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Outdoors
Dramatic coastline Water adventures
On foot or by bike Inspirational routes
Wildlife Get close to nature
A world of adventure Yorkshire’s ‘Great Outdoors’ has something for everyone and for all ages and abilities. From a calming boat trip along one of our canals or a dip in the North Sea, to an adrenalin-fuelled 4x4 off-road driving experience or tree-top canopy rope adventure, Yorkshire has it all. There are walks and cycle routes aplenty to discover across the spectacular Yorkshire Moors, Dales and Pennines, as well as countless opportunities to explore the wonderful wildlife that makes its home here. From rock climbing or sailing, to sightseeing or bird watching, there’s nothing you can’t do in Yorkshire’s outdoors! So whether you’re donning walking boots or a swimming costume, take a good look at our guide and come and make a date to experience Yorkshire in the open air.
Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive Welcome to Yorkshire
Front cover image: Walking in the Peak District National Park © Country Walking Magazine. Images this page top to bottom: Skidby windmill in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds © VHEY. View to Robin Hood’s Bay from Ravenscar © Mike Kipling/NYMNPA. Rockpooling near Flamborough © VHEY. Sunset behind Roseberry Topping in the North York Moors National Park.
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Brimham Rocks
Pen y Ghent near Settle
The Kirklees Moors
The Brontë waterfall near Haworth
Whitby Abbey Roseberry Topping
Walk this way
Dales never fails
On foot is one of the best ways to explore our varied landscapes, stunning scenery, historical sites and legendary landmarks. Whether you’re out for a stroll, a hike or picking up the pace a little with a fell run or adventure race, Yorkshire is made for exploring on foot. Three world-famous National Parks, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, wide sweeps of open heather moorland, rolling hills, rugged coastline and stunning views everywhere. Follow the river Esk from its source high on the North York Moors to the coast at Whitby on the beautiful 35 mile Esk Valley Walk, while the 48 mile Tabular Hills Walk will take you from the charming market town of Helmsley along the Tabular
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Hills with its stunning views across the moors to the coast at Scarborough. Perfect for a long weekend. Or how about trying one of Yorkshire Water’s walking routes? The trail around Digley Reservoir, near Holmfirth, is an invigorating 4.9 mile walk along lanes, fields and over open moorland. While in nearby Hebden Bridge, the country’s first Walkers are Welcome town, visitors can enjoy several waymarked routes. Yorkshire is now home to many more Walkers are Welcome towns, proof that our county is a real walker’s paradise.
The Yorkshire Dales also offer a bounty of fantastic walks for everyone. Some of the best family routes are at Aysgarth Falls that take in a series of breathtaking waterfalls and a gem of a walk to Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force from Askrigg. Those looking for something a little more bracing are spoilt for choice too. The Dales High Way is a challenging long distance route which starts in the World Heritage Site of Saltaire. It’s an exhilarating 90 mile walk across the glorious high country of the Yorkshire Dales, returning on the fabulous Settle-Carlisle Railway.
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Main image: Strid Woods near Bolton Abbey.
Inspirational trails and long walks
Cleveland Way
Yorkshire Wolds Way
Distance: 109 miles
Distance: 79 miles
Follow the fantastic scenery of the North York Moors National Park, crossing stunning lengths of heather moorland. It’s a visual feast along the dramatic Yorkshire coastline to Filey, passing old fishing villages and lively coastal towns, including Staithes and Whitby.
Not too strenuous, it offers a route where the peace and quiet of country life still dominate and the gentle charm of the Yorkshire Wolds will leave walkers refreshed. If you’re looking for your first National Trail to walk, then the Yorkshire Wolds Way gives you a not too challenging introduction.
Pennine Bridleway
White Rose Way
Distance: 350 miles (when complete)
Distance: 104.4 miles
One of the newest National Trails and the first purpose built trail of its kind designed specifically for horse-riders, off-road cyclists and walkers to enjoy. It follows a mix of old packhorse routes and drove roads, often sensitively refurbished and upgraded, linked with newly created stretches of bridleway.
The route leaves the modern city behind via Victorian and Edwardian parkland to enter the countryside which surrounds Leeds. Pretty Yorkshire villages come and go enroute. A beach and headland stroll sees the walk end at the Tourist Information Centre in Scarborough's South Bay.
Sheffield Country Walk
Pennine Way
Distance: 54.5 miles
Distance: 270 miles
This challenging and varied route around the outskirts of Sheffield passes many sites and buildings of archaeological, historical and industrial interest. It follows woodland and riverside paths, crossing undulating farmland and the open gritstone moorlands to the west of the city.
Taking you from the Peak District along the Pennine ridge, through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and beyond. There are plenty of historical and cultural interest sites along the way to be enjoyed including the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and across the limestone country of the Dales.
Moor. Coast. Forest. Dale. With its fabulous countryside, heather moorland, woodland and rugged Jurassic coast, the North York Moors National Park is one of Britain’s most treasured places. Discover rolling landscapes, enchanting forests and ‘England’s finest view’. Cycling on the old railway line above Farndale © Russell Burton.
Responding sensitively to the changing seasons, the sweeping landscape of the North York Moors is a special place whatever time of year. The call of the moorland birds characterises spring and, as the summer evenings draw in, the flowering heather turns the Moors into a purple carpet stretching for miles across the open vistas.
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In winter the Moors are exceptionally beautiful, inspiring artists and writers and providing a wonderful opportunity to brush away the cobwebs of daily life or to simply stand and stare. You can see the best of the National Park on the Moor to Sea Cycle Network – 150 miles of pedal-powered freedom. The route is a stunning series
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of moorland, forest and coastal loops. Yorkshire Cycle Hub is a new cycle centre offering fantastic views down Fryup Dale, with a café, bike shop and accommodation. Head out on two wheels with Sutton Bank Bikes along spectacular trails that offer a mix of family cycling and more adventurous off-road thrills. Walkers can enjoy anything from a one-mile easy access stroll, to the 109 mile Cleveland Way National Trail. Take a spring walk in Farndale, the ‘Daffodil Dale’, to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows or enjoy magnificent views from Sutton Bank on the White Horse Walk. The coastline of the North York Moors National Park is brimming with mini adventures and maritime curiosities. Fast becoming something of a surfing mecca, it’s a great place for beginnerfriendly breaks and for the more experienced there are plenty of rock spots with reef and point breaks too. Try paddleboarding or discover secret places only accessible by kayak, just begging to be explored. Ride the tidal waves, take a sunset paddle or sleep under the stars on an expedition – kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like. Watch the teeming sea-life close to our shores on a whale watching trip from late July to November. You could see dolphins, seals and porpoises as well as minke, fin, sei, northern and humpback whales. The unspoilt coastline has footprints and fossils from the Jurassic Age in the cliffs and rocks at the water’s edge, each telling a story from times when North Yorkshire looked very different. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fossil hunter, there is plenty to explore. Well-defined trails and wide vistas combine to make the North York Moors a great place for running. You’ll find something here either on or off road, whether you fancy a daily jog, a long weekend run or an endurance epic by tackling the Hardmoors Ultra Series. With excellent riding centres across the National Park, saddle up across the Moors and enjoy a day exploring beautiful woodland and moorland, sandy beaches, and quiet country lanes on horseback. From relaxing pursuits to adrenaline packed adventures, the North York Moors is a fantastic place to get outdoors.
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A special place... Whether you are a budding heritage railway buff or are just keen to get the kids more involved with nature, there are a great selection of family friendly activities on offer within the North York Moors National Park.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and experience one of the most popular heritage railway lines in the world. Running through the heart of the moors starting at either Whitby or Pickering, this 24-mile journey will take you through areas of incredible, natural beauty. Image: © Graham Staples/NYMR
National Park Centres Soak up ‘England’s finest view’ from the panoramic viewpoint at Sutton Bank National Park Centre before letting the kids go wild in the natural play area and exploring the hands-on exhibits, crafts and activities. Set in an idyllic spot near Danby, The Moors National Park Centre offers visitors adventure play areas, woodland and riverside trails and Inspired by… a beautiful contemporary art gallery. Image: © Chris J Parker
Family fun Enjoy a fun-filled action-packed holiday at Dalby Forest. Ladders, walkways, bridges, rope crossings, Tarzan swings and zip wires will all get you from start to finish at Go Ape. Discover the forest balancing on two wheels, with an all-terrain Forest Segway or on 70km of cycling trails uphill, down dale, through forest and across the moorland plateau. For a more leisurely day, take up a walking trail along the forest and moorland tracks including The Highway Rat activity trail, where the latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book is brought to life.
Skydive GB is based just north of the coastal destination of Bridlington in East Yorkshire. With their proximity to the beautiful Yorkshire Coast they offer unrivalled views and adrenalin-packed thrills as you drop from 10,000 feet. © Sara Orton / Skydive GB
License to thrill Yorkshire is home to some of the world’s most stunning scenery and magnificent vistas, and it looks even greater from above. Not to mention exhilarating too. So if you’ve got a head for heights this is the perfect place to soar, loop, glide or simply float... With stunning scenery and the spirit of adventure around every turn, it’s no surprise that some of the UK’s best hang gliding, skydiving and paragliding launching areas are here.
If you’d rather have the views but not the sensation of falling, then this is catered for too! Yorkshire Gliding Club have been flying gliders from their site at the stunning Sutton Bank since 1934 and are open seven days a week for flying and instruction, with a fleet of nine gliders. The valleys, peaks and crags of Marsden Moor in wild and windswept West Yorkshire are a natural airsports magnet. Enjoy kite and model flying at its most extreme from Buckstones car park. This dramatic location, with its magnificent views and drop-off, also makes it an ideal paragliding and hang gliding jump off point.
For the ultimate rush, try a tandem skydive with Skydive GB in Bridlington. Experience the sheer buzz of freefalling at 10,000ft (one of the UK’s highest skydives) for one whole adrenaline-fuelled minute, reaching terminal velocity at 120mph, before the parachute is released and you slowly glide to the ground. For something a little more fast and furious, experienced power kiters will find some great spots with ideal wind and wave conditions. Bridlington’s breezy beach is a favourite, great in winter as it is often windier and the beach is quieter so you have even more room to scud around.
Doing it for the thrill in Yorkshire...
ROKT
Treetop Nets
How Stean Gorge
If you’d rather climb above the clouds than walk amongst them, ROKT Climbing Gym in Brighouse is home to the UK’s highest man-made climbing wall in the form of ROKTFACE. ROKT Climbing Gym is considered one of the UK’s most innovative and inspiring climbing centres. Adrenalin pumping, heart stopping, fear inducing! The unique ROKT Climbing Gym offers indoor climbing at its best. Whether you’re an experienced climber, a little rusty or you’ve never climbed before you are welcome to use the facilities.
Yorkshire is home to the biggest set of Treetop Nets in the UK. Based near Ripon, adults and children alike can enjoy a wonderful adventure in the trees. Unlike traditional high rope courses, the course is completely covered by netting, so you don’t need a harness! Imagine over 2,000m2 of giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels all made from netting. Now picture this suspended between trees up to 50ft off the ground and set in beautiful woodland and you’ll have the right idea.
If heights aren’t your thing, then maybe going underground would suit you better. How Stean Gorge is a spectacular limestone ravine carved out over thousands of years by waterflow and offers a unique experience in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, where you can scramble through the gorge and explore the caves armed with hard hat and torch. This steep sided chasm is almost 1 km in length and up to 20 metres deep in places. Follow winding walkways and explore caves and tunnels.
Another World Adventure Centre
Go Ape
Coniston 4x4
For a true adrenaline hit head to Go Ape in Dalby Forest, amazing adventures for all ages, with heart stopping hilltop-to hilltop zip wires and a plunging valley below make it somewhere truly special. Plus, there are miles of walking and biking trails so you’ll have plenty of sights to see from the ground for the less adventurous souls. A wonderful place that will keep you coming back for more, Go Ape is the UK’s No.1 award winning forest adventure for all the family. Families and friends of all ages can enjoy the classic Tree Top Adventure, Tree Top Junior Adventure and an epic all-terrain Go Ape Forest Segway Experience. It’s a day out like no other.
Yorkshire’s terrain is perfect for off-road experiences. Coniston 4x4 offers thrills in stunning surroundings. With unbeatable views and an experience you’ll never forget, this activity really takes it up a gear. Discover fantastic purpose-built 4×4 courses, meander along forest trails, river beds, steep descents and everything in between. Choose from an introduction to a more challenging experience. Experience an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Available for corporate events, children’s birthday parties and fun days out with friends.
There is so much to do outdoors in Yorkshire, it’s hard to choose. Here’s where Another World Adventure Centre comes in. Based in Halifax it’s great for individuals and families. Whether it’s an hour, an afternoon or a full day they can give you a fantastic outdoors experience. Archery, snowboarding, Go Karting and bumper balls, the list goes on; a real hub for thrill seekers. Ever wanted to go snowboarding or surfing but there’s no snow or sea nearby? Get the same thrill at Another World at the county’s first purpose built mountain board centre.
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Walk into the wild Yorkshire Wildlife Trust can bring you close to nature wherever you are in the county. The region’s largest independent conservation charity, the Trust looks after over 100 special places for wildlife from the very tops of the windswept Moors to woodlands in the Dales and perhaps most iconic of all, the vast white cliffs along the Flamborough Headland and the nearby Living Seas Centre.
Wild west
Explore the Trust’s network of reserves in West Yorkshire and you might see barn owls, otters, marsh harriers, bitterns, avocets, as well as butterflies and wildflowers. Classic countryside.
Askham Bog is a hive of activity when it comes to flora and fauna and this flagship reserve is definitely worth a visit. Get there early enough and you might spy roe deer or woodcocks. Foxes are also regular visitors to the bog as well as birds such as willow tit, buzzards and reed warblers. Water beetles and dragonflies can be seen at certain times of the year and the bog is also home to England’s largest colony of gingerbread sedge. The River Tutt has recently undergone significant restoration work to improve the quality of the water by reducing sedimentation, replenishing fish habitat and re-establishing a bankside environment. Staveley Nature Reserve sits on the river’s border and is renowned for rare plants, insects and mammals. Water violets, marsh helleborine and meadow rue can be spotted in small areas of fen and if you head to the East Lagoon, you’re more than likely to spot an otter or two. The Wolds Dew Ponds were once a significant and key feature of Yorkshire’s agricultural landscape and thanks to recent Heritage Lottery funding, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been working with local farmers to restore the network. Created in the 18th and 19th centuries, dew ponds were crucial in providing water for livestock grazing on the dry landscape of the High Wolds. Whilst no longer required for this purpose, they are packed with birds, insects and a multitude of aquatic wildlife. Toad fans will be pleased to find amphibians aplenty hopping about in this special habitat. It’s also a chance to see tree sparrows, lapwings and grey partridges. Covering a span of around 20 miles from Thixendale to Fordon, the project is currently training volunteers in pond restoration and offering a programme of educational visits and guided walks.
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Adel Dam is a serene spot that has all the elements of a typical English countryside. With badgers and deer, ferns and bluebells, this peaceful reserve straddles Adel Beck and is home to kingfishers, the dam’s most popular draw. Birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and red kites can often be seen circling the site.
Friendly farming. Huddersfield houses an exciting project that showcases how wildlife-friendly farming can be good for the landscape, community and business. With a food training garden, bee hives, newly planted orchard and beef shorthorn herd, Stirley Community Farm is a great place to visit for an educational and fun day out.
Spectacular spot. Experience a spectacular Pennine landscape at Broadhead Clough. This deep valley was better known in the 18th Century for the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners than its wildlife.
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Main image: The lighthouse at Spurn Point. Left top image: A grey heron on a pond at Adel Dam Nature Reserve near Leeds. Below left to right: Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve. Potteric Carr. Filey Brigg.
Wonderful wildlife
Perfect patchwork
Beautiful settings
Rich in history
One of the richest wildlife sites in South Yorkshire is Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve in the Don Gorge. This patchwork of open water, wetland, woodland and grassland was once inhabited by Ice Age woolly mammoths and rhinos. Nowadays, you’re more likely to see woodpeckers and brown hares in addition to wild orchids and trees such as ash, elm and hazel. You can also saunter up the side of the Don Gorge or make the most of this reserve’s location on the Trans Pennine Trail and cycle or walk to nearby Denaby Ings.
Potteric Carr to the south east of Doncaster is the place to go if you’re barmy about birds. Over 230 species have been recorded. The reserve’s marshes also support a whole host of colourful plants and the disused railway embankments are home to Britain’s only wild clematis, known as old man’s beard. Grass Wood is one of the largest broadleaved woodlands in the Yorkshire Dales. Explore this woodland near Grassington to experience the woodland flowers, dawn chorus, fungi and the changing leaves in spring and autumn.
If you’re looking for remote, shifting landscapes rich in history as well as nature, Spurn National Nature Reserve is the place for you. Spurn Lighthouse sits at the end of the peninsula and is the tallest of its kind in Northern England. Learn all about the local environment, coastal wildlife and maritime history. One of the most accessible and welcoming areas is Filey Brigg on the Yorkshire Wolds Way. On the Brigg, you will see a stone sculpture. This marks the end of The Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way.
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Discover incredible landscapes and perfect places to stay. Create your own adventure on two wheels. Go further, see more, push boundaries and always aim for the horizon. Cycle past perfect peaks, glittering seas and fantastic forests. Enjoy the ride.
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Image Š Rick Robson / cyclesportphotos.com Le Petit Depart - supporting cycling development.
Enjoy the ride YORKSHIRE.COM
Out in the open As a professional cyclist, Ben Swift has travelled the world. However, the Rotherham-born, UAE Team Emirates rider has never forgotten his Yorkshire roots and is happiest when back in the rolling hills and stunning vistas of his home county.
“When I think of Yorkshire, the first word that comes to mind is home. I rarely get to spend much time there as my job sends me all over the world, but when I’m back and get to go out into the rolling green hills on my bike, that sense of home and belonging just comes flooding back.” One thing that the county has is diversity. If you want countryside, coastlines and camaraderie, you’ll find it here. There’s something for everyone and that’s what makes the county special. Ben agrees, but there is one place in particular that is very close to his heart and that is the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. “Yorkshire really does have a little bit of everything, but my favourite place is Sheffield. I obviously spend a lot of
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What is it about the outdoors that is so special to Yorkshire? If you asked everyone in the county there will be a different reason for each person. For Ben, it is simply the ability to get outside and revel in the magnificent views.
One of the many ways in which the county is promoted is through the hugely successful Tour de Yorkshire which, since its inception back in 2015, has been beamed worldwide to over 27 million people. “I know that the cycling community has been blown away by the sense of pride and how enthusiastic people are for cycling.”
of the best cycling routes From winding country roads and steep, technical climbs, to forest tracks and family friendly cycle routes, Yorkshire offers something for riders of all ages and abilities.
Dalby Forest This heavily forested area of the North York Moors National Park offers off-road biking trails for all. The variety and beauty of the terrain is astounding.
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time on my bike and I can start in the city, grab a coffee and within ten minutes I’m out in the beautiful, open countryside and the sense of freedom this brings is just perfect.”
“I love being out in the open, I don’t do too much walking as I’m usually on two wheels, but getting out there and enjoying the stunning scenery that is on offer is one of my favourite things to do. I spend most of my time in the hills just outside of Sheffield but it feels different every time and it’s something I’ll never get bored of.”
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Wolds Way Follow the enchanting rolling hills and coastal cliffs of the Yorkshire Wolds. Discover hidden valleys, wildflowers and wildlife.
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Seaside exploring Enjoy a pleasant three mile off-road ride for all the family from Bridlington to Sewerby Hall along the promenades and cliff top route.
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Nidderdale Greenway The former railway line has been developed into a traffic-free path, with the Nidd Gorge Viaduct forming a magnificent backdrop.
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Huddersfield Narrow Canal Cycle the towpath from Huddersfield to Marsden and finish with a visit to Standedge Tunnel – the longest canal tunnel in Britain.
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Clockwise from top left: Brimham Rocks. Studley Royal Water Garden. Fountains Abbey. Malham Cove.
Beautiful places The National Trust is a registered charity no. 205846 Photography: ©National Trust images.
National Trust sites in Yorkshire include abbey ruins, magnificent houses, glorious gardens and some fantastic stretches of coast and countryside including the Dales and the North York Moors. There is an endless choice of beautiful places to seek out in Yorkshire and one of the best ways to see everything we have on offer is by foot.
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The incredible landscape of the Yorkshire Dales is sure to awaken your senses. Take a walk around Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve where rangers reintroduced 250 water voles in the last 18 months - and they’re thriving. See if you can spot one as you take a walk along the boardwalk. 2018 is a fantastic year to visit the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, which boasts the largest ruins of a Cistercian abbey in Britain. This year the water garden is hosting folly! – four surprising contemporary art installations that due to their size, scale and playfulness are not to be missed. For those wanting a little more adventure with their Sunday afternoon stroll, National Trust site Brimham Rocks near Harrogate could be the place for you, a true sight of outstanding natural beauty. The rocks
stand at nearly 30 feet tall and really have to be seen to be believed and offer an excellent vantage point to view Nidderdale. The National Trust boasts eight sites across Yorkshire each offering something special and different. Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens offer extensive parkland to explore alongside the more formal gardens showcasing Italian and Victorian influences, which can be explored as well as the hall for a full day out. If you need any more inspiration for a day out, there’s also East Riddlesden Hall, Hardcastle Crags and Nostell in West Yorkshire, Treasurer’s House in York and Nunnington Hall in North Yorkshire as well as the Yorkshire Coast to explore. All year round, the county conjures up something new and exciting for you to enjoy.
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RSPB-rilliant
What do you fancy? A brisk clifftop walk or a wander through woodland? Panoramic views, a scrumptious lunch or a spot of pond-dipping? Whatever it is that makes a visit special for you, The RSPB have got it on one of Yorkshire’s reserves. There is always somewhere to explore and inspire.
St Aidan’s Nature Park
Bempton Cliffs
Saltholme
Leeds, West Yorkshire The beautiful RSPB St Aidan’s just outside Leeds has something to offer throughout the year. One of the RSPB’s most inspirational spots, an old opencast mine has now been transformed into a beauty spot for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy panoramic views of the site from the visitor centre, where the sunsets can be incredible. The main trails take you amongst a variety of habitats including reedbeds, wetland, meadows and woodland.
Bridlington, East Yorkshire If you are heading to the coast, the stunning Bempton Cliffs near Bridlington offer an escape from the hustle and bustle and a great space to clear your head whilst enjoying some stunning scenery. Each year nearly half a million seabirds flock to the cliffs. You can get close to the action from six safe cliff-edge viewing platforms. Bempton also has the largest kittiwake colony in mainland Britain.
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire Come and explore the state-of-the-art visitor centre with vast panoramic views of the reserve and its industrial backdrop. There’s plenty to get you connected to nature. Grab a trail and a Wildlife Explorer pack and discover the wildlife in Teesside. Explore the discovery zone and go pond dipping though the summer months. If you fancy exploring at a slower pace, seek out a bench in the tranquil wildlife garden.
Blacktoft Sands
Fairburn Ings
Old Moor
Goole, East Yorkshire Hiding on the south bank of the River Ouse where it widens to become the Humber Estuary is the magical reserve, Blacktoft Sands. A wonderful variety of wildlife, from birds of prey like marsh harriers to mammals like hares and water voles, make their home here. You can get spectacular views of them going about their business, resting, playing and raising families. Also throughout the year, look out for wild ponies grazing the reserve.
Leeds, West Yorkshire Nestled between Leeds, York and Wakefield, Fairburn Ings is truly a haven for people and wildlife alike. Winding trails pass through woodland, wetland and grassland, offering the opportunity to see a wide spectrum of wildlife. Look out for the flash of blue as a kingfisher darts by. Damselflies and butterflies are everywhere in summer and fantastic fungi fills the reserve in autumn.
Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire Nestled in the heart of the Dearne Valley is RSPB Old Moor nature reserve with 250 acres of nature to explore. The site also offers the chance for beginners and experienced wildlife watchers alike to get closer to nature with eight hides and viewing screens where they can observe an amazing spectacle of waders, gulls and passing migrant birds. They have boxing hares, shy bitterns and highland cattle too.
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Images clockwise from left: The amazing Yorkshire Coast © National Trust Images / Joe Cornish. Building sandcastles on Filey Beach. Exploring near Flamborough.
Coast with the most... Welcome to one of the country’s most magnificent coastlines, welcome to the Yorkshire Coast. The golden sandy award winning beaches, clean and continually improving bathing water and stunning attractions all make it a very special coastline. Give your kids a wonderful seaside experience full of fun packed activities. Golden memories they’ll look back on and treasure. Yorkshire’s coastline offers a range of outdoor activities with some top spots for walking, rockpooling and surfing. Wildlife is also abundant at Yorkshire’s beaches, especially at Filey where the surrounding cliffs provide a haven for birds. Runswick Bay is the perfect spot to go fossil-hunting while you enjoy this sweeping beach. Further down the coast, explore the cobbled streets of Robin Hood’s Bay – a small fishing village and bay which was once a smuggler’s paradise.
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Yorkshire’s wet and wild side
Serious sailors, have-a-go surfers and first-time fishermen will all be in their element in Yorkshire. So let’s dive into some water adventures.
Visit Bridlington beach if you’d like plenty of sand to run around on. The beach is kept wonderfully clean and is perfect for a family day out. Rumour has it that the sand there is the best you can get for building sandcastles! Nearby, Wilsthorpe also boasts a long, sandy beach which is popular with dog walkers as canine companions are allowed on the beach all year round. Don’t miss the chance to stay at one of the many Camping and Caravanning Club sites on the Yorkshire Coast. All their campsites offer plenty of things to see and do, with major attractions within easy reach. Yorkshire is a surfing hotspot so head to Cayton Bay for good surf all year round and a quiet, unspoilt beach to enjoy. If you’re a beginner, Scarborough’s North and South Bays have some gentler rolling waves to enjoy at the right time. Getting into the hobby is easy, especially with the right tuition – check out Saltburn Surf Hire and School, Fluid Concept Surf School, Scarborough Surf School or Dexter’s Surf Shop for quality teaching. Another coastal activity to enjoy is fishing and you’ll find angling enthusiasts at Sandsend beach near Whitby – a small, picturesque beach which is also an ideal playground for the family, with a beck providing safe paddling. There’s no doubt that Yorkshire has some of the best beaches in the world. With a glorious coast, delicious cuisine, rich culture and history, beautiful countryside, outdoor adventure and spectacular views, the Yorkshire Coast has it all.
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Sheffield Cable Waterski Learn to waterski or wakeboard at the north’s premier cable wake park.
Sea kayaking The coastline around Flamborough Head provides the most spectacular canoeing on the north-east coast.
Lake Semerwater If you’ve got your own sailing boat or windsurfer - this is the largest glacial lake in North Yorkshire and the perfect spot.
Off shore sailing For lots of wide open coastal waters, regular wind and some amazing beaches, look no further than Runswick Bay and Filey.
Scarborough With perfect waves, you can find over 200 and 300 surfers between Scarborough and Cayton Bay.
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A very special landscape With spectacular limestone valleys, picture postcard villages and historic castles the Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to some iconic scenery. The largest of our national parks is the Yorkshire Dales with 840 square miles of outstanding scenery, protected wildlife and rich heritage. If you fancy a challenge on foot, why not give the Yorkshire 3 Peaks a try. Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside are among the best-known hills in Yorkshire. Every year hundreds of people attempt to reach the summit of one or indeed all three. Keep an eye out for the Brownlee brothers as they are also known to use these famous hills when they are in training. In Wensleydale you’ll find the impressive Aysgarth Falls. This spectacular stretch of water is best known for its triple flight of waterfalls. In nearby Malham you will find the towering cliff of Malham Cove. This gently
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Images left to right: An iconic Dales landscape. Visitor at Janet’s Foss, part of the Malham Tarn Estate © National Trust Images.
curving cliff of white limestone has amazed visitors for centuries and is even the home to a set of peregrine falcons in the summer months. Enjoy these views along with the impressive Gordale Scar as well as the popular Malham circular walk. Afterwards why not reward your efforts at one of the many tearooms in the area. Zarinas Tearoom in Kettlewell welcomes cyclists and walkers in for a hot drink and slice of cake and with their stone flagged floors, muddy boots are not a problem. Discover stone-built villages sitting amongst the traditional farming landscape of field barns, drystone walls and flower-rich hay meadows. Spectacular waterfalls and ancient broadleaved woodland areas contrast with the scattered remains of the areas industrial heritage.
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A wealth of wonders From pretty moorland, rolling hills and dales to scented meadows and leafy forests, the Peak District National Park is an area of rich history and heritage. Images clockwise from top left: Burbage Rocks and Valley covered in heather. Renishaw Hall Gardens. Some of the best climbing in the UK.
Britain’s first National Park boasts some of the country’s finest, specially-protected landscapes in an area the size of Greater London. Its rugged gritstone uplands and rolling limestone dales offer endless scope for walking, cycling and a wealth of other outdoor activities. Explore the beautiful area of the Peak District, a location rich in history and heritage. Visit the wonderful Renishaw Hall Gardens in the summertime to experience beautiful fountains and flower displays. Why not take a step back in time with a trip to Bolsover
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Castle where you can watch a medieval joust or skilled combat display by battling knights. Holme Moss is a moor in the south Pennines, on the border between Derbyshire and West Yorkshire within the Peak District National Park. The River Holme rises on the moor and flows through the village of Holme and the town of Holmfirth. The upper part of the moor continues into Black Hill which is crossed by the Pennine Way north-south footpath which has long been considered one of England’s most punishing bicycle ascents.
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Gather your grub Whilst you are exploring our glorious county try adding something magical to the dinner table by picking the ingredients yourself.
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Foraging tips Foraging is a great free day out in Yorkshire. Collect those special ingredients that take your recipes to another level.
Treasure trove Few realise that the Yorkshire coast is one of the top places to find some of the best edible seaweed in the UK. There’s also luxury lobster in abundance and the shoreline is a rockpool forager’s dream. In fact the succulent seafood is so good, Chris and Rose Bax set up courses six years ago to teach visitors where and how to forage for this delicious free food. Chris, who describes himself as a passionate chef with the practical skills of a boy scout, set up Taste the Wild to promote wild foods as exciting ingredients. Courses are run on the coast and through nearby woodland with Staithes being a real favourite spot. “If you know what you’re doing and where to look, a foraging trip to Staithes is so good, you can return with a whole meal,” said Chris.
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Look in the hedgerows Autumn provides an abundance of fresh blackberries, growing throughout Yorkshire. Located next to Sutton Bank, Goremire Lake is one of the prettiest spots in the county, the perfect place to fill your basket.
Become an explorer While you enjoy some of Yorkshire’s stunning woodland keep an eye out for wild garlic - amazing when used to make homemade pesto. Swinton Park offer cookery courses guiding you through the wild side of your kitchen cupboard, turning you into a pro.
Grow your own One of the best ways to stock up your larder with natural ingredients is to grow your own. Pop to Tong Garden Centre who offer advice on how to grow fruit and vegetables to feed the family.
So much is on offer in Yorkshire and a great way to add to your dinner table is by foraging, it’s free and is a great day out. You can collect those special ingredients that will take your recipes to another level all whilst having fun. Always research the items you pick and if in doubt stay away, some items can be poisonous. You may need to seek permission from land owners before foraging on private land.
Eat out Yorkshire hedgerows and woodlands are full of edible treats. Learn which ones make a tasty salad, which ones flavour ice cream, which mushrooms grow where. Discover the wide variety of fish, seaweed, shellfish and coastal wild edibles around our shores. Go to tastethewild.co.uk for more information.
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Ride for free
Borrow a bike for free with Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries.
Bicycles are transforming lives across the county and it’s all thanks to an initiative which was a legacy from the Grand Départ 2014 (when the Tour de France started off in Leeds, West Yorkshire). Funded by Yorkshire Bank, the initiative asks for old bikes to be donated so voluntary teams can recondition them and lend them to anyone who, for whatever reason, doesn’t have a bike of their own. The aim of the bike libraries is simple - to give every child in Yorkshire access to a bike, regardless of their circumstances. And since launching in December 2014, the scheme is well on its way to fulfilling that goal. In just over two years, more than 51,000 chances to ride a bike have been offered to children and over 5,500 bikes have been donated through the scheme. So far, nearly 50 bike libraries and 62 donation stations have also been set up around the county. Bike libraries have sprung up across Yorkshire, from Middlesbrough, to down south in Sheffield and can be found in church halls, schools, business premises, community centres and charities. It’s clear that each bike library is different, but they all work in the same way – taking old or unwanted bikes, repairing them, and making them ready for people to borrow, free of charge.
The Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries are winners of the ‘Sport Simple’ programme of the year 2017 at the prestigious Peace and Sport awards.
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Even the most unloved bike can be brought back to life, and really damaged ones are often used for parts or training mechanics. The bike libraries do receive a lot of bikes which are in perfect condition and these go straight out to libraries for a safety check then straight to a child. If you would consider donating an old bike, please have a look at the website where you can find a map and list of all donation stations. Go to bikelibraries.co.uk to find your nearest Bike Library and come and give cycling a go!
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iAt a glancei
What? Simply a location with a fleet of bikes that are available for loan to children and families. There are almost 50 Bike Libraries across Yorkshire and over 5,500 bikes have been donated so far. Can anyone borrow one? Yes. Just find your local bike library (see the link below) and get in touch. The libraries often arrange activities such as guided bike rides, basic bike skills and maintenance courses. Or you can just have the freedom to ride on a safe route, where you want, with family and friends. Where can I donate a bike? Donation stations are popping up around Yorkshire all the time - for full details of your local drop off point see the website below. If you can’t see a local donation station near you, keep checking - more are added all the time as the scheme develops. To donate a bike, borrow a bike, start a bike library or become a volunteer visit bikelibraries.co.uk
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Outdoors inspiration Discover something different in Yorkshire with these inspirational outdoor ideas. Canal culture Discover Yorkshire from a different perspective by travelling along the county’s ancient canal network. Spend the day aboard A&G Passenger Boats – choose from a wide variety of boat trips along the historic Sheffield and Tinsley Canal. Elsewhere, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Skipton Boat Trips have vessels available to hire yourself – be a captain for the day and take up to 10 members of your friends or family along with you! One of the main joys of cruising along a canal has to be the views you see along the way and in Yorkshire there are plenty of historic sites to spot. Hire a barge with Silsden Boats, head up the Leeds and Liverpool canal and you will pass the Bingley Five Rise Locks, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saltaire. If a day trip isn’t enough for you, then Hapton Valley Boats offer week-long holidays – giving you time to soak up a range of Yorkshire views. The tranquillity of a boat trip can also be complimented by surprising comfort – take Lady Teal for example – a 60ft 5-star boat available for bookings, boasting en-suite bathrooms and a luxurious lounge.
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There’s no need to be nervous about taking the helm – but if you are then companies like Pennine Cruisers offer full boat handling instruction before you set off on your holiday. If that sounds a little scary, you could also opt for one of their skippered trips.
Art attack The only one of its kind, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an international centre for modern and contemporary art, experienced and enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Explore open-air displays by some of the world’s finest artists and be inspired by the natural beauty of the historic estate.
Casting a spell There’s an abundance of great still water fishing available throughout Yorkshire. A great option in the Yorkshire Dales is Kilnsey Park, where children can have a first attempt at fishing in the fun pond, while two spring fed lakes offer year round fly fishing for trout. With the sound of the sea birds and lapping waves, shore fishing is a great way to not only get a bite, but also get back to nature. Sandsend has both sand and rocks to fish from
and the scenic Staithes exposes large areas of flat rock during low tide, revealing perfect platforms to fish from. If you fancy some night time fishing, the first hour of flood tide at Scalby Ness is a real treat.
Go underground The largest caving area in the UK is right here in (well, below) Yorkshire. So with 2,000 caves and potholes, plus more than 400km of surveyed passages, you’d better get your torches ready. Yorkshire’s unique geology is waiting to be explored. The Yorkshire Dales are world famous for their rich caving opportunities. You don’t have to go far to discover a labyrinth of cave systems and potholes.
The right track Take an unforgettable steam train ride through spectacular Yorkshire countryside. Jump onboard and experience the chug of the engine and shriek of the whistle for yourself. An enchanting steam train outing will delight the whole family. Experience attractions that have been the ‘star’ of numerous movies, including: Harry Potter, Heartbeat and The Railway Children to name just a few.
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Images clockwise from top left: The Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Gaping Gill. The Leeds Liverpool Canal. Fishing in Wharfedale. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway © Graham Staples/NYMR.
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Ride into our world
Travelling between small hidden villages or along riverside trails, exploring miles of heritage coastline or trekking rugged landscape tracks, it’s no surprise Yorkshire is always a favourite with horse riders.
The first long-distance trail designed for riders, the Pennine Bridleway National Trail combines historic packhorse routes with specially created paths and some of the best circular routes are based around it. The Settle Loop in the Yorkshire Dales National Park veers off the Bridleway to create a novice-friendly 10 mile loop taking in stunning limestone scenery. Still on the Pennine Bridleway is the 47 mile circular Mary Towneley Loop that dips into and out of steep sided South Pennine valleys. The North York Moors is also perfect horse riding country. The diverse landscapes and abundance of wildlife make every ride an experience to remember. Riding centres in the area cater for beginners through to
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experienced riders, including Boltby Pony Trekking & Trail Riding Centre and Bilsdale Riding Centre. In search of bigger adventures? Then the 55 mile circular North York Moors and Dales Ride is the one for you. With more than its fair share of spectacular scenery and dramatic views through the central and western areas of the National Park, this four day ride is ideal for anyone with their own horse. With a wide range of trekking centres, it’s easy to find your feet, and a good horse. From the gentle terrain of the Yorkshire Wolds, to the more challenging valleys and high moorland of the North York Moors, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
The stunning coastal scenery, fields and moorland around Farsyde Riding Centre near Robin Hood’s Bay always make for an interesting and memorable ride. Experienced riders can splash in the waves and pools and even ride through the narrow streets of this picturesque fishing village, while novices can enjoy the scenic Cinder Track: the old Whitby to Scarborough rail track. Another great spot is Fraisthorpe Beach, just south of Bridlington. The sands here are flat and expansive, especially at low tides, and are perfect for exploring on horseback. The exhilarating feeling of riding along the shore is hard to beat.
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Fun and fodder Whilst many people enjoy exploring the outdoors with their own four-legged friend, have you ever considered heading out and making the most of what Yorkshire has to offer with a llama, a husky or one of the great creatures of the deep?
Nidderdale Llamas
Pesky Husky Trekking
There are so many places to delve into in our glorious county, why not explore further whilst walking a llama or alpaca? Nidderdale llamas offer experiences for all the family. You can take in the stunning scenery of Nidderdale and the surrounding area with an expert guide, as well as a furry friend to show you the way. With different packages and walking routes available, this is a great way to spend an afternoon at a gentle pace. To finish off a relaxing day head to The Sportsman Arms Hotel down the road in Pateley Bridge. Popular with walkers all year round, this is a great place to sit back and enjoy a pint of ale in front of the fire or sit in the summer sun relaxing in the beautifully landscaped gardens.
If you like a bit more speed in your exploration then a husky trek could be the activity for you. Venture out with the oldest breed on the planet. With warm and energetic personalities, the huskies from Pesky Husky Trekking will show you their patch in the North York Moors. Start off with some mush training before heading out for a hike with these wonderful animals. After an adventurous day out with your new best friends, a relaxing evening in one of Yorkshire’s finest pubs is surely on the cards, The Bryherstones County Inn is a great choice. Situated in Cloughton, North Yorkshire it’s a great family eatery, offering a warm welcome to worn out husky trekkers.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Whitby Whale Watching
If you want to continue at a peaceful pace then try a day at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Beautifully laid out on the outskirts of Doncaster, you can explore in your own time and see some of nature’s most awe-inspiring animals. You can even treat yourself to one of their interactive experiences, like feeding the giraffes, where you can get up close and personal to the park’s tallest residents. When it’s time to sit down and talk about your favourite animal, head to Farmer Copley’s in Pontefract, where you can get a bite to eat at this award winning farm shop. Grab a delicious treat to fuel you up at the café, restaurant, butchery, deli counter or bakery.
Whilst you are in an adventurous mood, why not take to the seas with a spot of whale watching. Whitby Whale Watching is open from March every year and whilst they can’t guarantee sightings they rarely come back to shore without seeing something amazing out in the North Sea. With the knowledgeable skipper doing his best to help you see some of nature’s giants, you can take in your surroundings and enjoy being out on the stunning Yorkshire coast. When you return to shore, there is really only one choice and that’s fish and chips in the harbour. Head to the Quayside, for stunning views out to sea accompanied by some of the world’s best fish and chips at this local institution.
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Outdoor festivals
From sport to the arts, theatre, music and film, you’ll be spoilt for choice with our outdoor events in 2018. We’ve compiled this list to give you a bit of inspiration. For a full list of events go to yorkshire.com/events
2 The Dark Skies Festival February, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks The Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors National Park organise an annual Dark Skies Festival jointly. The festival runs in February and events include night runs, cycling, caving and talks by expert astronomers. The Dark Skies Festival is all about discovering, learning and enjoying the dark and the stars you can see as a result.
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March, Barnsley See the spectacular birds on display at Cannon Hall Farm’s Falconry Weekend. Witness the brilliant flying displays and you may even be lucky enough to hold one of these beautiful creatures yourself. Enjoy a fun-packed day out and discover the sheep and ferret racing, milking demos, meerkat sessions and tractor trailer rides. The innovative tube maze in the adventure playground is the largest in Europe.
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Image © SMJ Falconry
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Cannon Hall Farm
6 Whitby Regatta August, Whitby Three days of entertainment including yacht racing and rowing races, topped off with a prize presentation and spectacular firework display. Bring the whole family to one of the oldest regattas in the UK for a full weekend of fun and competitive spirit in the iconic seaside town of Whitby.
3 Lambing Sunday March, Bishop Burton Bishop Burton’s annual springtime spectacle gives the public the chance to see lambs being born. There’s show jumping, horses to pet, farm machinery displays, tours of the pig units and much more to entertain all the family.
4 Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival July, Skipton An amazing summer weekend in the Yorkshire Dales, full of foodie fun. With traders showcasing delicious Yorkshire produce and celebrity chef performances galore, it’s going to be a brilliant event that is bigger and better than ever.
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Deer Shed Festival
Ard Rock Enduro Festival VW Festival
July, Topcliffe
August, Reeth
August, Harewood House
Deer Shed is a folk, pop and rock festival aimed at families while still exciting for those without children. A festival that likes to highlight technology, expect to see lots of tech-driven workshops, previews and performances over the weekend.
Taking place in the stunning Swaledale area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this exclusive mountain biking event includes multiple races of different lengths and abilities and an amazing Alpine style stage built on 100% natural and rocky terrain.
The UK’s largest family friendly VW show. A full weekend of entertainment, live music and VWs galore. However, it’s not just about the cars, you’ll also find activities for all ages and interests so the entire family can enjoy the show.
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REDCAR BARNARD CASTLE
A67
TO THE M6 FOR BIRMINGHAM AND CUMBRIA
A685
SALTBURN
ANBY
A1
YORKSHIRE DALES
SEDBERGH
A684
WHITBY A683
RTH YORK MOORS
MASHAM
GRASSINGTON
A170
PICKERING
HELMSLEY
SETTLE
A59
FILEY
SKIPTON
A165 A64
MALTON DRIFFIELD
YORK
ILKLEY
A64 KNARESBOROUGH
YORK
WETHERBY
A64
LEEDS
A614
SELBY
SELBY
A164
A63
A63
A63
A63
HUMBER BRIDGE GOOLE
A15
SCUNTHORPE
A180 GRIMSBY EDINBURGH
BRIGG
PENISTONE
BARNSLEY
LEEDS
YORKSHIRE
DONCASTER
A180 GRIMSBY CLEETHORPES
BRIGG
A18
PEAK ROTHERHAM DISTRICT A57
SHEFFIELD TO LONDON BY RAIL
How to get here Yorkshire by air
LONDON
KEY Motorways A Roads Rail Routes Airports Heritage Coasts Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty National Parks
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A15
WITHERNSEA
A18
MANCHESTER
Ferryport
GOOLE SCUNTHORPE
A1
HOLMFIRTH
WITHERNSEA
CLEETHORPES
CASTER
PONTEFRACT
WAKEFIELD
MIRFIELD
HULL
HULL
HUMBER BRIDGE
HUDDERSFIELD
A164
HORNSEA
BEVERLEY
A19
HALIFAX HORNSEA
BEVERLEY TODMORDEN
FLAMBOROUGH HEAD
BRIDLINGTON
A166
A1079
HEBDEN BRIDGE
A614
FILEY
MALTON DRIFFIELD
OTLEY
BRADFORD
SEAMER
A165
A19
A658
A65
A629
PICKERING
HELMSLEY
HARROGATE
KEIGHLEY FLAMBOROUGH HEAD SALTAIRE HAWORTH BRIDLINGTON
A166
A1079
RIPON
PATELEY BRIDGE
MALHAM
SEAMER
A170
THIRSK
KIRKBY LONSDALE ROBIN HOOD’S BAY HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE INGLETON A169 SCARBOROUGH
SCARBOROUGH
SUTTON BANK
HAWES
ROBIN HOOD’S BAY
A169
NORTH YORK MOORS
LEYBURN
DENT
Y
A172 OSMOTHERLEY
NORTHALLERTON
REETH
WHITBY
A171
DANBY
RICHMOND
STAITHES
A171
A66
STAITHES
GUISBOROUGH
YARM
BOWES
TEBAY
REDCAR
H
KIRKBY STEPHEN
SALTBURN
MIDDLESBROUGH
Fly to Doncaster Sheffield Airport with Flybe, Welcome to Yorkshire’s official airport partner and airline. Leeds Bradford Airport is our busiest air gateway, with flights from Aberdeen, Belfast, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Gatwick, Newquay, Plymouth and Southampton. You can also fly to Humberside Airport or Durham Tees Valley Airport.
Yorkshire by road Britain’s biggest and fastest highways cross Yorkshire from north to south and east to west, making getting here by car or by coach very simple. For details of the quickest (or the most scenic) driving routes see the AA or RAC websites www.theaa.com and www.rac.co.uk
Yorkshire by rail KEY
Yorkshire’s cities and market towns are Motorways easy to get to from other parts of the country. Travel to Yorkshire with A Roads high-speed trains from either London or Edinburgh in less than two hours with Rail Routes Virgin Trains East Coast and Grand Central services. You can also get to Airports Yorkshire by train from the North West with First TransPennine Express, who Heritage Coasts offer direct services into the county from Liverpool and Manchester. Areas of Outstanding Northern Rail also offer direct services Natural Beauty to Yorkshire from the North West. National Parks Yorkshire by sea
Ferry services to Hull and Newcastle Ferryport link Yorkshire with Holland, Belgium and Germany. P&O Ferries operate overnight services to Hull from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.
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Let someone new love your old bike.
Turning old bikes into new opportunities for local communities. Go to www.bikelibraries.co.uk
#BikeLibraries