Places to visit in Yorkshire in winter

Romantic ruins, acres of parkland or the great outdoors. There's lots to do around Yorkshire over the winter months - where will you explore next?

Just so you know... 

This article was created before the coronavirus crisis, and may not reflect the current situation. Please check property homepages for the most up to date information about visiting.

Find out more about special places in Yorkshire
Beningbrough Hall in the winter

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens 

Don't let the weather turning colder keep you indoors this winter. Discover the Sounds of Winter: Whispering Spaces, an exhibition of sound pieces scattered across Beningbrough Hall's outdoor buildings and gardens. The parkland is open for winter walks too, as well as the restaurant and shop.

Hear the Sounds of Winter at Beningbrough Hall
Frost on the ruins at Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden   North Yorkshire

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Have a walk around the ruins of Fountains Abbey and take the time to explore Studley Royal water garden in winter. A World Heritage Site, there are guided tours, walks and other events to enjoy. The snowdrops have just started to arrive too, carpeting the riverbanks and edges of the abbey green.

Visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
The sun shines on a frosty Nostell
Nostell   West Yorkshire

Nostell

The parkland and gardens are open at Nostell throughout the winter for walking and exploring. Bring your bike and ride the new cycle trail and call in for refreshments at the Courtyard Cafe.

Visit Nostell this winter
View onto Nidderdale
Brimham Rocks   North Yorkshire

Brimham Rocks

The rock formations at Brimham stand out in the winter more than at any other time of year. Look out for the anvil, castle rock and flowerpot rock as you take a walk through the rocks and the open moorland. The views of the surrounding countryside are pretty spectacular too.

Visit Brimham Rocks
Gibson Mill seen through trees in Autumn at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire
Hardcastle Crags   West Yorkshire

Hardcastle Crags

The wooded valley of Hardcastle Crags is stripped of greenery at this time of year, but that makes it no less beautiful to walk through. Look out for frost flowers forming on an early morning walk and call into Gibson Mill for a warming hot drink.

Visit Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill
Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire Dales   North Yorkshire

Yorkshire Dales

There's plenty of walks to enjoy across the Yorkshire Dales. walk around Malham Tarn or head to Janet's Foss to see the waterfall flowing. In Upper Wharfedale walk to the top of Buckden Pike for lungfulls of fresh air.

Visit the Yorkshire Dales
Roseberry Topping with a light covering of snow viewed from the top of Newton Wood
Roseberry Topping   North Yorkshire

Roseberry Topping

Walk (or run!) up Roseberry Topping this winter. On the edge of the North York Moors, when you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with views of the Yorkshire coastline, north Yorkshire countryside and industrial Teesside.

Visit Roseberry Topping
Boulders and moorland at Gritstone Edge, Buckstones Moss, Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Marsden Moor Estate   West Yorkshire

Marsden Moor

In winter Marsden Moor can be a bleak place for walking, but it also offers some of the most incredible views of the west Yorkshire countryside. Download a walk to explore and keep an eye out for mountain hares with their white winter coats.

Visit Marsden Moor