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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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12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Yorkshire

Written by Bryan Dearsley Nov 17, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of the most visited regions of the UK , the historic county of Yorkshire has plenty to offer those seeking fun things to do while on vacation in England. Set on the east coast of Northern England and known officially as the County of York, Yorkshire is in fact split into four individual counties for administrative purposes: North Yorkshire , South Yorkshire , West Yorkshire , and the East Riding of Yorkshire .

Yorkshire is Britain's largest county and one of the best places to visit if you're seeking an authentic English travel experience. Here, you'll find everything from stunning old cathedrals to perfectly preserved medieval-era homes and shopfronts rubbing shoulders with world-class museums, art galleries, and entertainment facilities.

It's also easy getting to Yorkshire from London . It's also easy to get around by car or bus, with most of its remotest corners accessible by a good road network.

To learn more about the county's numerous attractions, be sure to read through our list of the top things to do in Yorkshire.

1. Take a Tour of York Minster

2. take the train to the national railway museum, york, 3. visit the royal armouries museum, leeds, 4. sheffield botanical gardens, sheffield, 5. amble along the shambles, york, 6. england's top country estate: castle howard, york, 7. visit britain's floral city: harrogate, 8. explore york castle museum & clifford's tower, york, 9. take the kids to the streetlife museum in hull, 10. hike the yorkshire wolds way, 11. make the climb to scarborough castle, 12. explore the ruins of rievaulx abbey, map of things to do in yorkshire.

Immensely walkable, the beautiful city of York makes for an ideal location to begin your Yorkshire adventure. One of the city's top attractions is undoubtedly its impressive cathedral: York Minster . England's largest medieval cathedral, York Minster was constructed in the 1200s and is as attractive on the inside as it is on the outside.

Notable features include its spectacular stained-glass windows, in particular the famous Pilgrimage Window. Added in the early 14th century, it's unusual for its golden dragon and monkey.

Also worth seeing, the Cathedral Treasury features fascinating interactive galleries depicting the cathedral's construction and rich history.

For an unforgettable bucket-list adventure, climb the 275 steps of York Minster's Central Tower. You'll be rewarded not just with spectacular views over the city but also of the cathedral's richly decorated interior.

Speaking of views, book one of the spectacular cathedral-view rooms at the fully renovated Principal York .

Even closer to York Minster on Chapter House Street, the historic Grays Court Hotel dates back to the 11th century and is just steps away from the cathedral; it's restaurant, The Bow Room , offers an incredible multi-course dining experience overlooking the hotel's garden and York City Walls.

Address: Deangate, York, North Yorkshire, England

Official site: https://yorkminster.org

One of the top free things to do in York for families is a visit to the National Railway Museum. While only a short stroll away from York's historic train station, it's a big museum, so be sure to allow plenty of time to see it all.

In addition to its huge collection of historic steam engines and carriages, many of which you can see from specially raised viewing platforms, the museum is home to the Rocket , the country's first passenger service. Plenty of modern engines are included, too, including high-speed British and overseas examples. A number of Royal carriages are also on display.

In addition to a well-stocked shop selling train-related models, toys, and books, a fun afternoon tea experience aboard a historic Royal carriage is also available.

Address: Leeman Road, York, England

Official site: www.nrm.org.uk

The county town of West Yorkshire, Leeds offers plenty of fun things to do . Topping most lists is paying a visit to the Royal Armouries Museum. Here, you'll find the UK's official collection of old arms and armor, including examples from around the world.

Laid out in a series of themed galleries, must-sees include the Tournament Gallery, with its displays relating to knights and jousting, including original armor once worn by King Henry VIII; and the international collection, which includes rarities from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Tolkien fans will also want to visit the museum's collection of weaponry props used in the making of the hit Lord of the Rings movies.

Check the official website for details of special family events, workshops, and programs, including re-enactments and weapon demonstrations. Guided tours are available, and a gift shop and café are located on-site.

Address: Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

Green thumb or not, a visit to Sheffield Botanical Gardens is time well spent. Located just three miles west of the city center, it's an easy Sheffield attraction to get to by car or bus.

Set amid 19 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the gardens were founded in 1836 and remain one of the top such collections in England.

Among its over 5,000 plant species, many of them housed in the property's historic glasshouses, are examples from the Southern Hemisphere. Also of note is the attractive Victorian Garden and the Four Seasons Garden with its hardier plant types.

Admission is free, and a café is located on-site. Best time to visit? If you can, try to plan a visit for spring or early summer when everything is in bloom.

Address: Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England

Taking a stroll along the famous Shambles in York is another great reason to visit this historic cathedral city. This large collection of fabulously preserved old timber-framed houses and shopfronts dates from the 14th century and is fun to explore.

Too narrow for cars and trucks, the Shambles is a cobbled street that is immensely pleasurable to explore thanks to the absence of anything other than people traffic. Along the way, you'll notice many of these old buildings actually seem to hang over the streets.

If you look closely, some still have the hooks used to hang meat, as the area was known as the city's butcher district. Today, they house everything from fun souvenir shops to tearooms and boutique stores.

Location: The Shambles, York, North Yorkshire, England

One of the most picturesque of English country estates, elegant Castle Howard is a must-visit when exploring the Yorkshire countryside. Just 15 miles from downtown York, Castle Howard is so vast, it actually took over 100 years to complete, with construction on the county's original mega-project completed in 1799.

It's easy to spend the best part of a day exploring both the grounds and the estate home itself, set on 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Highlights include enjoying a guided sightseeing tour of the sprawling, still-privately owned home, taking in its well-preserved furnishings, artworks, and stunning décor.

For the ultimate Yorkshire selfie, head to the fountain at the front, framing the home in your shot behind you.

Address: The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, England

Known affectionately as "Britain's Floral Resort," the attractive town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire is a must-visit for fans of formal gardens and urban green spaces. An easy day-trip from Leeds, York, or the city of Manchester, Harrogate first hit the public's radar after the discovery of hot springs in the 1500s and has been a popular tourist destination ever since.

These days, the big attractions are the town's lovely gardens. One of the best is Valley Gardens , a 17-acre park replete with lovely floral blooms in spring. Other highlights include its spectacular Art Deco pavilion, a kids' adventure playground, and free music concerts in the summer.

Other must-visit green spaces in Harrogate include the 68-acre RHS Garden Harlow Carr with its garden museum and fun model village, and the year-round Harrogate International Festivals , which add a splash of culture and entertainment to an already colorful travel destination.

Address: Valley Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England

The recently refurbished and upgraded Clifford's Tower in York not only offers a fascinating look into the development of the city's first battlements, as well as spectacular views over the Minster and its surrounds. Built in the 1200s as a replacement for the original wood fort that stood here, it's the oldest remaining part of York Castle.

You can learn more about the tower and castle at the York Castle Museum . Just a short stroll away from Clifford's Tower, this excellent museum offers a fascinating glimpse at life in Yorkshire down the centuries.

Highlights include an authentic reproduction of a Victorian-era street scene, along with shops and homes, as well as a look at historic prison cells in the Debtors Prison.

Address: Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire, England

Planning a family outing to the Streetlife Museum of Transport is a great excuse to visit Kingston Upon Hull . One of this Northern England city's top attractions, this fun museum showcases over 200 years of British transportation innovation and history.

Exhibit highlights include large collections of historic carriages, the original "horse power" two-wheeled transportation, including bicycles and motorbikes, as well as cars and trucks from the present day.

Also fun are the recreations of "street scenes" from various periods in time, including WW2, as well as displays relating to train travel.

Address: High Street, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England

Official site: www.hcandl.co.uk/museums-and-galleries/streetlife-museum/streetlife-museum

There's no better way to truly experience Yorkshire than by donning a pair of good walking shoes or boots and hitting the trails of the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

Stretching for 80 miles from the coastline near Scarborough all the way to Hull, this Yorkshire hiking route is part of England's National Trail Network and can easily be broken up into bite-size pieces for those wanting to tackle a picturesque portion of the stunning North Yorkshire Moors .

Other highlights include passing through Old Byland , one of England's prettiest villages , located in the heart of North York Moors National Park and notable for its old abbey ruins.

The seaside resort town of Scarborough makes for a superb day trip from York. It's less than an hour's journey via an extremely scenic train ride.

You'll want to make Scarborough Castle your first stop. It was built in the 12th century and largely destroyed during the English Civil War after being under siege, the last of five such sieges it experienced. Guided tours describe its importance in various periods of English history.

While you might think it a bit of a climb, the views from these castle ruins are simply spectacular. Below you, the town's beaches stretch into the distance in both directions up and down the coast, begging to be explored.

Once rested, visit neighboring St. Mary's Church , still bearing battle scars from the Civil War. Charlotte Bronte's younger sister was buried here in 1849. From here, you can take the downhill path through Royal Albert Gardens and head into town along scenic Marine Drive.

Address: Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

Also within North York Moors National Park, the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey are well worth visiting. Dating from 1132, it was at one time reputedly one of the largest monasteries in England, abandoned. It was plundered in 1538 by a disgruntled, vengeful King Henry VIII. You can learn much about this fascinating and turbulent time in Northern England at the attraction's recently opened visitor center.

Afterwards be sure to have a wander through Rievaulx village itself, camera at the ready. It's some of the most idyllic village scenery in Yorkshire. You'll notice that many of the prettiest old buildings were in fact built using stones from the abbey ruins.

Address: Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire

More on England

Yorkshire Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2023

O ur  Yorkshire Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, best day trips, accommodation options, tips and more for England’s largest county. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Yorkshire (or as the locals like to call it “God’s own country”

Plan your visit to Yorkshire

Yorkshire, England’s largest county offers visitors historic cities, beautiful countryside, pretty seaside towns, areas of outstanding natural beauty, rivers, waterfalls, 3 National Parks and countless day trip opportunities.

What you will find in this complete Yorkshire Travel Guide

Map showing the location of Yorkshire

When is the best time of year to visit yorkshire, how many days do you need in yorkshire, what is the best way to explore yorkshire, 🚆 by train from london – york, 🚙 by car, listen to our podcasts about visiting yorkshire.

• St Mary's Guest House

Jorvik House

🎟 tickets, tours & attractions in yorkshire, books set in yorkshire, 💛 enjoy your visit to yorkshire, 📖 yorkshire travel guide – visiting yorkshire faq’s.

With warm summers and cool winters, Yorkshire is a great destination all year round.

During winter snow can fall on higher ground which can make some roads at higher altitudes over the Pennines impassable. Always check the weather before planning any road trips and hikes.

Wrap up warmly (wear layers) with waterproof boots and jackets. Christmas celebrations and markets in many of the cities and historic houses make this a popular time to visit.

Spring days are mild to warm with wet weather to be expected too (it is England after all). In summer the days are warm with the occasional hot day thrown in. Days are long so expect daylight into the late evening.

Enjoy the colours of Autumn during the cooler months of September to November.

• Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide.

There are a number of festivals and events held in Yorkshire during the year including

• Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival 21st/22nd/23rd July 202 3
• Tramlines – 3 day music festival in Sheffield 21/22/23 July 202 3
• Whitby Goth Weekend 28/29/30 April 2023 & 27/28/29 Oct 2023

Durham is the perfect weekend break (or UK staycation) destination although you can spend a day in the city and explore the main sights if you prefer.

If you are travelling around the UK by train we recommend including Durham in your train trip itinerary . Durham is only a few hours by train from both London and Edinburgh. Durham train station is located a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

By train – Much of Yorkshire can be travelled by train (particularly to and from the larger cities) Take the Settle to Carlisle line which is one of the UK’s most scenic train lines (and one of our top 10 train lines to take in the UK)

There are also popular heritage railways such as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway or the Wensleydale Railway.

Check out timetables and prices at thetrainline.com

By car – Yorkshire is perfect for a road trip with many scenic driving roads. If you are travelling around by car there are many Park & Ride schemes available which make parking easier. Park & Ride can be found in York, Leeds, Scarborough, Sheffield and Whitby.

What is the best way to travel to Yorkshire from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline. Take the train to Durham for a short break or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

• Distance from London: 320 km
• Time taken by train: Just under 2 hours
• Leave from: London Euston or London King’s Cross

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

Yorkshire is served by an excellent road network that provides easy access from the north or south of the country.

⬆️ Follow the A1/A1(M) motorway from the south.

⬇️ From the north take the A1 and A19

Read – UK transportation guide

⭐️ Attractions, things to do and best day trips in Yorkshire

Click the links for more information about the best places to visit in Yorkshire.

YORK TRAVEL GUIDE

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN YORKSHIRE

BEST YORKSHIRE DAY TRIPS

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER PARK

THINGS TO DO IN YORK

• Episode #3 – Discover York
• Episode #16 – Best day trips from York

🏩 Yorkshire Accommodation

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORKSHIRE or BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORK

Accommodation Quick Picks (York)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superb location in the city centre. Swimming pool, sauna and gym.

St Mary’s Guest House

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wifi and free parking B&B with excellent reviews

Boutique Hotel in historic location with spacious rooms and helpful staff 

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

⭐️ CLICK FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OUR TRAVEL ITINERARY PLANNERS

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Yorkshire. These posts will also provide practical advice for travelling around the UK:

• UK train travel guide
• Britain by train – top 10 UK rail journeys (+ map & tips)
• 17 Things to do in the Cotswolds
• Oxford Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Whitby Travel Guide

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

Visit Yorkshire!

Welcome to england's premier county, on this site you can find the information you need for a visit to yorkshire.

• Check out Visitor Guides to the Yorkshire Dales , York , North York Moors , Yorkshire Coast , Yorkshire Wolds , towns and villages
• Explore Yorkshire with our interactive maps
• Find accommodation in our Where to Stay in Yorkshire section
• View details of Yorkshire's leading attractions in our What to See and Do section

We hope you enjoy this website

Shopping, Souvenirs & Gifts, Things to Do, Attractions, Local Suppliers, Visitor Attraction Services

Visit york information centre & gift shop.

Welcome to York, a city steeped in history, culture, and charm. Before you embark on your exploration, make sure to drop by the Visit York Visitor Information Centre!

Your Central Hub in York

You'll find us at 21 Parliament Street, right in the heart of York. We're your go-to place for information and assistance as you navigate all that York and its surroundings have to offer.

Meet the Team

Our team consists of seasoned tourism experts and dedicated volunteers. We're here to provide you with the best insights, whether you're looking for the top places to visit, the finest dining spots, or a bit of local wisdom. Think of us as your local guides, ensuring you have a memorable experience in York.

A Wealth of Information

As soon as you step inside, you'll discover a variety of complimentary brochures, maps, and leaflets to make your exploration of York a breeze. We're open seven days a week, so no matter when you visit, we're here to assist you with the most exciting things to do, dining recommendations, and tailored suggestions based on your interests.

Tickets for Memorable Experiences

But there's more to our services! We're also your ticket source for incredible experiences in York. Whether you plan to visit major attractions, use public transportation, or attend city events, we've got you covered. From the well-known City Cruises to the thrilling York Dungeons, we have the tickets that will make your visit truly special.

While you're here, don't forget to browse our shop with a focus on local products. We offer a range of York gifts and souvenirs, ensuring you have everything you need to make your time in our city memorable.

So, are you ready to uncover the hidden gems of York, explore its historic wonders, and take home a piece of this charming city? The Visit York Visitor Information Centre is the place to start. Come in, say hello, and let the adventure begin!

Opening Times

Monday - Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm

Sunday and Bank Holidays: 10:00am-4:00pm

• Credit cards accepted (no fee)
• Children welcome
• COVID-19 measures in place
• COVID-19 staff training completed
• Smoking not allowed
• Groups welcome
• Coach parties accepted

Offers at Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop

10% discount at visit york information centre & gift shop.

10% discount with a valid York Card or Visit York Perk's Card*. *offer valid on specified products only. See …

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Visit york information centre …, shambles market, loopy scoops, castle howard farm shop, coppergate centre, lucy pittaway, york designer outlet, york's chocolate story, loake shoemakers, mr chippy york, the potions cauldron, monk bar model shop, botanic york, british wool and cashmere, bagsofstyle, uniquely local experiences, plush boutique store, the witches parlour, you may also like, york vikings, updates from visit york sign up for news on events, festivals and special offers.

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Discover new adventures

Events in yorkshire, offers, discounts and more, give the gift of a great day out, fun family days out, money off deals, and the best events at yorkshire attractions.

Whatever the weather, there is plenty of fun to be had both indoors and outdoors across our Yorkshire Attractions

Great Savings & Offers

£1 Local Resident Offer – Leeds Industrial Museum at Leeds Industrial Museum

2 courses for £18 at Fridays® at Xscape Yorkshire

Tenpin Sunday Sessions at Xscape Yorkshire

15% discount on summer fun at Stockeld Park at Stockeld Park

Under 5’s Free at National Videogame Museum at National Videogame Museum

FREE return visits for 12 months at The Deep at The Deep

Poetry Workshops and Coal Anthology

84/85 – the longest year, caphouse creators, pithead baths explore, wacky wednesday, home education workshop, mission out epic outdoor adventure, outdoor inflatables, the enchanted forest, pedal go karts, farmer foster’s barnyard, our attractions.

Buy your Yorkshire Attraction gift voucher today!

Yorkshire Attractions gift vouchers are the perfect present for friends and family. Treat them to an experience they’ll never forget with a day out at one of our amazing attractions!

Visit our Gift Voucher page to see the attractions involved.

for schools

One stop shop for fun filled educational trips in Yorkshire

Yorkshire Attractions is a collection of the best and most exciting attractions in Yorkshire. This is a dedicated education site for our attractions, which provides teachers with a free resource to research, plan and book the best educational visits within Yorkshire.

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