Ask any Yorkshireman. Wondering what to do on a Sunday should be a crime. From rowing boats in Knaresborough to secret vineyards in Leeds, the Yorkshire counties are overflowing with things to do on a Sunday.
Here are 50+ Yorkshire attractions, restaurants, walks, and local gems. Boredom is never the answer.
If you fancy some food…
Stomachs are grumbling, and the clock is ticking. Start your Sunday on the right side of bed; these are the best Yorkshire foodie experiences.
1. Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw
Nothing quite stirs controversy like a Sunday roast. Leave the debates at the door of the Green Dragon, though. Located next to Hardraw Force – England’s highest unbroken waterfall – this ivy-cloaked pub serves traditional roasts on Sundays.
2. Murgatroyds
Murgatroyds is somewhat of a celebrity for its fish and chips. Barely minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport, this award-winning chippie is best combined with a walk around Yeadon Tarn or Otley Chevin.
3. Nova Bakehouse
For pastries, Nova Bakehouse is a one-stop shop in Leeds Docks. Open from 9am on Sundays, its windows are laden with naturally leavened brioche, croissants, and focaccias.
4. Mother
Another goldmine for pastries, Mother is an excuse to start your day in Hebden Bridge. Don’t miss the sourdough, either.
5. Tan Hill Inn
Abandoned on wind-battered moorlands in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, there is nowhere more “Wuthering Heights” to enjoy pub grub. Fun fact: Tan Hill is the highest pub in Britain.
6. Keighley & Worth Valley
The Keighley & Worth Valley is a heritage steam train connecting Keighley and Haworth. The railway shifts between various culinary experiences onboard, from afternoon teas to fish and chips and Christmas dinners. Disembark in Haworth: the actual home of the Brontë sisters.
7. Laynes
Yellow-painted Laynes is practically a Leeds landmark. This restaurant gets incredibly popular; arrive early or reserve in advance. Expert contemporary international cuisine; dishes range from full English breakfasts to trout croquettes.
8. Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms, Ilkley
For old-world elegance, reserve a table at Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms. From staff in Victorian-style clothes to dainty china cups, afternoon teas are served in style. Plus, Betty’s has locations in York, Ilkley, and Harrogate.
9. Olive & Fig
Tucked beneath Westgate Arcade, Olive & Fig is the worst-kept secret in Otley. A trusted local haunt, reservations are essential. Order decadent breakfast variations, including pancakes stuffed with gooey Nutella and various matchas.
10. TADA
Sundays can feel cosmopolitan, not sleepy. In Headingley, TADA is a sought-after sushi restaurant – served alongside cocktails and piping hot sake. On Sundays, TADA serves favourites like dragon rolls, poke bowls, ramen, and katsu from midday onwards.
11. Knotfield Vines
Incongruously situated off the A65 in Rawdon, this Yorkshire vineyard is available to visitors on an appointment basis. Founded by two sisters, Laura and Sophie, news of this “secret” vineyard is starting to spread fast. Book or request a tasting experience online.
12. Spilmans
Spilmans is an excuse to spend time outdoors, whether that’s collecting wildflowers in summer or picking pumpkins in autumn. This “pick your own” farm offers different seasonal activities, plus wood-fired pizzas at an onsite cafe.
13. Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall
Add sparkle to your Sunday with an evening reservation at Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. This Michelin-starred restaurant revolves around seasonal Yorkshire produce. For £180, guests experience an award-winning set menu: Taste of Home.
If you fancy some sightseeing…
Whether you’re a tourist or local, there is plenty of sightseeing to be done in Yorkshire. This weekend, give these attractions a whirl.
14. Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Forget church spires and wooden pews; this chapel is carved into a rock face. Only open on Sundays, visiting the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag is one of the quirkiest ways to spend your weekend.
Located on the outskirts of Knaresborough, combine the chapel with a trip to Mother Shipton’s Cave. Alternatively, hire a boat to row beneath the Knaresborough Viaduct.
15. Mother Shipton’s Cave
Speak of the devil. Mother Shipton’s Cave is the home of a natural phenomenon: calcification. In this cave, water turns objects to stone. Add it to your list of the most unique days out Yorkshire has to offer.
16. York Dungeon
It’s no secret that York has a dark history. With its medieval streets, the city has ghost walks galore, but the biggest scares happen at York Dungeon. Think Spooky Sunday, not Freaky Friday.
17. Stump Cross Caverns
On a rainy Sunday, head underground. A network of boardwalks leads visitors through Stump Cross Caverns, beautifully illuminated showcaves with stalagmites and stalactites.
18. Shipley Glen Tramway
As the oldest working tramway in Great Britain, Shipley Glen is enjoying a well-earned semi-retirement. Visit on Saturday or Sunday to catch the 200-year-old tram in action.
19. Wortley Top Forge
For anyone intrigued by British industrial heritage, this museum is a diamond in the rough. Only open on Sundays, visitors take guided tours through the restored forge.
20. Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Train
There is something magical about boarding a steam train: the steady chugging, the rhythmic whooshing, and undisguised rattling of metal on tracks. Ride the heritage line between Embsay and Bolton Abbey, with regular specials like afternoon tea packages.
21. Salts Mill UNESCO
Sir Titus Salt is the man behind the canalfront UNESCO Heritage Site, Salts Mill. Formerly an industrial mill, it’s now loosely defined as a “cultural hub.” Find a collection of boutique stores and art galleries across its floors. It’s particularly famous for its David Hockney exhibits.
22. Castle Howard
Visitors can wander the halls of this 300-year-old castle in the Howardian Hills National Landscape. If it looks familiar, you’re not suffering deja-vu. Castle Howard was used as Clyvedon Castle in Bridgerton.
23. The Forbidden Corner
Nicknamed “the strangest place in the world,” this 4-acre labyrinth is a fond memory of many a childhood. Entering through a massive mouth – which burps at random intervals – your weekend is guaranteed to descend into chaos.
24. Yorkshire Sculpture Park
As Europe’s largest sculpture park, you’re in for a treat. Across 500 acres, the outdoor art gallery displays 90+ sculptures.
25. The Deep
Another trusted indoor activity in Yorkshire, The Deep is an award-winning aquarium in Hull. Come face-to-face with stingrays, penguins, turtles, and more fish than you could count in a lifetime.
26. Whitby Dracula Experience
Take a whistlestop tour of Whitby’s connection with Dracula. This museum stays open year-round on weekends: try not to get bitten.
27. Bridlington South Beach
For cheap family days out in Yorkshire, Bridlington South Beach is a kitschy shoreline with arcades. It’s fun with a feel-good atmosphere – a done deal when the sun shines.
If you fancy a spa…
One of the best ways to spend a weekend in Yorkshire? Soaking in a jacuzzi, sweating in a sauna, or swimming in an outdoor pool. Spend Sunday channelling your inner zen with these Yorkshire spas.
28. Harrogate Turkish Baths
With preserved Moorish architecture and Victorian plunge pools, Harrogate Turkish Baths is a historic Yorkshire spa. What it lacks in “polish,” it delivers tenfold in character. For something quirky, start here.
29. Rudding Park Spa
On the outskirts of Harrogate, Rudding Park Spa is a regal choice for a spa day. Set within a renovated Georgian manor, its rooftop spa overlooks 300 acres of private parklands.
30. Titanic Spa
Located inside a tastefully renovated textile mill, Titanic Spa is a characterful spa near Huddersfield. Its highlights are the fire and ice packages, with guests alternating between aromatherapy cabins and ice showers.
31. The Oaks Spa
Surrounded by an 18-hole championship golf course, the Oaks Spa lives in its own little bubble. Only a short drive from York, it has a peaceful aesthetic and traditional features, including exposed beams above its indoor pool.
32. The Coniston Hotel
Just outside of Skipton, this countryside manor sits on 1,400 acres of private parklands. The spa includes an aromatherapy steam room, Himalayan salt sauna, infrared sauna, and indoor pool. Sunken into wooden decking, the outdoor hot tubs are the highlight – overlooking the serene waters of its private lake.
33. The Devonshire Arms
Posh enough for a helipad, The Devonshire Arms is a 4-star hotel on Bolton Abbey Estate. Snugly spread within a stone building, its spa has an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.
34. Yorkshire Spa Retreat
The “natural” outdoor pool is the crowning feature of Yorkshire Spa Retreat, located on the edge of North York Moors National Park. Chemical-free, it’s the closest you’ll get to wild swimming – that is, without jumping into the River Wharfe.
If you fancy a shop…
Every seasoned shopper knows that a good spree is equivalent to an arm’s workout. These Yorkshire hotspots are the perfect excuse to indulge in shopping this weekend.
35. Leeds Bradford Airport Car Boot Sale
At 6:30am on Otley Old Road, the early bird gets the worm. Leeds Bradford Airport Car Boot Sale runs every Sunday. For bric-a-brac buys, it’s a lighthearted way to spend your weekend.
36. Otley Farmers Market
To get back to basics, head to Otley Farmers Market. Running on the last Sunday of each month, it’s a stripped-back experience: fruit, veg, and handmade crafts.
37. The Shambles, York
This medieval street is so ancient that it was referenced in the Domesday Book. And for anyone wondering, that’s the year 1086. Teetering across cobbles and peering into its higgledy-piggledy storefronts is an atmospheric start to a Sunday in York.
38. Haworth Main Street
Another cobbled choice, Haworth Main Street is ridiculously aesthetic. Arrive by steam train – Keighley & Worth Valley run a hop-on, hop-off service – and breeze between its quaint stores. For spooky-meets-literary shopping, Haworth is great; visiting The Cabinet of Curiosities is a must.
39. Whitby Old Town
Under the watchful gaze of its abbey ruins, Whitby’s old town is where to shop for trinkets and gemstones. The coastal town is especially famed for its black jet, a gemstone that Whitby has traded for 6,000 years. Church Street is particularly popular: lined with independent “jet shops.”
40. Market Street, Hebden Bridge
For quirky shopping and independent cafes, head to Market Street in Hebden Bridge. Amidst oat milk lattes, browse floral homeware at Bean and Bemble, or vintage comics at 2 Tone Comics. Hebden Bridge has a slightly dorkie, hippie atmosphere.
41. Trinity Leeds
Trinity is the trusted one-stop shop for any occasion. Opened in 2013, the modern shopping centre is home to Primark, Victoria’s Secret, New Look, and Zara.
Afterwards, if you’re craving a little character, the Victorian Quarter, Corn Exchange, and Kirkgate Market have an old-world feel.
42. Montpellier, Harrogate
Montpellier is a high-brow shopping quarter in Harrogate. Wander between 19th-century storefronts, from Hawick Cashmere to Westmoreland Sheepskins and Harrogate Wines. It’s an experience well-paired with an afternoon tea at Betty’s Cafe and Tea Rooms.
If you fancy a walk…
For an active take on what to do in Yorkshire this weekend, these walks have got you covered.
43. Malham’s Cove
Arriving at the base of an 80m limestone cliff, try not to panic. It is common to see roped climbers tackling the rockface, but there is an easier route to its summit. Take a steep flight of stairs, and emerge at Malham’s famous “limestone pavement.” You might recognise it from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
44. Bolton Abbey
The ruins of Bolton Priory sit at the heart of this 30,000-acre estate. But after walking the ruins, cross the stepping stones to access miles upon miles of woodland trails. Treat yourself to a stay, spa, or meal at the Devonshire Arms once you’re finished.
45. Fountains Abbey
Another monastery destroyed during the 13th-century dissolution, Fountains Abbey is set within the 18th-century gardens of Studley Royal Waters. Explore the ruins and enjoy scenic waterfront trails.
46. The Cow & Calf Rocks
As the star attraction of Ilkley Moor, the Cow and Calf Rocks are a distinctive natural landmark. Start at their base, continuing across moorland trails, spotting tarns, rivers, standing stones, and carvings.
If you’re feeling brave, take a detour to White Wells, where you can request to “take the plunge” in an unheated Victorian-era well.
47. Harewood Estate
Set within 4000 acres of private parklands, you spend all day at Harewood Estate and don’t see it all. For families, large outdoor parks keep kids entertained. For adults, there are 140 acres of manicured gardens and roaming deer to spot.
48. Brimham Rocks
Estimated to be 320 million years old, walking through Brimham Rocks is like stepping onto another planet. Extreme erosion has carved its rocks into bizarre shapes, creating a kind of natural art gallery.
49. Mallyan Spout
Starting from Goathland Station – which doubled as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter – Mallyan Spout is a beautiful 4.8km waterfall walk. Water spills from a 70ft ravine, tumbling over dense greenery to create a jungle-like aesthetic.
50. 199 Steps
If Whitby had a heart and soul, you’d find its pulse somewhere along its 199 steps. For a short walk and a viewpoint, the stone flight connects Whitby Old Town with Whitby Abbey.
These steps were referenced as early as the 14th century, and they were upgraded from wood in the 17th century. You’ll be following in Bram Stoker’s footsteps at the very least; Whitby Abbey inspired his novel, Dracula.
51. Ingleton Waterfalls
There is something special about waterfalls, and Ingleton has some of the prettiest in Yorkshire. Walk 7km and spot its six main attractions: Pecca Falls, Hollybush Spout, Thornton Force, Beezley Falls, Baxenghyll Gorge, and Snow Falls.
52. Ravenscar Cliffs
Animal lovers, prepare to be bowled over by the most adorable faces. For wildlife enthusiasts, meeting the Ravenscar seals is one of the best free activities in Yorkshire. Start at Ravenscar village, loop through the golf course, and follow signs to the beach.
53. Yorkshire Three Peaks
This hike is for the competitive, not the fainthearted. Completed as a 12-hour challenge, hikers race to complete Yorkshire’s three highest peaks: Ingleborough, Whernside, and Pen-y-Ghent. Park near Horton-in-Ribblesdale or start your walk from the station.
54. Flamborough Head Circular
Flamborough Head is Yorkshire’s take on the White Cliffs of Dover, and with an 11km circular route, you can see it all. Pass Thornwick Bay and, between May and July, spot kittiwakes and puffins on sea cliffs. Coastal Cottages have a fabulous guide online.
55. Bempton Cliffs
Fancy another shot at spotting everyone’s favourite pint-sized birds? Just north of Flamborough Head is Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve. For free Yorkshire days out, spotting the Bempton puffins is one for the memories. But even outside of bird season, the chalky cliffs offer a dizzying vantage point.
