What Can You Do for a Day Out in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire is the largest historic county in England. Locals celebrate Yorkshire Day annually on August 1 to commemorate the regimental anniversary of the Battle of Minden.

During the battle, the British soldiers put white roses on their hats as a sign of respect for their fallen comrades. Eventually, the British forces triumphed over the French in the Seven Years’ War.

August 1 is also the anniversary of the liberation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834, for which William Wilberforce, a Yorkshire member of parliament, campaigned.

It’s ideal for visiting Yorkshire every August 1, so you’ll have a profound appreciation of the county’s culture. However, Yorkshire is so irresistible that you don’t need a special occasion to appreciate its beauty.

Want to visit Yorkshire anytime soon? This article gives an overview of what you can do for a day out in this historic county.

Activities to Do and Places to Visit in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is a vibrant county that boasts of beautiful places and rich culture. Here are some lovely places to see and fun activities to do in Yorkshire.

Damien Hirst Sculptures at YSP

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) features four sculptures by British contemporary artist Damien Hirst.

- Charity (2002-2003)
- Myth (2010)
- The Hat Makes the Man (2004-2007)
- The Virgin Mother (2005-2006)

The ticket price for YSP entry is £6 per adult visitor. However, admission is free for those under 18 years old.

Robin Robin Trail

If you’re seeking an outdoor adventure, then the Robin Robin adventure trail is perfect for your whole family.

Located at Belfast’s Window on Wildlife, the Robin Robin adventure trail includes exclusive activity packs that will help you finish fun challenges along the way.

It also includes some activities you can do at home and a chance to build your own nest for Robin and her family. You’ll even be given a certificate if you prove to be a remarkable Robin!

Along the trail, you’ll hear engaging audio that just simply adds excitement to your adventure. Just scan the QR code as you listen to Robin, voiced by British actress Bronte Carmichael. 

The available dates are from November 24, 2021, to January 10, 2022, with tickets sold for £3 per child plus an admission fee. The cost includes an activity pack containing pencils, booklets, and Christmas tree decorations.   

At Robin Robin adventure trail, no booking is required. Everyone can take on the trail's exciting challenges daily from 10 AM to 3 PM, except for Christmas and Boxing day.

Despite being kid-friendly, such an activity can be pretty taxing for some people. So whenever you engage in physically challenging adventures, make sure to prepare yourself by undergoing fitness programs or weight loss procedures. 

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York this winter. York’s favourite outdoor ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, and vintage funfair are open from November 19, 2021, to January 9, 2022.

The opening marks the 16th season of Winter Wonderland in York. The event made its debut on the Eye of York in 2005 as the Ice Factor, the largest outdoor ice rink in the Northern part of England.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

If you want to experience a walkthrough wildlife adventure, then you’ll enjoy Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

The park has around 475 animals with 60 different species, including those endangered or threatened in the wild.

You may also join the park’s animal rangers for various daily talks, animal feeding experiences, and entertaining shows.

The shows and ranger talks are as follows:

- Meerkat Talk
- Leaping Lemurs Talk
- Lion Tales Ranger Talk
- Rollaway Monkey Ranger Talk
- Into Africa! Ranger Talk
- Wallaby Walkabout Feeding Time
- Painted Dog Ranger Talk
- Project Polar Number One Ranger Talk
- Tiger and Leopard Ranger Talk
- Sea Lion Talk

If you’re with kids, they’ll love the fantastic play areas at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Jungle Lookout

Jungle lookout is an outdoor play area perfect for children of all ages. It has prominent wooden tree forts, obstacle courses, wooden jungle huts, and gigantic slides. 

Tall trees surround the jungle lookout, so you can enjoy a family picnic and relax under their shade.  

The Oasis Adventure

The Oasis Adventure play area is located near the camel and giraffe reserves. It’s the largest and most adventurous outdoor play area at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. It has zip lines, climbing frames, and slides.

Big Bug Play Zone

This play zone is located near the giant undercover pyramid tent. It’s an ideal spot for picnics and plays regardless of the weather.

Kukulu Play Island

Kukulu Play Island is located at the centre of “Experience Ethiopia.” The island is an ideal location to let your children play while you grab something to eat.

Monkey Playhouse

This indoor playhouse has three stories of action-packed fun and adventures for children of all ages. Your kids can ride the snake slide, climb the treehouse, and play alongside the troop of Guinea Baboons.

The playhouse is open from 11 AM daily. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it only has a limited capacity and is closed for 15-minute cleaning intervals throughout the day.

The playhouse closes at 3 PM daily.

Brigantia’s Bounty

If arts and crafts inspire you, you’ll enjoy the exhibit of Brigantia’s members for free at the North York Moors National Park Centre.

Brigantia, a group of talented design workers and artists, creates a selection of innovative crafts and arts during the winter months.

The exhibition runs from November 13, 2021, to January 3, 2022. It’s open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM but is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

More About the Moors National Park Centre

The centre is located on the banks of the River Esk near Danby village in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire. 

At the Moors National Park Centre, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking views. You can also see the following:

- Moorland
- Woodland
- Farmland
- Miles of hedges
- Drystone walls
- Historic buildings

There are also numerous things to do inside the centre:

You may want to explore the exhibition space that gives visitors insights into the North York Moors’ history and habitats. You can also learn about the ironstone heritage.

Discover how these iconic landscapes were formed and learn about the connections between the animals and plants that thrive there.

Aside from the Brigantia exhibit, the Inspired by… gallery features various artwork inspired by the North York Moons. It also has gallery shops with artisan crafts and handmade jewellery.

If you’re with your kids, they’ll surely love the climbing cave at the centre. While your kids are playing, you may visit one of the shops inside.

They have various collections of books, postcards, maps, and guides. You can also buy something unique from the area if you’re looking for souvenirs.

York Dungeon

The York Dungeon brings together a talented cast of theatrical actors that take on characters from the city’s dark past. It’s a walkthrough of 2,000 years of Yorkshire’s darkest history.

In the York Dungeon, get ready to meet the following exciting characters:

- Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking king of York
- Guy Fawkes, the famed plotter
- Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman
- Witches
- Plague doctors
- Torturers

The York Dungeon is located at 12 Clifford St., York, North Yorkshire. You need to pre-book if you plan to go there. In addition, every visitor over the age of 11 will have to wear a mask inside.

Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle in Wensleydale is one of the beautifully preserved medieval castles in the U.K. Originally, the castle was built as one of the most luxurious homes in the land.

It also offers a wide range of exciting activities to do. You can watch the birds of prey display, try archery, feed the wild boar, or explore the depths of the medieval castle, which has 600 years of history.

Outside Bolton Castle, you can enjoy a stroll through the medieval gardens and come across a vineyard, rose garden, and maze on your adventures.

Bolton Castle is under the private ownership of Lord Bolton, the direct descendant of Sir Richard le Scrope, the castle’s original owner.

Unfortunately, the castle and gardens are closed for the winter. However, they’ll open again from March 26, 2022, to October 30, 2022.

Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey boasts 30,000 acres of countryside, with 80 miles of pathways interwoven within.

Priory Church and Ruins

At the centre of Bolton Abbey Estate lies the Priory Church and Ruins of an Augustinian Priory.

Alice de Rumilly gifted the beautiful land to the Augustinian canons in 1154. The canons lived there until 1539 when the monasteries’ dissolution took away the Priority of its assets.

Strid Wood and the Strid

Strid Wood is known for its flora and bluebells that bloom in late April and early May. It’s home to a myriad of wildlife, such as roe deer, kingfisher, otters, and great spotted woodpecker.

In 1810, Rev. William Carr and the 6th Duke of Devonshire opened Strid Wood. They invited the public to see the beautiful woodland they created.

The Strid, on the other hand, is located at the centre of Strid Wood. It gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word “Stryth,” which means turmoil. 

The Strid can be accessed from all three estate car parks depending on how far you wish to walk through it.

Above the Strid’s mouth, where the river is about 30 feet wide, the water flows calmly. Since the river is squeezed at the Strid, it funnels hundreds of gallons of water via a tiny six-foot channel.

Hence, the water thrashes side to side and up and down. It also travels faster, causing whirlpools to arise. Therefore, you need to read all the signs in this area and stay away from the edge.

Stepping Stones

The 60 stepping stones were the crossing path for the lay workers at the Priory. You may cross via the stepping stones or use the bridge for a safe and dry passage.

There’s a beach area north of the stepping stones. It’s the perfect spot for your friends and family. You can enjoy a picnic, build sandcastles, or simply relax and relish the beautiful scenery of the Priory.

Valley of Desolation and Simon’s Seat

Walking through the Valley of Desolation is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The valley has an access point leading to Barden Fell.

You’ll see a beautiful waterfall there. As you walk continuously up the moors, you’ll also spot Simon’s Seat, a 485m rocky outcrop above sea level.

When you’re up there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view. The experience will be so rewarding you’ll wish an SEO or social media service company could help boost the traffic and tourism of the place. 

Flora and Fauna

Bolton Abbey is a haven for both common and rare species. If you’re lucky, you may even spot otters playing by the River Wharfe. You may also witness the buzzard flying over the moors or the green woodpecker on the east bank.

There’s also a plethora of wildflowers and fungi at Bolton Abbey. You may want to visit this place during the spring to see the carpet of bluebells and smell the pungent aroma of wild garlic.

If you happen to visit Bolton Abbey in the summer, you may see yellow pimpernel and yarrow bloom. The rich, vibrant colours of autumn make the scenery in Strid Wood all the more beautiful.

Barden Tower

Barden Tower was a hunting lodge and the principal seat of administration for Barden Hunting forest.

The shepherd lord named Henry Clifford rebuilt it in the late 15th century and transformed it into his primary residence.

Clifford later built the Priest House, which is now a favourite wedding venue. You’re welcome to wander around the ruined tower to take in its rich history.

National Railway Museum 

Want to take a trip back in time? Then visit the National Railway Museum, which features millions of train-related artifacts. It has several historical pieces, from photos, uniforms, and coins to even some of the largest locomotives in history, including:

- Shinkansen, the only Japanese bullet train outside of Japan
- Eurostar, the fast train in the United Kingdom
- Queen Victoria’s “Palace on Wheels”

The Railway Museum also has an outdoor play area for young visitors. If you have kids, they can blow off steam during an exciting day out at the museum.

They can test their strength on the monkey bars, navigate the heights of the rope climb, and take a whirl on the spinner.

If you have children younger than five, you can also bring them to the indoor play area in Great Hall so they’ll have a blast.

Flamingo Land

Flamingo Land is a theme park with numerous rides that will surely get your adrenaline pumping. Some popular attractions include:

Mumbo Jumbo

Mumbo Jumbo is a thrilling roller coaster with a 112^o vertical drop and two full inversions. It was dubbed the “world’s steepest steel roller coaster” until July 1, 2011. 

Velocity

If you’re into superbike racing, then you’ll enjoy taking the Velocity. It’s the United Kingdom’s first and only motorbike launch coaster.

Accelerating from 0 to 60mph for 2.8 seconds and bolting through over 2,000 feet, Velocity is an adrenaline-fuelled ride that coaster fans will love.

Cliff Hanger

Cliff Hanger is one of the tallest vertical drop rides in Europe. It’s a thrilling ride, specially made for individuals who are always up for fun and adventures. 

This ride combines numerous launch and drop experiences. It also lacks telltale sounds, so you’ll have no idea what’s going to happen or where your journey will end.

Pterodactyl

Like the Cliff Hanger, Pterodactyl is a ride that combines high-altitude excitement with a swooping and soaring motion.

When you’re aboard, you may feel fear creeping inside you. And within a few moments, you’ll start swirling above as the speed becomes faster.

Helitoys

This kids’ ride is composed of six colourful mini helicopters. You may accompany your child for the ride, but that’s up to you. Before climbing up high, make sure to close the door and take the controls.

You may fly towards the left side, turn right, or spin back around. The rider can go almost any way they like before landing safely back on the ground in this ride.

Clyclosoar

This ride has six pedal-powered “hang gliders,” where you can take complete control for fun and soaring adventure in the sky.

The glider has two elevated seats, which you can share with a friend. You may take turns in piloting, or you may sit back and enjoy the flight. 

Malham Cove

If you’re in search of breathtaking views, then Malham Cove is the place for you. This limestone scar is surrounded by spots that help create one of the most famous walks in the Yorkshire Dales.

In one leisurely walk, you’ll see Janet’s Foss waterfall, Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar, and other stunning sceneries every step of the way.

Malham Cove is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire.

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle is a 900-year-old medieval castle in England. It’s well-preserved and is worth a visit at any season of the year.  

You can explore every corner of Skipton Castle to know more about its impressive history. Some of the castle’s main attractions include:

- Banqueting hall
- The kitchen
- The bedchamber
- The privy
- The dungeon
- The watchtower

When you visit Skipton Castle, you’ll be given a comprehensive tour sheet available in 10 languages with 40 sketches and descriptions of its various features.

If you want to have a quintessential British break, then Yorkshire is the place to visit. The suggested sites listed in this article are just a small portion of what the county can offer.

So start packing your bags now and see it for yourself!