water to discover all of the creatures who call them home.

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A grand gothic cathedral, Viking heritage and Roman city walls. York is quite literally steeped in history. This North Yorkshire city can be seen from every angle.

Yorkshire Dales & Harrogate

With its patchwork green valleys, craggy cliff faces and farmland laced with limestone walls, it’s little wonder that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a film star in its own right.

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The 10 most beautiful places in Yorkshire

By Robyn Vinter

As someone who is Yorkshire born and bred, I’ll be the first to admit that I may be biased when I say it is the most beautiful region in the country. But I think the evidence is strongly in my favour. Whether you like rugged coastlines, manicured gardens , blustery moorland or architectural wonders, the four areas that make up Yorkshire have each one in abundance. Finding the most striking places in God’s Own Country is a borderline-impossible task, but there are some parts, both illustrious and not so well known, that stand out from the rest. If you're on the hunt for more, yet lesser-known areas, then look at our guide to the best places to visit Yorkshire .

Knaresborough

Built into a deep gorge, with a viaduct and its own clifftop castle, the North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough is attractive from any angle – though the best way to see it might be relaxing in a rowing boat on the pretty River Nidd. It is easily possible to spend a day exploring the stairways embedded in the rockface, strolling through the cobbled passageways and shopping in the quaint square, but Knaresborough has a quirky side too. It’s home to Mother Shipton’s Cave, whose Petrifying Well is the oldest attraction in England where objects are slowly turned to stone by water rich in sulphate and carbonate.

The undulating, sheep-flecked landscape of Swaledale is no doubt what most people picture when they think of Yorkshire. Located in one of the most northerly and remote parts of the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park , it is almost luxurious in its authenticity. There are no large towns, but old villages such as the entertainingly named Gunnerside, Muker and Crackpot are set among the rolling dales, providing enticing tearooms and cosy pubs . The views are so stunning that even the least skilled photographer can come away with professional-looking snapshots of verdant pastures, weathered dry-stone walls and glowing buttercup meadows.

You’d be hard-pressed to find an inch of Yorkshire shoreline that isn’t bewitching, but Whitby will always edge out the competition with its ruined abbey and historic whale-bone arch. The North Yorkshire town is part of the Cleveland Way, a magnificent national trail which takes in a huge portion of the region’s coast, including seductive villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes and Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and the North York Moors. Whitby is already in perfect balance, where classic waterside charm meets gaudy arcades, sweet shops and some of the UK’s best fish and chips , but the town is also peppered with unique curiosities including the 199 Steps, the lighthouse and jewellers specialising in Whitby jet, an opaque, black precious gemstone.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The juxtaposition of modern art and the landscaped gardens of Bretton Park is what makes this West Yorkshire exhibition space exceptional. Home to some of the finest works by regional sculptors Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst, as well as those from international artists, the park offers an open-air feast of magnetic, and often surprising, creations. Elegant buildings on the site include the Underground Gallery, an award-winning piece of sustainable architecture that is almost hidden, recessed into the sloped lawn, and the Weston Visitor Centre, with its impressive glass frontage and wildflower roof, which is a lovely spot for tea and cake.

Ilkley Moor

The wild and rugged natural beauty of Ilkley Moor is legendary, not just as the inspiration for the Yorkshire folk song ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at’, but for the imposing and instantly recognisable Cow and Calf rocks. The views across miles of history-steeped towns and green rolling hills are arresting at any time of year but the place is especially resplendent in late summer when the entire moor is enriched by lush purple heather. Understandably, Ilkley has been a travel destination for centuries, perhaps even millennia – eagle-eyed visitors will spot Neolithic carvings and can visit the White Wells, a Victorian plunge pool .

Wentworth Castle Gardens

Frequently popping up in television period dramas , the Grade I-listed Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe and has the longest façade of any British country home . The sprawling Barnsley estate, though perhaps not as well known as its high-profile Yorkshire neighbours Harewood House and Castle Howard, is no less stunning. While the house is captivating, the real beauty lies in Wentworth Castle Gardens, an enchanting mix of outdoor surprises set across 60 acres. This includes the tranquil Victorian flower garden, the ruined Stainborough Castle folly, some of the finest parkland and wildlife-abundant woodland in the area – and even a lake.

Humber Street and The Deep

Hull has seen its reputation lifted in recent years thanks to investments that have revitalised neglected parts of the city. One of those was Humber Street, now a thriving independent-retail hub and an urban-renewal success story. The thoroughfare, at the heart of the famous Fruit Market district, is now adorned with colourful murals . Adjacent to Humber Street is The Deep aquarium, one of the most architecturally striking buildings in the UK . Reminiscent of a shark projecting out of the Humber Estuary, the glass and aluminium structure is a modern classic, even earning a place on a Royal Mail postage stamp.

There’s no greener town in Yorkshire than Beverley. The centre bumps up against acres of pasture known as Beverley Westwood and, in recent years, it has been a Britain in Bloom finalist and Yorkshire in Bloom award winner. But the East Yorkshire town also has particularly attractive architecture, from the stark and dignified former windmill known as the Black Mill to the grandeur of Beverley Minster, where, from the top of its towers, there are mesmerising panoramas across the flat greenery of the East Riding.

Adam Turner

CNT Editors

Rachel Everett

Yorkshire Three Peaks

Each one of these three adjacent mountains has its own individual character. Pen-y-ghent is the lowest, followed by dramatic Ingleborough, with its steep ridges jutting out from the landscape, while smooth Whernside is deceptively the tallest at 2,415ft. On a clear day, the views across the Yorkshire Dales are invigorating and include the 1312ft Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterful feat of Victorian engineering. Less well known is the UK’s highest unbroken waterfall on the south side of Ingleborough, the Gaping Gill. The underground chamber is also the largest in Britain with a natural opening and is big enough to fit a cathedral inside.

Walking around York is like taking several big steps back in time as a layer of history is unpeeled at every turn, from the grand Victorian train station to the Norman castle, the ruined Benedictine abbey to the city walls originally built by the Romans. However, two very different locations draw the biggest crowds. One of those, as you’d expect, is the jaw-dropping Gothic splendour of York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe. The other is the more understated Shambles, a charming almost-caricature of a medieval street with atmospheric overhanging buildings and maze-like alleyways.

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THE 10 BEST West Yorkshire Sights & Landmarks

West yorkshire landmarks.

• Architectural Buildings
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Historic Sites
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Leeds City Centre
• Quarry Hill
• Clarence Dock
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. National Coal Mining Museum

2. Bronte Parsonage Museum

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (30)

3. Salts Mill

4. Shibden Hall

5. The Piece Hall

6. Temple Newsam

7. Kirkstall Abbey

8. Eureka! The National Children's Museum

9. First Direct Arena

10. Saltaire Village

11. Nostell Priory and Parkland

12. Thackray Museum of Medicine

13. Harewood House

14. Hardcastle Crags

15. East Riddlesden Hall, National Trust

16. Lotherton

17. The Picturedrome, Holmfirth

18. Abbey House Museum

19. Bingley Five Rise Locks

20. Leeds Corn Exchange

21. TeamSport Indoor Go Karting Leeds

22. Cliffe Castle Museum & Park

23. Leeds and Liverpool Canal

24. Leeds United Football Club

25. Victoria Leeds

26. Heptonstall

27. Castle Hill

28. Top Withens

29. Haworth Parish Church

30. Ilkley Moor

What travellers are saying

• National Coal Mining Museum
• TeamSport Indoor Go Karting Leeds
• Gravity Max Castleford
• Gravity Castleford Max
• Shibden Hall
• Cliffe Castle Museum & Park
• Bingley Five Rise Locks
• Posey Paca's
• Top Withens
• Bronte Parsonage Museum
• The Wainhouse Tavern
• Sunbridge Wells
• Undercliffe Cemetery

The best things to do in Yorkshire, UK

Jul 15, 2022 • 11 min read

Spend any time in Yorkshire's dales and moorlands and you'll see why they call this God's Own County © Andrew Bret Wallis / Getty Images

Yorkshire – or God’s Own County as locals like to call it – has long played the muse for writers, painters and film-location scouts, as well as being an industrial powerhouse that helped shape modern Britain. Dramatic topography, stunning heritage sites, urban regeneration areas and world-renowned walking trails are just some of the things that make this one of Britain’s most appealing destinations today.

Don’t be surprised though if it’s the clink of pint glasses in a country pub or the broad-accented, straight-talking locals that make the biggest impression. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Yorkshire, for a taste of the rich brew that is Northern England.

Take a Bronte country tour

Yorkshire has some of the most evocative landscapes in England. It was out on the wiley, windy moors that Heathcliff and Cathy of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights roamed. It was the limestone scars of the dales that supposedly gave Tolkien (a professor at the University of Leeds in the 1920s) inspiration for the fortress of Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings . And Lewis Carroll and Bram Stoker found their own fantasies in the myths and legends of the Yorkshire Coast.

In the timewarp town of Haworth, West Yorkshire, make a pilgrimage to the Bronte Parsonage where the three Victorian authors lived, now a house museum crammed with 19th-century literary artifacts. Visit the exquisitely preserved town apothecary where their brother procured his laudanum – today, it's the offbeat store, Cabinet of Curiosities . Afterward, you can strike out over Haworth Moor for the 2.75-mile hike to the Bronte Waterfall.

Hike over moors and dales

Thanks to Yorkshire’s mild summers, it’s never too hot for a bracing country walk. Locals treasure their right to roam and can often be found tramping down the public footpaths that crisscross the rolling valleys, or tracing the lines of drystone walls across the region’s two national parks (the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors ) – often with a dog in tow. 

Historic coaching inns in tiny villages cater to hikers on the long-distance Pennine Way and Coast to Coast trails. But one of the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales is the 4.5-mile Malham Landscape Trail which takes in Malham Cove , a sheer limestone cliff and nesting spot for peregrine falcons that was used as a setting in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . 

Ride the rails like a Victorian

Two charming heritage railway lines ricochet between small towns and rural villages across the dales and moors of Yorkshire. Both lines are served by steam locomotives as well as classic diesel engines, with stops at some of the best-preserved 19th-century stations in England. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one for Harry Potter fans, as it chugs daily between Whitby and Pickering via Goathland, which was used as a filming location in several of the films.

In West Yorkshire, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is a 5-mile track through Bronte country, stopping at Haworth. But it has an equal claim to fame as a movie location – several stations along this line were used to film the original 1970s movie of the Railway Children .  

See layers of history in York

York ’s historic lineage as the Roman city of Eboracum and later the Viking settlement of Jorvik makes it one of Europe’s most interesting cities for history-lovers and archaeology buffs. However, it’s York’s photogenic medieval remains that particularly ensnare visitors. The crooked half-timbered houses along the Shambles are said to have inspired JK Rowling’s depiction of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books (you’ll notice a flourishing number of Harry Potter magic and potion shops nearby). There are also several excellent medieval house museums to explore, including the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Barley Hall . 

York is a city that’s really worth exploring over several days, and it’s one of the best places to stay in Yorkshire. Make time for York Minster – the largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe – and its excellent Undercroft museum that digs beneath the city. Circumnavigating the immaculately preserved city walls and bars (gates) is another popular activity. And the interactive Jorvik Viking Centre , with its warts-and-all animatronic theme park-style ride, is another must-see – especially for families. 

Get steamy in Harrogate’s thermal springs

Ever since people first noticed the sulfurous waters bubbling up in what is now Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, this Yorkshire town has been known as a spa destination. Developed from the 16th century onward, its thermal springs have attracted a steady stream of luminaries, including Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie. Today it’s an especially pretty country town, popular for weekend breaks with locals and just 30 minutes by train from York. 

One of the most compelling reasons to visit is to book a session at Harrogate's Victorian -era Turkish Baths , which are still in perfect working order. The mock-Moorish interior is still as exquisite as the day it opened – book in for a tour followed by a steam bath and scrub. Harrogate is also the home of Bettys tearooms, an icon of Yorkshire that never fails to draw a queue.

Relive favorite Bridgerton moments at Castle Howard

If you’ve seen Bridgerton , Castle Howard might look familiar. It played the part of the Duke of Hastings’ family estate in the first season of the phenomenally popular British period drama, but in real life it’s one of England’s finest examples of baroque and Palladian design. This was the first domestic building in the country to have a domed roof – put there by Nicholas Hawksmoor, one of the architects who worked on St Paul’s Cathedral in London, after which it was modeled. 

There’s a boating lake as well as informative guides and an exhibition in the main house dedicated to  Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited – Castle Howard was used as a location for both the film and original 1981 TV adaptation. You could spend a day just roaming the rose gardens, temple follies and baroque fountains in the grounds.

Follow Dracula’s trail in Whitby 

The Yorkshire Coast has a string of traditional seaside towns beloved by locals for generous servings of fish and chips, seaside amusements and bracing stretches of seafront. Whitby , though, is the jewel in the crown and much more than just a coastal resort. Its haunting, ruined abbey was founded by Abbess Hild in the 7th century, and in the 18th century, the town was an important shipbuilding center. Captain Cook – famed for his exploratory expeditions to Australia and New Zealand – learned his trade here and his old home has been turned into a fascinating museum . 

Whitby also has a literary cachet as the point where Dracula – the vampire from Bram Stoker’s acclaimed 1897 novel – made landfall in England. Stoker found inspiration for his ghoulish blood-sucker in the haunted lanes and fishing cottages on Whitby. This legacy has spawned a local goth movement, with thousands descending on the seaside town each year – especially over Halloween. Bemused officials at St Mary’s Church encounter so many fans on a fruitless hunt for the vampire’s grave that they’ve had to put up a notice explaining that it doesn’t exist.

Scare yourself witless at the Forbidden Corner

Possibly Yorkshire’s most offbeat attraction, the Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth of tunnels, mock-gothic follies and nightmarish chambers reminiscent of David Bowie’s Labyrinth movie. Covering four acres, it was originally conceived as a private folly, but the results were so good the owners couldn’t keep it to themselves.

Although it’s essentially a family attraction, a word of warning: some kids love it, but some get really spooked by it. There’s no map for the gardens; you just have to dive in and hope you don’t get too rattled when the clanking, wailing and moaning starts! 

Drink deep of Leeds’ hopping craft beer scene

Leeds is Yorkshire’s largest urban hub – a dynamic, good-time Yorkshire city that grew rich during the industrial revolution and is now legendary for its student scene, nightlife and Victorian-era shopping arcades. But beer is the city's lifeblood. Brewing giant Tetley’s was originally based here and the brewery’s old art deco headquarters is now a cool community space, contemporary gallery and bar-restaurant that's well worth visiting. 

Today, Leeds is one of the best places to sample Yorkshire's craft beers, with beer bars and taprooms galore where beer lovers can taste-test unique drops. Try the Northern Monk craft brewery and taproom, wedged into a 19th-century flax mill in Holbeck. There’s also North Brewing Co , which has a giant taproom terrace with DJs and food trucks at Springwell, 10 minutes from Leeds city center. Walk from here along the forested Woodhouse Ridge path and you can continue your beer crawl in the neighborhood taproom of Meanwood Brewery.

Learn more about the abolition of slavery at Hull's Wilberforce House

Since being  fêted as the UK's Capital of Culture in 2017, the city of Hull has got a new spring in its step. The marina area has been reborn as a restaurant and bar enclave, the city's permanently docked heritage ships and maritime museums have been revamped, and there’s Stage@TheDock – a new outdoor performance venue overlooking the water. 

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hull was one of the UK’s premier whaling ports, but less well known is the fact that this was also the home of William Wilberforce, England’s preeminent abolitionist. Wilberforce was instrumental in the campaign to end slavery across the British Empire and his home is now a must-see museum dedicated to his cause, with poignant displays on the history of slavery in the western world. 

Learn about the industrial revolution in Sheffield

Of all Yorkshire’s cities, it is Sheffield – the "steel city," surrounded by rich metal deposits – that has clung to its industrial revolution roots most fondly. The city's oldest district, Kelham Island , houses an excellent museum on Sheffield's metalworking heritage, and the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet – preserved within a modern city suburb – is a frozen-in-time example of a workers’ community before the days of the big steel factories.

In between Leeds and Sheffield, it’s also possible to descend 40ft into a grimy mining pit on a subterranean tour with cheery ex-miners at the National Coal Mining Museum in Overton. The museum sits atop a vintage mine abandoned in the 1980s when Britain’s waning coal industry finally gasped its last breath.

Go t’ut pub with the locals

Grab a pie and a pint in a Yorkshire pub and you’ll learn everything you need to know about local culture, because the village boozer is the epicenter of county life. The array of watering holes on offer is vast – you could create a comprehensive Yorkshire tour based on an extended pub crawl, visiting rural real-ale pubs and urban craft beer taprooms . 

The dales and moors are crammed with ancient inns such as Tan Hill Inn , the highest pub in England where the wind howls outside, making you wonder about the werewolf on a poster inside the bar (a nod to the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London , which follows two American backpackers on a doomed hike over the Yorkshire moors).

A number of beautiful old pubs have now been turned into Michelin-starred gastropubs serving brilliant Yorkshire food, most notably the Black Swan at Oldstead , Star Inn at Harome and Pipe & Glass at South Dalton.

Learn about the Yorkshire Dales’ tasty cheese traditions

As every Wallace & Gromit fan knows, the best cheese in the world is Wensleydale. And Wensleydale – a real place in the Yorkshire dales – has been capitalizing on its fame for some time. In the hiking hub of Hawes, the community-backed Wensleydale Creamery has an excellent museum with a dash of Wallace humor and a lot of information about local cheese-making traditions. 

Visitors can see the curds and whey being sifted before tasting dozens of samples, including a cheese infused with Black Sheep Brewery ’s Riggwelter ale. To find out more about how Yorkshire is trying to revive its once-thriving cheese-making cottage industry , it’s also well worth visiting the award-winning Courtyard Dairy cheese shop and maturing rooms on the eastern edge of the moors. 

Tour the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle

Two of England’s greatest 20th-century sculptors – Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth – had West Yorkshire roots and drew inspiration from the landscapes of this rugged region. Their legacy has spawned numerous art institutions worthy of any visitor’s time, creating what has been dubbed the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle.

The top dog is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park , which has drawn such internationally acclaimed artists as Ai Weiwei and Andy Goldsworthy. Sculptures are dotted across a vast open-air gallery within the 500-acre Bretton Estate near Wakefield – it feels like pure whimsy, and a stroll through the grounds is utter magic.

But the best place to see Moore and Hepworth’s work is the ultra-modern Hepworth Wakefield gallery nearby. The collection is small but it’s the most concentrated hit of either artist’s work you’ll find anywhere in the world. The third prong of the triangle is Leeds Art Gallery , which has a nationally important collection of British art and sculpture.

Beyond the galleries, look out for street art around hubs such as Leeds train station, Kirkgate Market and the old mill district of Holbeck – partly the result of an inspired commissioning spree by the local council to bring more color to the streets of the city.

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

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 of the Best Historic Sites in West Yorkshire

Explore with us the beauty and rich history of west yorkshire..

27 May 2022

West Yorkshire should not be overlooked when exploring the United Kingdom. It houses some truly amazing historic sites, with legacies of the Industrial Revolution dotted across the landscape and some magnificent works of historic architecture surviving to the present day.

The two great cities of the region are Leeds and Bradford, with their stunning town halls proving popular amongst fans of history and architecture alike. Further afield, you’ll find the quirky Shibden Hall, the majestic Harewood House and Pontefract Castle, which is famed as the murder site of King Richard II.

There are more fantastic historic sites in West Yorkshire, but here are 10 of the best.

1. Shibden Hall

Dating back to 1420, Shibden Hall is a historic house near Halifax surrounded by beautiful period gardens and the Shibden Park estate. Its architecture is a mixture of styles reflecting its long and varied history.

Shibden Hall was originally inhabited by William Otes. For the next 2 centuries, the estate was owned by the Savile and Waterhouse families. It was during this time, in the 17th century, that the Tudor half-timbered house was built.

Today, Shibden Hall and the surrounding park are open to visitors and offer a wide variety of activities. The site also houses the West Yorkshire Folk Museum in one of the adjoining barns, which displays a large collection of carriages and items related to craftspeople such as blacksmiths, coopers, saddlers and wheelwrights.

2. Piece Hall

Opened to much fanfare on 1 January 1779, Piece Hall is the only remaining Georgian cloth hall in the world. It was also the grandest of such halls built in that period, a splendid sign of the wealth and pride of the cloth manufacturing industry. The architecture was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas , adopting a neo-classical style.

Following extensive renovation works, the hall was reopened in 2017. Visitors can find a large number of cafe’s, restaurants, bars and shops on-site and can also find a multitude of different cultural establishments ranging from art galleries to libraries and youth centres.

3. Kirkstall Abbey

The ruins of Kirk Abbey can be found northwest of Leeds city centre. The church was founded around 1152 during the reign of King Stephen. The Abbey was disestablished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII . In 1671 it passed into the hands of the Brudenell family, the Earls of Cardigan. Much of the stone was removed and re-used in other buildings around the area, giving the Abbey its ruined state.

These days the site is open to the public with a visitor centre welcoming everybody who is interested in the history of the Abbey. The grounds are a perfect spot for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll across the gardens.

4. Salts Mill

The Victorian mill was first opened in 1853 as the centrepiece of Sir Titus Salt’s utopian model village of Saltaire. The settlement was created by Salt – a manufacturer, politician and philanthropist – to house the workers who laboured in the mill.

In 2001 the settlement was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mill ceased its industrial production in 1986 and has since then become a centre of art and culture.

5. Pontefract Castle

The land that now houses the remains of one of the most notorious castles in England was given to Ilbert de Lacy soon after the  Norman Conquest of 1066 AD. One of the most infamous moments in Pontefract Castle’s history came in 1399, when Henry IV, a  Lancastrian , used it to imprison and murder the deposed  King Richard II . During the  English Civil War , it was the last Royalist fortress to surrender. Oliver Cromwell ordered its demolition following Charles I’s execution.

One of the most fascinating aspects for visitors to Pontefract is the so-called ‘Magazine Tour’, which takes people underground to view the castle’s notorious cellars and dungeons, as well as the writing and names scratched onto the walls by the unfortunate prisoners.

6. Harewood House

The grandiose Harewood House was built in the heart of Yorkshire between 1759 and 1771. It originally belonged to Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, a wealthy West Indian plantation and slave-owner. It is considered to be one of the foremost historic homes in the United Kingdom.

The estate has been the site of many TV shows and movies including the television drama Victoria and the 2019 Downton Abbey film. Visitors can explore the estate and also enjoy some tea and cake at the courtyard café.

7. Bradford City Hall

The Bradford City Hall, designed in the Venetian style, was partially built to rival those of the competing towns of Leeds and Halifax. The building was opened on 9 September 1873, before being extended in 1909. Further extensions were added in 1914 including a new entrance and staircase in baroque marble.

The City Hall is noteworthy for having a series of statues of past monarchs on the facade, including Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell.

8. Bramham Park

Constructed between 1698 and 1710, the Baroque mansion was built for Robert Benson, 1st Baron Bingley and has stayed in the ownership of his family ever since. In the 19th century, the building stood empty for 80 years before being restored in 1908.

A restricted area of the grounds is kept as gardens and run as a tourist attraction. Visitors can also tour the house but only in pre-arranged parties.

9. Leeds Town Hall

Built between 1853 and 1858, Leeds Town Hall was opened by Queen Victoria in a lavish ceremony and it is to this day one of the largest town halls in the United Kingdom. The building was also the highest structure in Leeds until 1966.

The town hall was built during a period of rapid industrialisation and growth. Its design has been used as a model for civic buildings across Britain and the British Empire, signalling its historic importance.

10. Sandal Castle

Sandal Castle is a ruined stronghold dating back to the 12th century, which played an important role in the Wars of the Roses . In the early years of the conflict, Richard of York was preparing to make a bid for the throne. In 1460, he arrived at Sandal Castle when he was lured into an ambush by the Lancastrians. The bloody Battle of Wakefield ensued.

Today, the ruins of Sandal Castle may be explored by visitors, where many picnic amongst the archways and towers of the once-magnificent stronghold.

22 Most Beautiful Towns In Yorkshire (+Local Tips & Hidden Gems)

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If you want to add some of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire to your UK itinerary, I’ve got you covered, as Yorkshire has been my home for ten years, and I’ve explored it thoroughly!

Located in the North of England, the Yorkshire region (North Yorkshire , West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire ) stretches from the North Sea coast in the east, almost to Britain’s west coast, with a wide variety of landscapes and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Beyond the big industrial cities of Leeds , Sheffield , and Bradford, Yorkshire is chock-full of picture-perfect towns and villages dotted along the wild and rugged North Sea coast, tucked away in sweeping national parks and nestling in verdant valleys.

As you explore the best Yorkshire towns, you’ll discover the craggy stone walls, ancient castles, and plunging waterfalls that attract almost 10 million visitors every year.

This post introduces you to 22 of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire. Some are ancient, dating back to the Iron Age, the times of the Romans, the Angles, and the Vikings. Others grew during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, when Yorkshire was one of the most important parts of the UK.

Are you ready to explore “God’s Own County?” Let’s go!

Beautiful Towns in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

1. grassington.

One of the loveliest North Yorkshire towns, Grassington is an old market town with a quaint cobbled market square, cosy little coffee shops, and some of Yorkshire’s finest countryside right on the doorstep. It’s the perfect base for exploring the nearby Yorkshire Dales (Wharfedale and Nidderdale ).

Discover the best things to do in Grassington , plus where to eat and stay in this enchanting Yorkshire town.

If you love historical events, the Grassington Dickensian Festival and Christmas Market are held in the first two weeks of December. This cosy festival is a real treat, with shopkeepers, villagers, and visitors dressed in Victorian costumes.

Where to stay in Grassington

The ideally located Devonshire Hotel offers a fabulous hearty English/Irish breakfast to set you up for your day!

As the birthplace of Wensleydale cheese , you can’t visit Hawes without a trip to the Wensleydale Creamery to learn how this very popular English cheese is made. Another unmissable sight in Hawes is Hardraw Force , the highest single-drop waterfall in England.

Where to stay in Hawes

Simonstone Hall is a former shooting lodge with 18 individually designed en-suite rooms with views over the surrounding countryside.

Top Tip: Ask for one of the guest rooms with a four-poster bed!

3. Pateley Bridge

Tucked away in scenic Nidderdale , pretty Pateley Bridge is a small market town that’s a brilliant base for outdoor sports enthusiasts, with exceptional hiking trails, walks, cycle routes and places to go kayaking and fishing on the doorstep.

In the town, you will love the quaint high street, the cafes and the traditional country pubs.

Where to Stay in Pateley Bridge

Nydsley Hall offers four fantastic luxury apartments, 2 of which have great hot tubs. Each apartment is beautifully designed and equipped with  free WiFi, free private parking,  a luxury bathroom and a  fully equipped kitchen .

Couples love these apartments, rating them  9.7  for a two-person trip, so they are perfect for a cosy romantic break in Yorkshire .

4. Hutton le Hole and Lastingham

Rolling hills and beautiful countryside surround the pretty little village of Hutton le Hole. It is home to the fascinating Ryedale Folk Museum with its 20 reconstructed buildings, including an Iron Age roundhouse, a Tudor mansion, a Victorian thatched cottage , and a 1950s village shop and chemist.

Arts and craft-loving visitors flock to this beautiful Yorkshire village to see artisans at work on hand-made ceramics, prints, chocolates, and more. The picturesque ramble to neighbouring Lastingham village is also a favourite for visiting walkers.

Where to stay in Hutton Le Hole

The Crown Inn in Hutton le Hole is a warm and welcoming traditional pub with super comfy beds, and great pub meals. The curry is especially good!

5. Middleham

Middleham Castle was the childhood home of King Richard the Third. He went there to learn the skills of knighthood in 1462. Known as the ‘Windsor of the North’, Middleham was an important town in late Medieval Britain. Today, it’s famous for Middleham Park Racing .

Where to stay in Middleham

Barbican Cottage is the sweetest little stone cottage in the middle of the village, with beamed ceilings and views over Middleham Castle. It’s dog-friendly, too if you want to holiday with your pooch!

6. Thornton-le-Dale

Is Thornton le Dale the most beautiful village in Yorkshire? This picturesque village has won awards as one of the prettiest in Britain, with its Grade II-listed Beck Isle Cottage regularly featured on calendars and chocolate boxes.

Explore further to find the old market cross and stocks in the centre of the village, nearby Dalby Forest for walking and cycling routes, and a pleasant stroll over to the nearby hamlet of Ellerburn to see its ancient Saxon church.

Where to stay in Thornton-le-Dale

The Grange is a luxury B&B, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty within the North York Moors National Park.​ The 18th-century house has many original features, from Georgian beamed ceilings to Victorian fireplaces, and offers guests exceptional accommodation and facilities.

7. West Burton

West Burton is a very pretty village in Lower Wensleydale. It is famously connected to the British landscape artist JMW Turner, who sketched the nearby waterfall – the West Burton Cauldron Falls.

This iconic Yorkshire village, which has been settled since the Iron Age village, has a large village green and a packhorse bridge, and it’s on the doorstep of the ruined Cistercian monastery Jervaulx Abbey .

Discover pretty accommodations in West Burton here.

Beautiful Towns in North Yorkshire (beyond the Dales)

While the Yorkshire Dales are stunning, some of the best towns in Yorkshire are closer to great transport links, making them an excellent choice for a visit if you don’t have long to spare. These stunning North Yorkshire towns have plenty to offer for your visit.

8. Harrogate

Harrogate is an elegant Victorian spa town with fascinating historic buildings, including exquisite Turkish Baths and the Royal Pump Rooms . Visitors also enjoy the glorious Valley Gardens in the town centre and the Harlow Carr RHS gardens .

Harrogate is the perfect base for discovering Yorkshire, thanks to its proximity to ancient castles, ruined abbeys, UNESCO World Heritage sites at Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, and multiple National Trust sites.

Best Place to Stay in Harrogate

Hotel du Vin is located in a beautiful Georgian townhouse right in the centre of Harrogate . The bistro restaurant is a favourite with locals who enjoy a quality evening out combining great food, French panache and Yorkshire hospitality.

Find more recommended places to stay in Harrogate here .

9. Knaresborough

Knaresborough is one of the most photographed North Yorkshire towns. Perched high above the River Nidd, this ancient market town offers pleasant walks beneath the soaring Victorian viaduct carrying trains from Leeds to York via Harrogate.

One of the best reasons to visit Knaresborough is to amble around, drink in the unique medieval houses and narrow winding streets clustered around the ruined Knaresborough Castle , and enjoy the magnificent views of the viaduct over the Nidd Gorge .

Quaint little Ripley is a tiny village with chocolate box pretty houses, a castle, superb pubs, the best bluebell woods for miles, and “world-famous Ripley ice cream”.

The famous Beryl Burton Cycle Way allows cyclists to safely ride between Harrogate, Ripley, and Knaresborough on traffic-free routes, while the Wild Boar pub is the perfect spot for a sumptuous Sunday lunch. 

11. Saltburn on Sea

Pretty little Victorian Saltburn-by-the-Sea is one of the most attractive UK seaside res orts in the UK and one of the most popular North Yorkshire towns.

Saltburn’s water-balanced funicular is the oldest one still working in Britain . It connects Saltburn with the only remaining pleasure pier on the Yorkshire coast.

Ride down to the pier to watch surfers catching the waves, then wander through the Italian gardens in the ravine of the Skelton Beck . Stay for the sunset views of the coast from the top of the cliffs, or stay overnight to catch a glorious sunrise over the pier. I think Saltburn is one of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire for a relaxed day trip.

12. Skipton

Medieval Skipton, the “ Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales ”, draws thousands of visitors every year to its quaint, cobbled streets, bustling market, and imposing 11th-century Skipton Castle . One of the most significant cultural attractions for Shakespeare fans is the Craven Museum and Gallery , which has one of only four of the playwright’s First Folios on display.

One of my favourite things to do in Skipton is meandering to the scenic Leeds to Liverpool canal for ice creams or a boat trip. It’s also the perfect base for walking, cycling, and driving to other stunning locations in the Yorkshire Dales.

Best Places to Stay in Skipton

Herriots Hote l and the Woolly Sheep Inn are fabulous, while The Bailey Bed and Breakfast is picture perfect and moments from Skipton Castle. It’s a superb, caring little B&B offering free parking (a real boon in Skipton!) Stay here for good old-fashioned Yorkshire hospitality at its best.

Most Beautiful Towns in West Yorkshire

13. haworth.

Famous as the 19th-century home of the Brontë sisters , the village of Haworth attracts visitors from around the world to the Bronte Parsonage Museum .

Other places of interest include the Black Bull Pub (a regular haunt of Branwell Brontë), the fabulous Cabinet of Curiosities (the old apothecary shop), and the brooding Yorkshire Dales , which inspired Emily Bronte’s  Wuthering Heights .

Haworth’s steep cobbled main street has many interesting independent vintage, art, and craft shops selling locally produced works. There are very good independent coffee shops and eateries too.

Top Tip: Arrive by heritage steam train from nearby Oxenhope for the best experience, and visit in May for the splendid Haworth 1940s weekend .

14. Hebden Bridge

British Airway’s  High Life  magazine called Hebden Bridge “ one of the world’s funkiest towns “, and it’s easy to see why it’s rated as one of the best towns in Yorkshire. Home to many creative and artsy folk, this charming town has a cool and welcoming vibe, with a complete absence of the usual chain stores in British towns. Buying local is a way of life here .

Visit the independent 1920s cinema, masses of cool cafes and bars, and stay for the thriving music scene. Featured in Ted Hughes’ poem The Stubbing Wharfe, literary fans also flock here to visit the grave of Hughes’ wife, Sylvia Plath, in nearby Heptonstall.

Where to stay in Hebden Bridge ? The Groom’s House is an exceptional guest house.

15. Saltaire

Tiny Saltaire is a picture-perfect model village and UNESCO World Heritage site . Named after the River Aire that runs through it and woollen magnate Sir Titus Salt who built it, for his workforce in 1851, Saltaire is one of the prettiest small towns in Yorkshire.

Enjoy Salts Mill, the spectacular mill building which now houses the largest permanent collection of Bradford artist David Hockney’s work in the UK.

Alternatively, wander along the Leeds-Liverpool canal , take the Shipley Glen Tramway through the surrounding woodland or browse the independent shops and cafés.

Where to stay in Saltaire?

Try the World Heritage Millworkers Cottages for a truly unique experience.

Beautiful Towns in The North York Moors National Park

16. lockton and levisham.

Numerous archaeological sites on Levisham Moor, including burial mounds and dykes prove that these two villages date back to the Neolithic period.

Visit these two villages to see the famous Hole of Horcum , a 400 feet deep, three-quarters-of-a-mile-wide natural amphitheatre carved out of Levisham Moor.

Fun Fact : According to local legend, Wade the Giant created the Hole of Horcum during an argument with his wife when he scooped up a handful of earth to throw at her!

17. Osmotherley

Osmotherley has become a tourist haven, thanks to the winning combination of beautiful old buildings and picturesque surroundings between the Cleveland Hills and Hambleton Hills.

Lady Chapel is the best place to capture outstanding views, and Sheepwash is one of the most picturesque picnic spots in the country.

Where to stay in Osmotherley

The village is full of the cutest little local cottages, like the Cobbles which has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, beautiful bed linen, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, and a well-equipped kitchen. There’s also a terrace with scenic garden views.

18. Robin Hood’s Bay

Visiting Robin Hood’s Bay, just south of Whitby, is like stepping back to the 18th century when the village was the centre of Yorkshire’s smuggling trade.

The cluster of red-roofed fishermen’s cottages, traditional shops, and cosy inns spill down a steep cliff to the sea’s edge and the sandy beach.

Visit to feel the sand beneath your feet, explore rock pools, take a bracing coastal walk, or stop at a historic inn for superb fish and chips. Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the most popular and most beautiful towns in Yorkshire.

Where to stay in Robin Hood’s Bay

The Birtley House Bed & Breakfast is just 400m from the beachfront in Robin Hood’s Bay and is highly regarded, with guests rating it 9.6/10.

19. Sandsend

Sandsend is a proper old-fashioned British seaside village with a beautiful beach, a promenade and good places to eat.

Visitors come to hunt for fossils on this Jurassic Coast, walk for miles (Gothic Whitby is close by), or go surfing or paddleboarding at the nearby Whitby Surf School.

Where to stay in Sandsend

Choose your favourite place to stay in Sandsend here.

20. Staithes

Once one of the largest ports on the North East Coast, Staithes still has a thriving fishing fleet today, but it’s the quaint jumble of pretty terraced cottages and winding cobbled streets that visitors cherish. Abundant fossils and rock pools are ready to be found on the beach, and the breezy clifftop paths beg to be explored.

Where to stay in Staithes

Pick from the adorable unique cottages available in Staithes village here .

No roundup of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire would be complete without the mention of wonderful Whitby.

This bustling fishing port nestles beneath towering cliffs that bear the magnificent Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s  Dracula . Whitby is regarded as the best place in the world to eat fish and chips – and you should go to the Magpie Cafe to try the very best!

Don’t miss : Whitby also holds a twice-yearly Gothic music festival.

Best place to Stay in Whitby

The charming family-run Saxonville Hotel is cosy, centrally located, and has a terrific restaurant.

22. Goathland

Whether you want to hike to scenic waterfalls or love the idea of steam train rides through the magnificent North York Moors National Park, you’ll love the picturesque landscapes and Harry Potter connections in this tiny, tucked-away village.

Goathland was also the main filming location for the much-loved British TV drama “Heartbeat”.

➡️ Read next: Goathland Getaway: 15 Top Things to Do in this Yorkshire Gem

FAQs Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire

Where is yorkshire, england.

Yorkshire is located in the North of England, with trains from London to Leeds taking around 2 hours, and trains to York from London taking around 2 1/2 hours.

Which part of Yorkshire is most beautiful?

The three areas of Yorkshire that are traditionally considered to be the most beautiful are the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, and the North Yorkshire Coast.

What is the prettiest town in Yorkshire Dales?

Knaresborough is one of the prettiest and most photographed towns in Yorkshire.

What is the poshest part of Yorkshire?

The area in North and West Yorkshire between Wetherby, Harrogate and Ilkley is described by local estate agents as the “Golden Triangle” thanks to the number of high-quality homes and a great lifestyle in the area. The upmarket village of Kirkby Overblow is regarded as the poshest village in Yorkshire.

Where is the nicest place to live in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire is full of amenities that make it a great place to live, whether you want a buzzing city, a beautiful coastal town, or one of the beautiful Yorkshire towns in the Yorkshire Dales.

Wrap Up – The Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire

The biggest problem when trying to choose the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire to visit is narrowing down your choices.

Do you want somewhere easily accessible from Yorkshire’s great cities, so you can also make the most of a city break, or would you prefer to explore a more off-the-beaten-path location in the fabulous Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors?

Is exploring history vital to you, or do you love exploring the beautiful countryside? The most beautiful towns in Yorkshire offer all of these and more.

Yorkshire will charm you whether you’re looking for rolling hills, quaint cottages made from mellow local stone, sweeping sunsets, incredible Victorian viaducts, tumbling waterfalls, or fields full of spring lambs.

Just don’t forget your camera or your appetite! Yorkshire food is legendary – and the portions are generous.

Use these articles to explore more of Yorkshire:

• How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In York, England
• The Best Day Trips From York
• 14 Exciting Things To Do In York At Night
• What to Pack for Yorkshire – A Complete Packing List
• 25 Inspiring Ideas For Free Days Out In East Yorkshire
• 15 Wonderful Things To Do In York At Christmas 2022

Pin the Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire for later

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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35+ Best & Unusual Things To Do In Yorkshire (By a Local!)

• January 23, 2023

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If you’re looking for things to do in Yorkshire – yes, all four counties – you’ve come to the right place. I lived in Yorkshire for three years and made it my mission to discover as much as I could of this staggeringly beautiful part of the country.

From hiking over the rolling fields of the Yorkshire Dales on a crisp morning, to dancing the night away at some of Yorkshire’s live music venues, I’ve done it all.

Whether you’re looking for family days out in Yorkshire, romantic places to visit in Yorkshire, free things to do in Yorkshire or even just awesome hiking trails, this HUGE Yorkshire bucket list has got it all covered.

And trust me when I say HUGE . I’ve gone all in with this, so you definitely won’t be stuck wondering what to do in Yorkshire after a couple months. This list will keep you going for years!

To make this post easier to navigate, I’ve split the many Yorkshire attractions into West, North, East and South Yorkshire. You can use the table of contents below to help you navigate around the post.

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do In West Yorkshire

There are SO many things to do in West Yorkshire. Think serene outdoor spots, rocking nightlife, fascinating museums and epic food.

Add in its edgy industrial landscapes and multicultural cities, and you’ll find yourself never running out of ideas for days out and activities in West Yorkshire. That’s why it’s first on the list!

Here are the best things to do in West Yorkshire:

1. Go to a gig at the Brudenell Social Club

Originally a traditional “working men’s club” for the Leeds suburb of Hyde Park, this unassuming social club has morphed over its 107-year lifespan into one of the UK’s hottest live music venues !

Despite being tiny, “the Brude” as it is referred to by locals, has hosted some of the biggest bands in the world. They have live music almost every night of the week!

Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with an act you’re desperate to see, the ‘pub’ area of the Brudenell Social Club is open every day of the week.

This was one of my favourite hangouts whilst I lived in Leeds, and I highly recommend attending a gig here – it’s easily one of the best things to do in Leeds and one of the most fun things to do in Yorkshire for adults.

2. Explore The Charming Village Of Haworth

Haworth is drop-dead gorgeous, and exactly what you’d picture when thinking about a quaint Yorkshire village .

Not just a pretty town, Haworth also has a wealth of history because it was home to the Bronte sisters. Here, Charlotte, Emily and Anne lived and wrote such classics as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

Start your visit by exploring their house, the Bronte Parsonage Museum. Here, you can view the sisters’ bedrooms, old clothes and even their writing materials! Next, you can visit the family gravestone at St Michael’s Church, where their father used to work.

Perhaps the best way to get to grips with the Bronte sisters is on the Top Withens hike from Haworth. This hike, which takes you up on the windswept moors to some ruins, is thought to be the inspiration behind Wuthering Heights .

The nature on this hike is gorgeous, and easily one of the best things to do in West Yorkshire!

3. Feel Regal at Harewood House

Still owned by the Earl and Countess of Harewood, Harewood House has been standing since 1771 and is a great day out from Harrogate or Leeds.

Exploring the building and grounds of Harewood House is probably as close as I’ll ever get to feeling like nobility.

Inside the house, you’ll find a staggering collection of art , including paintings, furniture and ceramics. Each room has information cards telling you more about its contents so you can learn more.

Artefacts aside, it’s even great to just gaze out of the House’s windows for the views over the gardens.

The ‘Below Stairs’ area, which includes the House’s old kitchens, will have you feeling just like you’re wandering around the set of Downton Abbey. They even have a dress-up box if you’re feeling creative!

What’s really awesome is that Harewood House is big on environmental initiatives. If you arrive there by public transport, you’ll get 50% off your ticket price. Adult tickets cost £16 and child tickets cost £9 .

4. Try Some Delicious Curry in Bradford

Bradford definitely isn’t overrun with tourists, but those that do make it here are in search of one thing – epic food. Here’s why – Bradford is firmly on the map as the place to get some of the best Indian and Pakistani food in the UK .

If you’re heading here, stick around long enough to enjoy both lunch and dinner. After all, you should try to make the most of the pure variety on offer! I can personally vouch for the restaurants the International (my ultimate favourite), Omar Khan’s and My Lahore.

Top tip : AVOID Kashmir – I got a case of serious food poisoning there!

5. Go Underground at the National Coal Mining Museum

In the city of Wakefield you’ll find the National Coal Mining Museum , which has been educating visitors on the history of coal mining since 1988.

The highlight of any visit to the museum is for sure the opportunity to meet a miner who guides you on a mine tour 140 metres underground (book this in advance!).

I couldn’t imagine being stuck down there for 12 hours every day, but the experience definitely gets you thinking, and brings the mines to life! 

This museum is the ideal indoor day out in West Yorkshire, and is 100% worth a visit.

Plus, it’s one of the best things to do with kids in West Yorkshire. A visit here is so interactive that it’s easy to forget it’s actually a museum!

To join a tour, you’ll get a traditional miners ‘check’, and will have to pay a £5 deposit . After the tour, you can keep the check as a memento and donate the £5 to help keep the mine tours running, or return the check for your £5 back.

Entry to the museum itself is free , and is worth visiting even if you can’t score a place on an underground tour.

Their exhibitions are often changing, but one on during my visit about black miners from the Caribbean was really fascinating and I learnt a lot!

6. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire

Named after Sir Titus Salt who built the village’s textile mill, Saltaire is a fine example of a Victorian model village .

The entire village was built to accommodate mill workers. Houses were built alongside wash-houses, a school for the village children, a library, a concert hall and a gymnasium. It’s one of the most unique days out in Yorkshire.

Obviously, the highlight of any visit to Saltaire is Salts Mill.

Free to enter, the mill contains a range of homeware and antique shops alongside a fairly large David Hockney exhibition (he grew up in nearby Bradford) and a permanent exhibition on the story of Saltaire. 

The fact that Saltaire is totally free to explore makes this one of my favourite cheap days out in Yorkshire.

I didn’t even realise Saltaire was a UNESCO site until I got there, but I’m not surprised. The town plays a hugely important part of the West Yorkshire industrial history – and it doesn’t hurt that it’s jam-packed full of epic things to do.

7. Get Arty at the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Situated on the side of the River Calder in the city of Wakefield, the Hepworth Gallery is the type of place you could lose hours in.

The Hepworth’s 1,600 square metres of gallery space is home to 44 of revered sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s own collection, alongside temporary exhibitions. Famous artists with pieces in the gallery include Henry Moore, LS Lowry and David Hockney.

What’s more, the gallery is totally free to enter and enjoy. If you’ve woken up to a rainy day, the Hepworth is one of the best indoor activities in West Yorkshire!

8. Survive the Otley Run

You’ve heard of pub crawls before, but you’ve never seen anything quite like the Otley Run.

From the student suburb of Headingley to Leeds City Centre, this 16-venue pub crawl along the famous Otley Road is a rite of passage for Leeds students and newbies to the city.

To join in, simply gather a group of friends and pick a costume theme. Then, head out to the starting point of Woodies Craft Ale House and order yourself a drink. Most people start the Otley Run just after midday to allow time to pace themselves.

Even if you’re not participating, watching Otley Road descend into carnage on any given Saturday afternoon is hilarious!

Keep a sharp eye out for the best costumes as some are seriously impressive! This is easily one of the best days out in Yorkshire for adults!

9. Embrace your Inner Hippie at Hebden Bridge

The charming town of Hebden Bridge is where West Yorkshire creatives head to live in their own hippie paradise.

‘Hebden’ isn’t so much a place to visit with an itinerary as a place to experience. The town has an irresistibly laid-back charm which will convert even the most straight-laced into a nature-loving artist.

Surrounded by gorgeous countryside, Hebden Bridge is the starting point of countless amazing hikes .

Even if you’d rather just stay in the town, you can stroll along its canal, browse in its cutesy independent shops and round off your visit by a trip to Vocation Brewery, one of the most delicious and exciting brewing companies in Yorkshire. 

10. Join The Emmerdale Studio Experience

This one totally depends on if you’re a fan of soap operas or not, but if you are, the Emmerdale Studio Experience is a real treat.

Lasting approximately two hours , the studio experience gives you a tour of the Emmerdale set and ‘village’, and gets consistently rave reviews.

What’s so rare about the tour is you’re welcome to take as many photos as you like and pose on the set! I’m not a soap opera enthusiast, but my mum LOVES Emmerdale.

I sent her here for her birthday as a treat and she couldn’t stop raving about how great it was!

To continue your experience, hop on this epic Emmerdale filming locations tour from Leeds. Lasting four hours, the tour will whisk you away to the Yorkshire Dales to explore some of the soap opera’s most recognisable outdoor filming locations.

11. Sample Beers at The Northern Monk Brewery

Walking along a fairly deserted street in an old industrial area of outer-city Leeds is sure to have you confused – surely this isn’t where one of the most awesome places to drink in West Yorkshire is?

Well, just carry on a few extra steps and you’ll see that you were wrong!

Here, Northern Monk Brewery throws open its doors and welcomes visitors to enjoy their famous beer. In fact, some of this beer is brewed on the floor below, meaning you get to drink it fresh!

The brewery also runs tours , which last around 45 minutes and include 3 small beers to sample . Tours take place on Saturdays at 1.30 and 3.30pm and cost £10 per person.

12. Explore The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Although you’ll need a car for this one, the drive out to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is well worth it.

This open-air gallery shows off work by both British and international artists, and the sculptures on display here range from the magnificent to the downright bizarre.

Sculptures are scattered across the park and fairly spaced out (the Sculpture Park is situated in the 500-acre grounds of Bretton Hall!) so it’s a great opportunity to combine a long walk with admiring some art.

If you want to shelter from the elements for a while, walk up to the Longside Gallery . This architecturally fascinating building overlooks the sculpture park and contains more sculptures and artwork.

The Longside Gallery hosts an ever-changing roster of exhibitions.

13. Go Wild at Leeds Festival

I couldn’t possibly write a Yorkshire Bucket List without mentioning Leeds Festival! This huge festival, which has been running alongside its partner Reading Festival since 1955, firmly puts Leeds on the map as an epic place for music lovers.

The festival usually takes place over the August bank holiday weekend and sees a huge range of artists take to the stage. Unfortunately, the huge range of artists does come with a huge price tag.

Weekend camping tickets will set you back a whopping £258 each, with day tickets coming in at a more manageable £90 . If you’re looking for things to do in West Yorkshire in summer, attending its most iconic event won’t disappoint!

Best Things to Do in North Yorkshire

The most popular part of Yorkshire for tourists, North Yorkshire really is where it’s at. I mean, it had the Yorkshire Dales , the North York Moors , the Yorkshire Coast , and the city of York itself, just to name a few.

Visitors are totally spoilt for choice! Where West Yorkshire has an edgy, industrial feel, North York is all about quaint towns, tranquil countryside and secluded, empty beaches. In fact, most of the best beaches in Yorkshire are here!

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, North Yorkshire is the place to be.

14. Hike at Malham Cove

Easily one of the most popular things to do in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you can’t miss Malham Cove, an otherworldly limestone formation just a short walk away from the village of Malham.

It formed at the end of the last Ice Age over 12,000 years ago by a waterfall carrying melted water from the glaciers.

Today, it’s a well-known beauty spot, and even featured in the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

The best way to visit Malham Cove is on a 7.6-mile circular walk which starts and ends in the village of Malham.

Not only do you get to clamber up the steep Malham Cove on this hike, but it also guides you past two other famous natural beauty spots – Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar.

Aside from the steep incline up Malham Cove, the walk is moderate and fairly flat.

If you don’t have time to embark on the whole hike, Malham Cove is only a 0.6-mile walk from Malham village.

Clamber up Malham Cove, then return to the village where you can enjoy some awesome pub food and explore its idyllic charm. 

15. Get Mystical at the Swinton Druids Temple

Inspired by Stonehenge, this large stone arrangement near the city of Ripon is one of the more unusual things to do in North Yorkshire . Unlike Stonehenge, no mystery surrounds the origins of the building of this temple!

In 1820, the rich and eccentric William Danby hired out-of-work men to build the structure for him as an effort to combat the effects of the depression at the time.

He also, rather bizarrely, hired a man to live in the ‘tomb’ section for seven years as a ‘hermit’, a role which required him to “speak to nobody and let his beard and hair to grow”.

Unsurprisingly, the successful candidate quit well before the end of his 7-year contract.

The temple, which is 100 ft long and contains stones standing at 10 ft tall, is open to the public and totally free to explore.

It’s a great outdoor activity in North Yorkshire and is a really popular thing to do on weekends for families and kids.

16. Raise a Glass at The Tan Hill Inn

Coming in at 1732 ft above sea level, this cosy pub is the highest in Great Britain! Dating back to the 17th century, the Inn was originally used as a place to stay for workers at the nearby mines.

When the last mine in the area closed in 1929, the Inn’s popularity with local farmers kept the Inn running until word got out.

Nowadays, the Tan Hill Inn is one of the most popular pubs in the Yorkshire Dales. Nobody could argue with the amazing views from the pub, but its location means getting there can be a problem.

I can’t lie – drinking at the Tan Hill Inn is one of the best activities in Yorkshire for adults. 😉

The area is covered in snow for a good chunk of winter, so drive carefully! If you want to spend more time in this beautifully isolated area, or don’t want to have to drive home, the Tan Hill Inn is also a hotel!

You can stay overnight in their cosy rooms from £138 , based on two people sharing.

17. Jump into the past at the Eden Camp Museum

Occupying a Second World War prisoner of war camp, the Eden Camp Museum could have no better setting to house its incredible collection of WW2 historical artefacts.

The prisoner of war camp, which saw its final prisoners leave in 1949, originally consisted of 33 huts. Today, the museum dedicates each of these huts to a different topic about the Second World War and the Home Front.

I love this layout, as it makes the sheer amount of information interactive and easy to digest. In fact, the Eden Camp Museum blows other museums out of the water, and it’s so interesting that it even fascinates those who aren’t “museum people”.

For this reason, I highly recommend it as one of the best things to do in North Yorkshire with kids. 

The museum runs living history weekends almost every bank holiday weekend, encouraging visitors to dress in period costume.

Reenactors attend the weekends, dressed in civilian and military clothing from the time, and there is a range of activities to bring the 1940’s to life.

Tickets cost £1 3, and at just a half-hour drive from York , the museum is an easy day out for anybody looking to immerse themselves in the past.

18. Feel Fancy at Castle Howard

Entry isn’t cheap, with a ticket to the house and gardens costing £22 , but at just 15 miles away from York, Castle Howard is absolutely worth visiting on a day out.

Despite what the name suggests, Castle Howard is actually a stately home, not a castle. As you explore the house, there’s something beautiful to see around every corner.

You’ll get to explore the Great Hall, the main entertaining room of Castle Howard, and all of the treasures brought back from around the world by the family on their many travels.

Guides in each room are fountains of information, and will happily answer any of your questions or give you more information.

Once you’re finished exploring indoors (and if the weather is on your side!) wander Castle Howard’s grounds.

Taking the path leading through the woods, you’ll arrive at the magnificent Temple of the Four Winds, a building originally used by the Howard family and their guests for refreshment and reading.

19. Savour Seaside Traditions at Scarborough

Look, Scarborough is hardly a place of overwhelming beauty. Being a stereotypical British seaside resort, it’s tacky, it’s run-down, and it’s horrendously outdated.

But does that mean you shouldn’t go? Absolutely not.

Visiting Scarborough is a Yorkshire rite of passage, you can have a lot of fun with the right mindset.

Pack a bucket and spade, grab some delicious fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, and hang out on the beach watching the world go by.

For a true British seaside resort experience, gather up your small change and pick one of the seafront arcades to try your hand at the 2p slot machines or a game of space hockey.

Of course, if you’re wanting to add a bit of culture to your day, Scarborough Castle is worth checking out, although it does cost £7.90 to enter.

20. Retrace Dracula’s Steps at Whitby Abbey

Scarborough’s more sophisticated sibling, Whitby is another seaside resort town on the North Yorkshire coast.

Here, you’ll find the 7th-century ruins of Whitby Abbey , an iconic symbol of Whitby overlooking the nearby harbour. Entry to the Abbey costs £9 , and you should set aside at least an hour to explore these captivating ruins.

From Whitby Abbey, take the famed 199 steps down to Tate Hill Sands. This descent is one of the most scenic views of Whitby.

Plus, stopping to admire the view breaks up the trek down to the beach! These 199 steps were the ones that Count Dracula climbed up when he first came to shore in England in Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic horror, Dracula.

In fact, Whitby has several Dracula sights, and the town takes great pride in the fact that a large chunk of the novel took place here.

For something different, visit Whitby during the twice-annual Whitby Goth Weekend , an alternative music festival and one of the biggest goth weekends in the world.

Even if you’re not into the goth lifestyle, just visiting the town during the event is an eye-opener and definitely entertaining as you marvel at the attendees’ wild hairstyles and eccentric outfits.

21. Do EVERYTHING in York

It’d be easy to write thousands of words on the many things you can do in the city of York, but as a starting point, you absolutely must visit the York Shambles.

York Shambles

This tiny street, with overhanging buildings, is allegedly J.K. Rowling’s inspiration behind Diagon Alley , and it’s clear why. The narrow cobbled street with its overhanging buildings does give off a sense of magic. Get there as early as you can to beat the crowds.

Nowadays, many of the timber buildings overhanging the street (which date back to the 13th century)! are shops selling Harry Potter themed merch, although there are still some gems to be found there, including quite a few great bookshops!

Jorvik Viking Centre

Another top attraction in York is the Jorvik Viking Centre . This is easily one of the most fun things to do in Yorkshire. It’s also one of the most impressive museums I’ve been to.

It might come as a surprise that York was once a Viking settlement, but the museum will have you up to speed in no time.

Jorvik (which was the Viking name for the city) sits on the site of a HUGE archaeological discovery in 1976, which revealed the remains of Jorvik from over 10,000 years ago.

Clamber into a carriage as you embark on a journey through a reconstruction of the city, checking out the Viking streets and the way life would have been in 10th century York.

Tickets are £12.50 , and it’s better to book online in advance – this place is hugely popular and gets manic!

If you’re going to visit a few York attractions, it’s worth purchasing the York Pass , which covers entry to over 40 attractions and all your public transport.

Get yours here!

York Minster

To try to be brief and not turn this post into 5,000 words of things to do in York, my final recommendation is the York Minster .

This cathedral is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe and has been a city landmark since 1472 . You can choose to marvel at its staggering height and beauty from the outside for free or pay £11.50 to go inside .

Although the interior is, obviously, beautiful, I don’t personally think it’s worth the price tag and recommend just looking at it from outside. Of course, if you’re a huge cathedral fan, go forth and explore!

22. Have Tea & Scones at Bettys Tea Room in Harrogate

Okay, admittedly having a cup of tea and a scone is hardly living life on the wild side, but hear me out:

Bettys Tea Room really know how to serve up great tea and scones.

Run by Bettys & Taylors, the company behind Yorkshire Tea (the best tea) (I feel very strongly on this matter!), this place turns tea and scones into an experience.

Sure, there’s a Bettys Tea Room in York, too, but Harrogate is where it all started over 100 years ago .

The interior is lovely, the welcome is always warm, and the scones and tea are always delicious. Plus, Harrogate is a lovely town to take a stroll in (and check out all the expensive houses most of us could never afford!).

23. Find the Wreck of the Admiral Von Tromp at Saltwick Bay

Just a one-mile walk along the beach from Whitby you’ll end up at Saltwick Bay. Here, you’ll find the Admiral van Tromp ship, which wrecked on the beach in 1976 under mysterious circumstances.

A visit here is definitely one of the more unusual and quirky things to do in Yorkshire!

Just how a modern-equipped ship wrecked on the beach still puzzles experts to this day.

Most puzzling of all was the testimony of a senior nautical engineer at the wreck’s inquest, who said that the ship could not have met such a fate unless somebody deliberately wrecked it. 

Creepy, right?!

Regardless of why the wreck happened, a visit to the Admiral Von Tromp is pretty interesting from a morbid curiosity point of view. And, as we already know, I have a nerdy obsession with ships, so I really enjoyed checking it out.

Plus, if you’re looking to get away from the tourist trail , this is one of the more overlooked attractions in North Yorkshire.

24. Get off the Beaten Path at Staithes

There are so many things to do on the Yorkshire coast, but if I had to pick just one place to visit I wouldn’t think twice before recommending Staithes.

This tiny village seems to be the place where time forgot. Its many secluded coves and its rugged windswept coastline also makes it one of the most romantic days out in Yorkshire .

Wandering the harbour, you’ll find fishing nets stacked out to dry, bunting-lined streets and a plethora of cash-only shops that, instead of being decorated in a vintage style, just haven’t been changed for so long that they’re the real deal.

Almost anywhere you choose to eat will serve up amazingly fresh seafood.

The miles of coastal paths sprawling from Staithes are second to none. My favourite is the 3-mile walk along the cliffs from Staithes to Runswick Bay .

I can’t recommend it enough! This hike totally changed my view of the Yorkshire coast and had kick-ass views from start to finish.

Best Things To Do In East Yorkshire

Arguably the most overlooked by tourists, there’s still a great offering of things to do in East Yorkshire! Unfortunately, you’ll need a car to discover most of the attractions in this region, but don’t let that put you off!

One of the benefits of exploring East Yorkshire is getting off the Yorkshire tourist trail and having lots of attractions almost all to yourself! Here are the best things to do in East Yorkshire.

25. Hike the Greenwich Meridian Trail

Another multi-day hike, this one follows the Prime Meridian Line. Starting in East Sussex, the Greenwich Meridian Trail ends 273 miles later at Sand le Mere in East Yorkshire.

For those who don’t want to do the whole thing, the walk is divided into four sections. If you’re based in East Yorkshire, you’re looking at the Boston to Sand le Mere section.

This part begins at the Lincolnshire Fens, carrying on through the Lincolnshire Wolds, Louth and the Humber Estuary.

Then, take a well-deserved break on a bus or boat as it delivers you to the final section through Holderness to end on the golden sands of Sand le Mere beach.

Walking this trail is one of the best things to do in Yorkshire for adults!

26. Wander around Flamborough Head

Famous for its white chalk cliffs, this area of the Yorkshire coast draws thousands of visitors every year. The Flamborough Head is undoubtedly the highlight of the East Yorkshire coast .

The best way to discover the head, which stands over the sprawling coastline, is on a 7-mile circular hike starting and ending in the village of Flamborough.

What makes this hike even better is it’s a totally free way to have a day out in Yorkshire’s stunning countryside.

Trailing through the Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve, the hike stops off at the famed Flamborough Lighthouse .

Despite being built way back in 1806, the lighthouse is still in use, and if you book in advance you can arrange to visit it on a guided tour.

The lighthouse, which is about halfway through the hike, is a great place to stop to catch your breath and marvel at the views. There is also a little cafe if you fancy a cup of tea or a refreshing drink.

From here, you can walk the 200 steps down to the beach. Just remember you’ll have to walk back up them again! If the weather isn’t suitable for the beach, you can just carry on with the hike. 

If you’re not in the mood for a hike, the Flamborough Head car park is only a minute’s walk away from the lighthouse. The beautiful views here make Flamborough Head one of the best days out in Yorkshire for couples!

27. Go to church at Beverley Minster

Imagine the huge gothic churches of Europe, but without the swarms of crowds – that’s what you’ll get at Beverley Minster .

This church, which, confusingly, is larger than most cathedrals, is beautifully decorated in the gothic style and situated in the historic market town of Beverley.

The minister, which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, is usually open every day , although you should check in advance for any unexpected changes.

Entry is free , although the church also offers a range of tours which cost £5 and last around 1 hour.

28. Discover RAF Holmpton Nuclear Bunker

A simple, unassuming bungalow hides the entrance to a previously top-secret cold war bunker.

Built in the 1950s as an early-warning radar system, the RAF Holmpton base was used for active military surveillance up until 2014, when it was sold and transformed into a top-class museum. 

Because the museum doesn’t get any state funding, the entrance fee is £9 . Luckily, I was totally blown away by this bunker and thought the entrance fee was well worth it. If you’re after unusual things to do in Yorkshire, look no further!

On entering the bungalow, you’ll descend some stairs before finding yourself in a 120-metre long tunnel. Navigating through that tunnel, you’ll find it’s exactly what you’d imagine from a top-secret underground bunker .

Passing through the blast doors, you’ll arrive in the once-secret headquarters. 

Guys, this place ! Despite thinking I’d be done in an hour, I spent almost three hours here. There’s just so much to see and learn about!

Most of the staff actually worked at the bunker when it was operational, and they have reams of information and anecdotes to share.

Of course, I preface this by saying if you’re not into history, you obviously won’t like it – BUT! If you have even a slight interest, or if you want a fun day out with kids in Yorkshire, head here!

29. Admire The Deep Aquarium in Hull

This huge aquarium, which is home to over 5,000 animals, is the ideal way to spend a day out in East Yorkshire when it’s raining. Highlights include sharks and penguins, and if you’re looking to learn, there’s an entire exhibition on prehistoric marine life.

You don’t have to worry about the mistreatment of animals here, either. The Deep is an environmental conservation charity, a not-for-profit aquarium and a participator in countless conservation and research schemes around the world!

The Deep is a all-round great indoor day out in Yorkshire for families, couples and even solo travellers! Tickets cost £19.75 for adults and £15.50 for children .

Best Things To Do In South Yorkshire

Given its lack of crazy-beautiful nature, dramatic coastline and quaint cobblestone towns, it can be easy for tourists to forget about South Yorkshire.

Just like in East Yorkshire, venture here if you’re looking to get off the beaten path and do as the locals do.

You’ll discover some of South Yorkshire’s surprising industrial history, have some of the best nights out of your life, and find lots of things to do for families or with kids.

Here are my favourite things to do (and a few places I still need to get to) in South Yorkshire!

30. Party at the Leadmill

Is this my favourite nightclub in the entire world? It sure is! Is this one of the best alternative music clubs in the world ? Hell yes!

Home to some of the best live music gigs in the UK, and training ground to local heroes the Arctic Monkeys, the Leadmill is always a great time.

Its name is recognised throughout the country and has revellers travelling from across the UK to this Sheffield institution. Drinks are cheap, entry is cheap, the music is epic and the people are friendly!

If there’s not a live gig on, each room will have a different musical genre, and you can flit between them depending on how you’re feeling. 

Normally, the biggest room will blast indie anthems whilst the smaller room will play 50’s and 60’s hits or RnB. Of course, this can change at any time depending on how the DJ feels. Get yourself down there on a Saturday night and dance the night away!

31. See Barnsley Main Colliery

Near the town of Barnsley you’ll find the Barnsley Main Colliery. Now the remains of a large deep mining site, these ruins are a monument to the area’s industrial heritage and its close ties with the mining industry.

Horrifically, it’s also the site of England’s worst mining disaster .

On 12 December 1866 an enormous explosion, caused by firedamp (a flammable gas found in mines), shook the surrounding neighbourhood. This incident trapped miners underground for three days and claimed 361 lives. 

The Barnsley Main Colliery isn’t set up as a tourist attraction yet, but debris and overgrowth have been cleared. There are also a few informational signs scattered about the site.

A visit here is a fascinating way to learn more about the area’s mining history and pay your respects. It’s one of the best days out for adults in Yorkshire!

32. Check out Brodsworth Hall

Built in the 1860s for the Thellusson family, this stately home stood relatively untouched until English Heritage took over the property in the 1990s.

Since then, the gardens have been restored to their original beauty and Brodsworth Hall ‘s faded interiors have been carefully restored. 

What’s fascinating about this property though, is that you’re able to see the decline of the house’s funds through exploring its interior. The inside of the house is exactly as its final resident, Sylvia Grant-Dalton, left it in 1988.

Although some rooms still retain their sense of elegance, others show very clearly the decline of Sylvia’s funds and her attempts to “make do and mend” as her servants dwindled. 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Victorian home’s interiors, followed by exploring the splendid gardens. To take a break from all that walking, stop by the tearoom for some fresh local produce and traditional tea. Adult tickets cost £9 each.

33. Enjoy Conisbrough Castle

Step back into the 12th-century lives of Lord Hamlein and Lady Isabel de Warenne at Conisbrough Castle , one of South Yorkshire’s most impressive landmarks.

Before entering the castle, be sure to stop by the visitors centre to read the information. You’ll appreciate knowing more about what you’re looking at!

Offering up stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this castle served as the inspiration behind Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 masterpiece, Ivanhoe . Although relatively small, allocate around an hour to explore the castle.

If you have kids, time your visit to coincide with the ‘dragon hunt’ organised at the castle. Adult tickets cost £7.80 .

34. Educate yourself at the Kelham Island Museum

Located in one of Sheffield’s oldest industrial areas, the Kelham Island Museum stands on a 900-year-old man-made island and educates on Sheffield’s fascinating industrial and steel making history .

With interactive exhibitions and on-site craftsmen, this museum aims to show what it was like to live in Sheffield and be involved in industry through the ages.

It covers cottage trades and skilled workmanship through to the industrial revolution, the Victorian era, two World Wars, and the present day.

The Kelham Island Museum also runs a huge steam engine, called the River Don Engine, at intervals throughout the day. Seeing this massive piece of machinery in action is very impressive.

Cover your ears, because it is very, very loud! The floor even shakes as it’s running! 

Don’t miss the Little Mesters’ Street section of the museum, which easy to walk by without noticing! The Little Mesers were a network of craftspeople working out of their home or small workshops to create cutlery and tools.

Nowadays, there are only a few of the Little Mesters left, two of whom work in the museum! As you pass through Little Mesters’ Street you can watch them work and ask questions.

35. Splash around at Calypso Cove Waterpark

In the town of Barnsley you’ll find a place perfect for a family trip out in South Yorkshire – the Calypso Cove Waterpark ! It’s not just for families, though. I last visited the waterpark I was 21, and my friends and I still had an epic time!

From slides to a wave pool and a lane swimming pool, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for the day. Plus, it’s all indoors, making Calypso Cove the perfect activity when it rains in South Yorkshire!

Prices vary depending on whether you’re visiting during a peak or off-peak time, but peak time costs £10.70 for 90 minutes. Family tickets are available for £23 off-peak and £25 peak .

Wow! That sure was a HUGE list, and I’m sure there’s enough on here to give you enough ideas for fun things to do in Yorkshire to last a lifetime!

Whether you’re looking to escape into nature, party late into the night, try some of the best food in the country or learn, learn, learn in Yorkshire’s countless museums, you’ll never run out of epic things to do in Yorkshire!

What are your favourite things to do in Yorkshire?

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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Fantastic list! I live in Yorkshire and still didn’t get to see half of these things! Can’t wait !

I’ve been to a few of these places including York which is possibly my favorite city in the UK. I’ve always wanted to go to Whitby though, so I will definitely have to make that a must do next time I’m in the UK visiting my family. This is a great list, looking froward to checking some of these things off

York is so lovely, and definitely worth the trip. I also highly recommend Whitby! I recently visited it for the first time and wrote another blog post all about it – again, I highly recommend it!

This is a great guide for visiting Yorkshire. I’ve been to a few of these spots, or at least driven through them at some point!

Glad you found it useful 🙂

All of these spots look amazing! I want to go back to England and visit Yorkshire. It is an area I missed on my last UK trip. 🙂

It’s definitely worth visiting! And quite off the beaten track for most international visitors to the UK.

I loved reading this! SO many cool things to do in my beautiful home county. I”ve probably only done about 50/60% of things listed here though. Like i havent been to Malham Cove and the Swinton Druid’s temple – I didnt know it existed in fact! I’m pinning this so I can come back to it when i’m home next!

So glad you liked it! Malham Cove is an absolute must – easily one of my favourite hikes in Yorkshire!

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9 Beautiful Circular Walks In West Yorkshire

Last Updated on 12/03/2023

Are you looking for an outdoor adventure or weekend walks in West Yorkshire? Look no further!

This round-up of the nine best circular walks in West Yorkshire has something for everyone. From easy terrain to more challenging routes.

Whether you’re a local resident, visitor, or just passing through, these beautiful circular walks offer stunning scenery and plenty of fresh air.

So, grab your walking boots and get ready to explore some of the most picturesque trails in the region!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

Walks In West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire is an ideal region for walking and hiking. It boasts stunning natural scenery, a rich cultural history, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

From the rugged Pennine hills to the tranquil valleys of Calderdale, this part of Yorkshire has something for every type of hiker. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike.

So, if you’re looking for your next great adventure in the outdoors, here are some of the best walks in West Yorkshire!

Circular Walks in West Yorkshire

For Yorkshire residents looking to get outdoors, there’s no better way than exploring the many beautiful circular walks in Yorkshire.

And if you’re looking for places to walk in Yorkshire, make sure you don’t overlook the West Yorkshire region!

West Yorkshire has some incredible scenery and country walks, which are often overlooked. You can find some of the best walks in Yorkshire in West Yorkshire!

Here are nine of the best circular walks in West Yorkshire that will satisfy your every outdoor craving!

Tong And Fulneck

Distance: 5 miles/8km Approx time: 2hrs minimum Terrain: Good field and woodland paths Parking: Street parking on the edge of the village, BD4 0RT

Fulneck was founded as a Movarian settlement in 1744.

This non-conformist group built some incredible buildings, including a chapel, communal houses, and schools. You’ll be able to see examples of their architecture on the walk.

You’ll start and end your walk in the village of Tong. In between the two villages you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some picturesque rolling countryside.

Be sure to pick up an ice cream from Goodall’s of Tong at the end of your walk!

For full details of the route, see here .

Distance: 3.5 miles/5.5km Approx time: 1hr15 minimum Terrain: Good tracks and woodland paths Parking: Roadside parking BD12 8LA

If you’re looking for a woodland retreat, Judy Woods is the ideal route.

Although the perfect spot for peaceful respite today, this wood bears the scars of an industrial past.

The remains of collapsed mining pits can still be seen, and the expanse of beech trees stems from the 18th century textile industry. They were planted to become spindles and bobbins!

This walk will give you an opportunity to appreciate just how expansive Judy Woods is. It will also take you through some of the pleasant surrounding countryside.

Bingley, Five Rise Locks and St Ives Estate

Distance: 7.5 miles/12km Approx time: 3hrs minimum Terrain: Good paths but steep terrain Parking: Pay and display car parks, BD16 2NB or BD16 2NA

One of my favourite local walks, this route features a number of impressive sights.

The spectacular viewpoint of Druid’s Altar requires a challenging climb but offers stunning panoramic views.

Plus, the pretty St Ives Estate features a number of sculptures and points of interest along the walk.

While you’re in the area, you need to look at the Five Rise Locks . The impressive staircase of locks is the steepest in the UK.

These locks lift travellers of the Leeds and Liverpool canal almost 60 feet in only 320 feet of canal and it takes about 30 minutes to navigate!

Farnley Tyas and Castle Hill

Distance: 5.5 miles/9km Approx time: 2h15 minimum Terrain: Field paths, road walking, and several stiles Parking: Roadside parking next to recreational ground, HD4 6TZ

The pretty hilltop village of Farnley Tyas boasts some spectacular views of the surrounding rural countryside.

On this walk, you’ll be able to appreciate the peace of the local area, which is dominated by farmland.

It is worth extending your walk to admire the Jubilee Tower, perched atop Castle Hill.

This tower was built in 1898 to commemorate the 60 years of Queen Victoria’s reign. For a small fee, you can climb the tower and admire spectacular views for miles around.

Bretton Hall

Distance: 3 miles/5km Approx time: 1hr15 minimum Terrain: Good paths and tracks Parking: Pay and display car park, S75 4BY

The impressive Bretton estate has belonged to only three families in over half a millennium.

The current hall was built in 1720 and served a prestigious school of arts between 1949 and 2007. Today, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park continues this legacy.

This walk will give you an opportunity to admire the Hall and the surrounding sculptures. It’s easy to see how the beautiful landscape inspired the arts!

Newmillerdam

Distance: 4.5 miles/7km Approx time: 1hr30 minimum Terrain: Good lakeside and woodland paths Parking: Pay and display car park, WF2 6QQ

This picturesque walk takes you around the Newmillerdam millpond and through secluded woodland.

Newmillerdam takes its name from the construction of a 13th-century corn mill. Despite having seen several reincarnations, the mill continued to operate here until 1960.

This gentle stroll gives you an opportunity to appreciate the beautiful country park. Within the woodland, you can discover the remnants of the milling past along the route.

Walton Heronry

Distance: 3.5 miles/5.5km Approx time: 1hr15 minimum Terrain: Good paths and tracks Parking: Pay and display car park, WF4 2EB

Walton Hall is a beautiful grade II listed building situated on a lake island and accessed by a cast-iron bridge.

It was the home of Charles Waterton, born 1782, who was an environmentalist well ahead of his time. He turned the grounds of the estate into what was possibly the world’s first nature reserve!

This walk takes you around the grounds of the estate. You can still spot descendants of the herons purchased by Waterton in the heronry today.

This diverse walk will take you beyond the lakes, through marshland, woodland, and fields on a pretty tour of Waterton’s legacy.

Standedge Circuit

Distance: 10 miles/16km Approx time: Five hours Terrain: Clear moorland paths with some steep ascents Parking: Marsden Moor car park HD7 6AX

Marsden Moor is in the South Pennines, sitting on the border between West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. It is a huge expanse of moorland that stretches more than 5000 acres.

The moor has many walking routes for people to enjoy the incredible views.

There are circular walks which take in different sections of the moor or long-distance walks for day hikes that include sections of the Pennine Way.

If you want to see most of the Marsden Moor sights on one trip, the best route to take is the Standedge Circuit. This route is challenging, but the incredible views are so rewarding!

Haworth to Top Withens Circular Walk

Distance: 8 miles/13km Approx time: Four hours Terrain: Clear and easy to follow paths with no stiles, but does include stepping stones over the beck and a few steep uphill sections Parking: Brontë Parsonage Museum Pay & Display Car Park BD22 8DS

Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse located on the West Yorkshire moors, four miles from Haworth.

The site has become a literary landmark that attracts visitors from around the world, due to its connection to the Brontë sisters.

The sisters apparently frequented the farmhouse on their walks through the moors. So much so that Top Withens supposedly provided the inspiration for the Earnshaw family home in Emily Brontë’s classic,  Wuthering Heights .

You can walk in the Brontë footsteps and enjoy a scenic moorland walk from Haworth. The route will take you around 90 to 120 minutes to arrive at Top Withens. Allow around four hours for the full circular walk at a steady pace.

Beautiful Walks in West Yorkshire

So, these are just some of my favourite circular walks in West Yorkshire. Is your favourite one on the list?

I’m always keen to try new West Yorkshire walks, so let me know your recommendations in the comments!

Want More Beautiful Walks?

Do you want to explore more beautiful walks across the UK? Check out these brilliant guides for more ideas!

• 50 Walks in West Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire Countryside: Country Walks on City Fringes
• Calderdale and South Pennines in the Yorkshire Pennines
• 50 Walks in the Yorkshire Dales
• 50 Walks in the Peak District
• 50 Walks in the Lake District
• 50 Walks in the Cotswolds
• 50 Walks in Snowdonia and North Wales
• 50 Walks in Cornwall

Before You Go

So, here are my favourite circular walks in West Yorkshire! Which of these West Yorkshire walks will you be taking on first? Let me know in the comments!

And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!

Until our next adventure,

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P.S. Love it? Pin it!

If you like this guide to the best circular walks in West Yorkshire, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  Yorkshire walking guides .

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

46 thoughts on “9 Beautiful Circular Walks In West Yorkshire”

Such a great and informative post. Thanks for sharing details on parking and time to walk through. The Five Rise Locks and St Ives Estate looks like that would be my first stop. Pinning for when I go. Thanks for sharing.

The Five Rise Locks is my favourite! It’s a beautiful walk with a lot to see on the route. I’m keen to do it again soon! I hope you get an opportunity to try them out!

I spent some time in the UK last Summer and I loved it but your post has me itching to go back.

We are lucky to have some really beautiful countryside in the UK! I hope you’re able to visit again soon!

These all look and sound lovely! I do like a good loop walk and i flipping love Yorkshire! I guess the best part is that afterwards you can have a fab lunch (including yorkshire puddings) in a pub!!

Yes!! Can’t beat pub grub! That is one of the many advantages of living in Yorkshire…you’re never far from a pub! It’s definitely the best way to end a walk!

Looks so peaceful and lovely, almost like a painting. Thank you for sharing!

It is really stunning! I’m so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful countryside! Despite the industrial history of the area, we still have a lot of beautiful rural escapes.

Your photo for ‘Bingley, Five Rise Locks and St Ives Estate’ has totally inspired to do that walk. It just looks idyllic! I hope to travel to the UK again in 2021, and I’m saving+pinning your blog for future travel planning.

That one is my favourite of all of the walks. There’s so much to see on the route! The hill is a little challenging but the views from Druid’s Altar are worth it! It’s exciting to hear you’re planning a return trip to the UK! Good luck with your travel planning and feel free to get in touch if you need any tips!

Such beautiful walks, thank you! Can’t wait to come back to England…

I hope you’re able to come back soon and try some of them out! There are some really beautiful places around to take some beautiful walks!

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The statues at Breton Hall look rather interesting! I love to walk and take pics. These don’t seem particularly strenuous either for a nice afternoon stroll.

The statues are incredible. The walk takes you through the Yorkshire Sculpture Park which has different exhibitions on at different times of the year, so it is different every time you go! It is a lovely place to wander and admire the sculptures.

I haven’t visited West Yorkshire yet, but I’d love to. I’d definitely be interested in Walton Heronry as the scenery alone looks beautiful and peaceful!

There are so many beautiful places in west Yorkshire, I hope you get an opportunity to visit! Walton Heronry is a lovely walk! It is so serene!

Love this! I can’t think of a better way to explore and area than by foot. I live in the Cotswolds and spent this summer exploring all of my local footpaths including a number of the long distance paths like the Cotswold Way and Diamond Way. I really need to get up to Yorkshire, it looks so beautiful!

Ah I love the Cotswolds! What a beautiful part of the UK! I’m heading there this weekend for my birthday in fact! I hope you get an opportunity to visit Yorkshire soon and try out some of these walks for yourself!

Love this curated list and guide of the best circular walks in West Yorkshire! Would love to hike all of them…nature is so good for the soul!

Ah I agree! I think a good hike has solved all the problems I’ve encountered! These circular walks in West Yorkshire are some of my favourites. I’m glad you love them too!

An afternoon walk in Yorkshire sounds like a perfect way to get out & explore the countryside! Thanks so much for sharing!

A walk is definitely the best way to discover Yorkshire! West Yorkshire in particular has some incredible hidden countryside that is often overlooked! Thanks for reading!

love this list.. and I appreciate your include description of the terrain…pinning the post for a hopeful visit in the future..and I might copy your way of organizing information..so easy to read and digest…

Thanks Jennifer! I’m glad you found the guide useful and the information easy to digest! I hope you get an opportunity to visit sometime soon!

I am OBSESSED with walking loops. This is such a great list! So much better than what I would find on the All Trails map. Thanks for putting this together! – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour

A circular walk is so much more satisfying, isn’t it? Otherwise, you reach the end of your trail and face the reality you have to walk all the way back again! I’m glad you like this list! Thanks for reading!

These walks all look so beautiful and unique! I think the serene atmosphere on the Judy Woods walk would make it my favorite. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

Judy Woods is a lovely spot! There is something about a woodland walk that makes it feel like somewhere new no matter how many times you visit! Thanks for reading!

Each of these walks looks so picturesque and I’d want to try all of them! But the two that stand out are Judy Woods and the Five Locks that I’d want to explore first. I enjoy any walk through woods as it’s nice when it’s hot out!

They are all lovely walks! Judy Woods is a beautiful spot! Although it wasn’t the heat we had to worry about when we last visited – it rained non-stop for the two hours we were there – even my waterproof hiking gear couldn’t hold up to the Yorkshire downpour! It was no less beautiful though! And the Five Rise Locks walk is incredible too!

All of these walks look really nice, but it’s fun to see some of the more unique ones with different sights. The tower on Castle Hill looks lovely, and those sculptures on the Bretton Hall walk certainly are different

It’s great when you stumble across unique sights on a walk, isn’t it? Castle Hill is a beautiful place and the view from the tower is stunning!

They all look so lovely! Yorkshire really is a beautiful place for walks isn’t it *w*

The walks are all stunning. There really are some beautiful places to explore in Yorkshire, but I often think West Yorkshire walks are overlooked. These are just a few of the beautiful ones on offer!

Very informative! I would definitely try out some of these but Tong And Fulneck will definitely be my first on the list and I’ll make sure not to miss trying the Ice cream from Goodall’s of Tong. 🙂

The Tong walk is definitely one of my favourites! It is a beautiful place to visit and I strongly recommend the ice cream – it is delicious!

I haven’t explored West-Yorkshire yet, but I love this list of walks. Thanks for sharing the approximate time to complete them and also places to park. That can be tricky sometimes. Can’t wait to plan a trip over there.

There are some beautiful walks in West Yorkshire, I hope you get an opportunity to explore them soon! It is often handy to research a parking spot as they are sometimes limited so I’m glad you find this information useful!

Oooooh these look incredible! I definitely want to do the Farnley Tyas and Castle Hill walk.

They are all lovely walks! Castle Hill is one of my favourite places to visit, it is a lovely spot!

Such beautiful walks in West Yorkshire! Adding all of that info for each is super useful, too! Great post!

I’m so glad you like the guide! There are some beautiful circular walks in West Yorkshire!

I think I’d try Judy Woods first, but they all sound great. I love circular walks that don’t leave you stranded (which happened to me recently).

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear you got stranded! Circular walks are definitely my favourite for that reason! Judy Woods is a beautiful walk!

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8 Charming Villages And Vibrant Towns To Visit On The Picturesque Yorkshire Coast

The Yorkshire Coast is a popular tourist destination that sees thousands of people flock to enjoy the perfect landscapes and beautiful sandy beaches. And, it’s easy to see why. There is something about it that hits differently about these sea spots. The Yorkshire Coast towns and villages stand against the harsh winds and cloudy skies through the autumn and wire months and fill up with tourists with their ice creams and buckets and spades in the summer months.

It’s the perfect staycation. There is nothing like a British seaside visit . Whether that’s fish & chip s by the sea, a lemon top ice cream or galavanting on the beach with the family.

1. Staithes, North York Moors

There will never be a list that Staithes doesn’t top for us it is perfect. As you head towards it along The Cleveland Way , you’re greeted with this view that has seldom changed over the years. Its cobbled and narrow streets still have the same.

A popular spot with photographers, the North York Moors village with its scattered red roof cottages is near Whitby and is home to a small sandy beach. It is a part of the Dinosaur Coast , which. is a popular spot for fossil hunters.

2. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Home of Dracula, Whitby is probably Yorkshire’s most famous and popular seaside town. Head up the 199 steps and visit Whitby Abbey, before heading for some fish & chips. You’re never short of the  best fish and chips  you’ll ever have in this beautiful coastal town.

There is more to Whitby, located along the Yorkshire Coast, than meets the eye. From Its quirky narrow streets to its busy harbour with its views of Whitby Abbey. There are plenty of pubs and bars and of course, restaurants to enjoy when you visit.

3. Robin Hood’s Bay, North York Moors – Best Yorkshire Coast towns and villages

This old fishing village, which is ranked as one of the  prettiest in the UK , is another beautiful place where you can enjoy a nice walk along the beach before heading over to enjoy the cafes and pubs. Walking around the narrow streets and checking out the idyllic cottages is great fun.

It’s renowned for its fossil hunting along the beach, and it is home to some fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants once you’ve had a jaunt up and down the hills a few times. Our favourite has to be The Laurel Inn, which is full of ye olde character and serves some classic Yorkshire ales. You half expect a fisherman to stumble in after a day at sea looking for a well-earned pint.

4. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s  oldest seaside town  still has that old charm that drew Victorian tourists back in the day. Play on the arcades and walk along with the front taking in the cliff views for a perfect day out. At Christmas time, you can enjoy some of the events they have going on, so it’s grand all year round.

It has some fantastic beaches that help make it one of the best summer locations across the country and also has the fantastic Asian-inspired Peasholme Park, which has plenty of things to do for families. You’ll never go board from a trip to Scarbrough that’s for sure.

Read More: 15 Of The Best Beaches In Yorkshire To Visit This Summer

5. Sandsend, North York Moors

Sandsend is a quaint seaside village between Whitby and Scarborough. It has beautiful views of Whitby Abbey and a beautiful stretch of beach with a stream running through it to the sea. The village has fantastic restaurants, a village shop and a couple of pubs to enjoy a few ales.

We highly recommend the fish tacos from The Fish Cottage with views of the coast in the outdoor seating area. Sandsend is a lot less busy compared to its busier counterparts but has a massive street of beach to enjoy. It’s also part of the Cleveland Way making for some fantastic walks.

6. Runswick Bay, North York Moors Best Yorkshire Coast towns and villages

Further up the coast from Whitby, the former fishing village is hidden in a sheltered cove and offers a beautiful sandy beach. It’s great for the kids as they can hunt through the rock pools and go fossil hunting. If you’re out for a brisk walk, it’s along the Cleveland Way, which offers fantastic views.

The beautiful sandy beach is just a few miles north of Whitby and has a wonderful thatched house on the Yorkshire Coast, which is the only one remaining on the coast. The scenes is very dramatic and takes you back in time.

7. Flamborough, East Yorkshire

One of East Yorkshire’s hidden gems, North Landing a wonderful beach spot, Flamborough Head and Thornwick Bay are just a stone’s throw from the village and are a perfect convex that is brilliant to visit If you enjoy bird watching, head over to Bempton Cliffs, one of the largest and most accessible mainland nesting colony of the gannet; plus puffins, razorbills, guillemots and other seabirds. and see the thousands of birds that nest in the cliffside.

Flamborough is located near to the market town of Driffield, and the popular beach spot Bridlington where you can enjoy cruises on the Yorkshire Belle to get a closer look at some of these amazing birds.

8. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North York Moors – Best Yorkshire Coast Towns And Villages

Yorkshire’s answer to Brighton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a quirky seaside town that’s up and coming. Its pier and water-balanced cliff lift that’s the oldest of its kind is the focal points of the town. And, it’s a lovely spot for fish & chips and arcades down at the bottom.

Its highest street up top is getting more and more independent restaurants bars and craft ales spots perfect for those looking for a weekend away – definitely one of our favourite spots on the coast that’s for sure.

Read More: 7 Yorkshire Coast Hidden Gems For You To Explore This Summer

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