12 Mind-Blowing Places in Yorkshire to See in 2025

317

Guys, Yorkshire completely blew my mind. After spending two weeks exploring England’s biggest county, I can’t stop thinking about the moment I first saw Malham Cove. Standing at the base of this massive 230-foot limestone cliff, watching climbers look like tiny dots against the rock face, I felt so small. And don’t even get me started on that view from the top!

These beautiful places in Yorkshire are on another level. One day I’m wandering through the ruins of Whitby Abbey (which literally inspired Dracula, by the way), and the next I’m hiking through valleys that look like they belong in a movie. Trust me, these 12 spots will make you see why Yorkshire locals are so proud of their home.

Top Must-See Places in Yorkshire in 2025

Looking for the coolest things to do in Yorkshire in 2025? Explore the grand Castle Howard, admire the breathtaking scenery at Flamborough Head Coast and Cliffs, and embark on a scenic adventure along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Discover the rugged beauty of Marsden Moor and immerse yourself in Yorkshire’s rich landscapes, history, and culture. Whether you’re interested in nature, heritage, or outdoor adventures, here are the top attractions to visit in Yorkshire.

1. Castle Howard

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire, 15 miles northeast of York and 25 miles southwest of Scarborough
• 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏰, garden lovers 🌸, history buffs 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the opulent stately home, strolling through the magnificent gardens, exploring the Temple of the Four Winds
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooming daffodils and rhododendrons, summer for full garden splendor 🌺
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Worsley Arms Hotel – Charming accommodation in nearby Hovingham village

Step into the grandeur of Castle Howard, a masterpiece that took over 100 years to complete. This breathtaking palace has served as the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, including the iconic “Brideshead Revisited.” The interior dazzles with its stunning Great Hall crowned by a 70-foot painted dome.

The meticulously maintained gardens stretch across 1,000 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside. I was particularly captivated by the Atlas Fountain on the South Lawn and the serene Temple of the Four Winds. Allow at least half a day to explore both the house and gardens properly. The estate hosts seasonal events throughout the year, from Christmas spectaculars to outdoor summer concerts.

• Read Next: Beautiful Places in Europe

2. Flamborough Head Coast and Cliffs

• 📍 Location: East Yorkshire, 4 miles northeast of Bridlington and 25 miles north of Hull
• 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🦅, coastal hikers 🥾, lighthouse enthusiasts 🚨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the dramatic chalk cliffs, spotting seabirds at RSPB Bempton, visiting the historic lighthouse
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for puffin watching (May-July), spring and autumn for migrating birds 🐦
• 🏨 Where to Stay: North Star Hotel – Comfortable accommodation in nearby Flamborough village

Towering white chalk cliffs and crashing waves define Flamborough Head, creating one of Yorkshire’s most spectacular coastal scenes. This protected heritage coast provides a vital habitat for thousands of seabirds. The area’s crown jewel is the octagonal Flamborough Lighthouse, standing sentinel since 1806.

For wildlife enthusiasts, RSPB Bempton Cliffs offers unforgettable views of nearly half a million seabirds. I could have spent all day watching puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes nesting on the vertiginous cliff faces. The 7-mile circular walk around the headland reveals hidden coves, natural arches, and pristine beaches. Both North Landing and South Landing offer opportunities for fossil hunting and rockpool exploration.

3. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire, 30 minutes northeast of Lancaster and 40 minutes northwest of Skipton
• 🏆 Best For: Waterfall chasers 💦, photographers 📸, nature lovers 🌿
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the circular trail, photographing the spectacular falls, exploring ancient woodland
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: After rainfall for most impressive falls, autumn for colorful woodland scenery 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Ingleton Cottages – Cozy accommodations within walking distance of the trail

A mesmerizing journey awaits along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, where tumbling torrents cut through ancient oak woodland. This 4.5-mile circular route follows the courses of the River Twiss and River Doe, revealing a series of spectacular falls. The trail features six named cascades, including the thundering Thornton Force with its impressive 14-meter drop.

Ancient bridges and twisted tree roots create natural frames for perfect photographs. You’ll feel transported to another world as the atmospheric microclimate nurtures rare ferns and mosses throughout the glen. While the path is well-maintained, proper footwear is essential as surfaces can be slippery. The village of Ingleton offers plenty of cafés for post-hike refreshments.

4. Marsden Moor

• 📍 Location: West Yorkshire, 7 miles west of Huddersfield and 15 miles southwest of Leeds
• 🏆 Best For: Wilderness hikers 🥾, bird spotters 🦅, industrial history buffs 🏭
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the Pennine Way, exploring ancient packhorse trails, discovering industrial heritage
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for wildflowers and clear visibility, autumn for dramatic moorland colors 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Olive Branch Inn – Traditional Yorkshire accommodation in nearby Marsden village

Wild and windswept landscapes dominate Marsden Moor, a vast 5,685-acre National Trust estate. This untamed beauty of the South Pennines showcases blanket bog, heather moorland, and dramatic valleys carved by ancient glaciers. The moor is crisscrossed by historic routes, including the Pennine Way and Standedge Trail.

The area’s industrial heritage shines through the impressive Standedge Tunnel, Britain’s longest canal tunnel. Wildlife watchers will love spotting curlews, golden plovers, and merlin falcons soaring overhead. Walking these paths, I couldn’t help but imagine the packhorse traders who traversed these hills for centuries. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather and bring appropriate gear for an authentic Yorkshire experience!

• Continue exploring West Yorkshire: West Yorkshire Bucket List: 12 Fun Things to Do & See

5. North York Moors

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire, stretching from Scarborough inland toward Middlesbrough
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, steam train enthusiasts 🚂, stargazers ✨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, hiking across heather moorland, stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: August for purple heather blooms, spring for wildflowers and newborn lambs 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Black Swan Hotel – Historic accommodation in picturesque Helmsley

Sweeping heather moorland meets ancient woodland across the magical landscape of the North York Moors. Covering 554 square miles, this protected wilderness has incredible diversity that changes dramatically with the seasons. The park’s most iconic experience is riding the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam line that puffs through the heart of the moors.

Film buffs will recognize Goathland Station as “Hogsmeade” from the Harry Potter films. For hikers, the Cleveland Way National Trail offers 109 miles of spectacular paths. The enchanting valleys known locally as “dales” each have their own distinct character. After dark, the moors transform into an International Dark Sky Reserve where you can witness the Milky Way in stunning clarity.

6. Robin Hood’s Bay

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire, 6 miles south of Whitby and 15 miles north of Scarborough
• 🏆 Best For: Fossil hunters 🐚, coastal walkers 🥾, history enthusiasts 🏴‍☠️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the smugglers’ village, beachcombing for fossils, walking sections of the Cleveland Way
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for fewer crowds, summer for beach activities and swimming 🏖️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Bramblewick – Cozy cottages nestled in the heart of the old village

Cobbled streets tumble steeply down to a wild, rocky shore in Robin Hood’s Bay, one of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric coastal treasures. This former smugglers’ haunt retains much of its 18th-century character, with tiny cottages clinging to the cliffside. A maze of alleyways once used to transport contraband inland adds to its mysterious charm.

The bay transforms with the tides, revealing a fossil hunter’s paradise at low water. Ammonites and belemnites regularly emerge along this Jurassic coastline. The beach feels like my own private discovery when exploring the rock pools and geological wonders. For hikers, Robin Hood’s Bay marks the eastern terminus of Alfred Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast walk and offers spectacular views along the Cleveland Way.

7. Runswick Bay

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire coast, 9 miles north of Whitby and 24 miles from Middlesbrough
• 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, fossil hunters 🔍, coastal walkers 🥾
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the sheltered sandy beach, hunting for fossils along the shoreline, hiking along the Cleveland Way
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming and beach days, spring and autumn for peaceful coastal walks 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Runswick Bay Hotel – Charming accommodation with stunning sea views

Red-roofed cottages cascade down steep cliffs to create one of Yorkshire’s most picturesque coastal scenes. This former fishing village maintains its authentic character while offering a sweeping sandy beach perfect for relaxation. Low tide reveals fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life and Jurassic fossils waiting to be discovered.

I’ve spent hours combing the shoreline here and never leave empty-handed. The Cleveland Way passes through the village, providing dramatic clifftop views across the North Sea. Time your visit for sunset when the village glows in golden light. Runswick Bay Hotel offers the perfect base for exploring this hidden gem of the Yorkshire coast.

8. Saltburn

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire coast, 12 miles east of Middlesbrough and 21 miles northwest of Whitby
• 🏆 Best For: Victorian history buffs 🏛️, surfers 🏄, railway enthusiasts 🚂
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the cliff tramway, strolling along the ornate pier, surfing the North Sea waves
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (tramway operates March-October), autumn and winter for best surfing conditions 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Spa Hotel – Elegant Victorian accommodation with panoramic sea views

Victorian elegance meets surf culture in this unique coastal town. The Saltburn Cliff Tramway, Britain’s oldest water-balanced funicular railway, connects the town center to the beach 120 feet below. Beyond the ornate 681-foot Saltburn Pier, surfers tackle some of the most reliable waves in northeast England throughout the year.

Wandering through the beautiful Valley Gardens always makes me appreciate how perfectly this town balances natural beauty with Victorian engineering. The Miniature Railway adds charm as it weaves through woodland paths. Complete your visit with award-winning fish and chips from Seaview Restaurant while watching the sunset paint the dramatic coastline in vibrant colors.

• Explore more of Yorkshire: The Ultimate West Yorkshire Travel Guide

9. Scarborough

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire coast, 40 miles northeast of York and 17 miles south of Whitby
• 🏆 Best For: Family vacationers 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, history enthusiasts 🏰, entertainment seekers 🎭
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the medieval castle, relaxing on two distinct beaches, enjoying traditional seaside amusements
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for beach activities and entertainment, spring and autumn for quieter exploration 🌷
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel – Iconic Victorian landmark overlooking South Bay

Britain’s first seaside resort spreads gloriously across two magnificent bays. The imposing ruins of Scarborough Castle sit dramatically on a headland between them, offering spectacular views and over 3,000 years of history. South Bay features a traditional harbor, amusement arcades, and the elegant Spa Complex, while the quieter North Bay offers colorful beach huts and the fascinating Peasholm Park.

My favorite memory was watching the famous naval warfare displays in miniature boats on the park lake. Take the cliff tramway between the bays for contrasting experiences. The historic Stephen Joseph Theatre provides cultural entertainment, while the harbor restaurants serve fresh seafood caught daily by local fishing boats.

10. Whitby

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire coast, 20 miles north of Scarborough and 47 miles from York
• 🏆 Best For: Gothic literature fans 📚, maritime history buffs ⚓, foodies 🍽️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, exploring Captain Cook connections, sampling world-famous fish and chips
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Goth Weekends in April and October), summer for beach activities 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The White Horse & Griffin – Historic coaching inn dating from the 16th century

Gothic allure and maritime heritage collide in this atmospheric harbor town where Bram Stoker set key scenes from “Dracula.” The haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey stand dramatically on the East Cliff, reached by the famous 199 Steps. Maritime connections run deep with the Captain Cook Memorial Museum housed in the building where Cook once lived.

Standing atop the abbey ruins at sunset, I understand why this place has captured imaginations for centuries. Narrow cobbled streets lead through the old town, where shops sell distinctive black Whitby Jet. Sample the town’s legendary fish and chips or time your visit for one of the biannual Goth Weekends when elaborately costumed visitors transform the streets.

• Read Next: UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit

11. York

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire, 40 miles east of Leeds and 90 miles south of Newcastle
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, architecture admirers 🏛️, shopping fans 🛍️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the medieval city walls, visiting York Minster, exploring The Shambles
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Christmas market in December), spring and autumn for fewer crowds 🍁
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Grand, York – Luxury hotel in a former railway headquarters

Nearly 2,000 years of history unfold in this remarkably preserved medieval city. The magnificent York Minster dominates the skyline with stunning stained glass and elaborate stonework that took centuries to complete. Nearby, The Shambles winds through the heart of the city with overhanging timber-framed buildings creating an enchantingly narrow medieval street.

Walking the nearly complete City Walls was my highlight, offering unparalleled views of this historic center. The interactive Jorvik Viking Centre brings the city’s Norse era vividly to life through sights, sounds and even smells. Complete your visit at the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives including the record-breaking Mallard.

• Discover more Yorkshire gems: 12 Amazing Things to Do in West Yorkshire

12. Yorkshire Dales National Park

• 📍 Location: North Yorkshire and Cumbria, 50 miles northwest of York and 70 miles east of Manchester
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, cave explorers 🕳️, waterfall chasers 💦
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring limestone caves, photographing iconic waterfalls, hiking across rolling dales
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflower meadows, summer for hiking, autumn for golden colors 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Devonshire Fell – Boutique hotel with stunning views of the River Wharfe

Dramatic limestone formations, cascading waterfalls, and rolling green valleys create England’s most stunning rural scenery. This protected area spans over 840 square miles, punctuated by charming stone villages that seem frozen in time. The magnificent three-stepped Aysgarth Falls captivated Wordsworth and Turner, while the impressive Malham Cove features a limestone pavement that appeared in Harry Potter.

Hiking along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail reminded me why this landscape has inspired artists for generations. Traditional Dales villages like Grassington and Hawes offer glimpses into rural life and local specialties, including famous Wensleydale cheese. For an otherworldly experience, venture underground into White Scar Cave to discover vast chambers filled with stalactites and underground rivers.