From the hauntingly beautiful Whitby to bustling York, we love to visit Yorkshire. Here are our best days out in Yorkshire for an unforgettable day out.
There are so many beautiful places in the UK to spend a day out and make memories together. Yorkshire is full of wonderful places to explore. After visiting Yorkshire a fair few times we have put together a list of our top 10 days out in Yorkshire for you to enjoy.
1. Whitby
Whitby has to be our number 1! It’s quite possibly our favourite seaside destination and it’s one of the most popular places for a day out in Yorkshire. It really does have something for everyone, the Abbey, the beach, the piers and how can we not mention the incredible fish and chips. (Arguably the best in the world) The pier is one of our favourite places to catch a sunset.
If you love to explore independent cafes and shops there are so many to choose from on the beautiful narrow cobbled streets, steeped in history. The coastal walks are unforgettable, the beach walk to Sandsend past the gorgeous beach huts is a lovely stroll. Or if you prefer to have a lazy day you can have a beach day and watch the world go by or try your hand at crabbing and fossil hunting.
2. Hawes
Surrounded by rolling countryside and located in the heart of Wensleydale is the pretty little village of Hawes. The name Hawes means a pass between mountains. The village itself has a one-way system and cobbled streets bursting with antique and gift shops. If you love to walk this is a great place to explore. There are walks here suitable for every walking capability, from gentle strolls on the river to a hike up on the hills. There is also the famous Hardraw Force waterfall nearby that is within walking distance and alternatively is easy to get to by car. After plenty of wandering and exploring make sure to pop into a local pub for some delicious food or a drink.
3. York
One of the best days out in Yorkshire has to be York. You feel like you’re stepping back in time visiting here and there is so much to see and do. A fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective is to walk around the walls. The Minster is a spectacular building. With plenty of museums to choose from, parks to visit, river cruises to enjoy, and boats to hire, you won’t be short of things to do here. Check out the shambles one of York’s most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe then unwind in one of the many pubs and restaurants.
4. Robin Hoods Bay
We find Robin Hoods Bay a totally magical place to visit. It is a gorgeous little fishing village, and so quaint. We can spend lose hours exploring all the narrow cobbled alleys, full of fishermen’s cottages, bookshops, independent shops and the most peaceful atmosphere. One of our favourite shops here is Berties of Bay, it’s a heritage clothing brand reviving traditional nautical styles worn along the wonderful Yorkshire coastline from times gone by. There are gift shops and a pub right next to the sea. It might be small but don’t underestimate it! There’s plenty to do here on a day out in Yorkshire, there is a beach to enjoy and it’s a great beach for rock pooling and fossil hunting. You can walk along the beach to Boggle Hole and back along the cliff tops.
5. Harrogate
Harrogate is a spa town that is very popular with day-trippers. It’s a beautiful place to visit whether you fancy wandering around the shops, dining in the restaurants or just a day out you won’t be disappointed here. Valley Gardens has a stunning array of flower displays all year round and you can also visit Rhs Harlow Carr gardens which are on the outskirts of the town. The spa is also worth a visit, although the water isn’t to everyone’s taste! There are narrow streets with bars and cafes tucked away and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
6. Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is worth a visit at any time of the year, we especially love visiting at Christmas as the Abbey is lit up and there is a carol service in the abbey too, it’s really magical. The grounds here are absolutely huge and great to explore its also attached to Studley Royal which is full of Deer, which is just so lovely to see, there is also the 7 bridges valley walk. The Abbey itself is fantastic and there’s a lot to explore. This is a great place to spend a peaceful day wandering and enjoying the scenery.
7. Ilkley
Famous for Ilkley Moor with the cow and calf rocks, plus White Wells Spa although this is no longer in use you can go in. There are endless beautiful moor walks here to enjoy. This beautiful spa town is wonderful to visit especially in the summer months, the river has boats you can hire and a huge park to relax in. There is the Lido and there are plenty of lovely places to eat and drink, with outside space to relax and people watch.
8. Filey
If you are looking for picture-perfect beaches, family-friendly attractions, and a traditional British charm, Filey is a wonderful choice for a day out in Yorkshire. We love to visit this unspoiled seaside town. Filey is full of gift shops, cafes, parks and along the promenade there is crazy golf, swings, and various other children’s rides, whilst at the far end is an amusement arcade where you can lose hours on the 2p machines, then there is the Brigg which is a must either walking on the beach or the top, the views are stunning. The beach here is beautiful and ideal to spend the day on.
The prettiest Yorkshire Peak has to be Pen-y-Ghent it can be climbed starting at Horton in Ribblesdale. It’s only around 1.5 miles to the summit from here, but just so you are aware it’s quite a climb! We find the hardest part before the scrabble bit at the top. When you make it to the top this is a fantastic spot to admire the view, take photos and enjoy a picnic. Back down is a long clear path with beautiful views of Yorkshire. Visit Hull Pot on the way it’s quite amazing especially if it’s inflow.
10. Burton Agnes Hall
An Elizabethan stately home near Bridlington Burton Agnes Hall has beautiful gardens, a sculpture on the pond and a wonderful set of geese at the front of the house. This beautiful house is full of history. The walled garden is truly magical in summer. We love that it has giant chess, droughts, and snakes and ladders set to play with. After playing games we really enjoy the woodland walk here, it’s famous for the snowdrops in January and February. There is also a small area outside to buy plants and a cafe. If you have time the beach isn’t far away to grab an ice cream to end your day.
We hope you enjoyed this post, let us know what your best days out in Yorkshire are in the comments below!
