10 Free Things to Do in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions in the UK. With its rolling hills, lush green valleys, and miles of coastline, it offers a wealth of activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out, an active holiday, or just a peaceful stroll in the countryside, Yorkshire has something for everyone. Here are 10 free things to do in Yorkshire that won’t break the bank.

Explore the Coastline

Yorkshire is blessed with miles of stunning coastline, from the busy resort towns of Scarborough and Whitby, to the tranquil beaches of Filey and Bridlington. Whether you’re looking for a quiet day by the sea, a bracing walk in the surf, or a spot of rock-pooling, there’s something here for everyone. And best of all, it won’t cost you a penny!

One of the best ways to see the Yorkshire coastline is to take a coastal walk. The Cleveland Way is one of the most popular trails, stretching from the North York Moors to the stunning cliffs of Flamborough Head. There are also plenty of shorter walks to choose from, so you can tailor your day out to fit your needs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a boat trip around the bay? You can spot seals, dolphins, and even puffins, as well as getting a unique perspective on the spectacular coastline.

Go Wildlife Watching

Yorkshire is a haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats ranging from wetlands and woodlands, to heaths and moors. You can spot a variety of bird species, from the majestic golden eagle to the tiny wren, as well as mammals such as deer, foxes, and badgers. Best of all, you don’t need to pay a penny to enjoy this natural wonder.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust runs a number of reserves across the region, which are great places to spot wildlife. Potteric Carr Nature Reserve is one of the best, with a wide variety of habitats and plenty of wildlife to see. You can even hire binoculars from the visitor centre if you don’t have your own.

Another great spot for wildlife watching is the RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve. Home to over 250,000 seabirds, this stunning cliff-top site is the perfect place to watch puffins, gannets, and other bird species in their natural habitat.

Visit a Castle

Yorkshire is home to some of the most impressive castles in Britain, from the imposing ruins of Skipton Castle to the majestic towers of York Castle. Many of these castles are now open to the public, and some are even free to enter. So why not take a trip back in time and explore the fascinating history of these grand structures?

One of the best free castles to visit is Helmsley Castle. Set in the beautiful North York Moors National Park, this impressive Norman fortress is sure to impress. You can explore the ruins, take in the stunning views, and even take a guided tour to learn more about its history.

For a more family-friendly castle experience, head to Pickering Castle. This 13th-century fortress has plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, from jousting to archery. There’s also a museum and café on-site, so you can relax and explore at your leisure.

Visit a Museum

Yorkshire is home to a wealth of museums and galleries, from the world-famous National Railway Museum in York, to the quirky Museum of Eccentricity in Whitby. Many of these are free to enter, so why not spend a day exploring the region’s fascinating past?

The National Railway Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in trains. Here you can explore the history of locomotion, from the earliest steam engines to the modern bullet trains. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits and activities, making it a great day out for all the family.

The Museum of Eccentricity is another great free museum. Located in Whitby, it’s home to an eclectic collection of oddities, from a giant robotic rat to a talking parrot. It’s sure to keep the kids entertained, and you can even pick up some unusual souvenirs from the gift shop.

Explore a Market Town

Yorkshire has a wealth of vibrant market towns, from the bustling streets of Leeds to the cobbled lanes of Richmond. Most of these towns are free to explore, so why not wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere?

Harrogate is one of the most popular towns in Yorkshire. This elegant spa town is full of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, so you can soak up the culture without spending a penny. There’s also plenty of green space, so you can take a stroll in the sunshine before heading home.

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, then head to Malton. This lively market town has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK, and is home to a variety of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. You can also take a stroll along the river or explore the ruins of the old castle.

Go on a Hike

Yorkshire is home to some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, from the lush dales of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the rugged moors of the North York Moors. There’s a wealth of hiking trails to choose from, so you can tailor your day out to fit your needs.

The Three Peaks Challenge is one of the most popular hikes in the region. This gruelling 24-mile route takes you up the highest peaks in Yorkshire, including Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside. It’s a great way to see the stunning scenery of the region while testing your mettle.

The Yorkshire Dales also offers plenty of hiking trails, from short walks to full-day hikes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll in the countryside, or a challenging climb to the top of a mountain, you’ll find something to suit your needs.

Go Cycling

Yorkshire is a great place for cyclists, with miles of scenic trails and roads to explore. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride in the countryside, or an adrenaline-fuelled downhill run, there’s something here for everyone. And best of all, it’s completely free!

The Settle Loop is one of the most popular cycling trails in Yorkshire. This 16-mile route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region, from rolling hills to lush woodlands. It’s also relatively flat, so it’s perfect for beginners.

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, then head to the North York Moors. This area is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the country, so you can get your blood pumping with some adrenaline-fuelled downhill runs. Just make sure you bring your own bike and safety gear!

Visit a Park or Garden

Yorkshire is home to some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Britain. From the sprawling grounds of Harewood House to the lush gardens of Castle Howard, these stunning green spaces are perfect for a peaceful stroll or a leisurely picnic.

Temple Newsam is one of the largest parks in Yorkshire. This sprawling estate is home to a variety of gardens, from the formal Italian gardens to the wildflower meadow. There’s also a farm, a fishing lake, and plenty of sculptures to explore, making it the perfect place for a family day out.

The Botanical Gardens in Sheffield are another great free attraction. This tranquil spot is home to a variety of plants and trees, as well as a café and a children’s play area. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

Go Geocaching

Geocaching is a great way to explore the countryside, and Yorkshire is the perfect place to do it. With its rolling hills, woodlands, and hidden valleys, there’s a wealth of caches to discover, from the simplest of puzzles to the most challenging of riddles. All you need is a GPS and you’re ready to go!

The North York Moors are a great place to start your geocaching adventure. Here you can explore miles of trails, taking in the stunning scenery as you search for hidden caches. There are plenty of easy ones to start with, so even first-timers will have no trouble finding their way.

The South Pennines are another great spot for geocachers. This area is home to a variety of caches, from the simple to the complex. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife, so you can combine your geocaching adventure with a day of wildlife watching.

Go Stargazing

Yorkshire is one of the best places in the UK for stargazing, with its Dark Skies parks offering some of the clearest views of the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a complete beginner, you can explore the wonders of the cosmos without spending a penny.

North York Moors National Park has some of the best stargazing spots in Yorkshire. You can explore the park by night, spotting planets and constellations in the clear night sky. You can even take part in special events such as night walks and stargazing sessions.

If you’d rather stay close to home, then why not head to the Yorkshire Dales? This area has some of the darkest skies in the region, meaning you can get up close and personal with the stars. There are also plenty of stargazing events and activities to take part in, so you can learn more about the night sky.

Summary

Yorkshire is a stunning region of Britain, and there are plenty of free things to do here. From exploring the coastline to visiting a castle, there’s something here for everyone. You can also go wildlife watching, visit a museum, explore a market town, go on a hike, cycle, visit a park or garden, go geocaching, or go stargazing. So why not take a trip to Yorkshire and explore all that this beautiful region has to offer?