From pre-historic formations to some of the most iconic waterfalls in the country, here are some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Yorkshire you just have to visit.
Nurturing a newfound appreciation for God’s Own Country? There’s no better place to start than the county’s many natural wonders – each just as fascinating as the next.
1. Hull Pot, Yorkshire Dales
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Andrew Curtis – geograph.org.uk/p/1250519
At first glance, it might just look like a great big hole in the ground. But Hull Pot is so much more than that. A collapsed cavern that measures 60 feet deep, Hull Pot is a fascinating sight to stumble across when exploring the Pen-y-Ghent area.
Head on over after a bit of heavy rain and you’ll be greeted with the impressive sight of a stunning waterfall, which cascades over the edge of the cavern filling the bottom with water.
2. Malham Cove’s Limestone Pavement, Yorkshire Dales
Malham Cove is one of the most fascinating places in Yorkshire, all thanks to its curious limestone pavement. Spanning a large area at the top of the cove, the natural wonder attracts thousands every year – who climb up to the top to clamber around on the limestone slabs while taking in the unbelievable views of the Dales.
On a clear day, you can even see the Three Peaks.
3. Hardraw Force, Yorkshire Dales – Natural Wonders in Yorkshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Andrew Huggett – geograph.org.uk/p/44131(C)2003 ANDREW HUGGETT
Sure, there are grander waterfalls in the Dales, but Hardraw Force is a real delight. England’s largest single-drop waterfall, Hardraw Force plunges by 100 feet into a peaceful pool where visitors tend to swim in the summer months.
Sitting just behind a traditional pub, it’s one of the only natural wonders in Yorkshire that is easily explorable for those who like a pint after a bit of exploration. Although the pub is currently closed, we’d like to think it’ll open up soon.
4. Gaping Gill, Yorkshire Dales
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Wojciech Rozanski – geograph.org.uk/p/2578133
Described as the cave that’s ‘big enough to fit an entire cathedral inside’ (we’re actually serious, it’s true!), Gaping Gill is really something. Not only does the dark cave offer lots to explore, but it’s also home to a beautiful waterfall, too, which runs 100m to the bottom of the cave from Fell Beck.
Read More: 15 Incredible Waterfall Walks In Yorkshire To Discover
The Gill is pretty big, obviously, but it can be accessed by the general public via a winch twice a year in both May and August.
5. Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire
Made up of stunning white chalk cliffs that loom over the North Sea, Flamborough Head not only attracts a ton of wildlife – including puffins and seals that play in the bay – but it also boasts a breathtaking sunset unlike any other in the region.
The naturally formed cliffs are even shaped like a ‘Drinking Dinosaur’, which has become one of the most photographed views in the whole of Yorkshire.
6. Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire Dales – Natural Wonders in Yorkshire
Found within the stunning Nidderdale landscape, Brimham Rocks is a curious place, filled with giant rock formations which are believed to have been created by a river 100 million years before even dinosaurs existed. It’s a pretty impressive ordeal wandering through as the formations loom over you, and many of them are even perfectly formed so you can climb up atop them and check out the gorgeous panoramic views of Yorkshire.
7. Cow and Calf Rocks, West Yorkshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © G Laird – geograph.org.uk/p/5801361
Standing proudly on Ilkley Moor, the Cow and Calf Rocks are a subject of fascination here in Yorkshire – thanks to its natural formation that many say resembles a cow and a calf.
One of the great natural wonders in Yorkshire it is surrounded by stunning heather, a synonymous sight with West Yorkshire, with sheep often roaming the area, too, providing quite the idyllic mood.
8. Spurn Point, East Yorkshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Mat Fascione – geograph.org.uk/p/5408411
One of the most fascinating places in the country, let alone Yorkshire, Spurn Point is a tiny ‘island’ just off of Kilnsea, home to ample wildlife and spectacular views out to sea.
Almost breaking off of the mainland thanks to rapid coastal erosion, the island lives at the mercy of the elements, meaning that the land is constantly changing thanks to the tide. No day is the same at Spurn Point, which is exactly where its beauty lies.
9. Aysgarth Falls, Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire, or God’s Own Country – as us locals proudly refer to it – is home to some of the most fantastic walks in the world and Ingleton Falls easily tops the list. This breathtaking waterfall walk found on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales is home to waterfalls in all shapes and sizes, which is why it is so popular with locals and tourists alike all year round.
We’re talking all-out fairytale-style waterfalls that are usually reserved for storybooks, except right here in Yorkshire for our own viewing pleasure. It’s one of the perks of living in one of the most greenest parts of the country and we couldn’t be more grateful for the honour.
10. Sutton Bank, North York Moors – Natural Wonders in Yorkshire
The North York Moors National Park is one of our favourite parts of Yorkshire and is one of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire. Its varied and rugged landscape makes for some beautiful walks. Especially this time of the year – and we aren’t the only ones who think so as one of Yorkshire’s most famous Yorkshiremen was quite partial to a certain part of it.
Sutton Bank with its famous landmark, the Kilburn White Horse was proclaimed by the author of the famous novels All Creatures Great and Small, Alf Wight, more commonly known as his author name James Herriot as ‘the finest view in England.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide To Yorkshire’s Most Beautiful Seaside Spots
