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Tag Archive: Yorkshire

  1. The Best Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer.

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    The Best Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer.

    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!

    Whatever your plans for this summer, we can help bring them to life with our variety of affordable loans. For more info and to find out how much you could borrow, click here.

  2. Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

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    Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

    Not only is summertime here again, National Picnic Month is too! 

    Taking place throughout July, National Picnic Month 2024 encourages everyone to take all the food, drink and blankets you can carry to the nearest green open space to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.

    But with Yorkshire’s huge array of suitable outdoor venues, the only question is: where should you go? We take a look!

    Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

    Wakefield’s premier outdoor attraction rarely needs an introduction but, for the uninitiated, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is an art gallery without walls. With incredible sculptures and installations by world-renowned artists throughout the 500+ acre grounds of this 18th century estate, this is the perfect picnic spot for anyone who enjoys a little culture with their pork pie.

    Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, WF43 4LG.

    Harewood House.

    Ideal for families and less than 10 miles from Leeds city centre, Harewood House consists of 100 acres of grounds and gardens, a 32-acre tropical lake, three dedicated walks and three acres of children’s playgrounds and picnic areas.

    A great place for a quiet picnic on a lazy afternoon or to unleash the kids and let them burn off some excess energy, Harewood House has something for everyone.

    Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.

    Brimham Rocks.

    One of the most beautiful sites in all of Harrogate, Brimham Rocks is both a dramatic collection of moorland rock formations and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, set in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

    With rocks to walk around, climb over and eat in the shade of, a variety of post-picnic walks and 70 bird boxes attracting an endless parade of feathered friends, Brimham Rocks is the perfect place for those who like their picnics with stunning views.

    Brimham Rocks, Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW.

    Aysgarth Falls.

    Made even more famous by Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Aysgarth Falls is an almost one mile long triple flight of waterfalls set in a breath-taking woodland valley.

    With footpaths throughout the valley offering stunning views of the falls from every angle, salmon occasionally visible in the water and plenty of places to sit and enjoy a bite to eat, Aysgarth Falls is the picnic spot of choice for an adventurous day out.

    Aysgarth Falls, Aysgarth, North Yorkshire, DL8 3TH.

    Filey Beach.

    Yorkshire natives can sometimes be guilty of not seeing the wood for the trees when it comes to our wonderful beaches – we can talk about them til the cows come home but do we make the most of them?

    Well, National Picnic Week is the perfect opportunity to right that wrong and what better beach to head to on a summer’s day than Filey? The dog-friendly, sandy beach has a sculpture trail, crazy golf, a playground and a plethora of rock pools. What are you waiting for?!

    Filey Beach, 1 Flat Cliffs, Primrose Valley, Filey, YO14 9RD.

    Fountains Abbey.

    With ancient abbey ruins dating back to the 12th century, a deer park and a water garden with World Heritage Site status, not for no reason is Fountains Abbey one of the UK’s most iconic picnic locations.

    Visitors are spoilt for picnic-spot choice with luscious green lawns as far as the eye can see, all boasting stunning views of the Abbey’s riverside, statues and follies. And, once you’ve had your fill of crisps and sandwiches, several long walks offer the opportunity to work them off again!

    Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

    Enjoy your perfect picnic with LCU!

    Whatever plans you have for National Picnic Month, we can help bring them to life with our variety of affordable loans. Find out more here.

  3. Top Activities to do in Yorkshire this Easter 2023 Weekend

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    Top Activities to do in Yorkshire this Easter 2023 Weekend

    With the exception of Christmas, Easter is arguably the UK’s favourite public holiday – spring is in the air, the weather’s improving, there’s chocolate as far as the eye can see and, if you’re lucky enough to live in Yorkshire, there’s a huge variety of things to do to keep the whole family entertained.

    Here are our suggestions for some great days out in and around Leeds for Easter 2023 weekend.

    Leeds Young Film Festival at The Carriageworks

    Calling all film fans – the Leeds Young Film Festival has returned to Leeds for Easter!

    Packed with all-ages events and hands-on workshops – such as filmmaking, where industry experts pass their knowledge on to the next generation of would-be Spielbergs – there’s something for everyone at the Young Film Festival.

    And, of course, there are screenings. More than 150 of them, in fact – from action and adventure to cartoons and documentaries via proper cinematic blockbusters, every taste has been catered for.

    Leeds Young Film Festival takes place from Saturday 1st to Friday 7th April.

    Carriageworks Theatre, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds. LS2 3AD.

    Medieval Easter

    For history-loving kids or those looking for something different to traditional bunny exploits, the Royal Armouries’ Medieval Easter is an egg-scellent alternative.

    As well as exploring the museum’s vast collection of arms and armour, visitors can also wield swords, watch combat-demos performed by knights of the Middle Ages and try their hands at archery. The Bank Holiday weekend even sees an International Jousting Tournament taking place, with teams from the USA and Poland in town to battle it out against some British rivals!

    Taking place from Saturday 1st to Thursday 6th April, and Tuesday 11th to Sunday 16th April, tickets for Medieval Easter start from just £5.

    Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds. LS10 1LT.

    Easter at Temple Newsam

    Easter weekends are all about egg hunts and the one on offer at the always popular Temple Newsam is up there with the best.

    With decorated eggs hidden all over both the house and farm, there’s a whole lot of exploring for kids to do. Once they’re finished they can take part in one of the Easter workshops, before heading outside to the farm where lambs, calves and, of course, chicks can’t wait to meet your little ones.

    Easter at Temple Newsam runs until Sunday April 16th.

    Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds. LS15 0AE.

    Easter Adventure at Stockeld Park

    One of the best places to spend time this – or any – Easter is Stockeld Park.

    There are loads of activities for kids to choose between, from adventure playgrounds to live shows from the Stockeld Theatre, with its newest – the Easter Bunny’s Apprentice – proving a huge hit with visitors of all ages.

    The main attraction, however, is the maze/trail through the Enchanted Forest, which is filled with giant eggs and rainbow bunnies for guests to try and find. Rumour has it the Easter Bunny himself might even be in attendance this year…

    Stockeld Park, Wetherby Rd, Wetherby. LS22 4AN.

    Need a hand with your finances this Easter?

    As the cost of living crisis continues, occasions like Easter can put additional stress on financially vulnerable families. At Leeds Credit Union, we can offer financial advice, help with budgeting and access to a range of loans and savings accounts. For more information, click here.