Our Top Things to do in Yorkshire (when visiting us!)
The three destinations listed here, per location, are just a few of our personal favourites (with them being so close to our hotel) – but this little list by no means shows the extent of what Yorkshire has to offer! From our breath-taking coastlines, via jaw dropping countryside and vast rolling dales (as seen in SO many TV shows!) to our bustling city centres…there really is SO much to explore and enjoy.
Here are some of our favourites, that are right on our doorstep:
Top Things to Do in Harrogate.
Ahh Harrogate. Beautiful, beautiful, Harrogate; THE quintessential Victorian spa town.
Harrogate has it all folks: incredible architecture that is complemented so harmoniously by the many open leafy spaces, boutique shopping districts FULL of independent retailers and a just-won’t-find-that-anywhere-else kind of vibe (search ‘Cold Bath Road Harrogate’ or ‘Montpellier Quarter Harrogate’), a buzzing food and drink scene that is fast becoming an attraction in its own right and truly friendly people all make for a seriously high and…hey, we’ll dare to say it, exceptional quality of life.
There is a reason why Harrogate is so often voted one of Britain’s happiest places to live (closely followed by another Yorkshire destination: Skipton) – so it stands to reason that it should also be one of the happiest places to visit, right?
(It is…trust us.)
Given the wealth of tourism that Harrogate enjoys, there are subsequently a number of wonderful things to do in the area (let alone just losing an hour or two exploring those shops and bars…) but, as with all lists order must be established! And here are our favourite things to do, in our favourite town:
The Turkish Baths
The Turkish Baths opened in 1897…and are basically accountable for putting the town on the map. This facility really is the jewel in Harrogate’s crown and for good reason! The spa is decorated throughout with those intricate Moorish mosaics and the terrazzo floors lead off to a number of wonderful rooms, such as rooms of steam! And heat! The plunge pool is incredible and if it is serenity you seek friend…look no further!
(Seriously, this is a must see…and also a ‘must book in advance’).
Parliament Street, HG1 2WH – www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk
Distance from the hotel: a mere 0.9miles…or a 15min walk. Or about £4.00 in a taxi.
Top Tip: TRUST US, you are going to leave the baths in a lovely state of relaxation…don’t ruin it! Roll with it, book a lovely lunch or leisurely afternoon. Enjoy. Also, as we mentioned BOOK in advance.
Bettys (Harrogate).
You may well have heard of them?
This is a BIG deal and an absolute Yorkshire institution, the first of these truly elegant and traditional Cafés opened in 1919 and Bettys remained a firm fixture in Harrogate ever since.
Expect silver cake stands, fine china, warm knowledgeable staff (in period costume), exclusive teas and coffees, INCREDIBLE cakes and the best people watching around!
Bettys is one of those rare tourist attractions that local people themselves still frequent, it isn’t unusual to see a queue outside the shop for those wanting their morning pastry or lunchtime loaves.
Parliament Street, HG1 2QU (just up the hill from the Turkish Baths) – www.bettys.co.uk
Distance from the hotel: the same as the Turkish Baths…a leisurely stroll from our front door!
Top Tip: Be ready to queue if you haven’t booked, also try a ‘Fat Rascal’, they are the scone of Yorkshire. Just trust us on this one too.
Knaresborough
If you have arrived by car, then be sure to factor in some time to visit this market (and spa) town just up the road. You may well have seen Knaresborough and not realised it as the town is so often photographed….and for good reason!
Enjoy an hour or two spent just walking the streets, exploring the small boutique shops and make your way up to Knaresborough Castle for some seriously Instagram worthy snaps. From there, head down the rock-side stairs to the base of the Aqueduct and take a wooden rowing boat out onto the River Nidd, with a refreshing ice cream (or two).
For something truly unique to the town, head to the other side of the river to Mother Shipton’s Cave…which really has to be seen to be believed; expect some beautiful woodland walking with superb parks for the children, oh and a Cave where England’s most famous ‘Prophetess’ used to live and make her (uncannily accurate) predictions. For added quirkiness, there is a ‘Petrifying Well’ where items such as Teddy Bears have, in the waters that drip from the well, been turned to stone…in as little as 3-5 months! The Petrifying Well is actually reckoned to be the oldest visitor attraction and is referenced as early as 1538. It really is pretty special!
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 – www.mothershipton.co.uk
Distance from the hotel: Knaresborough is a short 3mile drive from our front door.
Top Tip: Definitely rent a boat, and if you are travelling on the second Saturday in June…be prepared to be diverted around the most unusual of Knaresborough-traditions, the annual ‘Bed Race’, where plucky locals race a gruelling 2.4mile course, that ends in…a bed race!
Top Things to do in Wakefield.
The Cedar Court Wakefield Hotel offers an excellent base to navigate Yorkshire, situated as it is just off junction 39 on the M1; our much-loved hotel has been welcoming business guests for over 30 years!
But this hotel is much more than a (seriously well-equipped) business hub! This property also offers unrivalled access to some of the county’s major attractions, including some seriously impressive and must-see ‘Things to Do’ for any Yorkshire trip…especially for the culture lovers out there!
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Just a seven-minute drive from our hotel lay Yorkshire’s oldest open-air sculpture gallery, The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP); this incredible site features a huge array of works, including creations from legendary artists such as (locally born) Henry Moore and Damien Hirst all of which are there to be found sitting within the 500 acres of stunning parkland.
The YSP is dog-friendly and has a lovely restaurant and café if you fancy resting your legs after all that exploring!
This really is an experience not to be missed!
West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG – ysp.org.uk
Distance from the hotel: 3 miles / There is a car park outside, and a short walk to the entrance.
Top Tip: The YSP is a PERFECT family day out, but the park is BIG folks, so wear some comfortable shoes. PS why not ask us to make picnics for you?
The Hepworth (Gallery)
Wakefield is truly lucky to host such a special art gallery, The Hepworth (named after, another, local Artist Barbara Hepworth…there is something special in the air in Yorkshire!) – opened to great acclaim in 2011. The Gallery was built to house the private collection of the former Wakefield Art Gallery, and more so provide a legacy for Barbara Hepworth in the town she was born.
The award-winning space has hosted some of the most modern and contemporary pieces of this generation, always including naturally many of Barbara Hepworth’s own wonderful sculptures. The Gallery itself is something to admire too; an angular concrete jutting-outer seems to have landed from another (dystopian?) time – especially when viewed against the Victorian & Georgian architecture of Wakefield – yet it somehow blends so beautifully with the edge of the ever-babbling weir. It is a marvel of design from (Royal Gold Medal for Architecture Winning) Architect David Chipperfield.
The Gallery remains free to enter and really must be part a key part of any Yorkshire itinerary.
Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW – www.hepworthwakefield.org
Distance from the hotel: 3 miles / There is a (chargeable) car park outside the Hepworth, or a taxi from the hotel to the Gallery will cost approx. £6.00 / Taxi drivers will collect you from the road outside the Hepworth, or why not take the short walk (15mins) into the city centre for an explore? (Wakefield has a number of Taxi Ranks, worry not).
Top Tip: The 14th Century Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, is a truly special (Grade I listed) building that is really worth seeing too; located on a medieval bridge (and actually one of only three surviving bridge chapels in England) – that is just a two minute (0.1mile) walk from the Hepworth, just cross the A61…and follow the River Calder! It is really very beautiful…and the smallest chapel we’ve ever seen?!
The Theatre Royal Wakefield
Situated in the centre of Wakefield is the beautiful Victorian theatre complex, The Theatre Royal (Wakefield). The stunning (Grade II listed and Frank Matcham designed) auditorium holds enough plump red-velvet seats to welcome 499 people…including using the Royal Boxes!
Those lucky enough to have bagged a seat can, on any given night, expect to enjoy a variety of entertainment from the theatre’s impressively full roster; their stage is usually occupied 265 days of the year with a wide variety of diverse acts.
The theatres own shows, such as their HUGELY popular pantomime amongst others, are often co-produced by playwright and Creative Director John Godber (Bouncers, Teechers, Up ‘n’ Under).
Over the years we have ourselves, at Cedar Court, enjoyed nights of comedians, tribute acts, plays, celebrity talks and local productions.
This theatre really does live up to its ambitions to provide ‘Theatre for All’ and it would be strongly recommended that you view ‘What’s On’ when planning your ‘Yorkshire Escape’.
Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE – www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
Distance from the hotel: 3.8miles / A taxi from the hotel into the City approx. £6.00, the taxi rank for your trip back to the hotel (for a nightcap) is just outside the theatre.
Top Tip: The Theatre recently opened its excellent new Walker Studio, an adjacent building that now hosts the Theatres other bar…this can get very busy as it is downstairs as you enter, so just nip upstairs to the original bar and jump the queues!
Top Things to do in Huddersfield.
The Cedar Court Huddersfield Hotel offers an excellent base to navigate Yorkshire, situated as it is just off the M62 halfway between Leeds and Manchester; this much-loved hotel is a perfect base for the business traveller.
But this hotel is much more than a (seriously well-equipped) business hub! This property also offers unrivalled access to some of the county’s major attractions, including some seriously impressive and must-see ‘Things to Do’ for any Yorkshire trip…especially for the culture lovers out there!
The Lawrence Batley Theatre
Just a 12minute drive from our hotel you’ll find the stunning 18th century building that is the Lawrence Batley Theatre (LBT). The LBT was opened in style back in 1994 by Yorkshire-born celebrities Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart.
When Kirklees Theatre Trust acquired the site, they had an aim to provide Huddersfield with a vibrant place that would be filled with music, drama, and art…and boy did they do just that! On any given evening lucky ticket holders can expect to enjoy a wide variety of productions, with something for all.
The LBT is in an enviable location in the centre of Huddersfield, so it is perfectly positioned next to the city’s bars for a pre-show drink.
Over the years we have ourselves, at Cedar Court, enjoyed nights of comedians, tribute acts, plays, celebrity talks and local productions.
This LBT really does live up to its ambitions to provide art for all, and it would be strongly recommended that you view ‘What’s On’ when planning your ‘Yorkshire Escape’.
Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP – www.thelbt.org
Distance from the hotel: 3.2 miles / There are a wealth of car parking options in Huddersfield centre. A taxi to the hotel will be approx. £7.00. Uber operate in Huddersfield too.
Top Tip: Arrive early to get your drinks, the bar area gets very busy pre-show.
The Kirklees Light Railway
The home of Yorkshires Great Little Steam Trains!
The Kirklees Light Railway (KLR) is a great family day out, children and adults alike can climb aboard one of the railways six magnificent engines and travel along the foothills of the Pennines on a small rail line (it is just 15 inch narrow/wide!). We always get to hear great stories from our younger guests when they return from a day out at the KLR, they love this 65minute return trip (and their parents usually tell us that they enjoy the glorious countryside views…and the sit down!).
The KLR isn’t just about the Railway though, this impressive site also boasts two play areas (all train themed, naturally!) a miniature railway that zips around a duck pond, some great (and dog friendly) walking routes…and the ubiquitous Gift Shop!
This day out is truly unique and one that we hear so many glowing reports from, be sure to take the time to visit when visiting us with children.
Park Milly Way Clayton West, Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ – www.kirkleeslightrailway.com
Distance from the hotel: 18miles, which we reckon to take about 30minutes in the car. Plenty of parking onsite.
Top Tip: The KLR gets REALLY busy at Christmas time with the ‘Santa Special’, so book and it is a big park so comfortable shoes…oh and check the weather forecast!
Castle Hill.
Fancy a walk?
Well, OF COURSE you do…you are in Yorkshire! (aka ‘Walkshire’).
First things first, the road up to the Castle Car Park is a bit of a tricky drive it is a narrow single track road and there aren’t that many passing places…so probably not a trip for those who have recently removed their ‘L Plates’, or for anyone else really in the winter months.
However, on a sunny day once you’ve parked and you ascend to the top…. the views are simply breath-taking and the main draw for so many visitors – you simply won’t find a better view in the area; this was actually a Saxon watch point (many digs have found Saxon tools and utensils) so yes, this trip is all about drinking in that glorious countryside.
Somewhat ironically the Castle isn’t actually a Castle…it is officially a Tower! A Tower that was erected to celebrate Queen Victoria actually.
Distance from the hotel: 5.6miles, but this will take about 20 minutes in the car…due to that single track.
Top Tip: We have three: #1 Take a Kite (trust us), #2 Ask us to make you a picnic…there isn’t anything up there, this one is all about the views and the walk, #3 If it is cold/windy/wet it will be MUCH colder/windier/wetter at Castle Hill, dress accordingly!
Top Things to do in Bradford.
Bradford.
The Cedar Court Bradford offers (another!) excellent base to explore the charms of Yorkshire, you’ll find the hotel easy to find as it is situated just off Junction 26 of the M62; this hotel is close to all the major hubs of West Yorkshire with Leeds City Centre just 8miles away.
Bradford is one of our most culturally diverse cities, and as a result benefits from some seriously good cuisine! The city is actually pretty famous for its curry houses and offers up a wealth of options for those craving some spicy food. Bradford also prides itself on being the worlds first UNESCO City of Film (more of that later) and boasts some superb Theatres and Museums for those seeking a culture kick!
The outskirts of the city also justify a mention on any list, the stunning countryside leads to picturesque villages and small towns, such as Haworth – just 10miles west of Bradford – and you may well just recognise the highly-Instagrammable’ village as the home of Brontë Sisters?
Here are a few ideas on how to get the most out of your time with us:
Salts Mill.
If you are an art fan – or possibly even if you are not – you will have heard of the superbly talented (Yorkshireman!) David Hockney who is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th Century; he of the ‘A Bigger Splash’ fame. As Mr. Hockney was born in Bradford, the Salts Mill Gallery is proud to house an impressively big collection of his celebrated works alongside those of many, many others.
Wander around this stunning building, so full of history, and enjoy fine art in abundance and shop till your hearts content in Salts Mills numerous independent outlets (the Galleries own Book Shop / Art Materials / Poster Shop alongside other retailers Early Music / Kath Libbert Jewellery / Trek & Trail and All Terrain Cycles).
PS don’t worry the Mill’ offers up several dining places to recharge and rest those weary feet too!
Victoria Road, Saltaire, West York’s BD13 3LA www.saltsmill.org.uk
Distance from the hotel: Distance from the Hotel: 7 miles, which we reckon to take about 20 minutes.
Top Tip: If required there is there is a lift for access, it is pretty tricky to find from outside of the building though – so get a staff member to help. Also make sure to allow plenty of time to appreciate Mr. Hockney’s works, it is an unrivalled collection.
Haworth
We mentioned this wonderful village earlier, and the villages stunning Main Street is seen above; Main St. hosts a vibrant selection of shops and tea rooms. Oh…and the VIEW, have you seen the VIEW?!
Haworth was broadcast to the world when the Tour De Yorkshire took place, and the already popular spot became a firm fixture of any Yorkshire visit itinerary. You will be forgiven for feeling like you have stepped back in time…
Bring your walking boots and when you have had your fill of shopping and sumptuous cakes, explore the walking trails that lead through the stunning scenery, taking in ruins and waterfalls, before discovering the Old Rail Station complete with its vintage Steam Engines. (The Railway Children anyone?)
Also, take the time to visit Cliffe Castle Museum, the former mansion of local (Victorian!) Millionaire H I Butterfield, his home is now a museum filled to the brim with minerals, rocks…and a 2m long fossil Newt! Well worth an amble around.
Haworth, West Yorkshire.
Distance from the hotel: Haworth is 11 miles from us, but due to the countryside roads it will take about 30minutes.
Top Tip: Bring those boots, bring a flask, watch the weather…and bring your camera!
The Alhambra
Opening in 1914, the glorious Alhambra theatre has long been regarded as one of the premier venues for large scale entertainment in the north, welcoming an impressive amount of international dance, musicals, drama…and Yorkshires biggest Pantomime!
The 1400 capacity auditorium is a regular venue for The Royal Shakespeare Company, Northern Ballet, Disney, and the Alhambra welcomes a wonderful amount of the West End shows and we’ve enjoyed War Horse, Billy Elliot and Wicked to name a few over the years!
We are also very excited for March 2022, when the most successful show of all time The Lion King arrives for two months in the city!
Morley Street, Bradford BD7 1AJ – www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/venues/the-alhambra-theatre
Distance from the hotel: 2.5 miles or about 15mins / a Taxi or Uber would be approx. £5.00.
Top Tips: Obviously, book in advance…in the happier times that belong to the future, the Alhambra will fill again – and is likely to see out for The Lion King.
To visit us once, is to start planning your next trip.
PS us Yorkshire-folk are pretty well known for our warm hospitality too…so don’t be surprised if you get engaged in a chat (or three!) whilst out and about exploring!