10 Yorkshire Hidden Gems You Need to Know About for Your Next Trip
If you're planning a trip to Yorkshire for the first time, but want to avoid the less touristy areas, or if you've visited all those places before, this guide will cover the top 12 hidden gems you need to know about to create the perfect itinerary.
We've included something for everyone, including foodies, history fanatics, and nature trekkers, for a well-rounded trip to the region from your stables in Cumbria.
So, if you want to experience Yorkshire as locals who know the hot spots, keep reading!
| Places to Visit in Yorkshire for Free |
1. Smardale Gill Nature Reserve – A quiet spot with an old viaduct, free parking, and great walking trails through wildflower-rich meadows and ancient woodland. 2. Norber Erratics – A fascinating, naturally occurring geological site with giant boulders perched on limestone. Free access, with rewarding views across the Dales. 3. Stainforth Force – A hidden waterfall gem near Settle. This is on the River Ribble is free to visit and great for wildlife watching. |
| Cool Things to Do in Yorkshire |
4. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail – A ticketed circular route featuring dramatic waterfalls, lush woodland, and deep ravines. 5. Ingleborough Cave – Cave passages 500m underground, with stunning rock formations. |
| Yorkshire Towns to Visit |
6. Dent – A charming, remote village with cobbled streets, traditional pubs, and historic character. 7. Settle – Described as a ‘vibrant market town’ surrounded by hills, caves, and trails. Less touristy than nearby Malham, but just as full of character and independent shops. 8. Hawes – The highest market town in England, home to the Wensleydale Creamery and beautiful Dales views. |
| Beautiful Places in Yorkshire to See |
9. Ribblehead Viaduct – An iconic and dramatic piece of Victorian railway architecture set against rolling moorland. 10. Cautley Spout – England’s highest above-ground waterfall, tucked into the Howgill Fells in the Yorkshire Dales. |
Places to Visit in Yorkshire for Free
Sometimes it's nice to go out and not spend anything on entry, food, attractions, etc. That's why we've put together this list of free hidden gems in Yorkshire, so you don't have to pay a penny to see some stunning sights.
So, without further ado, here are our top three free hidden gems in Yorkshire.
Norber Erratics
Credit: @inglesportcavingclimbing on Instagram.com
The Norber Erratics is a scattered rock formation presumed to have been created by sheets of melting ice during the last glacial ice age. These boulders are perched precariously on top of limestone outcrops, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape.
You can park in Clapham Pay and Display car park and walk approximately 5 miles to marvel at these awe-inspiring formations.
It’s child-friendly and dog-friendly, so it’s a must for families, couples, solo adventurers, and furry friends alike.
See Our List of the Best Dog-Friendly Walks in Yorkshire!
Smardale Gill Nature Reserve
If you’re headed to Yorkshire to escape the business of life, Smardale Gill Nature Reserve should definitely be on your trip list. Although technically located in Cumbria, it sits just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park on the outskirts of Smardale village.
The Nature Reserve is abundant with wildlife, and you’ll find both ancient woodland and limestone grassland here, lively with plants and animals that you can spot on your walk (even red squirrels if you’re lucky!).
You can either take the shorter walking route along the old railway to Smardale Viaduct (which is around 1.5 miles), or a longer walk, which continues past the Viaduct to the village of Newbiggin-on-Lune.
Stainforth Force
Credit: @thereluctantexplorers on Instagram.com
Situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and just outside Settle, is Stainforth Force – a stunning waterfall that lies along the River Ribble.
This is a nicely signposted walk, which starts in the Stainforth Yorkshire Dales National Car Park (on the B6479 road). Follow the signs for Pennine Bridleway, which takes you through a lovely picnic area, over a railway, and to a packhorse bridge crossing.
After walking through the fields, you won’t be able to miss the sound of rushing water as you near the waterfall.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot salmon in the Falls!
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Cool Things to Do in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is actually packed with cool things to do, so choosing just three was difficult.
But, if we're talking about hidden gems, AKA those visited less, we think we've created a good list for you.
The dales and the moors are all about being at one with nature and taking in the unique beauty of the north, so with that in mind, here are our three top picks.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail offers a 4.5-mile walk through some of the most stunning scenery in Yorkshire. It’s an easily identifiable path with well-maintained steps and bridges (however, it is unsuitable for baby buggies and wheelchairs).
Credit: @ladthatsups on Instagram.com
The trail takes you through lush woodland, which is home to plenty of wildlife, as well as the impressive falls themselves.
While parking is free, you do have to purchase admission tickets (£11 for adults, £5.50 for children).
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, too!
Ingleborough Cave
Just 20 minutes away from Ingleton Waterfalls is Ingleborough Cave, so you could plan to do these on the same day if you’re on a shorter Yorkshire visit. This is another must-visit for history or archaeology lovers.
Ingleborough Cave was discovered by Victorian explorers in 1837, who found the 500m underground mountain passages after draining a lake.
The Cave attraction takes you through these passageways, where you can marvel and learn more about these staggering formations and the history of their discovery.
On site, there’s a cafe in a beautiful listed building, as well as Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, so there’s plenty to do once you’re here.
Yorkshire Towns to Visit
Yorkshire is filled with diverse towns, many with historical market town pasts, and you cannot complete your visit without stopping off in a few.
It’s nearly impossible to choose, but somehow we've narrowed it down to our top 3 that you simply have to see:
- Dent (or Dent Town) – If you were to picture a Yorkshire village, Dent is exactly what would come to mind. With its cobbled streets, traditional stone houses, and picturesque location in the Dales National Park, Dent is a quintessential English village, and one you must visit.
- Settle) – Settle is absolutely worth visiting on your Yorkshire trip. Although one of the more popular locations, you don’t want to miss it. It’s home to attractions such as Malham Cove, and boasts historic a 17th-18th-century buildingsa . You’ll find little shops and wholesome pubs along the way.
- Hawes) – Described by the National Park as “a magical little market town", Hawes is another must-see on your trip. It’s home to the world-famous Wensleydale Cheese, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t forget to stop by the Wensleydale Creamery for some delicious cheese tasting!
By Hawes church by Dave Kelly, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Beautiful Places in Yorkshire to Visit
Yorkshire isn't short of beautiful places, whether that's towns, walks, historical sites, or just simple traditional pubs, you can't go far without stumbling upon an area of beauty.
Of course, the likes of Whitby, Malham Cove, and Grassington tend to come to mind when we talk about the beauty of Yorkshire, but they aren't exactly hidden, and they are rather populated.
That's why we've put together this list of lesser-known beautiful Yorkshire spots for you to visit on your next trip.
Ribblehead Viaduct
Not to be mistaken for the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express bridge in Scotland, but the similarities are uncanny!
Credit: @dannyexplores on Instagram.com
Ribblehead Viaduct in North Yorkshire is a stunning feat of engineering, with its 104-feet high 24 arches spanning across the dramatic landscape of the Yorkshire Dales.
You can walk from the Ribblehead train station, and along the route, you’ll be able to see Whernside and Ingleborough – two of Yorkshire’s iconic mountain peaks.
If you wanted to, you could even book a train ticket and experience crossing the viaduct from a different perspective.
Cautley Spout
Cautley Spout is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and mesmerising waterfalls in Yorkshire, sitting proudly in the Howgill Fells.
The waterfall cascades down an impressive 650-foot drop, making it one of the highest waterfalls in England.
Credit: @teamwalking_hillskills on Instagram.com
The hike is tad challenging but well worth it for the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment once you reach the top.
Conclusion: Make Your Next Yorkshire Trip Memorable With These Hidden Gems
Yorkshire is a diverse and beautiful region that offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
From quaint villages to bustling cities, there is something for everyone in this stunning part of England.
Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in history, admire breathtaking views, or simply relax in nature, Yorkshire has it all.
And while popular destinations such as York and the Dales are certainly worth a visit, don't overlook some lesser-known gems that can make your trip truly memorable.
If you're still looking for somewhere to stay on your Yorkshire trip, why not avoid the crowds and pricey hotels and stay just outside the region in Cumbria?
Newlands Farm Stables is situated just on the border of Yorkshire, making it the perfect base for your trip if you're looking for a quiet countryside staycation.
We have all you need for a luxurious glamping experience here at Newlands, so check out our accommodations today and book your stay!