A Full Guide to the Best Natural Attractions in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is an ideal destination for nature lovers, offering a diverse range of landscapes and habitats to explore. There are many outstanding natural attractions in Yorkshire to enjoy.
From the rugged hills and moors of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds national parks to the rolling countryside, there is something for everyone to discover.
The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including puffins, seals and a range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The coastlines of Yorkshire offer some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal scenery in England, with impressive cliffs to explore.
The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing and bird watching. It also has a rich cultural heritage, with many historic sites and ancient monuments to discover.
If you are a nature lover, come and experience the beauty of the English countryside and enjoy the tranquillity and serenity of the natural world in Yorkshire. As it is my home county, I love exploring Yorkshire and have done it my whole life. Therefore, this is a guide to the best of the best Yorkshire natural attractions.
Read more: Best Walks in Yorkshire
13 Best Natural Attractions in Yorkshire
Brimham Rocks
One of the best natural attractions in Yorkshire is Brimham Rocks, a collection of unique and unusual rock formations located near the town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
The rocks are made of millstone grit, a type of sandstone particularly resistant to erosion, allowing strange shapes and forms to be created over time. The stones are a popular spot for rock climbing and bouldering and offer a range of climbing routes, from beginner to advanced.
The area is also famous for hiking and walking, with many well-defined paths and trails that take you through the rocks and offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
The National Trust owns and manages the site, and it is open to the public all year round, with a visitor centre and a café for refreshments.
Aysgarth Falls
This beautiful waterfall is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Lush green forests and popular spots for picnics and walks surround the falls. The falls can be reached by following a 2-mile path from the village of Aysgarth.
Aysgarth Falls is a set of beautiful waterfalls in the heart of Yorkshire Dales. The falls are formed by the River Ure and are surrounded by lush green forests, making it a popular spot for picnics and walks.
You can reach the falls by following a 2-mile path from the village of Aysgarth. The trail takes you through the beautiful countryside and offers several viewpoints of the falls. They are easily one of the best natural attractions in Yorkshire.
Janet’s Foss
This small waterfall is located near the village of Malham and is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Yorkshire. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for picnics and walks. You can follow a path from the village to reach the waterfall.
Janet’s Foss is a picturesque waterfall located near the village of Malham. The waterfall is fed by a small stream, which tumbles over a limestone outcrop, forming a dramatic cascade. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green woods and is a popular spot for picnics and walks.
You can follow a village path to the waterfall, which takes around 20-30 minutes.
For more, please read: Janet’s Foss Waterfall Walk
Ilkley Moors
Ilkley Moor is an area of moorland located on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The moor is known for its wild and rugged beauty and is a popular destination for hikers.
The moor covers an area of around 20 square miles, and it’s home to a wide range of flora and fauna, such as wildflowers, birds, and small mammals. You can find several well-defined paths and trails that take them through the moor and offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. No wonder it is one of the best natural attractions in Yorkshire.
Ilkley Moor is also part of the Ilkley Moor and Rombalds Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest, which offers a wide range of recreational activities and natural attractions to explore.
Yorkshire Three Peaks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a popular hiking challenge in the Yorkshire Dales in Northern England. The challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in the area, Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, and completing the circuit within 12 hours.
The hike’s total distance is around 24 miles (38 km), and the total ascent is 1,585 metres (5,200 ft). The walk is often done as a fundraising event for charity. It is a challenging hike requiring a good fitness level, appropriate clothing and equipment, and proper planning. In all honesty, we have only done the challenge once, and now we would like to enjoy each peak ourselves!
You also get to see the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct on the route, which is one of our favourite things to see in Yorkshire. You can read our guide to the Ribblehead Viaduct here.
Staithes
Staithes is a picturesque fishing village located on the coast of North Yorkshire. The town is known for its narrow streets, historic cottages, and its links to the sea.
The village has a rich maritime history and was once a thriving fishing village. You can explore the village’s historic streets and enjoy the coastal scenery, and it is one of the best natural attractions in Yorkshire.
The village is also home to the Staithes Heritage Centre, which provides a glimpse into the past local fishing community’s life.
Hole of Horcum
The Hole of Horcum is a large natural amphitheatre on the North York Moors. The hole is over 400 feet deep and was formed by a massive landslip, which created a circular depression in the moorland.
You can follow a circular path around the hole to take in the views and admire the area’s unique geology. The trail offers several viewpoints, including the famous “Devil’s Kitchen”, which provides a panoramic view of the hole and the surrounding landscape.
Flamborough Head
Flamborough Head is a coastal area located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and arches.
The cliffs at Flamborough Head are made of chalk and are home to a wide range of seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes.
You can walk along the coast, admire the beautiful coastal views and see the seabirds up close. It is one of the unique natural attractions in Yorkshire, and we always love coming back here to see the puffins!
The area is also home to an RSPB nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs, where you can learn more about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is a 12th-century Cistercian abbey located in Studley Royal, near Ripon in North Yorkshire. The UNESCO World Heritage Site abbey is one of the best-preserved monastic ruins in the country, and it’s a popular destination for those interested in history and architecture.
The abbey was founded in 1132 by a group of monks seeking a more straightforward way of life. The abbey was later dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539 and fell into ruin.
You can explore the abbey’s ruins, including the chapter house and the refectory, as well as the surrounding gardens designed in the 18th century. The National Trust owns the site and is open to the public all year round.
Malham Cove
Malham Cove is a natural limestone formation located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The cove is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers and nature enthusiasts. It is known for its impressive 80-metre-high cliffs, formed by an ancient waterfall that once cascaded over the cove.
You can explore the cove by following a well-defined path that takes them to the top, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The cove is also home to various flora and fauna, such as wildflowers and butterflies, and is also a popular spot for birdwatching.
For more, please read: Malham Cove Walk
Top Withens
This ruined farmhouse is located on the moors above the village of Haworth and is one of Yorkshire’s wildest and most rugged natural attractions.
The house is said to have inspired the Wuthering Heights novel by Emily Bronte. You can walk to the site from Haworth, taking in the breathtaking views of the moors on the way.
The house is located in a remote and isolated spot on the moors, and it offers a glimpse into the harsh living conditions of the past and the inspiration behind Bronte’s famous novel. You can walk to the site from Haworth, taking in the breathtaking views of the moors on the way. The walk takes around an hour each way and is moderately complex.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque coastal village in North Yorkshire, England. The village is known for its narrow streets, historic cottages, and its links to the sea. The village has a rich history, dating back to the mediaeval times, and was once a thriving fishing village.
Today, it is a popular destination for tourists who visit the village’s historic streets, enjoy the coastal scenery and indulge in the local seafood. The bay is arguably one of the best beaches in England. Its beauty will blow you away. No wonder it is one of the best natural attractions in Yorkshire.
Gordale Scar
Gordale Scar is a natural limestone gorge in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The canyon is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and nature enthusiasts and is one of the most dramatic natural attractions in Yorkshire.
It is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geology, shaped by millions of years of water erosion. You can explore the gorge by following a well-defined path that takes them through the narrow cleft in the rock and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
This natural wonder is a must-see for anyone visiting the Yorkshire Dales and offers a chance to experience the raw power of nature in an awe-inspiring setting.
For more, please read: Gordale Scar Walk
Overall Thoughts on the Best Natural Attractions in Yorkshire
In conclusion, Yorkshire offers a wide range of natural attractions to discover. From the rugged hills and moors of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds national parks to the rolling countryside and ancient forests, there is something for everyone to explore.
The coastlines of Yorkshire offer some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal scenery in England, with cliffs, sea stacks and arches to explore.
With so many natural wonders to discover, Yorkshire is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, whether you’re a hiker, climber, birdwatcher or simply someone who loves to explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. We love it and are sure that you will too!