Things to do in Yorkshire

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Yorkshire

Types of activities

Where to stay

Yorkshire travel guide

Wool Exchange showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Brodsworth Hall which includes heritage architecture and a garden

Humber Bridge showing general coastal views, a bridge and a sunset

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Top places to visit

1. Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a mixed entertainment venue set on a lake in Scarborough’s Northstead Manor Gardens. Its stage is on an island in the middle of the water while the audience has seating on the eastern bank. Throughout the summer months Scarborough Open Air Theatre has a busy schedule of music, theater and sporting events.

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2. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.

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3. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).

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4. York Minster

York Minster is a Gothic masterpiece and among the largest and most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Climb the Minster’s historic tower, tour its underground chambers and discover 2,000 years of history. The current structure dates back to the 12th century and features medieval stained-glass windows.

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York Minster showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious elements

5. Shambles

The Shambles is a medieval street in York’s center with a topsy-turvy layout full of shops and restaurants. Stroll down the quaint cobblestone road that runs through the narrow street to see the lopsided 15th-century buildings jutting out overhead. Many visitors compare the jumbled arrangement of the street to Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter saga. In 2010, the Google Street Team voted it the most picturesque street in Britain.

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Shambles showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a small town or village

What to do in Yorkshire

Popular places to visit

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

4.5/5(73 reviews)

Watch productions and performances by world-famous music acts at one of the largest outdoor theaters in Europe, a venue with a stage in an unusual setting.

First Direct Arena

4.5/5(225 reviews)

Its honeycombed exterior glowing like a beacon at night, Leeds’ modern music venue draws crowds nightly to its shows featuring local and international stars.

University of Leeds

4/5(117 reviews)

Late Victorian and award-winning brutalist and modernist architecture house the classes and students of Leeds’ namesake university, established in 1904.

York Minster

4.5/5(775 reviews)

The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

Shambles

4.5/5(967 reviews)

This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

Whitby Harbour

4.5/5(446 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Whitby with a trip to Whitby Harbour. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

University of York

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of York during your visit to Heslington. Discover the lively bars and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

York Barbican

4.5/5(105 reviews)

Enjoy a show at York Barbican, a theatre with a story to tell in York. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Harrogate Convention Centre

4.5/5(25 reviews)

You’re spoilt for choice for majestic auditoriums in this eclectic complex, where you can see comedy gigs, musical recitals and plays.

Areas of Yorkshire

Leeds City Center

4.5/5(1,029 area reviews)

Based around an expansive central square, this lively quarter showcases performing arts venues, fascinating museums and countless bars and nightclubs.

City Centre

If you're spending some time in City Centre, Merchant Adventurers' Hall and Shambles are top sights worth seeing.

Sheffield City Centre

4/5(390 area reviews)

Sheffield City Centre is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Sheffield City Hall or Peace Gardens.

Harrogate City Centre

4.5/5(346 area reviews)

Harrogate City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Turkish Baths and Health Spa and Royal Hall while in the area.

Bishophill

If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.

South Bank

While South Bank isn't home to many top sights, York Racecourse and Bar Convent Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

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