2022: What’s on in Yorkshire?

Maybe you’re a Yorkshire resident, or just passing through. Perhaps you’re planning a staycation for a full week, or disappearing for a weekend retreat. Whoever you are, whatever the time of year you are visiting, there is something for you to do in Yorkshire.

From food festivals to walks and wildlife, it’ll be almost impossible to whittle down your Yorkshire to-do list this year, but here at Yorkshire Escapes we’ve given you a helping hand.

Spring

When the springtime breeze starts warming the frosty winter winds, the season for new life and adventure is upon us. Leaves are once more growing on the trees and lambs are back frollicking in farmer’s fields.

It is time to shake off your winter blues, and get some fresh air back into your lungs.

Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival

Away from the masking street lights that come hand-in-hand with urban living, delve into the depths of the night sky with the clarity that the countryside allows.

From 18th of February to 6th March, the Dark Skies Festival will be hosting events across the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors so you can look up and take in the stars as you never have before.

This year at the Dark Skies Festival, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors welcome new events such as stargazing at Aysgarth Falls and new moon experiences, as well as hosting old favourites like the Night Navigation Experience at Lastingham and the Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk in the North York Moors.

The wonders of the night sky are yours to explore.

York Ice Trail

The annual York Ice Trail returns on the 5th and 6th of March showcasing over 40 snowy sculptures that represent continents from ‘Around the World’. These sculptures are designed and sponsored by local businesses to leave you frozen in glee. If that isn’t enough, then events such as live ice carving will give you the chance to get stuck in.

This chip of free interactive family fun will make the coolest addition to your staycation.

Harrogate Beer Festival

If you’re a Yorkshire local, you are probably already aware of just how much breweries have shaped its towns and culture throughout history. In fact, beer was first brewed on a large scale by monks so it’s no wonder that Yorkshire is known as ‘God’s Own County’.

That is why we propose visiting the Harrogate District Roundtable Charity Beer Festival on the 11th and 12th of March. This beer festival has been supporting charities using the British beer culture for 32 years, and this year is sending profits to causes such as the Samaritans, Martin House, and other local charities.

While you sip on a wide range of cask ales and kegged beers – as well as wines, ciders and gins – at the Crown Hotel, Harrogate, the addition of live music and good company will make this the perfect evening event for the grown-ups.

Summer

Yorkshire boasts some of the most breathtaking landscape in England, and in summer, it is at its blooming seasonal peak. There are plenty of outdoor experiences that will help you make the most of the bright British weather.

The Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival

Summer in the British countryside wouldn’t be complete without a good old food festival, complete with cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs that leave your mouth watering.

The Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival 2022 comes packed with every food festival requirement on the planet. Fill your belly with a wide range of food suitable for all dietary requirements, including allergen free, vegan, halal, and children’s portions, while soaking in the live music. This year’s celebrity guest demonstrations, both public and VIP, will be hosted by none other than the nation’s favourite Hairy Bikers, and James Martin.

Workshops and masterclasses are sure to keep you entertained, as will the socialising of your dog, who will be welcomed onto the venue grounds with open arms.

Moreover, The Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival is proudly inclusive; it offers disabled parking options, free access for carers, and BSL interpreters at select events.

Yorkshire Day

There is an abundance of things to celebrate about Yorkshire. There’s the Yorkshire countryside, the classic, cheery ‘ay up!’ greeting, Yorkshire Tea, and Yorkshire puds to name but a few. While the dates for the Yorkshire Pudding Festival 2022 are still undetermined, you can still celebrate their existence on the 1st of August as always.

From bigger cities like York and Leeds, to coastal towns and picturesque villages, wherever you are in Yorkshire, there is sure to be an event celebrating its long history.

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery

Whisky connoisseurs, this one’s for you.

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery are the producers of the first single malt whisky made in, and of, Yorkshire: Filey Bay. As proud brewers, the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery offers tours of their Hunmanby distillery that include fresh cask samples and tastings, 7 days a week. Once your tour has concluded, you may enjoy afternoon tea at their very own Pot Still Coffee Shop.

Hunmanby, as the whisky’s name suggests, is a simple stonesthrow from Filey beach, home to stunning scenery including Filey Brigg, Flamborough Head, and the Filey Dams Nature Reserve. Make the most of a summer’s day by lounging on the sand, but not before sampling the taste of real yorkshire barley.

Autumn

The landscape can be its most engaging self during the autumn months, when the colours turn to the shades of crackling fire. A fantastic time for swapping sensible shoes for walking boots and slipping little toes into wellys.

Richmond Walking and Book Festival

Get your Boots and Books ready to attend the Richmond Walking and Book Festival from 17th to 25th September, returning for its 16th year.

This festival is a wonderful opportunity to keep your mind and body invigorated with daytime walks for a healthy spine, and evening talks for a challenged mind. The walks are designed to suit all abilities, and are graded to give you the best idea of which walks will suit you. In the afternoons, there will be a variety of authors to meet, as well as open mic nights for the poetically inclined.

The Richmond Walking and Book Festival provides a weekend to reset from your week at the office desk.

Walks and Wildlife

Experiencing autumn properly involves getting mucky in the countryside. You might be on a family holiday, or taking your dog out for a change of scenery; Yorkshire boasts some spectacular places to explore.

The Yorkshire Dales, with its Shire-like valleys and cliffs, is home to secluded spots such as Gordale Scar in Malham, and the riverside ruins of Bolton Abbey. In Masham, the Marfield Wetlands are a bird-watcher’s dream, with sightings of rare species including Reed Buntings and the Great Spotted Woodpecker. In September, whale watching tours are held off the coast of Whitby.

For more information on where to go walking in Yorkshire, visit our blog: The Best Yorkshire Walks for Spectacular Scenery.

Scampston Hall

Scampston Hall is a regency country house situated in the Market Town of Malton. It’s fine historical architecture and grand walled garden make for the perfect day out with the family.

Autumn is a grand time to visit, with events such as the Yorkshire Traction Engine Rally in September, an ongoing Herbal Remedies for Health and Home Course running from September to October, and the Monthly Wildlife Club hunting for ‘Fabulous Fungi’ in November.

The Garden Café is a lovely little retreat to warm up your hands, enjoy a snack and overlook the view of the Walled Gardens in all weathers.

Winter

Leaving you with burning rosy cheeks hidden underneath toasty scarves, hats, and heavy jackets, winter is the season for getting chilly.

Christmas Markets

December is the time of year for the emergence of Christmas markets. Historical cities such as Harrogate and York draw the attention of Christmas shoppers with wooden huts nestled amongst stone brick architecture.

These larger Christmas markets give the opportunity to scout out smaller businesses with personal gifts in a cosy market haven, so keep your eyes open for their schedules as they pop up.

Dine Out

The chilly winter evenings are the perfect time to consider dining out at any one of Yorkshire’s spectacular restaurants.

Yorkshire has a wealth of mouth-watering produce right on its doorstep, from traditional afternoon tea at Bettys and hearty pub-restaurants, to the creative craftsmanship of Michelin starred chefs.

Luckily, Yorkshire Escapes has created The Yorkshire Food Guide to help you discover the best places to eat.

After a day experiencing any one of these fantastic events, return to one of Yorkshire Escapes’ charming retreats to unwind. Book your staycation now at any one of our housescottages, or dog friendly properties, and receive a bespoke service tailored to your needs.

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