Our top 10 Yorkshire attractions

As the biggest county in the UK, there are loads of great things to see and do in Yorkshire provide fun and interesting days out suitable for all ages and tastes. Whether you’re looking to explore the incredible outdoors, enjoy a little history, a fun day out with the kids, or just fancy something a bit different, these 10 Yorkshire attractions won’t disappoint.

1. Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales National Park should be top of your list when visiting this wonderful county. The park offers an abundance of spectacular scenery, a variety of wildlife and a rich cultural heritage, covering a huge area of 680 square miles. It’s a great place for lovers of outdoor pursuits, with tons of excellent walking and cycling routes as well as offering activities such as caving, rock climbing, MTB and horse riding to name but a few.

2. Castle Howard

Castle Howard is a magnificently grand stately home in the Howardian Hillls Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The building houses world famous collections and the surrounding gardens and parkland are truly impressive. This is one of Yorkshire’s premier attractions and should not be missed, so be sure to book one of these campsites near Castle Howard.

3. Bempton Cliffs

Bempton Cliffs RSPB nature reserve is one of the best places in the country to see huge numbers of seabirds (over 200,000 birds bustle around these cliffs from April to August!). From gannets and guillemots to puffins and fulmars, this is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife lovers. The scenery here is dramatic and there are some good local walking routes.

4. North York Moors National Park

Amazingly, Yorkshire is home to two National Parks, the lesser known of which is The North York Moors. This is a beautiful landscape of moorland, coastline, woodland and sites of historical importance. There is loads on offer here for visitors, from walking trails and bike tracks in places such as Duncombe Park National Nature Reserve and Guisborough Forest to stunning cultural heritage, like Helmsley Walled Garden.

5. National Coal Mining Museum

The National Coal Mining Museum offers you the change to explore caverns, caves and mines deep underground. The tours here are highly informative and conduction by charismatic and knowledgeable ex-miners. This is a brilliant day out for people of all ages, perfect for a rainy day, and best of all, its free.

6. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a beautiful place to spend a relaxing afternoon. You can explore the magnificent ruins of the 12th Century abbey and the elegant Georgian water gardens, looking out for passing deer on your way through the medieval deer park. This is a World Heritage Site set in 800 acres of countryside where you will discover statues, follies and wonderful views.

7. The Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner is an extremely popular attraction that definitely provides something a little different. Located in Leyburn, this mysterious labyrinth is set in a 4 acre garden full of follies, secret passageways and hidden doors with a variety of magical puzzles to solve on your way. Loved by adults and children.

8. Filey Beach

Long sandy Filey Beach is located in a beautiful wide bay. The beach is perfect for a sunny day out, with miles of sand, safe water for swimming and loads of watersports action. Backed by the quaint resort of Filey, this is a great choice for families, sun worshipers and adrenaline seekers alike.

9. National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum makes a great family day out. The museum covers over 300 years of railway history and is full of interesting locomotives and includes informative exhibitions, an art gallery and model train sets to see in action. Outside, you can enjoy a ride on the Miniature Railway and adults can relax while the kids let off steam on the outdoor play area.

10. Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park offers you the chance to see a variety of animals including monkeys, lemurs, meerkats and big cats. There are daily talks given by the park’s friendly and knowledgeable rangers and you can also watch the animals at feeding times.

Yorkshire is home to a brilliant variety of attractions that will suit all kinds of people from the outdoorsy type to those interested in culture and history, to those with young families. Yorkshire and its beautiful dales will sure to delight and entertain everyone during your holiday.