Happy Yorkshire Day – The Winston Solicitors Guide to Things to Do in Yorkshire

As a proud Yorkshire law firm, nestled in the charming suburb of Roundhay in Leeds, we're excited to celebrate Yorkshire Day by sharing our love for this vibrant and diverse region. That’s why we’ve put together a snapshot of our favourite things to do in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. While the major attractions certainly have their appeal, we're also passionate about the lesser-known spots that truly capture the spirit of our beloved county. So we thought this would be a great opportunity to offer our curated list of recommendations for unique experiences from God’s Own Country. From off-the-beaten-track adventures to hidden culinary delights, intriguing museums to inspiring art galleries, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a long-time resident or a visitor eager to explore, we hope our guide on things to do in Yorkshire will help you discover new and exciting places. We’ve really done our best to showcase the best of Yorkshire's culture and heritage.

Things to Do in Yorkshire

1.    Brisk Walks on Fraisthorpe Beach

First up is Fraisthorpe Beach. Unlike other East Coast beaches, which are gaining popularity with tourists every year, Fraisthorpe is quite wild and unspoilt. 

Known for beautiful walks and horse riding, Fraisthorpe Beach has a rich history. During WWII, the shoreline from Bridlington to Fraisthorpe Beach was installed with anti-tank blocks as defence against a possible German invasion. Today, these are still visible at low tide and the remaining military structures track the course of the upper beach as it would have been 1941.

And to top all that off, it’s dog friendly all year round.

2.    Ghost Hunting at Bolling Hall

Bolling Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Bradford, built so long ago that it predates the Domesday Book. This small stately home is in a strange setting, flanked by residential properties. However, once you’re inside, it’s like stepping back in time. 

Not only is it a fascinating building of historical interest, Bolling Hall is home to no fewer than 20 ghosts and the staff are more than happy to tell you about their own experiences. There’s also a small children’s library tucked away upstairs. So whether you’re planning a ghost hunt, you want to learn more about the history of Bradford, or you’re just killing time, this place has something for everyone.

3.    Rambling Around Thruscross Reservoir

If it’s a reservoir walk you’re after, we recommend Thruscross Reservoir. It’s slightly more challenging terrain that the lower reservoirs of Fewston and Swinsty, and has everything nature wants to offer. Windy Yorkshire Moorland full of bogs, wildlife, farmland, water, forest, a little ‘beach’ (stretch your imagination) and interesting rock formations. 

Wear good walking boots, take water and snacks and enjoy the view.

4.    Scoops Ice Cream at Filey beach

Filey Beach is also a firm favourite, and not just for the fabulous view and bracing sea air. 
There has been a settlement at Filey since the 8th century. Back then it was a small fishing village. But it was in the Victorian era that it really began to take shape. Drawn by the picturesque location, Victorians flocked to the area, creating the bustling resort it is today.

The local chippies in Filey serve freshly caught fish and chips to die for. We recommend Cobles Coffee bar for a warm drink after a walk on the beach and delicious ice cream from Scoops to top it off.

5.    The Old School Tea Room in Hebden

Start yourself off in Grassington and walk towards Hebden. Before long, you’ll reach The Old School Tea Room. As you can probably tell by the name, this tea shop started out life as a school. In the early 1800s, there was some discussion around what could be done in terms of educating the poor in Hebden. The nearest school was Threshfield Grammar, which was over three miles away and children in Hebden were suffering the consequences of not being educated. In 1874, a new school was built. It eventually closed in 1983 and there was some backwards and forwards before it finally became the beautiful tea rooms we know and love today.

Crack out your walking shoes, take a small hike and top it all off with yummy cakes at The Old School Tea Room. And if it’s sunny, there’s plenty of outdoor seating for you to take in your surroundings.

6.    White Wells Walk

White Wells was instrumental in establishing Ilkley as a spa town. However, White Wells was slightly ahead of its time, with a bath being installed in 1703. People from all over the country would come to “take the waters” at White Wells, believing it could cure all manner of ailments. There remains a working plunge pool to this day, with New Year’s Day being the most popular day for a dip. Over a hundred plungers descend on White Wells every New Year to start their year invigorated by the healing waters.

Start yourself off at Ilkley Tarn and enjoy the breath-taking views as you head over to White Wells for a dip followed by coffee and cake in the café. As things to do in Yorkshire go, this is probably the most unusual and bracing.

7.    Exploring at Brimham Rocks 

Brimham Rocks is a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” located in Nidderdale, 8 miles North East of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. The site is known for its unusual rocks, which date back 325 million years. Due to erosion and druidic carving, the rocks have become fantastical natural sculptures that have formed perfectly balanced formations and caves. 

Each collection of stones has its own name that has corresponding history. Such as “Druid’s Idol” and “Lover’s Leap”. Take a guidebook up to this mystical place of folklore and see how many you can spot!

8.    Fluffy Fluffy Makes Our Things to Do in Yorkshire List

Fuwa fuwa translates from the Japanese to fluffy fluffy, which is where this relatively new dessert restaurant gets its name. However, the brand is Canadian and was a recent addition to the Leeds high street, opening its doors in November 2023. The venue specialises in Japanese souffle style pancakes, which have the consistency of delicious clouds. 

One thing we can all agree on is that they do immense pancakes with so many toppings to choose from, it’s hard to make a decision.

9.    Midland Hotel, Bradford

The Midland is a grand hotel in Bradford, famous for hosting several celebrities over the years due to its proximity to The Alhambra Theatre. The Rolling Stones, Bram Stoker, Laurel and Hardy and The Beatles are just a handful of household names that have spent the night in this swanky establishment. However, the hotel aspect of the building may well be the least interesting thing about it.

For a start, it’s haunted by the ghost of Sir Henry Irving, an actor famous in the late 1800s/early 1900s. After what was to be his final performance before retiring for good, Sir Irving returned to his hotel for the evening, but never made it to his room. As he mounted the grand staircase, he had a stroke and died. He has haunted the building ever since.

And if the ghost doesn’t interest you, The Midland holds another secret – a fully preserved Victorian railway station. If you locate the right door, you will be taken down a wooden walkway, which would have led directly from the railway station into the hotel. It’s pretty impressive and Bram Stoker’s luggage is on display down there, in the vintage luggage carriers.

10.   One of Our Favourite Things to Do in Yorkshire Involves the Brudenell Social Club

We saved this one for last, because it’s a firm favourite with quite a few of the staff at Winston Solicitors. 
The Brudenell Social Club has something of a cult following in Leeds. Located four miles from the city centre, the “Brude” has seen a plethora of big names and independent artists perform over the years. Unlike the big, cold arenas that put distance between you and the acts, the Brudenell has an intimate atmosphere, so no matter how famous the acts are, you always feel like they’re performing just for you. The venue has two concert rooms that hold around 400 people each, as well as a lounge room. There’s also a games room, boasting pool and snooker tables, dart boards and Subbuteo. And if that isn’t enough to sway you, the drinks are really cheap and you can always grab a Pieminster pie, if you’re peckish.

Whether your bag is jazz or metal, comedy or burlesque, or simply a pie and a pint, the Brudenell never fails to disappoint.

11.    Hot Off the Press! Bavette Wins UK’s Best Local Restaurant

Just a short encore, because it would be rude not to mention Bavette in Horsforth. This neighbourhood bistro has just won the prestigious award of “UK’s Best Local Restaurant.” Bavette serves traditional French cuisine in an informal setting. Dishes include succulent delights, such as Cantabrian anchovies, steak tartare, ray wing, côte de boeuf and crème brûlée. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg... lettuce. 

Food at Bavette is locally sourced, affordable and seasonal. If that isn't enough to tempt you, the wine is organic. It comes from the owner’s family business, where they promote traditional wine-making, forgoing the harsher chemicals found in most wine brands in the UK.

Bavette won the Good Food Guide award for their hands-on approach, along with a reputation for happy customers, personal customer service and a drive to create the “best place to be.”

Well done to all who make Bavette special! Lovely to see independent businesses winning awards like this in our community.

Happy Yorkshire Day

We hope you enjoy our "Things to do in Yorkshire" list as much as we do. As a local firm deeply rooted in the community, we take pride in offering personalised legal services with the convenience of free parking and other perks you won't find in the bustling city centre. Our commitment to serving our neighbours and contributing to the local community is at the heart of everything we do. So, as you embark on your Yorkshire adventures, remember that we're here to support you every step of the way.

Join us in celebrating Yorkshire Day by exploring the Yorkshire gems that make our region so special. Here's to the beauty, history, and unique charm of Yorkshire. And to being part of a community that we cherish every day.