The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in North Yorkshire, England

February 14, 2022 Russell Mellin

Discover the best top things to do in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Malham Cove, Museum of Victorian Science, Wainwright's Coast-to-Coast Walk, Robert E Fuller, Nidderdale Llamas, Georgian Theatre Royal, National Centre for Birds of Prey, Brimham Rocks, Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
Restaurants in North Yorkshire

1. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Estate Office Abbey Road Near Harrogate, 45 minutes from York and 50 minutes from Leeds, Ripon HG4 3DY England +44 1765 608888 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey
Excellent
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5.0 based on 3,875 reviews

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

We've loved having you back! Please note that you need to pre-book your ticket to visit at the moment via the website. Explore a great abbey and elegant water garden at this World Heritage Site near Harrogate. Cistercian monks chose this place to establish Fountains Abbey in 1132, and the walls echo with centuries-old stories. Follow the riverside path to Studley Royal, a playful water garden designed by visionaries John and William Aislabie in the 18th century. You can spend a day amongst statues, follies and cascades before venturing beyond the lake to Studley Royal deer park, with ancient lime tree avenues and red, fallow and sika deer. Eat, shop, stay Restaurant serving select range of hot food. Picnics welcome but please leave BBQs at home. Large shop with gardening section. Stay at one of 14 holiday cottages, including a cosy waterside lodge and elegant apartment inside Jacobean Fountains Hall. No drones please. Bikes and scooters welcome for children under 5.

Reviewed By Sal7thomp - Leeds, United Kingdom

Fantastic grounds, amazing view, wonderful gardens and lake with a great deer park and lovely abbey and great gift shop

2. Malham Cove

Malham, Yorkshire Dales National Park England http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/visit-the-dales/discover-the-dales/limestone-features/malham-cove
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 1,484 reviews

Malham Cove

Reviewed By ncutts

Not my first visit, but the first time back in decades. Just as stunning as I remember it being, right from the first views at the bottom of the cove. Well worth the climb to the top if you’re fit enough - we enjoyed a lovely picnic once up and great views, plus the limestone pavement is best seen up close from the top and can’t really be viewed any other way. Shame on those tourists who think it’s OK to push their litter in among the rocks. :( just take it home!! It’s lighter when you’ve eaten the contents so much easier and more compact to carry!!! Lovely flora and fauna to be seen along the walk. It’s also nice to continue and make it a circular walk if you have time, returning via Goredale Scar. The walk was quieter away from the cove too. Pity there were a few people who seemed totally unaware of social distancing and ploughed their way through, but for the most part, people were courteous and willing to wait at gates, narrow parts etc. It’s a stunning natural feature and a must if visiting the area.

3. Museum of Victorian Science

Woodberry Glaisdale, Whitby YO21 2QL England +44 1947 897440 [email protected] http://www.museumofvictorianscience.co.uk
Excellent
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5.0 based on 278 reviews

Museum of Victorian Science

A virtual visit to Dr Frankensteins laboratory with Geissler Tubes, Bouquet Tubes, Railway Tubes, Jacob's Ladder, telegraph system, early x-ray tubes and many more crackling spark, electric flame laden demonstrations. Showing the education of the young Victorians, using many of the static accessories and rare artefacts, as used by them. We hope your visit here will prove interesting, stimulating and will give an insight into this largely extinct branch of science.

Reviewed By Lee-Lynne - Sheffield, United Kingdom

What an amazing and unique experience. The museum is run by a lovely couple an consists of 2 hours of demonstrations with explanation and refreshments at the halfway point. The room is small and can fit 4 visitors only. Tony is so enthusiastic and the museum is his lifes work, an entertaining and unique experience!

4. Wainwright's Coast-to-Coast Walk

England http://www.coastto.co.uk/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 178 reviews

Wainwright's Coast-to-Coast Walk

Reviewed By lawyerrambling - Glendale, United States

Signed on with C2C in Kirkby Steven to do the first two-thirds of the walk (solo) in early June. Cannot praise the walk enough. Even this portion (of roughly 120 miles) offered a cross-section with coastal bluffs the first day, lakes and peaks through the Lake District, moors across Westmoreland, hills through the Pennines, dales in Yorkshire, villages in the Lake District and market towns (Kirkby Steven and Richmond). I took a slow pace and an extra night in Grasmere and the pace is such that, time permitting, an extra day every three days or so is welcome. (I wish I'd allowed an extra night in Kirkby Steven). The accommodations proved excellent (guest houses and B&Bs mostly) and the food was a pleasant surprise.

5. Robert E Fuller

Fotherdale Farm, Thixendale, Malton YO17 9LS England +44 1759 368355 [email protected] http://www.robertefuller.com
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5.0 based on 136 reviews

Robert E Fuller

Showcasing the work of leading wildlife artist Robert E Fuller, this gallery is a must for anyone who loves the countryside. On show are detailed paintings, limited edition prints and photographs of wildlife from around the world. Informative films and live nest cameras relaying footage from cameras hidden in animal nests in the surrounding countryside are also available to watch. Robert is recognised as a leading authority on wildlife and his TV animal documentaries have been broadcast internationally. He spends months in the field watching and photographing wildlife and this depth of understanding makes his work sing out. Original oil paintings and bronze sculptures of wildlife all come to life through his inimitable, realistic style.

Reviewed By cazm99 - Leeds, United Kingdom

Wonderful relaxing visit after a local walk to see the beautiful animals and birds on nest cam and paintings.

6. Nidderdale Llamas

Wilsill, Pateley Bridge Kiln Farm, Harrogate HG3 5EE England +44 1423 711052 [email protected] http://www.nidderdalellamas.org
Excellent
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5.0 based on 628 reviews

Nidderdale Llamas

A unique interactive fun activity, based on a family working farm in Nidderdale. Offering Llama Trekking & Llama/alpaca experiences in beautiful countryside. Fantastic fun with amazing friendly animals, a range of options to choose from all including close contact with llamas, alpacas and some other animals.

Reviewed By iTravellers - Manchester, United Kingdom

This was a surprise Birthday treat and it didn't disappoint! We spent a lovely afternoon getting to know all about Llamas and Alpacas. We were able to interact with the animals in a safe environment before heading out for a walk with them. The Llamas were very calm and terrific walking companions. Even though the Yorkshire weather was atrocious it didn't dampen the spirits of the group. The staff were brilliant and very knowledgable about the animals and their different characters. We were each " matched" with a Llama and got to know them as we walked out on our short trek. After the trek we warmed up with tea and cake, a nice touch. This has been the highlight of our week in beautiful Yorkshire and would thoroughly recommend.

7. Georgian Theatre Royal

Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW England +44 1748 823710 [email protected] http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 435 reviews

Georgian Theatre Royal

Built in 1788, The Georgian Theatre Royal is the UK's oldest working theatre in its original form. We are currently still open for tours, although all live performances have been put on hold for the moment. Guided 'back-stage tours are suitable for children and adults alike and run every hour on the hour (10am until 4pm Monday to Saturday). Our enthusiastic guides will entertain you with the fascinating story of the Theatre as well as providing a colourful insight into life in Georgian England. Find out who has graced the historic stage over the centuries and discover how the early actors lived and worked, walking miles between venues with their families in tow. Come and see why we're consistently number 1 of 'things to do in Richmond' on TripAdvisor!

Reviewed By sarahp177

We visited for a tour of the theatre with our 2 little boys aged 5 &6 having always fancied exploring this historic little gem of a theatre. We were the only ones on our tour and the guide Shiela was absolutely fantastic. She made sure she kept our boys interest with interesting facts and was so patient with answering all of their questions and letting them perform on the stage! She really is a credit to you and made the whole experience one to remember for all of us - please pass on our thanks to her. We loved the theatre so much, we have booked to come and see Aladdin in December - the boys can't wait because they know how it all works now!!

8. National Centre for Birds of Prey

Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB England +44 1439 772080 [email protected] http://www.ncbp.co.uk
Excellent
89%
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5.0 based on 1,440 reviews

National Centre for Birds of Prey

FROM 12 April 2021 WE ARE OPEN AS NORMAL The National Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park is the largest collection of these amazing birds in the north of England. You will find over 100 owls, eagles, vultures, falcons, hawks kites and more in a spacious 10 acre setting. We are a leader in the captive breeding, welfare and conservation of these awesome birds. Please don't compare us to other bird of prey centres, we are in a different league! We have a team of trained bird who fly twice times a day at 11.30 and 14.00. Different birds are flown at each demo. We even have an indoor area if the weather isn't being kind. In recognition of the quality of the National Centre for Birds of Prey - we won our category in the White Rose Awards, the UK's largest regional tourism awards and then we won best attraction in the Visit York awards

Reviewed By SouthYorks - Barnsley, United Kingdom

Spent over 4 hours at the Bird of Prey Centre along with a short walk in Duncombe Park. 2 really interesting and informative flying displays with 4 birds flown in each display, and presented by 3 knowledgeable falconers (including Charlie and Sarah). Birds flown included Eagles, Owls and Falcons. Aviaries are provided for all birds, as well as an outdoor Hawk Walk where birds can be seen close up. Each aviary includes lots of information specific to each bird species. Overall an enjoyable day and would return.

9. Brimham Rocks

Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW England +44 1423 780688 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimhamrocks
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2,406 reviews

Brimham Rocks

An amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations: a great day out for families, climbers and those who love the outdoors.

Reviewed By FrequentFlier809627

Superb for all the family. Plenty of marked (disabled accessible) paths & lots of rocks to climb. There's really nowhere else like it. Be sure to see the Dancing Bear rock (above the visitor centre) &, just a little further on, the Balancing Rock. Make sure you visit the snack bar (check opening days) and try the hot sausage rolls - the best sausage rolls you've ever had! There's a large area of picnic tables by the snack bar so feel free to bring your own picnic. Parking, at the entrance, is extensive (free for NT members) with disabled spaces; Parking gets busy on fine weekends, school holidays & Bank holidays so try to arrive before 11.00 on sunny days!

10. Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Excellent
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4.5 based on 751 reviews

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Travel the lovely English countryside on this scenic train pulled by a steam locomotive, leaving from Bolton Abbey Station to the historic Embsay Station, built in 1888. Trains run every Sunday all year Tuesdays Saturdays & Sundays from April to end October and Daily late July to the end of August new for 2019 are Wednesday services using the historic 1903 NER Autocar

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