Summer holiday activities in Yorkshire 2025
As the kids break up for school holidays, we’re looking for fun summer holiday activities for both families and friends. Luckily for us, Yorkshire has plenty going on. Whether you’re getting out and about exploring the rich countryside, picking wildflowers or trying tasty street food at a food festival, there’s something for everyone.
Here are our favourite summer holiday activities in Yorkshire, 2025:
York Maze
Back and better than ever, York Maze is Europe’s largest corn maze and home to an impressive 20 attractions for kids and adults alike.
Attractions on offer include six mazes, a popcorn pillow, a cobstacle course and many more. Pharaoh’s Corn-quest is a new attraction for this year, and their interactive ride, Crowmania, has quickly become a crowd pleaser.
If you get peckish, you can even feast on corn-inspired treats at their Terrace Cafe, or opt for a classic burger at the Fodder Barn. York Maze is one of the best summer holiday activities for all ages.
Where? York Maze, York YO19 5LT
When? 12th July – 1st September
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Flower picking at The Flower Belt, Helmsley
With stunning views over Helmsley and the North York Moors National Park, at The Flower Belt you can pick fresh wildflowers and sunflowers this summer, creating your own bouquet.
At The Honey Trap, you can get fresh barista-made coffees, cakes or a crisp pizza and a pint in the sun.
This is a family-run hidden gem, perfect for friends and families alike – it’s one of our favourite summer holiday activities in the Yorkshire region.
Where? The Flower Belt, Helmsley, YO62 5EE
When? From 19th July
Al Fresco dining, Croquet and champagne, Swinton Estate
At the stunning Swinton Estate, this summer you can indulge in delicious al-fresco dining and Pommery Champagne, with far-reaching views over the deer park.
Enjoy fresh oysters, a selection of antipasti and light seasonal salads from 12 pm – 9 pm.
There are comfortable chairs, umbrellas for the warmer afternoons, and a Croquet lawn – a picture-perfect experience for a gathering with family and friends.
Where? Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon HG4 4JH
When? 30th May – 30th September
Wizarding afternoon tea launches at The Grand, York
York’s only 5-star hotel, The Grand, has launched a magical, wizarding afternoon tea like no other. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this fun, interactive foodie experience offers something unique.
With potions to try and delicate patisserie to enjoy, this spot is perfect if you’re exploring this historic city for the weekend.
You can even save 20% off with our exclusive offer.
Where? Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD
When? 14th July to 31st October 2025
Harrogate Food Festival, Ripley Castle
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival is returning to Ripley Castle, promising exciting interactive tasting experiences and a weekend full of live entertainment.
There are chef demos curated by us here at Yorkshire Food Guide, plenty of street food to taste or take home, and live music!
For the kids, expect magic shows, quizzes and fairground rides.
Where? Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AY
When? 23rd – 25th August
Tower Works Street Festival, Leeds
Taking place in the Tower Works neighbourhood on the waterside, this free-to-attend festival brings a whole new street food and makers market concept to Leeds.
Expect a jam-packed lineup of some of the best street food and drink vendors, as well as plenty of live music and entertainment for the perfect family-fun day out.
Where? Globe Rd, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5FF
When? 1st – 3rd August
Outdoor cinema at Harewood House
This August, Harewood House is hosting an exciting open-air outdoor cinema, with a huge screen set up in their grounds.
Whether it’s kids’ favourites like ‘Sing’, classics such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or family favourite ‘Mamma Mia’, outdoor cinema is ideal for larger groups of families and friends.
Make the most of the Yorkshire sunshine, bring your picnic blanket and grab some popcorn.
Where? Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
When? 29th – 31st August
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Kids & adults Cookery classes at The Grand, York – save 15%
The Grand York is a five-star hotel with award-winning dining and elegant rooms. Their cookery school offers a variety of classes to suit all abilities and ages.
From mastering the skills of French patisserie to crafting delicate dim sum and simmered curries, there’s plenty to learn from the expert tutors at The Grand.
The class timetable changes frequently, and even better, there are classes for both kids and parents to enjoy – it’s a perfect interactive summer holiday activity.
Where? Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
When? Throughout summer
Welly Walk at Bolton Abbey Estate
Back again, the Welly Walk at Bolton Abbey Estate is fun for all the family, especially the little ones!
They can put their balance skills to the test, scramble up nets, navigate the pole-to-pole and try hardest to keep clean as they come down the slides.
There are many picnic spots at the beginning and end of the walk, and neighbouring restaurants include the beautiful Garden Room at Devonshire Arms, if you’re looking for something a little more substantial.
Where? Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX
When? 24th May – 2nd November
Pizza picnic on the beach, Saltmoore
Saltmoore has expanded its offering with the launch of Pizzeria at The Beach House. Dine in their comfy, but elegant restaurant, or simply take your pizza away to enjoy at the beach.
Whether it’s spicy nduja or classic margarita, you won’t be disappointed.
Where? Sandsend Road, Whitby YO21 3ST
When? Monday to Friday from 17:00 to 20:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 20:30.
Classic car show at Wentworth Woodhouse
A classic car show is returning to Wentworth Woodhouse this August, a perfect day out for automobile enthusiasts and families!
As well as a wide range of vintage vehicles on display, there will be autojumble stalls, plenty of street food and a drinks stand.
Where? Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S62 7TQ
When? 3rd August, 10.00 am-4.00 pm
Sheffield Food Festival, Graves Park
From the people who brought you North Leeds Food Festival comes the debut of Graves Park Food & Drink Festival in Sheffield, promising exciting interactive tasting experiences and a weekend full of live entertainment.
Expect moreish international street food, baked goods and barista-made coffees. A good food festival has to be one of our favourite summer holiday activities.
Where? Hemsworth Rd, Sheffield S8 8LJ
When? 30th – 31st August
Great British Food Festival, Wentworth Woodhouse
Returning to the stunning Wentworth Woodhouse, this foodie lover’s festival truly has it all. The line-up includes over 100 top local and national producers, tasty street food, celebrity chef demos, a BBQ stage, live music and kids’ activities.
There are competitions to enter, including their man vs food.
The Great British Food Festival is dog-friendly too, so perfect if you’re planning on bringing the whole family along.
Where? Wentworth, Rotherham, S62 7TQ
When? 16th – 17th August
Den Fest, Williams Den
Den Fest prides itself on being a family-friendly festival in the outdoors, with activities, shows and workshops. Expect puppet shows, fairground rides, bushcraft sessions, circus fun, and epic indoor and outdoor play areas.
Visit the petting zoos, or simply sit back and enjoy the live tribute acts. Their traditional fairground has a 35ft helter skelter and swinging boats too – it’s a fun-packed weekend suitable for the whole family.
Where? Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS
When? 19th – 20th July
Temple Newsam Food Festival, Leeds
Pick from some of the best street food vendors at Temple Newsam Food Festival, and stop for a tipple at one of their many bars. Support local sellers and businesses while you spend a summer’s afternoon sampling delicious food.
It’s dog-friendly, and there’s live entertainment for everyone throughout the day.
Where? Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE
When? 16th and 17th August
Cow cuddling at Dumble Farm, Beverley
Ran by three Yorkshire farmers, Dumble Farm is home to one of the best highland cow experiences. Small groups can take a tour of the farm, or even embark on a safari.
At the farmer-led safaris, guests get the chance to meet, stroke and brush the fluffy Highland cows, giving them all the attention they deserve! This spot is perfect for the summer holidays and makes a great gift for animal lovers.
Where? Arram, Beverley, HU17 7NR
When? Throughout summer
Sunflower picking at Tickton Farm, Beverley
Tickton Farm has been family-run since 1938. With over 50 varieties of wildflowers and beautiful sunflowers to pick throughout summer, you can reconnect with nature in these stunning surroundings and construct your perfect bouquet to take home with you too.
There are pop-up craft fairs and events in the coming months, so stay tuned!
Even better, you don’t need to book, and this spot is open from 10 am – 4 pm
Where? Tickton, Beverley HU17 9RZ
When? July until the end of September
There are so many activities to get involved with throughout Yorkshire this summer, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, we’ve got you covered – check out our favourite restaurant offers in Yorkshire – save up to 50%
Middletons York Afternoon Tea
Cromwell Rd, York YO1 6DS- Historic 4-star hotel
- A stone’s throw from York city centre
- SAVE up to 16% off
£60 Oak Tree Inn Helperby Restaurant Voucher
Raskelf Rd, Helperby, York YO61 2PH- Seasonal dishes and pub classics
- Beautiful North Yorkshire rural location
- SAVE 50% off
£40 The Inn at South Stainley Restaurant Voucher
South Stainley, Harrogate HG3 3ND- Award-winning Harrogate inn
- Locally-sourced produce
- SAVE 50% off
Pignut and The Hare Stay with Tasting Menu & Champagne
- Michelin Guide recommended
- Rave reviews
- SAVE 15% off
Written by
15/07/2025