Things to do in North Yorkshire

Home to England’s oldest tourist attraction, Mother Shipton’s Cave is just one of the many unique and varied things to do in North Yorkshire that our local team recommend. Slightly more modern (but no less impressive) are the ruins of Bolton Abbey, with 80 miles of footpaths for intrepid travellers to take on – ideal for a day spent exploring the natural beauty and history of the area.

Mother Shipton’s Cave

15-min drive from Nidd Hall, HG5 8DD

Hear the tale of Mother Shipton and the Petrifying Well, whose magical waters turn objects to stone. Supposedly the birthplace of the legendary soothsayer, the Well is the oldest tourist attraction in England (operating since 1630) and still going strong today.

Bolton Abbey

31-min drive from Nidd Hall, BD23 6AL

Bolton Abbey features 80 miles of footpaths to explore across woodland, moorland and alongside the River Wharfe. The Laund Oak, a 600-year-old tree that blew over in 2016, is perhaps the only tree in the world that grows horizontally after the foresters worked to save its roots.

Newby Hall and Gardens in North Yorkshire.

Newby Hall & Gardens

27-min drive from Nidd Hall, HG4 5AE

The expansive Newby Hall gardens consist of several unique “rooms”. Of particular interest are the White Garden, filled exclusively with white flowering plants with a range of heights, scents and textures, and the Tropical Garden – you’ll be amazed that these plants can survive so far north.