Summer holiday activities in Yorkshire 2026
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, 2026:
Summer Fridays at Drovers Arms
Enjoy a summery Friday afternoon in the tipis at the Dover Arms, with outdoor huts and a paddock with wood-fired pizzas. Relax with cocktails and casual outdoor dining, an ideal way to kick off the weekend.
With drinks served all day, pizzas and small plates from 2pm – 5pm, as well as chilled music, this is the perfect place to spend golden-hour.his summer oasis is perfect for all the family, with dogs welcomed too.
Where? Main Street, Skipwith, Selby, YO8 5SF
When? All summer long
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? 11th July – 3rd 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 18th July
Twilight on the Terrace, Swinton Estate
Take your Sunday night sunsets up a level with twilight on the terrace. At the stunning Swinton Estate, this summer you can indulge in delicious al-fresco dining and spend the perfect Sunday evening with live music on the terrace.
Picture a cocktail in hand, live entertainment like acoustic singers and lively sax players, whilst also enjoying a casual dinner made with fresh produce from the estate. Available from 6pm – 8:30pm on the Terrace Restaurant and Bar.
Where? Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon HG4 4JH
When? 7th June – 30th August
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 and Drink 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
Scarborough Seafest
For the first time Scarborough Seafest is making its debut. This now annual three-day maritime festival celebrates North Yorkshire coast’s rich fishing heritage and seafood scene.
Featuring chef demonstrations, live music, street performers, and food stalls, this is the ideal place for a family day out by the sea.
Where? Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD.
When? July 17th – July 19th
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 Disney’s ‘Encanto’, old time favourites such as ‘Dirty Dancing’ or the iconic ‘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? 21st – 23rd 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? 23rd May – 1st 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? 2nd 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? 29th – 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? 15th – 16th 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? 17th – 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? 15th and 16th August
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%
Harvey Nichols Leeds Cocktail Masterclass
Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Bar, Leeds LS1 6AZ- Tastings, demonstrations, and the chance to perfect your favourites
- Within Harvey Nichols striking Fourth Floor Bar
- SAVE 15% off
£20 Indian Tiffin Room Restaurant Voucher
31-32 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JD- Authentic Indian street food
- Outstanding reviews in the national and regional press
- SAVE 25% off
Tharavadu Leeds Restaurant Voucher
7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ- Taste the flavours of traditional Keralan food
- Michelin recommended
- SAVE 20% off
Pizza & Pint or Glass Of Wine at Grappa Sheffield
266 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS- Stylish Italian Restaurant and Bar
- UK’s largest selection of Grappa
- Choice of pizzas made in their traditional Gianni Acunto oven
- SAVE 22% off
Written by
15/07/2025