Top Yorkshire Outdoor Activities

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during a 45-minute or 1-hour cruise on the Ouse River. Relax during a leisurely sail, accompanied by commentary that details the history and culture of York, and enjoy unobstructed views of landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower and the York Museum and Gardens. Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule.

Venture into the wild and windswept lands of the North York Moors on this full-day tour from York. Drive through the countryside to reach North York Moors National Park and enjoy a walk amongst nature. Learn the legacy of Dracula and Captain James Cook in the seaside resort of Whitby. Next, spot filming locations from British TV series 'Heartbeat' and the Harry Potter movies in Goathland, where you board the famous North Yorkshire Moors steam railway for a spectacular ride home.

Puzzle fans need look no further than this immersive York treasure hunt murder mystery, set in 1491, that’s sent to your phone (over the Telegram app) as a series of riddles. Discover classic sights and quirky delights as you unravel each cryptic clue, unlock the path to the next location—and bring the criminal to justice. You’ll cover around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), with two optional pub breaks en route.

Set sail on a romantic evening cruise along the Ouse River and see York’s historic landmarks from the water. Sip a glass of Prosecco or non-alcholic beverage (depending on the ticket option) as you glide past the illuminated city skyline, and admire the riverside parks and buildings lit up by the boat’s floodlights.

Located in East Yorkshire, Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park is home to dozens of exotic bird species and birds of prey, as well as animals ranging from meerkats and alpacas to iguanas and wallabies. Book your tickets in advance, and you’ll have access to the park’s 21 acres of habitat zones; can attend daily feedings, displays, and other educational presentations; and can even upgrade to have park keeper-guided meet-and-greet opportunities with the animals.

Uncover the medieval marvels of historic York on a bespoke walking tour with a private guide. Learn about York’s rich history as you walk around the centuries-old walls, pose for photos with a backdrop of the city or visit the wall museums (not included). Your private tour is yours to customize as you please, so you could also pay a visit to York Castle, stroll down the atmospheric The Shambles or take a peek inside the magnificent York Minster.

Escape the city for the wild landscapes of the Yorkshire moors on this full-day tour from York. Set out on a scenic drive through the North York Moors National Park; visit sites from the 'Harry Potter' movies in Goathland like the location used for Hogsmeade station in the first film. Enjoy free time to explore the seaside town of Whitby, where you can learn the legacy of Dracula and try the town’s famous fish and chips (own expense), before visiting the market town of Helmsley.

With rich Roman and Viking history, and beautiful architecture, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but exploring independently means you may miss its hidden secrets. On this tour, follow your private guide through historic York and find out what makes the city special. Explore top attractions like Clifford's Tower, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the Roman walls, and St Mary’s Abbey, and enjoy sweeping views along the River Ouse.

A hop-on hop-off bus is the perfect way to explore York on your terms. Sit on the bus and learn about the city's famous sights through an audio guide, and then hop off at any of the 20 stops that interest you. Along the way, pass by the York Minster, York Art Gallery, the National Railway Museum, Clifford's Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the Monk Bar.

Explore Wensleydale, Littondale and Nidderdale, and discover the delights of the English countryside on this Yorkshire Dales day trip from York. Visit sites of interest including Askrigg and the market town of Hawes before delving deep into the heart of the mighty Yorkshire Dales National Park to enjoy panoramic views over Kilnsey Crag. Travel through Buckden to the picturesque village of Kettlewell, and explore sites made famous in popular British films and television programs. Then, visit the world’s oldest candy shop before returning in comfort to York.

Don’t worry about getting lost in the winding streets of medieval York during this introductory tour of the city, ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time in the region. See several York highlights—including St Mary’s Abbey, York Minster, and The Shambles—without worrying about directions, while benefiting from the insight of your guide throughout.

Take a break from bustling York on a full-day tour of Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales, and travel across the mountainous region with ease via air-conditioned vehicle. Discover the region’s top attractions, including the home of the Brontë family, Bolton Abbey, and Penistone Hill, and benefit from insights provided by your guide, as well as the more personalized experience of a small-group tour.

Delve into the dark recesses of York’s history on this evening ghost bus tour. With your spooky local guide, visit notorious local haunts of restless spirits, and pass eerie sites such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the grave of Dick Turpin, infamous highwayman and murderer. Throughout the tour, hear anecdotes and fascinating facts about York’s grisly past, and make key stops for a closer look at the city’s most haunted buildings. 

With beautiful architecture and medieval history, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but pounding the sidewalks on foot takes time and effort. On this tour, hop into the saddle and spin through the city streets by bicycle, and hit top attractions like York Minster with ease. Follow safe routes inside and outside the ancient city walls, with your guide bringing York’s colorful Roman and Viking history to life.

Join award winning entertainer The Magic Hatter as The Wizard of York for spellbinding magic, comedy and a dash of York's history! Ideal for ages 5-10 in particular, or big kids with a silly sense of humour and a passion for the wizarding world... A family-friendly alternative to the many ghost walks and terror trails, this tour focuses on FUN over frights. A truly magical and memorable experience that wizard fans will go Potty for!

Explore the highlights of York without being stuck in a tour group on this self-guided treasure hunt. No need to carry a physical map, as all of the clues and maps can be accessed through your smartphone. Along the way, pass by top landmarks, and learn interesting stories about the city that you might discover otherwise.

An immersive adventure through York's past and present. Unravel cryptic clues as we take you on a journey through the city. Meet figures of myth and history, solve riddles, enjoy charming cafes and quirky pubs. Do you have what it takes to defeat ancient monsters and save the city? Work as a team to decode each clue and search for a nearby answer. All sent to your mobile phone via Telegram or Whatsapp (free on all app stores).

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during an Ouse River cruise. Setting off in the early evening, sail past ancient landmarks and quaint riverside villages, all the while learning about the area’s Roman and Viking heritage. Keep warm in the heated saloon, where alcoholic drinks, warm beverages, and snacks can be purchased at your own expense.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of one of Britain’s longest running soaps on a tour of the original Emmerdale filming locations. Set out on a 4-hour bus tour from Leeds and see the real-life Yorkshire Dales villages and farms where the iconic TV show was filmed up until 1997. Spot iconic locations like Emmerdale village, Emmerdale Farm and the Woolpack pub, as you hop off in the real-life villages of Otley, Esholt and Leathley, and hear fun facts and anecdotes about the long-running show.

Criss-cross the North York Moors to experience tucked-away gems overlooked by many visitors with this self-guided tour and treasure hunt. Download the GPS-based smartphone app, share it across a family and group, and explore the region by self-drive and on foot, with over 100 map-pinned destinations and challenges to enjoy, and heaps of prize-winning clues to solve. Start anytime and complete the fun at your own pace within seven days.

Explore the ancient city of York in a new and unique way on this self-guided treasure hunt tour. Using GPS technology, follow the guide app’s clues and solve puzzles to reveal hidden locations on your map. Walk through the streets like a local, and take short-cuts and secret passages to the most iconic York tourist spots, the best way to avoid the crowds. Win points as you travel—will you reach the top of the national leaderboard?

Take to the streets of Sheffield with your trusty smartphone, and explore the Steel City with this self-guided tour and treasure hunt game. Perfect for families or groups with young people and children, this tour enables you to take your own time and discover Sheffield’s hidden gems. Avoid the crowded centre and follow the directions and solve the clues to see Sheffield like a local.

Uncover the charms of 1960s Yorkshire on a full-day tour from York, visiting film locations from classic British TV show Heartbeat. Admire the rugged scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors, get a taste of local life in villages like Pickering and Goathland, and visit the seaside resort of Whitby, also famous for its Dracula connections. Along the way, visit Heartbeat locations like Aidensfield Station, Bernie Scripps Garage and Funeral Parlour; stop for a drink at the Aidensfield Arms pub (own expense) and tuck into traditional fish and chips (own expense).

Learn about the fiery history behind York’s city walls on this walking tour with a difference. Learn about how a Volcanologist from France stopped the ancient city from burning down, and hear about the early life of famous anarchist and pyromaniac Guy Fawkes who was born in York itself. From your guides, Dr Simon Rogerson and Dr Liam Herringshaw, also learn about the history of York Minster, and its many hidden secrets.