Things to do in Yorkshire all year round

From The Railway Children and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to ITV’s Emmerdale, Yorkshire is the backdrop to many much-loved classics. Whether you’re into TV adaptations of literary masterpieces, spooky Dracula movies or hollywood blockbusters featuring Robin Hood, there’s guaranteed to be a film set near you to discover.

The North Bay Railway Heritage Railway and Sky Trail has everything you need for an epic family day out. Located in the seaside town of Scarborough it offers water zorbing, paddle boating, rope bridge courses, steam train rides and the chance to splash straight into the water via one of the country’s three remaining water chutes. There’s a friendly pub and Scampi Shack onsite too. Fully accessible and dog friendly, this is a great place to come if you’ve been searching for things to do with kids in Yorkshire.

If you’re passionate about shopping local, sample artisanal goods and regional flavours at one of Yorkshire’s many markets and farm shops. Stock up on fresh food, chat to friendly suppliers and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as you do your bit for local farmers and small businesses. Foodie heaven.

Gaping Gill is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This incredible cave chamber is big enough to fit St Paul’s cathedral inside and houses England’s tallest unbroken waterfall. It’s not always open to visit but your trip is never wasted as it’s right near The Ingleton Trail. This famous circular walk is a great way to venture through the dales and features some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

Looking for things to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining? This indoor-meets-outdoor centre is a dream come true for little explorers with wild imaginations. Inspired by the founders’ childhood growing up on a farm (where there was unlimited space to play) William’s Den is a fun adventure playscape where children can connect with nature and explore to their heart’s content. 

For the ultimate in luxury pampering, visit Rockliffe Hall. Set in the quiet village of Hurworth and boasting an unrivalled Spa Garden and infinity edge pool, Rockliffe Hall blends the outdoors and indoors to offer you tranquility in the modern world. 

Planning a stay with us? Bring spa days to you! Our in-cabin spa experience may be just what you're looking for! Enjoy a treatment surrounded by forest views in the comfort of your own cabin.

Yorkshire’s ‘big three’ offer some of the best limestone and gritstone rock climbing in the UK. Malham Cove, Kilnsey Crag and Gordale Scar are best for experienced rock sport enthusiasts while beginners can link up with local clubs and instructors in order to safely scale Yorkshire's impressive ‘crags’. 

In the heart of the Dales lies the Wensleydale Creamery where the famous Wensleydale Cheese has been made for hundreds of years. Visit the award-winning gift shop, dine in at Calvert’s Restaurant or book a spot on their interactive experience to see master cheese-makers at work. You may see a few nods to your favourite Wallace and Gromit movies too. 

Ditch the local pool and head to the Yorkshire Dales for a day of wild swimming. The River Wharfe has become a hub for outdoor swimmers with Bolton Abbey, Lake Semerwater and Appletreewick providing some of the best places for a safe family dip. However Yorkshire is home to a range of hidden plunge pools, waterfalls and river tubing spots, perfect for some wild swimming adventures.

Discover the story behind everyone’s favourite sweet treat in this guided tour inspired by 3000 years of chocolate history. Learn to taste chocolate like an expert and find out how your favorite brands go from bean to bar. York’s Chocolate Story is a must-visit for fanatics with an excellent onsite shop stocking only the best chocolate products from York, Yorkshire and the rest of the UK.