Fancy celebrating Yorkshire Day with an inexpensive day out somewhere in the county? Here are our top 5 suggestions.
There’s no better time to get out and enjoy Yorkshire’s plethora of amazing attractions and natural wonders than summer. And, with Yorkshire Day – the annual opportunity to officially celebrate all things Yorkshire – fast approaching (it’s on August 1st), not seizing the opportunity to check out one of the region’s incredible destinations over the coming weeks would be nigh on unforgivable.
From open-air sculpture parks to ancient abbeys, Yorkshire has something for everyone, so don’t delay – start planning your next trip out today!
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Lions? Check!
Tigers? Check!
Bears? Check!
If you love exotic animals, there’s no better place to spend a sunny summer’s day than by exploring Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
With more than 475 animals to see, including capybaras, zebras, rhinos, sea lions and more, plus daily shows and feeding sessions hosted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is ideal for animal lovers of all ages.
Ticket prices vary but are around £20 per person, with under 3s going free. However, you can get £5 off per person when booking online in advance!
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Auckley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. DN9 3HQ.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Alongside 500+ acres of rolling countryside, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is also home to more than 100 open air sculptures and installations.
From Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Squares with Two Circles’ to Henry Moore’s ‘Large Two Forms’, you can see the work of the greats in an incredible setting. Often with a free-roaming sheep or two strolling right alongside you!
A dog-friendly space with plenty of cafes and food and drink outlets, plus a children’s play area and a huge, picturesque lake, the Sculpture Park is free for under 25s, while standard tickets are just £9. If you like leisurely walks, picnics and fabulous scenery, this is the place for you.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire. WF4 4LG.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Studley Royal Park was one of the first sites to be inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site listings in 1986 – and it’s just as beautiful today as it was then.
At over 900 years old, the abbey offers a unique glimpse into the past and the park was built around it, creating a wonderful open space that’s filled with character at every turn. There are over 800 acres to explore here, with incredible vistas and secluded spots where you can escape the bustle of day-to-day life and relax with a book, a picnic or even a snooze!
Adult tickets cost £18, while kids cost £9, however family tickets are available and can help lower the cost of entry depending on how many people are in your party.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon, North Yorkshire. HG4 3DY.
Thorp Perrow
Home to one of the UK’s finest collections of trees, not to mention a spectacular Tea Room and The Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre, Thorp Perrow is a Victorian arboretum spread over a whopping 100 acres.
The perfect place to leave your phone turned off as you get back to nature, at Thorp Perrow you’ll find birds of prey in flight and wallabies roaming freely through the woods. Throw in an excellent adventure playground for the kids and you’ve got a genuine ‘must-visit’ attraction for all the family!
Adult tickets cost £13.95, while under 4s go free.
Thorp Perrow, Bedale, North Yorkshire. DL8 2PS.
The Forbidden Corner
Tucked away in the already-majestic Yorkshire Dales is The Forbidden Corner, one of the region’s most beloved, bonkers attractions. It’s not known as ‘The Strangest Place In The World’ for nothing!
Home to a labyrinth of underground tunnels, chambers and surprises, with plenty of dead ends to keep you on your toes, The Forbidden Corner invites you to work your way through four acres of gardens, where you’ll encounter weird and wonderful statues, stunning water features and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Adult tickets are £16.50, kids tickets are £14.50 and kids under 3 go free.
The Forbidden Corner, Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. DL8 4TJ.
Happy Yorkshire Day from Leeds Credit Union!
Nothing beats time spent outside in the open air, so why not make the most of Yorkshire Day and head for the great outdoors and a new adventure?
If the cost of living crisis is making the cost of days out like these prohibitive, find out how one of our affordable family loans could help you by clicking here.