How to spend a week in Yorkshire
Covering over 11,000 square kilometers, Yorkshire simply can’t be ‘done’ in a day. The rolling hills and architectural wonders of ‘God’s Own County’ can easily fill a week, if not longer.
In fact, there’s so much to see and do throughout this magnificent county that it can be quite hard to know where to start. Luckily, we’ve gathered up all the best bits for you and put them into this handy 7-day itinerary, so now all that’s left for you to do is sit back and enjoy your time ‘up North’. Here’s how to spend a week in Yorkshire!
If you’re looking for a place to stay, see our best holiday cottages in Yorkshire >
Day 1: Hull
Kick things off in the seaside city of Hull, over in East Yorkshire. Awarded the UK’s ‘City of Culture’ in 2017, the historic Old Town of Hull is alive from dawn till dusk with activity; abounding in free museums, bountiful boutiques, a lively night-scene and monthly markets.
If you want to explore the city’s aquatic roots then visit The Deep, one of the UK’s best aquariums, for a spot of marine-life magic. Or, if you fancy a slice of history, head to the Hull Maritime Museum.
In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll around the greenery of East Park, where you’ll find rowing boats available for hire during the summer months.
However you decide to spend your day, make sure you’re on the Humber Bridge when the sun begins to go down. This staggering behemoth of a suspension bridge was the longest single-span bridge in the world when it was constructed and still features in the top ten to this day.
Once you’ve soaked up the glorious views from the bridge, head back into town for dinner. We’d recommend making a beeline for the marina where you’ll find a cluster of great restaurants and bars waiting for you. If we had to pick a favourite it would probably be Al Porto with its outstanding Italian food and lovely staff.
Day 2: North York Moors and on to Whitby
Dedicate an entire day to exploring the stretching heather-filled expanse of the North York Moors National Park. Here you can truly leave the city behind and switch off from the stresses of modern life.
The national park boasts a variety of walking routes for those who like to hike. If you’re less keen on exploring by foot, then plan a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway instead. Enjoying the beautifully-rugged landscape from the comfort of a traditional steam train seems like a pretty great option to us, especially if it’s a rainy day (sorry, hikers).
If you’re a bit of a history buff, then make time in the afternoon to explore the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey, whose eerie presence inspired Bram Stoker when writing Dracula.
From the Abbey, you can descend into the seaside town of Whitby, where you can enjoy a fish and chip supper at the famous Magpie Cafe. This lovely spot is hailed as one of the best places to eat fresh fish in the whole of Yorkshire.
Day 3: York
Start your morning with a jaunt to the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay, just a ten-minute drive from Whitby. Here you can enjoy a ramble along the area’s beautiful sandy beaches, keeping your eyes peeled for ancient fossils as you go.
From here, journey on to the ancient walled city of York, stopping off for a look around Castle Howard or Eden Camp Museum if you’re still hungry for more history.
York’s crazy, colourful past is utterly fascinating. Originally built by the Romans, it then came to be the Viking capital of the entire country. Centuries after the Vikings left, the House of York was bitterly embroiled in the legendary War of the Roses, which Game of Thrones fans will know all about. If only the city’s ancient cobblestones could speak of all the things they’ve seen.
If you want to explore all the sights and sounds of the city by foot then Yorkwalk has a fantastic range of informative and entertaining daily walks, including the ‘secret walk’ for those who wish to venture off the beaten track.
Fans of history and art should head to the famous York Minster and York St Mary’s – a 14th-century medieval church turned contemporary visual art venue. Groups with children can journey back in time to when the Vikings were at large at the Jorvik Viking Centre or else tremble with fear in the spooky York Dungeons – definitely not for the faint of heart!
Finally, make your way along to The Shambles and spend your evening enjoying the boutique shops and eateries which line this street. This charmingly-crooked street is famed for its delightful overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back to the 14th century. As you walk upon the worn and uneven cobbles you’ll truly feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Day 4: Leeds
Over in West Yorkshire, the popular university city of Leeds is a thriving, bustling metropolis, full of shops, restaurants, art galleries and cinemas.
If you’re in the mood for some shopping then head to the high street or else explore one of the city’s many shopping centres. Trinity Leeds boasts over 120 shops and eateries, Victoria Quarter is home to a wealth of luxury designers and high-end brands, and the beautifully-restored Leeds Corn Exchange houses a range of unique boutiques.
If you’d rather peruse paintings than clothes, then Leeds Art Gallery has a fantastic array of artwork for you to explore. Otherwise, the nearby Harewood House is a great option if you’re looking for a history fix.
If it’s a nice afternoon then we’d recommend heading to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which is only half an hour away. Wander through the grounds and admire extraordinary sculptures set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire countryside.
Come nightfall, head back to Leeds for dinner and potentially an evening out in town, sampling the vibrant nightlife for which the city is famous.
Day 5: Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales
It’s time to leave the cities behind and embrace rural life once again. Base yourself in the pretty market town of Skipton, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and take some time to explore the local countryside.
Spend your morning at the beautiful Aysgarth Falls, stopping off in the picturesque village of Grassington for a bite to eat on the way back.
If the afternoon is looking fair, then take the chance to visit Malham Tarn, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. These incredible limestone formations are famous beauty spots within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, attracting visitors from all over the world.
While away your evening in the pretty town of Skipton. If you’re looking for tasty grub then The Railway is always a top choice, with a menu bursting with fresh and delicious pub classics.
Day 6: Ilkley + Ilkley Moor
If you haven’t yet had your fill of walking then don’t worry: there’s plenty more to be done. From Skipton, head over to the equally pretty town of Ilkley, where you can enjoy a spot of shopping, strolling and people-watching.
Begin your day with a relaxing midday ramble along Ilkley Moor to the Cow and Calf, an unusual rock formation set high above the town. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to the town for a late lunch or afternoon tea.
If you want to take the afternoon easy then spend some time browsing the local boutique shops. Or, if you still haven’t had enough of walking yet, jump in the car and head to Bolton Abbey – just 15 minutes away. Here you can rove around the mystical ruins of the old priory, marvelling at its eerie, ethereal beauty.
If you’re feeling fancy, then book a table at The Box Tree for dinner. Run by a husband and wife duo, this award-winning restaurant is famous for miles around. The menu is based on local, seasonal produce (of which Yorkshire has plenty) and is utterly delicious.
Day 7: Harrogate
After all this adventuring you deserve a break! Spend a rejuvenating Sunday in Harrogate enjoying high-teas and ‘healing’ mineral waters.
Book some time in at the Harrogate Turkish Baths and prepared to be pampered. This luxurious oasis of calm has been in operation since the 19th century, meaning they know a thing or two about relaxation.
Another unmissable Harrogate institute is Betty’s traditional tea rooms, which is set in the centre of town. Betty’s has been around since 1919 and has really stood the test of time.
As you walk through the doors you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back a century. The decor here is luxurious and ornate, the tables are clothed in white and the staff are wearing old-fashioned pinnies and waistcoats. Most importantly, their cream teas remain the stuff of legends.
If you’d prefer to stay active on your final day of holiday, then you can always take a day trip from Harrogate to the World Heritage site of Fountains Abbey. This large estate is home to the picturesque ruins of the abbey, as well as a beautifully landscaped water garden.
