Each year, we curate a list of places we recommend you visit in 2026 based on spots we’ve enjoyed the previous year. Every time we come to do it, it gets harder and harder, as Yorkshire is full of so many fantastic places to visit and narrowing the list down to just a few is a difficult task. But, we’ve managed to do it once again for your reading pleasure. So, we bring you our list of the best places The Yorkshireman think you should visit in Yorkshire in 2026.
Every year we put together this list, and every year, it gets harder. Because let’s face it – we love all of Yorkshire. It’s like picking a favourite child. But after exploring close to every inch of our region over the past year, we *somehow* managed to narrow down our favourites, and alas, we bring to you our annual list of the best places we think you should visit in Yorkshire in 2025.
1. Scarborough
The oldest seaside town in England, Scarborough, always has a pull for us. It has so much nostalgia from the old-fashioned arcades along the front, to the stunning architecture that hides down every street. The traditional seaside spot has all the hallmarks of a great visit to the coast. A stunning stretch of golden sands, fish & chip shops galore and fantastic boozers serving real ale and bustling with characters.
As well as the busy seafront of South Bay, it has the fantastic North Bay, which is a chilled space away from the busyness. Scarborough’s open-air theatre is also getting bigger and better artists each year – and is one to watchout for. It’s got some fantastic independent eateries as well, and one of our favourite restaurants in Yorkshire, Embers.
2. Haworth
Tucked away in the Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire, you’ll find the picturesque village of Haworth. While it may be small, it’s certainly not one to overlook. Surrounded by vast countryside dotted with stunning purple heather — a familiar sight in rural West Yorkshire — this traditional village is a literary treasure trove, steeped in history and brimming with charm. With the release of a new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights by Saltburn director Emerald Fennell, Haworth is set to be a hotspot this year.
Haworth’s literary legacy runs far deeper, dating back to the 1800s, when it became the inspirational backdrop for three of the most renowned authors in English literature: the Brontë sisters. Beyond its history, Haworth is also home to some fantastic independent eateries, including The Hawthorn and the Haworth Old Post Office, as well as great spots to grab a coffee on the go or pick up treats for a cosy cottage stay at Haworth Wholefoods. Surrounded by stunning scenery and beautiful walking routes, the village makes the perfect base for exploring the great outdoors.
3. Appletreewick
Situated in the Wharfedale region of the Yorkshire Dales, the quaint village of Appletreewick is a quintessential English spot, known for its traditional stone cottages and cosy pubs. It boasts panoramic views across the Dales, along with scenic walking routes beside the River Wharfe and across the surrounding hills — meaning there’s truly something for everyone.
We especially love the two pubs in the village, The Craven Arms and The New Inn, both of which have all the hallmarks of a classic country pub. Filled with old-fashioned trinkets, they feature beautiful bars serving real ales and roaring fires during the winter months. They’re the kind of places you’ll want to sink into after a long hike, and both also serve delicious food and offer accommodation for those looking to enjoy the full experience.
4. Staithes
Staithes is a historic fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast, known for its narrow streets, red-roofed cottages, and dramatic cliffs around a small harbour. Once home to Captain James Cook as an apprentice, it’s now loved for coastal walks, fossil hunting, and its strong artistic heritage.
Cliff-top walks at sunset offer sweeping views over the village, as cottage lights flicker on and create a warm, timeless atmosphere. The beach between Staithes and Port Mulgrave is perfect for fossil hunting and rock pooling, making it ideal for families. When staying in Staithes, swap the Amalfi Coast’s pizza and wine for fresh seafood and a local ale at the long-standing Cod & Lobster, all with a beautiful view of the harbour.
5. North York Moors Uplands
The North York Moors uplands are a vast, atmospheric landscape of rolling heather moorland, known for their rich purple blooms in late summer. The moors feel remote and timeless, and offer peaceful walks, scenic views, and more. Made up of quiet villages, the moors and stunning forests, the uplands showcase a rugged beauty that changes dramatically with the seasons, making them one of Yorkshire’s most distinctive and tranquil natural areas.
The Wainstones area especially offers a wealth of fantastic walks, including the Wainstones themselves and the iconic Roseberry Topping, whose rugged landscape is truly special. Alongside its natural beauty, the area is home to hidden-gem cafés and restaurants, as well as unique places to stay, from stately homes like Gisborough Hall to one of our favourite Cabin Stars retreats in Swainby.
6. Beverley
Known as a ‘mini York’, the market town of Beverley is loved for its affluent feel and centuries-old buildings packed with charm. It’s a lovely place to potter, with countless pubs and restaurants serving some of East Yorkshire’s best food. Some of our favourites include the Monks Walk, which is an old pub packed full of so much character and lots of small rooms where you can sit in a nook and chat with friends. It’s home to a great selection of luxury shops such as The White Company, Space NK and Oliver Bonas (alongside plenty of fantastic independents), and beautiful landmarks including the Minster.
The town is also notoriously dog-friendly, with open pasture known as the Westwood that’s perfect for long walks, making it an ideal spot for a family day out if you fancy blowing off the cobwebs one weekend.
7. Robin Hood’s Bay
Just down the coast from Whitby is the beautiful fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, with its red-topped roofs – Yorkshire’s answer to the Amalfi Coast. Villages like this are dotted along this stretch of coastline, and all are well worth a visit. We have a soft spot for Robin Hood’s Bay, not only for the views but also for its cosy pubs, such as the Laurel Inn, which is so well kept it feels like stepping back in time, especially in the winter months when the fire is roaring. It’s a fantastic place to put the world to rights. Knewly renovated pub The Dolphin also recently opened having been closed since lockdown. We recently tried the fantastic Brambles Bistro located at the bottom of the village, which serves some of the best steaks we’ve tried in Yorkshire.
There is also a wonderful range of independent shops to explore, including Berties of Bay, a lovely clothing shop inspired by the area’s heritage, with knits and hats that are a nod to the workwear fishermen once wore out at sea.
8. Sedbergh
Sedbergh is a charming market town set beneath the Howgill Fells, officially part of Cumbria but within the Yorkshire Dales. Awarded the title in 2003, it is known as England’s ‘Book Town’, joining a small global network of towns celebrated for their literary focus. A book town is typically a rural place with a strong concentration of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, and Sedbergh fits the bill perfectly, with its independent bookshops, cosy cafés, and welcoming pubs creating a relaxed and characterful atmosphere for visitors and walkers alike.
One of the most beautiful foodie retreats in the Yorkshire Dales is located in the bookie village at the Black Bull. It offers beautifully decorated rooms that immediately set the tone. From thoughtful design details to homemade cookies waiting in the room, best enjoyed while soaking in a huge freestanding bathtub. The experience continues downstairs with an exceptional meal from Chef Nina, whose tasting menu champions hyper-local produce with subtle nods to her Japanese heritage, taking guests on a relaxed yet memorable culinary journey inspired by the Howgill Fells. Alongside the tasting menu, there’s a refined à la carte offering.
9. Ilkley
Ilkley is a vibrant spa town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, best known for its fresh moorland air, handsome Victorian architecture, and the dramatic backdrop of Ilkley Moor. Popular with walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers alike, the town blends outdoor adventure with culture, from riverside strolls along the Wharfe to independent shops, galleries, and the historic King’s Hall. It’s a place that feels lively yet relaxed, equally suited to a bracing hike or a leisurely afternoon exploring the town.
Ilkley also has a strong food scene, making it a favourite for a relaxed foodie stop. The celebrated Bettys Café Tea Rooms is a must-visit for classic cakes and afternoon tea, while The Box Tree, one of Yorkshire’s most renowned fine-dining restaurants, offers an elegant and memorable experience. For something more informal, There’s no shortage of cosy pubs and wine bars to unwind in after a day on the moor. Combined with its scenery and charm, Ilkley is a town that’s easy to love and hard to leave.
10. Skipton
Skipton, often called the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, is a charming market town brimming with character and history. Visitors can explore Skipton Castle, a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress, wander the bustling streets lined with independent shops, or browse the lively markets that fill the town on market days. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, offers a peaceful setting for a leisurely boat trip or waterside stroll, making it easy to combine history, shopping, and scenic walks in one visit.
The town also boasts a thriving food and drink scene, with something to suit every taste. From cosy traditional pubs to stylish bars and restaurants, Skipton caters to both casual diners and those after a special meal. Popular spots include The Woolly Sheep for hearty Yorkshire fare and Skipton Deli for huge sandwiches with homemade foccacia bread, while independent cafés and bakeries offer the perfect place to relax with a coffee after exploring the town.
Read More: The Yorkshireman’s Must-Visit Restaurants In Yorkshire For 2026
