Things to do in Yorkshire
The UK’s largest county, Yorkshire is packed with attractions and possibilities to discover. With large, historic cities, beautiful rolling countryside and some of the country’s most stunning coastline, Yorkshire is a delightful destination for enjoying a getaway.
YHA Grinton Lodge - Valentines Day
Spending Valentines Day at our most romantic location - YHA Grinton Lodge in the heart of North Yorkshire. As seen on ITV's This Morning and the Independent!
Top Yorkshire attractions
Best things to do in Yorkshire
Walking
Yorkshire is a haven for walkers, with routes and trails to suit all abilities on offer to those who wish to explore the county on two feet. Here’s our brief guide to three of the best walks from our hostels.
Hawes and Sedbusk
Starting from YHA Hawes and heading through the village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this circular walk isn’t long but is relatively strenuous. It’s well worth the effort for views of Hardraw Force and Wensleydale, plus features part of the Pennine Way.
3.5 miles, 2 hours
Boggle Hole to Robin Hood’s Bay
Take a walk along the North Yorkshire coastline to Robin Hood's Bay from Boggle Hole – along the old railway and then back across the clifftops or the beach (at low tide only) on your return. If the tide is low enough to walk along the beach, take some time to look for fossils or in the rock pools – the kids will love it!
3 miles, 1hr 45mins
Grinton
YHA Grinton Lodge is one of YHA’s grandest properties, with excellent walking terrain surrounding the hostel. With limestone scars, valley pastures, sweeping moorland and the remnants of an industrial past in the form of lead mine arches, walking in the area is varied and enjoyable.
4 miles, 2 hours
Transport
By train
Yorkshire’s largest cities are served by various mainline routes. From London, the Virgin East Coast services operate regular fast services to Leeds, Wakefield, York and Doncaster, and there are also consistent trains to Sheffield. Localised services operate between smaller towns and these larger areas, though make sure you plan your route thoroughly to ensure a smooth journey.
By bus
National Express Coaches operate regular direct services from London to the cities of York, Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster and Hull. There are comprehensive networks of local bus services throughout most areas of the county, giving visitors an easy way to explore the area.
By plane
Yorkshire is fortunate to be served by two large airports in Doncaster Sheffield (DSA) and Leeds Bradford. For flights from further afield, Manchester airport is only a relatively short drive away from the county.
By car
To travel to Yorkshire by car, take the M1 or A1 from the south, the M62 from the west and the A1 from the north east.
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Plan a trip
Yorkshire is large, so to make sure you see all you wish to, it’s well worth ensuring you’ve got at least two or three days to explore. To help you along your way, we’ve picked out four locations in which to base yourself!
York
Set within beautiful medieval city walls, York is well worthy of an independent visit, whether for a jam-packed day out or for a weekend away. The city is perhaps best known for its minster, one of the world’s premier cathedrals and a building which dominates the city. History is constantly celebrated around the city, with numerous tourist attractions pertaining to the city’s long and illustrious past. Go and explore it for yourself – you’ll not be disappointed.
Whitby
For a coastal town full of charm, dramatic scenery and plenty of tradition, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere better than Whitby. The jewel of its crown is the vast remains of Whitby Abbey, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the setting for numerous films and TV series. A visit isn’t complete without eating local fish and chips, with some of the country’s best exponents of the dish based in the town.
Harrogate
Set in the heart of the county, the spa town of Harrogate is perhaps Yorkshire’s most attractive settlement, owing to its handsome, historic architecture, its quaint cafes and its delightful gardens. Its most famous feature is Betty’s tea room, which draws visitors from far and wide for its enduringly popular afternoon teas.
Scarborough
If a more traditional British seaside holiday is on your agenda when considering a break in Yorkshire, then Scarborough should be top of the list, especially if you are seeking a family break. When the summer sun shines Scarborough comes to life, with two magnificent beaches providing the focal-point of a thriving town. The kids will love building their sandcastles, and should the Yorkshire weather not quite deliver, then neighbouring amusement arcades and souvenir shops will provide ample entertainment.
Best budget accommodation in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is packed with superb hostel accommodation, particularly in its two fantastic national parks. YHA boast 15 hostels across the county, from Hawes to Haworth, Beverley to Boggle Hole. These hostels are varied in size, setting and character, so whether you wish to stay next to a Benedictine abbey, in a medieval friary or simply in a purpose built hostel, we’re sure there’ll be something to suit you in Yorkshire.
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