Things to do in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire, a region filled with quaint market towns, ancient ruins, and spectacular national parks, is a haven for tourists looking for a mix of outdoor and indoor attractions.
Only a stone's throw away from Haven’s Yorkshire holiday parks, there's an abundance of interesting and fun things to do. Activities range from exploring natural wonders to discovering unique museums and historical landmarks. Whatever the weather, there’s no reason to be bored in this beautiful region.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Whitby / Pickering
- Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon
- Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, Malton
- Yorkshire Dales National Park
- The World of James Herriot, Thirsk
- Castle Howard
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
- Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
- Ripon Cathedral, Ripon
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Whitby / Pickering
Board a heritage steam train at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and journey through the heart of the scenic North Yorkshire Moors National Park from Whitby to Pickering and back.
The 24-mile journey, passing through charming stations and idyllic countryside, is an ideal way to take in the landscape. Engage with the historical exhibits at the railway stations for an in-depth understanding of the region's railway heritage.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden features one of the largest and best-preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England.
The enchanting water garden adds to the site's charm, with beautifully landscaped features, ornamental lakes, and mirror-like ponds. This serene setting is perfect for strolls and picnics. For kids, there’s an adventure playground and deer to spot.
The Abbey and grounds are dog-friendly, so long as you keep your pet on the lead.
Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, Malton
Combining a thrilling theme park with a modern, well-kept zoo, Flamingo Land offers a fun-filled day out. It boasts a range of exciting rides, suitable for all ages, and a diverse zoo featuring exotic animals, from giraffes and tigers to penguins and flamingos.
The park also plays host to summer concerts and the bravest can take a ride on the 10 Inversion rollercoaster including corkscrews and loop-the-loops. Don’t attempt this immediately after lunch!
Yorkshire Dales National Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a paradise of limestone formations, green valleys, dry stone walls, and open moorland.
There's an array of activities to enjoy, from hiking and cycling to fishing and wildlife watching. With a myriad of well-marked trails, it's a great place for an active day out. In many parts of the park, you can let your dog roam free but be cautious during lambing season and follow the advice on any signs.
The World of James Herriot, Thirsk
One of Yorkshire’s most beloved authors is celebrated in this themed museum. Built within the original practice of the famed country vet turned author, it’s a unique, multi-award-winning museum. It provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of James Herriot and the era in which he lived.
If you have a would-be vet in the family, this is a must-see, and fans of the popular TV series based on his books - All Creatures Great and Small - will enjoy the memorabilia on display.
Castle Howard
Considered one of the top things to do in North Yorkshire, a visit to Castle Howard is a step into the past. As one of Britain's finest stately homes, it features grand interiors and beautiful gardens. The house has been featured in numerous film and TV productions, most notably Brideshead Revisited.
On site there’s an adventure playground, ornate gardens, and the Castle holds regular events including horticultural tours, gin tastings, and children’s magic shows. The cafe is excellent and there’s a garden centre, gift shop, and farm shop to explore too. Souvenir hunters will not go home empty handed!
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
Owned and run by the Royal Horticultural Society, Harlow Carr offers 58 acres of stunning landscapes to explore. From lush woodland and a lovely children's play area, to its contemporary kitchen garden, the grounds teem with colourful blooms and alpine plants, to the sounds of a trickling stream.
The garden’s tranquil setting makes for a serene day out in North Yorkshire. The nearby city of Harrogate is well worth a visit too, with its Victorian spa and neighbouring, quaint market towns. Plan to make a day of it.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Get back to nature with this hidden North Yorks gem. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a delightful walk through ancient oak woodland and stunning geological formations. The trail highlights a series of beautiful waterfalls, with each turn revealing a new scenic vista.
This tranquil walk is one of the most charming outdoor things to do in North Yorkshire.
Ripon Cathedral, Ripon
With a history dating back over 1300 years, Ripon Cathedral is a remarkable combination of ancient and modern. Its impressive facade, ancient crypt, and beautifully decorated interior make it a spiritual and architectural landmark.
If you enjoy choral singing, the cathedral has a proud musical tradition, and holds regular concerts and a wide programme of events for kids including “Animal Tales and Trails” every Tuesday morning during the summer holidays.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.