A long weekend in North Yorkshire
Adulting done right
- Stories & Inspiration
- Long Weekend In North Yorkshire
Spring is here, and it brings with it three bank holiday weekends. If you are looking to make the most of your time off work by booking a short break, North Yorkshire has lots to offer, from cosy accommodation, spa days and good food to pretty gardens, historic attractions and shopping destinations.
Our blog is full of great ideas to help you experience a super weekend away with a loved one, a few friends or as a solo getaway.
Indulge in a relaxing spa day, be pampered and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Chill on the rooftop spa at Rudding Park, near Harrogate or try a holistic treatment in the tranquil surroundings of the Three Graces Spa at Grantley Hall, near Ripon.
Find outdoor wellness and mindfulness at the Swinton Country Club, near Masham with experiences including reiki drumming, sound baths and yoga before spending time in the woodland wellbeing space.
Delve into the history of North Yorkshire at one of the many stunning castles, stately homes and abbey ruins where you can discover heritage gems and learn about the past.
Wander through the atmospheric ruins of Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, learn how Skipton Castle played its part in historic moments and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the state rooms at Castle Howard, near Malton.
If your ideal weekend away involves being active and challenging yourself, then North Yorkshire is the place for you. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, head to the How Stean Gorge Activity Centre in Nidderdale where you can try lots of different activities or go all out on the Via Ferrata Course featuring high wires and abseiling.
If you like to see the countryside on two wheels, there are lots of options for you, whether you like mountain biking or you prefer a gentle pedal on a cycle path. Try the Trapping Hill (Côte de Lofthouse) route and really test out your legs or have a leisurely cycle along The Cinder Track near Scarborough.
Visit a market town for a few hours and browse the shops that give each place its own special identity. Pick up homemade produce, homewares and gifts or browse the local and farmer’s markets. Harrogate is a great option for boutique and independent shops full of fashions, interiors and vintage clothing.
Spend an afternoon in a garden where you can take in the scent of the many different plants and flower displays, wander through woodland and buy something to take home for your own garden.
The garden at Nunnington Hall has lots of hidden areas to discover and many seasonal highlights while Helmsley Walled Garden is a horticultural haven with different gardens and borders to explore plus a lovely cafe and plants for sale.
See the early spring bulbs and walk through the arboretum, alpine house and kitchen garden at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and get expert advice in the garden centre.
No weekend away is complete without some foodie treats and you are spoilt for choice in North Yorkshire. Visit a trendy coffee house or cafe for brunch, book a romantic dinner in a fine dining restaurant or pick up some treats from an artisan bakery, chocolatier or gin distillery. Find out more on our food and drink pages.
However you choose to spend your long weekends, you will leave North Yorkshire full of happy memories.
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