The greatest places to visit in Yorkshire

Looking for places to visit in Yorkshire?

Check out the markets and events listed below for excellent ways to spend your free time – we’ve included plenty of attractions, scenery and day trip ideas too, so that you an explore in between market visits!

Fab places to visit in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is well-known for its stunning landscapes, historic towns and rich cultural heritage. Here are some places to add to your travel list – great for a weekend, a road trip, or especially if you’re a local!

1. The Yorkshire Dales: A breathtaking national park offering stunning landscapes of rolling hills, valleys, waterfalls and traditional stone-built villages. Don’t miss Malham Cove and Aysgarth Falls. There are markets dotted all around too – more on that below!
2. The North York Moors: This vast expanse of moorland and woodland has excellent hiking trails and picturesque villages like Goathland, famous for its appearance as “Aidensfield” in the TV show “Heartbeat.” Whilst you’re here, take a visit to Rievaulx Abbey and explore the romantic ruins. This Cistercian abbey has an interesting history and makes for some fantastic photographs!

Whilst you’re in Yorkshire, take a look at these towns and their fantastic markets…

Yorkshire boasts a variety of markets, each with its own unique charm and offerings. Here are some of the markets you can visit in Yorkshire:

1. Leeds – As one of Yorkshire’s vibrant cities, Leeds offers a rich cultural scene, great shopping from both bigger and small stores, and a variety of museums and galleries, including the Royal Armouries Museum. Leeds Kirkgate Market is one of the largest covered markets in Europe, and one of the most famous markets in Yorkshire. Its rich history dates back to the 1800s. The market offers a diverse range of stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, crafts and more. Leeds Indie Market and Leeds Artsmix are both well worth a visit, providing artisan, handmade and unique crafts, and plenty of indie businesses.
2. York – The historic city of York is a must-visit destination! Explore the well-preserved medieval streets, visit the iconic York Minster cathedral, walk along the ancient city walls and discover the Jorvik Viking Centre for a glimpse into the region’s Viking past. Whilst you’re there, take a look at the Shambles Market. The Shambles is a gorgeous historic shopping area of quaint streets, and the daily street market here offers a selection of stalls selling vintage items, gifts, souvenirs, clothing, crafts, local produce and street food. Pop to York River Art Market whilst you’re here.
3. Haworth – Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth to learn about the lives and works of the famous Brontë sisters, who wrote classics like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Pop by Haworth Artisan Market and Haworth Craft Fair whilst you’re here.
4. Harrogate – A charming spa town with elegant architecture and beautiful gardens, such as the Valley Gardens – where the beautiful Harrogate Valley Gardens is held! Harrogate is also home to the famous Betty’s Tea Room and Pateley Bridge Artisan Market, so there are plenty of chances to catch a great market here – and to enjoy some fabulous Yorkshire tea and cake!
5. Knaresborough – A pretty market town and home to Knaresborough Artisan Market, an outdoor market held at Knaresborough Castle in Yorkshire.
6. Skipton – Known as ‘the Gateway to the Dales’, scenic Skipton is home to some fantastic markets. Whilst you’re here, check out Real Markets in Skipton, Skipton Foodie Weekend and Skipton Artisan Market.

7. Ripon – Ripon Market is actually one of the most traditional in the region, with a history that dates back over 700 years. Held every Thursday, it features a mix of stalls selling fresh produce, crafts and other items. If you’re after an artisan flavour, check out Ripon Artisan Market, run by Little Bird. Whilst you’re in Ripon, take a visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines the impressive ruins of Fountains Abbey with stunning landscaped gardens. Nearby Malton is also well worth a visit, and is home to Malton Monthly Food Market, a food lover’s paradise of fine local produce and artisanal foods.

8. Sheffield – A city known for its industrial history, Sheffield has now transformed into a cultural hub with numerous museums, galleries and green spaces like the Sheffield Winter Garden. This is a university town too, so expect vibrant bars and live music. Market-wise, check out Rex Market, Manor Oaks Artisan Market and Quayside Market.

9. Huddersfield – Huddersfield, known for its industrial heritage and picturesque surroundings, is home to Market on the Farm at Yummy Yorkshire, Huddersfield. Click here to find out more about it.. The nearby village of Holmfirth, known for the TV series “Last of the Summer Wine,” is also worth a visit.

10. Whitby – A classic British seaside town with a fascinating maritime history, explore the ruins of the iconic Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, and enjoy scenic coastal views. Whitby Market takes place near the Abbey and offers an array of goods, including fresh seafood, clothing, crafts and souvenirs, and there’s lots of shops in town.

11. Hebden Bridge – Nowadays, this is a hub of artists and creatives living in a picturesque setting. Hebden Bridge Market features a great selection of local produce, crafts, vintage items and organic products.

12. Hessle – Home to Humber Bridge Farmers’ Market, which is held on the first Sunday of each month and provides a platform for local farmers and producers to showcase their goods, from fresh produc to homemade treats.

13. Halifax – Halifax Borough Market actually dates back to the late 1800s, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and handmade crafts.

14. Otley – Home to the traditional Otley Market, held every Tuesday. Find an array of products including fresh fruits and veg, clothing, household items and more.

These are just a selection of the many markets you can explore in Yorkshire! Visiting these bustling markets is not only a great way to shop for local goods and produce but is also a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and community.

Need somewhere to stay to make a weekend of it?

Check out AirBnb for some great ideas in ideal locations.