My Yorkshire Bucket List
I stopped making New Year’s Resolutions years ago. I just couldn’t keep to them! Nowadays I just make a list of things I want to achieve in the year or more specifically the places I want to visit. Hence the Yorkshire bucket list.
With so many brilliant places to visit we really are spoilt for choice here in Yorkshire. From stunning scenery, amazing food, exciting attractions and beautiful places to stay. This list could be endless.
I’m very fortunate to have already been lots of places in Yorkshire. The pandemic and having a young family has refocused my travel energy and that’s what Girl About Yorkshire is all about – showcasing Yorkshire (especially the Yorkshire Dales) off at its best.
So here is my Yorkshire bucket list:
Gaping Gill
This underground cave which could fit actual Paul’s Cathedral inside has been top of my bucket list for years. It is the largest underground cave chamber in Britain at nearly 100m tall. Entry into the cave is from above where you get winched down on a chair. This only happens twice a year on specific dates and is an organised trip by the local Pot Holing clubs. How incredible does this look?!
Climb Ingleborough
In 2021 my aim was to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge. I walked loads, climbed Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent individually and was all set to do Ingleborough before committing to the challenge of all 3. But then I fell pregnant. Back in 2016 I previously attempted to climb Ingleborough too but the weather had other ideas so we were forced to make a u-turn. 2022 is the year when I WILL climb Ingleborough. My next challenge will then be the 3 peaks then and I’m hopefully by summer 2023 I will have smashed that lifetime goal too.
Dalby Forest
Located on the North York Moors, Dalby Forest is just that bit far for us to do in a day trip which is why I haven’t made it there yet! A Forestry England woodland they have the family friendly themed walks – the Gruffalo trail which has just changed to Super Worm, as well as numerous other walking and bike trails to keep you entertained. I love the Forestry England woodlands as the trails are well laid out, marked up and there are facilities which make life that little bit easier. Just need to get there for the weekend! Any recommendations of where to stay in the area?
The Yorkshire Coast
The East Coast is beautiful. From Saltburn down to Whitby, Filey down to Flamborough, there are so many seaside towns that I want to revisit as well as go to for the first time. This coast has got to get some attention this year again. Top of the list is Flamborough Head to do the cliff top walk and see all the wildlife. Then Whitby again as we have never actually been on the beach here or around Whitby Abbey. If we can do any more then winner!
The Angel at Hetton
This Michelin star restaurant near Skipton is going to be a definite this year. We have money from Christmas earmarked for this. WE cannot wait to try the tasting menu and accompanying wine flight. The food looks sensational, like a piece of art on a plate. I can imagine the flavour combinations are divine. Michael Wignall is a renowned chef with years of experience and the Angel hadsthe best reputation for not only the food served but for training up some of the best chefs in the area. This is going to be my food highlight of the year!
Roseberry Topping
We completed this walk years ago but I would love to go back and take little man. There is a beautiful bluebell wood (Newton Wood) at the bottom which I haven’t seen so I’m hoping I am fit enough by the end of April / early May to get there to do both. It was a short but challenging walk and I remember this walk being one of the first trig point walks I had ever done and not really knowing anything about them. Now, with a trig point challenge under my belt I want to add this to my long list of bagged ones. The views from the top were incredible, right out to sea. Plus, I remember a very good roast dinner being consumed in the Kings Head Inn at the bottom afterwards!
Hardraw Force waterfall
Again, another revisit but it has been years since I have ventured up to this specific part of the Yorkshire Dales. This waterfall is the highest single drop waterfall in the country. Being only a short walk to it I cannot wait to take my little men there. He loves a waterfall as much as me so I know he will be really excited by this. We will obviously have to squeeze in a trip to the Wensleydale Creamery whilst we are up there too and sample all the cheeses.
Glamping
Glamping is such a fun thing to do with kids. As a family we love going on nights away especially if there is a novelty value. Hubby likes a luxury glamping stay usually with a hot tub but I also like the more rustic, verging on camping but with an actual bed, a bit of warmth and a solid structure around me so those ones tend to be more adventures for me and little man. This year I would love to try a stay in a yurt or a geodome (hopefully getting the weather!).
Attend a Dark Skies event
I’d love to know more about the stars and what’s out there. Last year we have spent quite a lot of time studying the night sky and little man asks a lot of questions! Instead of making up star names to tell him I would like to be safe in the knowledge that I’m being factually correct and peak his interest some more. There are lots of events run by Yorkshire Dales National Park so I’m keen to attend one. The Yorkshire Dales has been designated a Dark Sky Reserve as there are large areas that are free from light pollution. There are also a number of Dark Sky Discovery Centres locally. We were even lucky enough in the Dales to see the Northern Lights in 2021! Meteors, space stations, shooting stars, planets… it’s all out there.
If you want to know more too then check out this handy guide:
The Daffodil Dale
This is one I want to take my Mum to – she’s a March birthday and loves Daffodils. The Daffodil Dale is the best place to walk at that time of year to see literally thousands. Located in Farndale in the North York Moors this 3.5 mile linear walk (there and back) takes you alongside the river. With the banks covered in wild daffodils.
The National Railway Museum, York
A weekend in York is always a treat – probably my favourite Yorkshire city. We have been lots of times before for day trips, overnight stays, hen dos, shopping trips but I’ve never taken little man. The National Railway Museum is top of the list to show him – I’ve only actually ever been to a night time awards ceremony there so would love to see it in the day through his eyes. He is obsessed with vehicles, so this interactive museum with lots of trains on display would be ideal for him to explore.
Haworth and the Bronte waterfalls walk
The cobble streets, the independent shops, the quaint cafes – Haworth is idyllic. There is so much history in this West Yorkshire village so I would love to go and just soak it up before heading off on the Bronte waterfalls walk across the moor.
Scarhouse and Angram reservoir walk
We completed these reservoir walks years ago but they need a revisit. High up on the moors in the heart of the Nidderdale AONB you really do feel part of the rugged landscape up there. Looking across to the Yorkshire Dales on one side and Nidderdale on the other. The walk around both is 6 miles long so may be a tall order for little man (but that’s where Daddy comes in!). I also want to check out the dam structures again to get my engineering fix. These really are beautifully constructed dams and to see them overflowing too would be something special.
How Stean Gorge
In the heart of Nidderdale, North Yorkshire you will find How Stean Gorge. A gorge walking, pot holing, cavers dream. Now pot holing is not for me but gorge walking certainly is as it’s a lot less claustrophobic. There is a walk that you can do that is suitable for young ones (age 4 minimum) so that is top of my list to try. If you are a bit of an adrenlain junkie then this place is ideal for you. There is also canoeing, a via ferrata rope course, rock climbing, abseiling… the list goes on. A totally fun filled day or 2 of outdoor pursuits.
Another one that has been on my list for years and this Christmas we got a voucher for a stay there. My subtle hints were obviously taken!
Rudding Park Hotel & Spa has such a good reputation. The rooftop pool at the spa is what I have my eye on! The Clocktower brasserie or the Horto Restaurant too have such good reviews so I cannot wait to sample the menu. And to top it off with an overnight stay is my idea of heaven!
Spa at Rudding Park, Harrogate
What would be on your Yorkshire bucket list?
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