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5 days in Yorkshire

Photo by: Getty Images/Solstock

Location: York, England

Two young women sat on a bench outside a coffee shop with takeaway coffees

Introduction

Yorkshire is a region that inspires. It provides the setting for literary classics like Dracula and Wuthering Heights, as well as filming locations for some of Britain’s most iconic on-screen moments, from Downton Abbey to Harry Potter. The rambling streets of York are lined with history, while bigger, bolder Leeds is a hotspot for music and the arts. Venture out of the cities for delightful surprises in Yorkshire’s national parks. Explore the rugged green hills of the Yorkshire Dales, or try stargazing and surfing in the North York Moors.

Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in Yorkshire:

Day 1 – Leeds

Day 1 Leeds

Leeds is Yorkshire’s creative hub. The Leeds Art Gallery features an impressive collection of contemporary British art, while the annual Leeds Festival is one of the biggest music events in Britain, securing huge global artists every year. It’s a city that’s crazy about sport too, so whether you catch a Leeds United football match, or a game at Headingley cricket ground, you’d better get ready to cheer on the home team.

Photo by: Amy Heycock for Visit Leeds

Location: Leeds

People looking around the interior of Leeds Corn Exchange

Things to do in Leeds

This spectacular home starred as Princess Mary’s residence in the Downton Abbey film – and now hosts private tours and festivals.

Plan your trip to Harewood House

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House
Harewood House

Get your art on at Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute next door, two wonderful spaces in Leeds.

Visit the Leeds Art Gallery here and Henry Moore Insitute

Photo by: Min Young Lim

Location: Leeds

A child looking at an art exhibit in Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute

For shopping with a difference, head to Leeds Corn Exchange and its array of independent retailers.

Visit Leeds Corn Exchange for something different

Photo by: Amy Heycock for Visit Leeds

Location: Leeds

People looking around the interior of Leeds Corn Exchange
Leeds Corn Exchange

Get together at Green Room, a bar and terrace which is all about local talent, food and drink.

Feel good at the Green Room

Photo by: Green Room / Thirty-Six Leeds Ltd

Location: Leeds

Groups of people sitting outside and drinking
Green Room

Wander around the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and learn about what life would have been like as a monk in this historic Cistercian monastery.

Step back in time at Kirkstall Abbey

Photo by: Courtesy of Leeds Museums & Galleries

Location: Leeds

A parent and child exploring Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey

This spectacular home starred as Princess Mary’s residence in the Downton Abbey film – and now hosts private tours and festivals.

Plan your trip to Harewood House

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House
Harewood House

Get your art on at Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute next door, two wonderful spaces in Leeds.

Visit the Leeds Art Gallery here and Henry Moore Insitute

Photo by: Min Young Lim

Location: Leeds

A child looking at an art exhibit in Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute

For shopping with a difference, head to Leeds Corn Exchange and its array of independent retailers.

Visit Leeds Corn Exchange for something different

Photo by: Amy Heycock for Visit Leeds

Location: Leeds

People looking around the interior of Leeds Corn Exchange
Leeds Corn Exchange

Get together at Green Room, a bar and terrace which is all about local talent, food and drink.

Feel good at the Green Room

Photo by: Green Room / Thirty-Six Leeds Ltd

Location: Leeds

Groups of people sitting outside and drinking
Green Room

Wander around the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and learn about what life would have been like as a monk in this historic Cistercian monastery.

Step back in time at Kirkstall Abbey

Photo by: Courtesy of Leeds Museums & Galleries

Location: Leeds

A parent and child exploring Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey

Getting to Leeds

Leeds Bradford Airport receives flights from many European destinations and is connected to the city centre by the FLYER bus. The journey takes around 45 minutes. 

Leeds is located around 210 miles (337 km) north of London. Direct trains from London King’s Cross to Leeds take around two hours and 15 minutes, and are operated by Northern, South Western and LNER.

While you're here...

Leeds, England

See a show at the dynamic Leeds Playhouse, a theatre by and for the people of the city.

Photo by: Park Dale / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Leeds

Exterior of Leeds Playhouse, Leeds, Yorkshire, previously West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Leeds, England

Treat yourself to some of Leeds’ best Indian food at Prashad, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in Drighlington.

Photo by: Prashad Restaurant

Location: Leeds

Various dishes served on a table at Prashad Restaurant in Leeds
Leeds, England

Aim for a zero-waste lifestyle by refilling and restocking at Bramley Wholefoods eco-friendly store in Leeds.

Photo by: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

Location: Leeds

Man filling container from dispenser for body and beauty products

Day 2 - York

Day 2 York

York’s unique charm makes visitors fall in love at first sight, from its crooked shopping streets that are said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, to its surrounding Roman city walls and the incredible York Minster cathedral. Today’s York is a breath of fresh air, with local breweries, quirky shops and sustainable restaurants — be sure to visit SPARK, a vibrant, community-focused market bringing together independent traders in a maze of colourful shipping containers.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing pink hat walking through narrow street

Things to do in York

Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, medieval masterpiece York Minster.

Find out more about York Minster

Photo by: VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

Location: York Minster

Man twirling a woman outside a historic building
York Minster

Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

Find out more about visiting the Shambles

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

Explore the real-life inspiration behind Diagon Alley and visit a Potter-themed potion shop.

Join the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

Photo by: Getty Images/Joe Daniel Price

Location: York

The Shambles in York at night
Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

Maybe you’ll catch an outdoor film screening, join a craft workshop, or try a reflexology treatment?

Visit SPARK:York

Photo by: Robert Lazenby / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shops housed in containers at SPARK in York
SPARK:York

Known as the “independent heart of York”, this vibrant quarter is home to boutique shops and quirky cafes.

Plan your trip to Goodramgate

Photo by: Jack Cousin / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shopping street just after a rain shower. Historic buildings line the street and shoppers walk between them. A sky with cloud is overhead.
Goodramgate

Follow a trail along York’s famous Roman City Walls, the longest town walls in England, and take in views of this historic city.

Walk the York City Walls trail

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: York City Walls

Historical stone wall, on a hill, surrounding town
York City Walls

Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, medieval masterpiece York Minster.

Find out more about York Minster

Photo by: VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

Location: York Minster

Man twirling a woman outside a historic building
York Minster

Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

Find out more about visiting the Shambles

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

Explore the real-life inspiration behind Diagon Alley and visit a Potter-themed potion shop.

Join the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

Photo by: Getty Images/Joe Daniel Price

Location: York

The Shambles in York at night
Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

Maybe you’ll catch an outdoor film screening, join a craft workshop, or try a reflexology treatment?

Visit SPARK:York

Photo by: Robert Lazenby / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shops housed in containers at SPARK in York
SPARK:York

Known as the “independent heart of York”, this vibrant quarter is home to boutique shops and quirky cafes.

Plan your trip to Goodramgate

Photo by: Jack Cousin / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shopping street just after a rain shower. Historic buildings line the street and shoppers walk between them. A sky with cloud is overhead.
Goodramgate

Follow a trail along York’s famous Roman City Walls, the longest town walls in England, and take in views of this historic city.

Walk the York City Walls trail

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: York City Walls

Historical stone wall, on a hill, surrounding town
York City Walls

Getting to York from Leeds

There are plenty of trains every day between Leeds and York, with services from Northern and TransPennine Express taking less than 30 minutes.

While you're here...

York, England

Tuck into a tasting menu from a 20-acre farm.

Photo by: Roots, York

Roots, York
York, England

This incredible emporium features more than 120 antiques dealers and traders, all under one roof.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking
York, England

Raise a pint or two with friends, and check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

Photo by: Matthew Curtis

Location: York

A group on a brewery tour of Brew York

Explore more

Follow in the magical footsteps of Harry Potter and get behind the scenes of these great British filming locations.

Photo by: Visit CountyDurham

View over Durham City

The summer signals festival season in Britain, so grab your wellies and get ready to party with one of the many music festivals taking place around the country.

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Suffolk, England

Mumford & Sons performing on the main stage of Latitude Festival

Days 3-4 - North York Moors

Days 3 4 North York Moors

There’s so much to discover in the North York Moors. The National Park includes vast purple fields of heather, sandy beaches and rugged woodlands. It’s full of surprises, too — did you know that you can surf, or whale watch, in Yorkshire? Fishing village Robin Hood’s Bay is bursting with unique northern charm, while further up the coast, the striking town of Whitby inspired the novel Dracula, and is the setting of Britain’s annual ‘Goth Weekend’.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Katya Jackson

Aerial view of harbour, with boats, and village

Things to do in the North York Moors

The looming ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic novel Dracula – and they’re just as atmospheric today.

Explore wonderful Whitby

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Palmer

Two people on the steps of a hillside looking towards the pier
Whitby

From golden sands to blustery clifftops and tales of smugglers and sailors, the North York Moors coastline is a joy to explore.

Plan your trip to Robin Hood’s Bay

Location: North York Moors Coast, England

North York Moors Coast - Credit Olivia Brabbs (4)
Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole

Hike, cycle and run through this 8,500-acre woodland, in the North York Moors National Park.

Explore Dalby Forest

Photo by: Welcome to Yorkshire

Dalby Staindale Two Riders Standing - credit Welcome to Yorkshire
Dalby Forest

As if the quaint fishing village of Staithes wasn’t charming enough, it also features a harbourside beach.

Relax on Staithes Beach

Photo by: VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

Location: Staithes, England

A woman, wearing sunglasses, looking out to see the harbour
Staithes Beach

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Standing tall in a picturesque valley, the ruins of this ancient Cistercian monastery will take your breath away.

Discover Rievaulx Abbey

Photo by: VisitBritain

Two people walking between outdoor stone pillars
Rievaulx Abbey

Head into history at this northern castle for hidden treasures and regal life.

Discover regal life at Castle Howard

Photo by: castle_howard

Castle Howard
Castle Howard

A 250 mile (415 km) adventure cycling loop, exploring the Yorkshire coast and North York Moors National Park.

Explore Yorkshire on two wheels

Photo by: Route YC Adventure Route

Location: Yorkshire, England

A group of cyclists taking a picture of the sunset on the coast
Adventure Route, Route YC

The looming ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic novel Dracula – and they’re just as atmospheric today.

Explore wonderful Whitby

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Palmer

Two people on the steps of a hillside looking towards the pier
Whitby

From golden sands to blustery clifftops and tales of smugglers and sailors, the North York Moors coastline is a joy to explore.

Plan your trip to Robin Hood’s Bay

Location: North York Moors Coast, England

North York Moors Coast - Credit Olivia Brabbs (4)
Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole

Hike, cycle and run through this 8,500-acre woodland, in the North York Moors National Park.

Explore Dalby Forest

Photo by: Welcome to Yorkshire

Dalby Staindale Two Riders Standing - credit Welcome to Yorkshire
Dalby Forest

As if the quaint fishing village of Staithes wasn’t charming enough, it also features a harbourside beach.

Relax on Staithes Beach

Photo by: VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

Location: Staithes, England

A woman, wearing sunglasses, looking out to see the harbour
Staithes Beach

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Standing tall in a picturesque valley, the ruins of this ancient Cistercian monastery will take your breath away.

Discover Rievaulx Abbey

Photo by: VisitBritain

Two people walking between outdoor stone pillars
Rievaulx Abbey

Head into history at this northern castle for hidden treasures and regal life.

Discover regal life at Castle Howard

Photo by: castle_howard

Castle Howard
Castle Howard

A 250 mile (415 km) adventure cycling loop, exploring the Yorkshire coast and North York Moors National Park.

Explore Yorkshire on two wheels

Photo by: Route YC Adventure Route

Location: Yorkshire, England

A group of cyclists taking a picture of the sunset on the coast
Adventure Route, Route YC

Getting to the North York Moors from York

To get to the seaside town of Whitby in the North York Moors, take a train from York, transferring in Middlesborough. The journey takes around three hours.

While you're here...

North York Moors, England 24th October - 2nd November 2025

With moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

Photo by: Polly A Baldwin

Child stargazing through telescope
Saltburn, England

For 15 years, this community market has hosted some of the best-loved local food and drink producers.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Blond woman wearing purple apron preparing food in kitchen
Whitby, England

This spine-tingling tour brings Dracula’s chilling story to life, featuring special effects, animations and actors.

Photo by: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

Location: Yorkshire, Nordengland

Woman walking along path between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay.

Explore more

From England’s striking south coast, to Scotland’s West Highland Way, you’ll find landscapes steeped in history and beauty.

Photo by: Getty Images/E+/SolStock

Two young adults walking the Northumberland, UK countryside.

Embrace these bike-friendly experiences and pedal your way around Britain’s cities, towns and more.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

A couple cycling down a ramp parallel with a canal

Discover one of 15 National Parks, which are dotted all across the country, from England’s south coast to the far reaches of Scotland.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

Day 5 – Yorkshire Dales

Day 5 Yorkshire Dales

Expectations of rolling green hills, farm animals and traditional cottages are spot on – but there are far more things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. Climb the region’s three highest peaks, chase waterfalls or explore an underground cave network. Be welcomed by friendly locals in the quirky towns of Richmond, Settle and Pateley Bridge, or stay off-grid, camping in the heart of the National Park to gaze up at some of Britain’s clearest skies.

Photo by: VisitBritain/coast2coastuk

Location: Yorkshire, England

Man standing on stile over stone wall looking at landscape

Things to do in the Yorkshire Dales

Conquer the three hills of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – a 24-mile (38.6km) circular challenge for walkers.

Find out more about the routes

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Yorkshire Three Peaks

Climb the side of this spectacular Yorkshire waterfall, deep in the Scaleber Wood Nature Reserve.

Discover Scaleber Force Waterfall

Photo by: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

Scaleber Force
Scaleber Force Waterfall

From easy rambles to long-distance hikes, the Yorkshire Dales is blessed with spectacular walking routes.

More about walking in Malham

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Malham

From locally made honey to traditional toys and Yorkshire-inspired artworks: you’ll find it all right here.

Explore Settle

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Yorkshire

The small country town of Settle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, UK
Settle

Step into a 450 million-year-old underground world, featuring vast caverns, eerie stalagmites and narrow tunnels.

Tour Ingleborough Cave

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Location: Yorkshire

A waterfall cascade inside ingleborough cave in yorkshire, england
Ingleborough Cave

Marvel at this majestic megalith of Victorian engineering in an iconic location in the middle of the Three Peaks.

Find out more about Ribblehead Viaduct

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

A Female Hiker On The Way To Whernside Peak, Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire Tree Peaks Challenge.
Ribblehead Viaduct

Conquer the three hills of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – a 24-mile (38.6km) circular challenge for walkers.

Find out more about the routes

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Yorkshire Three Peaks

Climb the side of this spectacular Yorkshire waterfall, deep in the Scaleber Wood Nature Reserve.

Discover Scaleber Force Waterfall

Photo by: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

Scaleber Force
Scaleber Force Waterfall

From easy rambles to long-distance hikes, the Yorkshire Dales is blessed with spectacular walking routes.

More about walking in Malham

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Malham

From locally made honey to traditional toys and Yorkshire-inspired artworks: you’ll find it all right here.

Explore Settle

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Yorkshire

The small country town of Settle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, UK
Settle

Step into a 450 million-year-old underground world, featuring vast caverns, eerie stalagmites and narrow tunnels.

Tour Ingleborough Cave

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Location: Yorkshire

A waterfall cascade inside ingleborough cave in yorkshire, england
Ingleborough Cave

Marvel at this majestic megalith of Victorian engineering in an iconic location in the middle of the Three Peaks.

Find out more about Ribblehead Viaduct

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

A Female Hiker On The Way To Whernside Peak, Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire Tree Peaks Challenge.
Ribblehead Viaduct

Getting to the Yorkshire Dales from the North York Moors

Travelling between the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales by public transport is possible, but may involve some transfers depending on your starting point and destination. Check out more detailed information from the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

For greater freedom, consider renting a car to explore independently around and between Yorkshire’s immense national parks.

While you're here...

Pateley Bridge, England

Explore independent shops and Victorian architecture, and follow the River Nidd to spot otters and kingfishers.

Photo by: Getty Images/Image Source

Location: Yorkshire

Children buying sweets from traditional sweet shop
Clapham, England

Welcome to one of Britain’s biggest underground caves, a cavern so huge that it could fit a cathedral inside.

Photo by: Shutterstock / mountaintreks

Location: Yorkshire

A waterfall falling through Gaping Gill in Yorkshire
Coverham, England

A one-of-a-kind labyrinth of hidden tunnels, incredible statues, secret chambers and bizarre sights.

Photo by: Guy Carpenter

Statues of Roman Soldiers flanking an entrance in the Forbidden Corner labyrinth attraction in Yorkshire

Ready to discover Yorkshire?

Find out about passport requirements, what to expect at customs and immigration, as well as tips on travelling to Britain, getting around and some handy ways to save money while you’re here.

Photo by: Getty Images/SolStock

A multiracial family of four, a mother, father and their two little boys standing Newcastle railway station platform waiting for their train.

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House

Small and mighty York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Chef wearing apron on pier holding lobster trap with lobster

Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in the making.

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Cyclist riding on road through green dales. Panoramic views

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