No Place Like Yorkshire: 21 Brilliant Things To Do and Places to Visit With the Family This Summer
- Coulson Macleod
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Whether you're planning a staycation in Yorkshire, visiting relatives, or just want to explore what’s right on your doorstep, this list is packed with inspiration for unforgettable summer days out. From historic castles and coastal towns to quirky museums, scenic walks, and iconic tearooms, we've created a Yorkshire travel guide inspired by our popular "No Place Like Yorkshire" print. Scroll for more...
Looking for fun, family-friendly things to do in Yorkshire during the school summer holidays?
This isn’t just a list of tourist traps. Oh no! It’s a love letter to the region, filled with days out for kids, grandparents, teens, and grown-ups alike. So, if you're searching for things to do with the family in Yorkshire this summer, hidden gems in the North of England, or day trips in the Yorkshire Dales, keep reading.
You might just find your next great family adventure...
1. Ilkley Moor - Go Baht 'At (or perhaps not)
'On Ilkla Mooar Baht 'at' is a traditional folk song in Yorkshire dialect. In plain English, it means 'on Ilkley Moor without a hat'. But, with such changeable weather, that's probably not advisable. Put on your walking boots (and your hat!) for a ramble over Ilkley Moor, one of Yorkshire’s most scenic and storied landscapes. Bring a picnic, and don’t miss the Cow and Calf rocks for clambering and views.
2. Yorkshire Tea HQ - Fancy a cuppa?
Unfortunately, you can't do a factory tour, but you can stock up on the nation’s favourite brew at local supermarkets and enjoy it properly: strong, with a dash of milk, and maybe a Betty's Fat Rascal on the side.
3. Betty's Tea Rooms - Cream Teas and Elegance
If cream teas are your thing, Betty's should absolutely be on your list. You'll find a Betty's Tea Room in Harrogate, York, Northallerton, Ilkley and Harlow Carr. Expect queues, but oh, it's worth it for a Fat Rascal, a fondant fancy, and the finest afternoon tea north of Buckingham Palace. Click here for more info.
Mark and Hannah always make sure to pop into Betty's to grab treats for the Coulson Macleod team when we exhibit at Home & Gift in Harrogate.
4. The Brontë Parsonage Museum - Haworth
Step into the world of the Brontë sisters at their former family home, nestled in the heart of rugged moorland. With its creaking floors, candlelit corners, and windswept surroundings, it’s easy to imagine the inspiration behind their hauntingly powerful novels. Perfect for classic literature lovers. Click here for more info.
Here at Coulson Macleod, we have a collection of wonderfully wordy greeting cards and prints that celebrate the work of the Brontë sisters. Great for your bookish friends. Shop here.
5. York Minster – Awe & Architecture
Prepare to be wowed. This jaw-dropping Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in Europe. Climb the tower for epic views over historic York. Inside, marvel at the intricate stained glass windows and explore the underground chambers where Roman and Viking history intertwine. Click here for more info.
6. The Yorkshire Dales & Wensleydale Cheese
Go for the green hills, stay for the cheese. Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes has cheese tastings and a cracking family-friendly visitor centre with plenty of nods to national treasures, Wallace & Gromit. The surrounding Dales are perfect for scenic walks and hearty pub lunches. Don't forget your walking boots! Click here for more info.
7. Whitby – Fish, Chips & Dracula
A charming seaside town with a gothic twist. Climb the 199 steps to the Abbey (bring snacks), then reward yourself with proper fish and chips by the harbour. Try the Magpie Café or Trenchers. Fans of Bram Stoker will love the Dracula connections, while beachgoers can enjoy a classic day out with rock pools and arcades.
8. Castle Howard – Not Just for History Buffs
A baroque masterpiece with grand gardens, fountains, and even an adventure playground. They host outdoor cinema nights and events, too: one for the grown-ups and another for the little ones. Explore lavish interiors used in films and TV, or simply picnic on the vast, scenic grounds. It’s Downton Abbey meets family day out. Click here for more info.
9. Emmerdale Village Tour – For Soap Lovers
Filming days are off-limits, but you can take a guided tour of the set on select weekends. It’s a bit surreal, very Yorkshire, and great fun for fans of the telly. Walk through familiar spots like The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and snap photos where all the drama unfolds. Click here for more info.
10. Harrogate Turkish Baths – Relax Like a Victorian
If the kids are with the grandparents, sneak off to the Harrogate Turkish Baths. Think marble, mosaics, eucalyptus steam and serious old-school glamour. Bliss. The ritual of hot rooms followed by a cold plunge is oddly addictive and very revitalising. Afterwards, pop into a nearby tearoom for a scone.
11. Hebden Bridge – Quirky Shops & Walks
Once dubbed the "funkiest town in Britain", this arty, canal-side haven has indie shops, record stores, book nooks, and a fantastic market. Good for all ages. Excellent for coffee and people-watching. You’ll also find walking trails that wind up into the Pennines for cracking views and a breath of fresh air. Keep an eye out for local street art!
TV enthusiasts will probably recognise Hebden Bridge as the filming location for the BBC's Happy Valley.
12. Rhubarb Triangle, Wakefield – Yes, It’s a Thing
Famous for rhubarb (grown in the dark, no less!), this curious corner of West Yorkshire has farms, food tours, and rhubarb everything. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried their rhubarb gin… or rhubarb chutney, or rhubarb crumble.
Admittedly, not held in the summertime, but the annual Rhubarb Festival in February is delightful, with food stalls and cooking demos.
13. The Humber Bridge – Engineering Meets Scenery
Perfect for a breezy walk or cycle ride. Once the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world, it's now a dramatic way to say: “We’re in Yorkshire now, love.” Stretching elegantly across the Humber estuary, it offers stunning panoramic views. There’s also a visitor centre nearby and riverside paths perfect for a picnic or a reflective pause.
14. Pontefract – Liquorice Land
Visit the home of the peculiar sweet you either adore or politely spit into a napkin. Pontefract hosts an annual liquorice festival and a castle that appeals to little knights and history buffs alike. Wander through its quaint market town charm and pick up a pack (or five) of traditional Pontefract Cakes.
15. The Summer Wine Trail – Holmfirth
Visit the real locations of the beloved TV show Last of the Summer Wine. There's a museum, a vintage bus tour, and plenty of countryside for an amble (preferably with a flask of Yorkshire Tea, of course). You can also pop into Sid’s Café for a bite, just like the characters did. The whole area oozes gentle nostalgia and makes for a charming, slow-paced afternoon.
16. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
This one is for the kids. But it’s so interactive and creative that adults will find themselves building stuff and having a chuckle, too. Book tickets in advance; it’s a hit on rainy days. With zones covering everything from the human body to imaginative role play in a child-sized town, it's learning cleverly disguised as fun. There’s even a sensory trail and outdoor spaces for letting off steam between exhibits.
17. Robin Hood’s Bay – Fossils & Fantastic Views
This charming fishing village offers steep cobbled streets, fossil hunting, and ghost stories. Ideal for explorers of all ages. At low tide, the beach reveals ancient rock pools and hidden treasures. The views from the coastal path are jaw-dropping, and there’s a cosy pub (and a pint) waiting at the top of the hill.
18. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
A National Trust gem. Explore ancient ruins, wild deer parks, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The abbey ruins are hauntingly beautiful, especially in early morning mist, while the Georgian water garden adds a touch of elegance to your stroll. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for an all-day wander.
19. Hawes – Parkin & Pubs
Head to this market town in the Dales for traditional Yorkshire Parkin, local ales, and riverside walks. Don’t miss the Dales Countryside Museum for a hands-on heritage fix. It’s also another location to sample real Wensleydale cheese straight from the source. The friendly locals and hearty food make it a proper Yorkshire welcome.
20. Captain Cook’s Birthplace Museum
For history with a nautical twist, this museum in Middlesbrough tells the tale of Yorkshire’s famous explorer. Add in a wander around Stewart Park while you're there. With interactive exhibits and fascinating artefacts from Cook’s voyages, it’s a great mix of education and inspiration. The surrounding parkland is perfect for a post-museum stroll or picnic.
21. Thirsk – Home of James Herriot
Visit The World of James Herriot and discover what life was really like for the beloved country vet. Full of stories, old instruments, and gentle charm. Fans of All Creatures Great and Small will be in their element, and even those unfamiliar with the show will enjoy the warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The rest of Thirsk has market-town appeal. Think tearooms, bookshops, and a gentler pace of life.
🧳 Planning Tip: Yorkshire’s public transport is pretty good for hopping between major towns (York, Leeds, Harrogate), but some rural spots are best reached by car.
1. Where can I go in Yorkshire that’s dog-friendly?
Dogs are family, too! You'll be pleased to know that Yorkshire is incredibly dog-friendly, with plenty of walks, beaches, and pubs that welcome your four-legged friends. Popular dog-friendly spots include Ilkley Moor, the North York Moors, and the beaches at Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. Many country pubs and cafes provide water bowls and treats for visiting pups.
2. Are there any free or low-cost things to do with kids in Yorkshire?
Yes! Many of Yorkshire’s most beautiful spots are completely FREE to visit, which is wonderful. Go walking on Ilkley Moor, explore the beaches and rock pools at Robin Hood’s Bay, or stroll across the Humber Bridge. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park also offers free outdoor art exhibitions (car parking charges may apply), and many local museums have free admission days during the summer.
3. What’s the best base for a Yorkshire staycation with the whole family?
York, Harrogate, and Whitby are popular bases for family staycations in Yorkshire. York offers history and great transport links, Harrogate is known for its parks and tearooms, and Whitby gives you that classic seaside feel with easy access to the moors.
4. What should I pack for a family holiday in Yorkshire?
As we Brits know too well, Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. But, as they say, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! So, bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy walking shoes. Don’t forget sun cream, reusable water bottles, and picnic blankets for spontaneous countryside stops. A good printed map is handy in rural areas where the phone signal can dip.
So, there you have it... a roundup of 21 brilliant things to do and places to go with the whole family this summer.
And, when you've ticked them all off, making you officially Yorkshire pros... You can buy our Yorkshire print to hang on your wall. Naturally. Shop here.
