From completely abandoned villages to hidden waterfalls tucked away in caves and glorious countryside – here are list of the very best hidden gems in Yorkshire.
In desperate need of a bit of Yorkshire scenery after winter? We know we are. And to kick off spring, we’re looking to some of Yorkshire’s best-hidden gems for our first opportunity to leave the house.
1. Janet’s Foss, Malham
Tucked away down an unsuspecting path in Malham, Janet’s Foss is a sight to behold – flowing with tons of water on most days, and it glistens in the sunshine that sneaks through the trees that provide it a refuge.
There’s a pool below it, too, which wild swimmers usually can’t resist a dip in. You can find it on the circular waterfall walk through Malham, which also includes Gordale Scar, but you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for it – as blink and you’ll miss it!
2. Gaping Gill, Yorkshire Dales
Home to the tallest waterfall in England, Gaping Gill is a natural cave – which sees Fall Beck flowing through it, before hitting the ground inside the cave.
It’s beautiful to see and a pretty unique experience, too, with many taking the winch down some 365ft to check out the cave’s beauty.
3. Ingleborough Cave, Yorkshire Dales
Which brings me to Ingleborough Cave. Sitting 0.3 miles underground, the cave is just adjacent to where the water leaves Gaping Gill and features some fantastic stalagmitic formations.
If you’ve never been caving before, this is a great place to start – with guides on hand to show you the sights.
4. Gallery on the Green, Settle
Ok, it may be small – but it sure is brilliant. There’s something about the idea of using retired phone boxes as mini libraries and galleries that has me craving community spirit, and Gallery on the Green provides just that.
Operating a constantly evolving exhibition programme, the gallery features local, national, and international artists alike.
5. Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, Knaresborough
A tiny Catholic chapel hidden away by the River Nidd, Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag features a quirky exterior, carved from a cliff face.
The wayside chapel is still visited by many – and even includes a replica statue of Madonna and Child, which resembles the previous statue that dated back to 1919.
6. Yordas Cave, Yorkshire Dales
Situated near Ingleton, Yordas Cave is a mystical find in the Yorkshire Dales – hidden within a small plantation. It holds quite a myth, too, with many claiming that Yordas was a giant during the Viking times who had a penchant for eating little boys.
Specific taste, we know. Regardless of the potential monster within the cave, the hidden spot is suitable for everyone to enjoy thanks to the easy access – and even has a beautiful waterfall hidden within what’s known as the ‘Chapter House’ inside the cave.
7. Grimwith Reservoir, Grassington
Tucked away between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, Grimwith Reservoir is a pleasant surprise for passersby, providing stunning views of the nearby moors and distant Dales. It’s a gorgeous spot for budding photographers and those looking for an easy walk, but it’s easy to drive past without even noticing.
8. Coldstones Cut, Nidderdale
Another little gem just outside of Pateley Bridge, the Coldstones Cut is a hidden piece of public art, which can be found at the Coldstones Quarry in Bewerley.
Created by artist Andrew Sabin, the sculptural piece overlooks the quarry, boasting spectacular views of surrounding Nidderdale. If you own a drone (and are allowed to fly it in the area), it’s well worth flying it over to see just how impressive it is from a bird’s eye view.
9. Old Gang Ruins, Swaledale
Situated in North Yorkshire, the ruins of the Old Gang Smelt Mill still remain – taking us back to the days of lead mining in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Considered the best preserved in the country, the Mill is pretty tucked away by Leyburn and Gunnerside (DL11 6PS) – with Hatter’s Sike running nearby and the stunning moors surrounding.
10. Wharram Percy, North Yorkshire
A deserted medieval village near Malton, North Yorkshire, Wharram Percy is actually one of Britain’s best-preserved abandoned villages – with many buildings still standing today.
One of the understated hidden gems in Yorkshire, it’s located along the Yorkshire Wolds trail and runs through the village, too, so it’s a great spot for making a day of it if you enjoy walking.
11. Gaddings Dam, Todmorden
Yorkshire’s beaches are the perfect place to chill out this summer, but if you happen to not live along the coast then a trip to the beach can be a right drive.
Not if you live near Leeds though as Gaddings Dam is real sand and water beach just a short drive away over spectacular views across the Pennines.
Found above Todmorden, on top of the hill not too far from the Pennine Way, Gaddings Dam was originally built in 1833 to supply water to the mill towns below but is now a fantastic inland beach.
It’s known as a ‘secret beach’ where you can enjoy a swim or a paddle, but be aware the water is usually very cold.
12. The Druid’s Temple, North Yorkshire
The beautiful woodland at Bivouac is home to the Druid’s Temple which is steeped in history and intrigue. Styled after the stone circles and popular stone monuments like Stonehenge, The Druid Temple is one of the hidden gems in Yorkshire and was built to give farmers a way of earning an income during hard times.
It’s said that the Druid Temples were built in the 1700s by William Danby of Swinton Park and paid workers a wage for a day of labour.
They’re hundreds of years old, and despite their less-than-mythical nature, there are still myths and legends surrounding these ancient rocks. The mystical connections are probably fairly insubstantial, but it is rumoured that a hermit lived there for many years.
13. Goit Stock Waterfall, North Yorkshire
Goit Stock Waterfall is a beautifully lush woodland find in the heart of Goit Stock Woods and is a secluded spot where you can enjoy the quiet of nature.
On a nice sunny day, you can enjoy some amazing sights along the Harden Valley – such as its dense woodland and rolling moors – right in the heart of Bronte Country on the edge of the South Pennines.
14. Needle’s Eye, South Yorkshire
There is a range of buildings and follies on the estate most interesting to us is the incredible Needle’s Eye which is a sandstone block pyramid which a beautiful gothic arch that frames the countryside perfect for any budding photographers. Other follies in the area include: the others include Hoober Stand and Keppel’s Column.
Allegedly the Needle’s Eye in Wentworth Woodhouse was built in the early 18th-century to win a bet as the second Marquees Rockingham claimed he could drive a coach and horse through the eye of a needle.
15. Falling Foss Tea Garden
Take a walk through magical woodland to this idyllic tea garden that sits beneath a 30ft waterfall by following babbling May Beck. The pool below is perfect for taking a dip on a cool summer’s day. You can either take an excursion through the woods on a two-mile walk or park up in the Falling Foss car park.
Found just 6 miles outside of Whitby, and one of the hidden gems of Yorkshire, Falling Foss Tea Gardens is situated right next to the stunning waterfall of the same name. The area provides a natural play area, becks to paddle in and woodland trails for you and your kids to enjoy in the woodlands of North Yorkshire.
Read more: 7 Of The Best Things To Do In Winter In The Yorkshire Dales
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