Yorkshire Day 2026: Top things to do in God’s Own County to celebrate August 1 – plus proper savings
Spectacular countryside, rich history, proud traditions, world-famous attractions and top events – get ready to celebrate Yorkshire Day on Saturday, August 1!
We’ve rounded up more than SIXTY top things to do to celebrate in God’s Own County.
it’s a mix of free and pay to enter events but we’ve also highlighted exclusive summer savings, where available.
Simply click on the attraction, venue or event name below to find out more and, where required, book tickets or experiences to celebrate Yorkshire Day.
From breathtaking landscapes and historic cities to magnificent stately homes, family attractions and picturesque seaside resorts, there’s no shortage of ways to mark the special day.
At almost 6,000 square miles, Yorkshire is England’s largest historic county – but it’s easy to explore by train, with great-value fares available through Trainline – book tickets
Celebrate proper with an overnight stay in the likes of York, Harrogate, Skipton, Wakefield, Whitby, Scarborough and more – with spa escapes, hot tub lodges and family breaks and enjoy 80% on selected deals
YORKSHIRE DAY 2026: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THINGS TO DO
York Minster, York: Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral, with stunning stained glass and panoramic tower views. Get creative this summer with free drop-in LEGO® building sessions included with admission, where children and adults can design everything from Gothic masterpieces to rockets and pirate ships inside York Minster.
Yorkshire Dales National Park: Spectacular limestone scenery, waterfalls, caves, charming market towns and some of England’s finest walking and cycling routes – and best of all, it’s free to enjoy.
Yorkshire coast, Scarborough, Whitby, Bridlington, Fraisthorpe, Filey, Reighton Sands, Hornsea, , Robin Hood’s Bay, Sandsend, Saltburn and more. Enjoy fish and chips, free golden beaches and traditional seaside fun – including many dog friendly beaches.
Whitby Abbey: Explore the dramatic clifftop ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, discover centuries of myths and legends, and enjoy spectacular views over the Yorkshire coast. Book tickets early to save up to 20% – cl
Whitby Traction Engine Rally, Whitby Abbey: Traction engines, vintage vehicles, tractor pulling, arena entertainment, a funfair, craft and food stalls, and a spectacular Saturday night fireworks display overlooking Whitby Abbey. Enjoy one of the UK’s most scenic steam rallies from July 31 to August 2. Tickets £8-£40
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby: Step back in time and ride a steam train through spectacular Yorkshire countryside on one of the county’s famous heritage railways – enjoy a spectacular 24-mile journey through the North York Moors, calling at Pickering, the Harry Potter-famous Goathland, Grosmont and the seaside town of Whitby.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate: One of Britain’s finest gardens, famous for colourful borders, woodland walks and the adjoining Bettys Tea Rooms.
Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate, York, Ilkley, Harlow Carr and Northallerton: Treat yourself to Yorkshire’s most famous tea rooms, where afternoon tea, handcrafted cakes, chocolates and traditional Yorkshire hospitality have been delighting visitors since 1919,
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Branton, Doncaster: Come face-to-face with lions, polar bears, giraffes and more at one of the UK’s leading wildlife attractions. with Kids Pass savings of up to 46% on selected tickets.
Flamingo Land Resort, Malton: A thrilling mix of rollercoasters, family rides and one of Yorkshire’s largest zoos. Get half price entry, save £29 a ticket, with Wowcher.
Gulliver’s Valley Resort, Rotherham: A family theme park with rides, attractions and themed accommodation. Save up to 54% on an overnight stay for four or five, including theme park entry, from £139 – usually £299).
Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, Ripon: A family-focused park with more than 35 rides and attractions, ideal for younger children. Book today with Kids Pass and save up to 25% on tickets .
Yorkshire Day Gala, National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield: Free entry, Celebrate Yorkshire Day with a traditional miners’ gala featuring brass bands, family entertainment, creative activities, sports, stalls and competitions, 10am to 5pm. Parking is just £10 per car throughout the summer holiday offer.
Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham: Discover the wonders of Earth, Air, Fire and Water through hands-on exhibits, thrilling live science experiences and one of Yorkshire’s biggest outdoor adventure playgrounds..
Experience Barnsley Museum & Discovery Centre, Barnsley: Free entry social history museum including temporary spectacular Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt exhibition, curated by TV Egyptologist Prof Joann Fletch, inside the historic Town Hall.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby: A year-round adventure park with play areas, go-karts, skating, woodland trails and one of Europe’s largest yew-tree mazes. Limited offer tickets £16 – down from £22.50, saving £6.20 each which is up to 29%, off.
The Deep, Hull: One of the UK’s most spectacular aquariums, home to sharks, rays, penguins and thousands of marine creatures.
National Railway Museum, York: Home to iconic locomotives including Mallard and the Japanese Bullet Train, with free admission.
JORVIK Viking Centre, York: Step back more than 1,000 years and experience Viking-age York on the world-famous ride, with realistic sights, sounds and even smells bringing the city of Jorvik vividly to life.
Clifford’s Tower, York: Explore the last great survivor of York’s medieval castle and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views across the city from its spectacular rooftop viewing platform.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring spectacular abbey ruins and landscaped water gardens.
Castle Howard, York: One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, famous for its magnificent interiors, gardens and TV appearances in Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton.
Harewood House, Leeds: A magnificent stately home with beautiful gardens, bird garden, adventure playground and year-round events.
Conisbrough Castle, Doncaster: Step inside one of England’s best-preserved medieval castles, climb its mighty 12th-century keep for breathtaking views and discover the fortress that inspired Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel Ivanhoe.
Rievaulx Terrace & Temples, Helmsley: Discover one of England’s finest 18th-century landscape gardens, with twin hilltop temples offering spectacular views over the romantic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. Book advance tickets and save 15%
Brodsworth Hall & Gardens, Doncaster: Step into a classic Great British Summer with fairground games, circus skills, live performers, family activities and beautiful gardens at this magnificent Victorian country house.Explore the new A Season of Flowers exhibition.
Scarborough Castle: Explore the mighty clifftop fortress, climb its ancient towers for stunning coastal views and discover 3,000 years of history overlooking Scarborough’s two bays.
Pickering Castle: Climb the Norman motte for panoramic views, explore one of England’s finest medieval castles and discover fascinating artefacts in its historic chapel exhibition.
Richmond Castle: Climb the mighty Norman keep for spectacular views, explore one of Britain’s greatest medieval fortresses and discover the moving story of First World War conscientious objectors imprisoned here.
York Cold War Bunker, York: Explore the secret underground bunker built to monitor a nuclear attack on Yorkshire, on pre-booked guided tours.
EVENTS:
Yorkshire Proms, St George’s Hall, Bradford: Celebrate Yorkshire Day with the inaugural Yorkshire Proms, featuring the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, massed choirs, Yorkshire folk songs, special guests and a rousing audience singalong in a spectacular evening of music, from 7pm.
The Streets, Scarborough Open Air Theatre: Mike Skinner and The Streets bring their iconic blend of UK garage, hip-hop and indie anthems to Yorkshire’s biggest outdoor concert venue for a huge summer show.
80s Live, Scarborough Spa: Relive the decade of big hair and even bigger hits as 80s Live brings classic anthems from Wham!, Duran Duran, A-ha, Rick Astley, Culture Club and more to the stage.
Opeth, The Piece Hall, Halifax: Progressive metal legends Opeth headline their only UK tour date of 2026 from 6pm-10.30pm, joined by special guests Paradise Lost and Katatonia for a huge Yorkshire Day rock spectacular.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, York Barbican – Enjoy a night of big laughs as top stand-up comedians take to the stage for the latest edition of the popular Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club.
Day Fever, Sheffield City Hall: Dance the afternoon away at the feel-good daytime disco created by Sheffield’s own Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure, TV star Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen featuring classic hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond.
Steve Bracknall Live After Racing, Doncaster Racecourse: Indie Rock Party DJ Set from viral football comedy sensation Steve Bracknall, alter-ego of Chris McClure – real life brother of The Rev, Jon McClure – entertaining into the evening after the horseracing to celebrte Yorkshire Day
Thirsk Racecourse: Enjoy a thrilling afternoon of flat racing at the William Hill Summer Cup, with top-class action at one of Yorkshire’s premier racecourses.no affilate
Yorkshire Day Run, Roundhay Park, Leeds: Pull on your running shoes for this Yorkshire Day 5K, 10K or Half Marathon from 9am, plus a 1.5K kids’ race, around the beautiful Roundhay Park. Fancy dress is encouraged, with every finisher receiving a commemorative medal, chip timing and post-race treats.
Hidden Gems Food Tour, Leeds: Discover six of Leeds’ best independent food and drink venues, explore one of Europe’s largest covered markets and tuck into generous tastings while uncovering the city’s rich culinary history. Meets outside The Queens Hotel, Leeds, Sat, Aug 1, 11.45am.
Leeds Highlights Walking Tour: Discover Leeds’ rich history on a two-hour guided walk, taking in landmarks including Leeds Town Hall, the city’s famous Victorian arcades and hidden gems, with expert local insights along the way. Meet at City Square, Leeds LS1 Sat, Aug 1, 11am.
Yorkshire Day, Morley Town Centre: Celebrate 10am-3pm with a free family festival featuring live music, market stalls, fairground rides, the Giant Teapot Trail, local community groups and plenty of White Rose spirit in the heart of Morley.
Yorkshire Pudding Flinging, Darfield , Barnsley: Join the quirky Yorkshire Day tradition, where visitors can try throwing a Yorkshire pudding into a flat cap, with bacon butties and plenty of laughs, at the Museum & Heritage Centre, 2 Vicar Road, Darfield , from 11am.
Sheffield by the Seaside, Peace Gardens: Enjoy a free seaside escape in the heart of Sheffield, with a real sandy beach, family entertainment, Dodgems, a vintage carousel and classic fairground fun stretching from the Peace Gardens to Fargate. Now daily until August 29.
Summer Beach Club, Meadowhall, Sheffield: Enjoy a huge urban beach experience with AquaSplash slides and foam parties, sandy play areas, fairground rides, family entertainment, street food and a rooftop beach bar for parents, daily in the Orange car park, now to until 31 August.
Aston Carnival, Sheffield: Enjoy one of Yorkshire Day’s biggest free community celebrations, with a colourful parade, live entertainment, fairground rides, street food, face painting and plenty of family fun at Lodge Lane Recreation Ground, Aston,, 11am to 5pm.
Groovebox: Obskür, SteelYard Sheffield: Dance into Yorkshire Day with an outdoor day rave from 2pm to 11pm, as tech-house duo Obskür headline a high-energy lineup at SteelYard Sheffield, joined by Tommy Phillips, Lewis Taylor and Ellis Garner (18+, last entry 4pm).
Summer in the City, Doncaster: Sir Nigel Gresley Square is transformed into a free seaside-themed attraction with a giant sandpit, bouncy castles, mini golf, children’s rides, creative workshops, treasure hunts and live music, launching on Yorkshire Day, August 1, and running until August 31.
Skipton Yorkshire Day Celebration, Skipton Canal Basin: Celebrate God’s Own County with a petting zoo, Morris dancers, circus skills, crazy golf, surf simulator, giant games, arts and crafts, live music, street food and family fun, 10am to 7pm.
Abbeydale Road Beer Festival, Sheffield: Raise a glass as 12 pubs, bars and bottle shops host four days of tap takeovers, craft beers, street food, DJs and festival fun along Sheffield’s famous Abbeydale Road, from July 30 to August 2.
Yorkshire Festival, Manvers Lake, Wath upon Dearne: Free lakeside festival with live music, street food, fairground rides, local traders, family entertainment and a dog-friendly atmosphere at beautiful Manvers Lake, August 1, from 12pm-6pm.
Yorkshire Day Festival, Blacker Hall Farm, Wakefield: Celebrate the best of God’s Own County on 2 August (10am-4pm) with delicious Yorkshire food, talented local craftspeople, independent businesses, live music and plenty of family-friendly entertainment at Blacker Hall Farm.
Yorkshire Day Beer & Brass, Wakefield Exchange: Free live music from Flat Cap Brass, guest Yorkshire ales, street food and a lively evening of brass, pop, funk and soul at Wakefield Exchange, Yorkshire Day, 7pm-10.30pm.
Yorkshire Day, Pontefract Castle: Live historical performances, costumed characters, storytelling, music and special dungeon and explorer tours (tour booking required, subject to availability) on Yorkshire Day, August 1, 2026, from 10am-4pm.
Moorfest, Dewsbury Moor: Celebrate Yorkshire Day from 12pm-9pm at this community music festival, featuring live bands, bars, street food, inflatables, family entertainment, face painting, games and activities – all in support of local charities.
Yorkshire Day, Colne Valley Museum, Huddersfield: Step back in time from 12pm-4pm with traditional weaving and clog-making demonstrations, a Parkin bake, Yorkshire dialect, family trails, dressing up, vintage photo opportunities and homemade cakes at this fascinating museum of Yorkshire life. Admission £5; children and members free.
Seagull Trail, Shambles Market, York: Follow a free family-friendly trail from 25 July to 2 August, hunting for cheeky hidden seagulls around Shambles Market before enjoying the nearby Yorkshire Day Market, pop-up sandpit and traditional seaside fun.
Yorkshire Day Celebration, Middlethorpe Hall, York – Celebrate Yorkshire Day in elegant surroundings from 12 noon with a Yorkshire gin reception, a three-course luncheon showcasing the county’s finest produce, live piano music and entertaining tales from the legendary Mad Alice.
Yorkshire Day, Bradford Industrial Museum: Celebrate Yorkshire Day from 11am to 3pm with Shire horses, folk music, traditional crafts, blacksmith demonstrations, family activities, a makers’ market, street games, face painting and plenty of Yorkshire food and drink.
Yorkshire Day, Lund Park, Keighley: A free family festival featuring donkey rides, a climbing wall, Punch and Judy, comedy magic, princesses, face painting, balloon modelling, live entertainment and plenty of activities for all ages, Lund Park, Malsis Rd, Keighley , 11am to 3pm.
Creative Earth Eco Fest, Cliffe Castle, Keighley: Yorkshire Day fun-filled Creative Earth Eco Fest, combining family activities, live entertainment, hands-on workshops and sustainability-themed attractions in the beautiful grounds of Cliffe Castle.
Yorkshire Day, Baildon: Enjoy a free day of Yorkshire Day celebrations across Baildon, between Leeds and Bradford, with guided heritage walks, flag-making, family activities, live entertainment and the traditional Declaration of Yorkshire in the Town Square at 12 noon.
Emley Show, Emley Moor: One of West Yorkshire’s biggest and best-loved agricultural shows, featuring livestock, horse displays, classic tractors, horticulture, arts and crafts, food, family entertainment and countryside competitions beneath the iconic Emley Moor mast, on Yorkshire Day, August 1, 2026, 9am to 5pm.
Yorkshire Day Fun Day, White Cross Inn,Huddersfield; Celebrate Yorkshire Day from 12 noon with a free family fun day featuring local craft stalls, games, cakes, live music, a bouncy slide, penalty shootout, tombola and plenty of Yorkshire community spirit at Whte Cross, Bradley Road.
BYOB Live Hip-Hop Night, Northern Quarter, Huddersfield: An energetic hip-hop showcase featuring live performances, open mic slots, live art and DJs at Northern Quarter, Yorkshire Day, August 1, 2026, from 6pm. Tickets £8-£10.
Ilkley Celebration Weekend: Celebrate Yorkshire Day across August 1-2 with a bustling Yorkshire market, live music on The Grove courtesy of Ilkley Live, and free performances at the town’s historic bandstand.
Yorkshire Day Celebration, Scarborough Market Hall: Free family fun, delicious Yorkshire food and drink, local makers, live entertainment, crafts and traditional Yorkshire hospitality at Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults and St Helen’s Square, 10am-4pm.
Carlton Towers Celebrate Yorkshire Day, Goole: 10am to 6pm with live music, sheepdog displays, Punch & Judy, family entertainment, local market stalls, fairground rides and plenty of proper Yorkshire fun at this historic country estate.
Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration, Goole: Join the world’s biggest gathering of Yorkshire mayors as Goole hosts the county’s official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration, featuring a traditional parade, Service of Thanksgiving and civic celebrations as part of the town’s bicentenary. Only paid members of The Yorkshire Society can attend from the general public, 8am to 3pm.
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