The Best Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer.
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Not for no reason is Yorkshire known as God’s Own Country. From Sean Bean to Yorkshire puddings via stainless steel, world class cricketers and a sense of humour drier than a desert, it’s impossible to imagine any other county bringing such joy to the good Lord’s face.
While pinpointing the best things about Yorkshire may be easy, selecting the region’s best attractions to visit this summer is anything but, purely because of the number of options available. Luckily, we love a challenge, so read on for our guide to the best places to visit during this year’s summer holidays.
York Minster.
Set in the heart of the historic city of York, York Minster is a gothic cathedral that stands a breathtaking 72 metres high and boasts the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, some of which dates as far back as the 12th century.
Anyone interested in its stunning architecture and vast spaces can learn about the minster’s construction and the people who built it with a guided tour that also includes a trip to the top of its Central Tower – York’s highest point – where you can take in incredible views of the city and beyond.
With York city centre just a short stroll away, a trip to the Minster is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in Yorkshire’s rich cultural heritage.
York Minster, Deangate, York. YO1 7HH.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
For those who prefer more adventurous days out – and/or have kids in tow – the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) gives visitors the chance to get up close to some of the world’s most incredible and endangered animals and help conservation efforts at the same time.
A walk-through wildlife park near Doncaster, YWP is home to 60 different species, including polar bears, black rhinos, tigers and giraffes, as well as several indoor and outdoor play areas, themed restaurants and cafes. With special events taking place throughout the year and animal experiences, like feeding lions, available for special occasions, this is one day trip the whole family will be happy to revisit again and again.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster. DN9 3QY.
The Deep.
Arguably the best indoor day out in all of Yorkshire, The Deep is home to more than 3,500 creatures including fish, turtles, sharks, snakes and penguins, making it one of the UK’s biggest and best aquariums.
In addition to the breathtaking creatures swimming around every corner, The Deep also boasts interactive exhibitions that teach visitors about the world’s oceans and their inhabitants, as well as a cafe and an evening restaurant. And if a visit during daylight hours just isn’t exciting enough, you can even arrange a sleepover and spend the night snoozing alongside the amazing marine life! That’s right – at The Deep, you can literally sleep with the fishes…
The Deep, Tower Street, Hull. HU1 4DP.
Mother Shipton’s Cave.
No list of Yorkshire’s best places to visit would be complete without England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction – the stunning and mysterious Mother Shipton’s Cave.
Situated in an incredible park in the remains of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough, visitors can explore the titular cave and learn about the fascinating legend of Mother Shipton (a fortune teller born in the cave in the 15th century who locals believed to be a witch) before checking out the famous Petrifying Well and its magical water that turns everything it touches to stone.
With numerous walks and an adventure playground to keep children entertained, Mother Shipton’s Cave combines the beautiful Yorkshire countryside with some of the region’s most mythical history – the perfect ingredients for a good day trip.
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough. HG5 8DD.
Whitby Abbey.
For those looking for a more energetic day out, why not try one of Yorkshire’s world-renowned coastal walks? There are plenty to choose between but we’d recommend the walk around Whitby Abbey and the nearby coast.
Ideal for experienced walkers or exercise-loving families, the walk begins at the ancient, gothic abbey itself – giving visitors the chance to soak in the atmospheric building that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula – before heading along the coast to Saltwick Bay, the old lighthouse on top of the cliff and concluding in Whitby, which has plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants to investigate.
Fresh sea air, dramatic clifftops, unbeatable scenery, good food – what’s not to like?
Whitby Abbey, Whitby Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire. YO22 4JT.
Happy holidays!
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