Things to Do in Yorkshire, United Kingdom
With its unspoiled scenery, rich cultural history, interesting historical sites, and fun kid friendly attractions, Yorkshire is a fabulous place for holidays and short breaks. Visitors of every age and interest will find a whole list of fun things to do in Yorkshire, so whether you're into castles, gardens, history tours, horse racing, or theme parks, you'll delight in the wealth of attractions available in Yorkshire, UK.
Harewood House.
This 18th century estate was once home to the Earl and Countess of Harewood and ornate architectural features, Chippendale furnishings, an Italianate terrace, fabulous gardens, and an extensive collection of paintings, porcelain, rugs, mirrors, and more. Tickets range from £4.50 - £13.00 per person. www.harewood.org
National Railway Museum.
This unique museum covers the railway story from the 1800s to today and features a diverse collection of locomotives, rolling stock, vintage railroad posters, fixtures, furniture, timepieces, films, and more. Free entry. www.nrm.org.uk
York Castle Museum.
This interesting museum features thousands of objects showcased in reproduction rooms, shops and streets that evoke eras long gone by. Visit exhibits like the popular Kirkgate Street, a Moorland cottage, a 1700s castle prison, and a 1960s gallery. Adult admission is £8, children enter free with a paying adult. www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
York Dungeons.
This terrifying attraction features ten shows depicting famous murderers, ghosts, bloodthirsty Vikings, treason plots, burning witches, and more. Tickets range from £7.35 to £14.50. Purchase tickets online for 30% off. This attraction is not suitable for very young children. www.the-dungeons.co.uk/york/en
Elland Road - Leeds United.
Home to the Leeds United football club since 1919, this five star UEFA stadium seats more than 39,000 fans and has played host to several FA Cup semi-final games and a variety of concerts by world-class artists including Queen, U2, the Pretenders, and the Happy Mondays. www.leedsunited.com
Jorvik Viking Centre.
Take a journey back into time and visit the streets of an authentic 10th century Viking village discovered by archaeologists in 1979. The center features three exhibits featuring buildings and artifacts including wood, leather, cloth, and an air-borne ride through Viking York Call 01904 615505 to pre-book a visit as lines can be long during the busiest time. www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk
York Minster Cathedral.
Built between 1220 and 1470, York Mister Cathedral is one of the best representations of Gothic architecture and features a large tower, chapterhouse, a stunning 15th century choir screen, a dramatic astronomical clock, and huge medieval stained glass windows, including the famous Rose window. www.yorkminster.org
Lightwater Valley.
This family friendly theme park features thrilling roller coasters, fun kiddie rides, go-karts, pedal boats, a magic show, and a birds of prey exhibit. Tickets range from £10.95 to £19.45, with family ticket packages available. Visitors under 1.0m in height enter free. www.lightwatervalley.co.uk
Ripley Castle.
This 15th century estate has home to the Ingilby family for more than 700 years and offers public tours of the castle, grounds and ornamental lakes. The home features Chippendale furnishings, family portraits, arms and armour, historic documents, artwork, and more. Open to visitors, all year long.
Guests get £2 off when they stay with us. www.ripleycastle.co.uk
The Royal Armouries.
Home to the United Kingdom's national collection of arms, armour and artillery, this museum features more than 70,000 military examples from ancient relics to modern weapons. Visitors can view arms from the Tudor and Stuart kings, civil war weapons, and a collection of hunting and sporting guns. www.royalarmouries.org/visit-us/leeds
Great Yorkshire Show.
Held each July, this three-day agricultural celebration features livestock exhibits, a flower show, show jumping, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, concessions, and more. www.greatyorkshireshow.com
Leeds Festival at Bramham Park.
Music fans flock to this popular festival that features a range of bands from progressive rock and alternative to metal and punk. International acts that have played at the festival include names like Guns ‘N Roses, the Beastie Boys, the Stone Roses, the Pixies, the Killers, Metallica, and Blink 182. www.leedsfestival.com
Yorkshire Air Museum.
This living memorial to the Yorkshire-based, WWII Allied Air Forces personnel depicts life on a typical wartime bomber station and highlights the history of aviation in Yorkshire from the 1850s to the present. Exhibits at the museum include aircraft, uniforms, historic vehicles, and air gunnery weapons. www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk
The Deep Aquarium.
This unique, underwater aquarium is situated at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary and features thousands of fish, sharks, huge rays, sea horses, dive shows, and more. In addition to its exhibits, The Deep is also a research and conservation facility. www.thedeep.co.uk
RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
This stunning garden in Yorkshire features everything from wildflowers and vegetables to ornamental grasses and more than 25,000 tulips. Highlights of the gardens include willow sculptures, a log maze and a sparkling stream. www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Harlow-Carr
York Racecourse.
This award-winning racecourse features exciting thoroughbred racing action with seating for more than 60,000 spectators. The track plays host to a range of popular races each year, including the Ebor Handicap, the International Stakes, the Nunthorpe Stakes, and the Yorkshire Oaks. www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
Harrogate International Conference Centre.
A premier conference, exhibition and event venue in the heart of north Yorkshire, the Harrogate international Conference Centre host more than 250 different events in its state-of-the-art facilities each year. www.harrogateinternationalcentre.co.uk
Wetherby Racecourse.
Wetherby is a premier National Hunt racecourse is a leading jumping track featuring traditional steeplechase races in a modern racecourse facility surrounded by 300 acres of beautiful parkland. www.wetherbyracing.co.uk
