The ultimate guide to Yorkshire Day & how to celebrate across the North

Get ready to celebrate Yorkshire Day, the ultimate tribute to ‘God’s Own County’! From historic landmarks to charming traditions, this is your chance to dive into Yorkshire’s rich heritage and indulge in its famous regional treats.

Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, this guide has everything you need to make the most of the occasion. From when Yorkshire Day is and why it began to how to celebrate it in style, we’ve rounded up eight fantastic ideas to help you join the festivities.

Don’t forget to book your train tickets early to be part of the fun!

What is Yorkshire Day and why is it celebrated?

Every year on the 1st of August, national Yorkshire Day is a vibrant celebration of the county’s culture, history and pride. First celebrated in 1975 as a response to government reforms that threatened to alter the county’s boundaries, Yorkshire Day is a proud tribute to the heart and soul of England’s largest county. Its origins are tied to Minden Day, commemorating the 1759 Battle of Minden, but it has since evolved into a celebration of all things Yorkshire.

From the breathtaking Moors and historic landmarks to the warm-hearted locals and iconic delicacies, the day is a heartfelt nod to the region’s unique charm. Yorkshire Day is a moment to cherish the heritage, beauty and spirit that make Yorkshire a true national treasure.

How to celebrate Yorkshire Day: 8 top ideas & traditions

Wondering what happens on Yorkshire Day and how to join the festivities? Think Yorkshire puddings, parkin, pub dinners and chips on the beach. We’ve rounded up eight brilliant ways to celebrate in true Yorkshire style.

1. Attend the official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration

At the heart of Yorkshire Day is the grand Civic Celebration, organised by The Yorkshire Society. Each year, a chosen town or city takes centre stage, rolling out the red carpet for civic leaders and Society members to mark the occasion in style. This isn’t just any gathering – it’s the largest civic event of its kind in the UK (and maybe even the world!).

With its vibrant pageantry and infectious display of Yorkshire pride in the form of a street parade, market and thanksgiving service, this celebration is a spectacular tribute to unity, heritage and county spirit. And not to forget the reading of the Declaration of Integrity: a formal statement of identity and pride in the county and reaffirming the historic boundaries of Yorkshire.

2. Learn how to make traditional Yorkshire parkin in Leeds

Alongside fluffy, golden Yorkshire puddings, few treats are as iconic to the county as parkin. This delicious ginger cake, made with a rich blend of syrups, is traditionally enjoyed on Bonfire Night but can be enjoyed all year round.

Why settle for store-bought when you can bake your own? This Yorkshire Day, try your hand at making parkin with help from Leeds Cookery School. Whether at home or enjoying a Leeds staycation, download their easy-to-follow recipe and whip up this scrumptious Yorkshire classic.

3. Take a tour of the historical Yorkshire Castle Museum

York is bursting with incredible attractions, and Clifford’s Tower at York Castle is one of its absolute gems. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it has stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into Yorkshire’s fascinating past.

The tower offers fascinating exhibits and jaw-dropping views of the city. Yorkshire Day is the ideal time to explore this historic treasure, so grab your tickets and dive into the stories hidden within its ancient walls.

4. Enjoy a day at the seaside in Scarborough

Few things capture the essence of Yorkshire quite like a trip to one of its charming seaside towns, and Scarborough is the ultimate spot for a day of fun and relaxation. With stunning coastal views, golden sandy beaches and a mix of modern attractions and historic gems, this town truly has something for everyone.

Build sandcastles, wander along the lively promenades or treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of ice cream. History enthusiasts can step back in time at the incredible Scarborough Castle, where Viking raids and Civil War stories come to life. For the little adventurers, the magical SEA LIFE centre awaits with its underwater wonders, while thrill-seekers can ride the waves with an exhilarating surfing lesson on North Beach.

5. Tuck into a traditional Yorkshire roast dinner at a Hull pub

You simply can’t beat a delicious Yorkshire roast dinner. There’s no better day to enjoy one than Yorkshire Day, and Hull’s buzzing food scene has plenty of top-notch spots to choose from.

Locally loved pubs like The Minerva, Red Sails or Forrest & Co provide a slap-up Sunday dinner with all the trimmings. Picture mouth-watering gravy, crisp potatoes and giant homemade Yorkshire puds. Celebrate Yorkshire Day the delicious way with this timeless tradition – just don’t forget to save room for dessert!

6. Practice some welly wanging in one of Sheffield’s leafy parks

Wondering what on Earth welly wanging is? This wonderfully quirky Yorkshire pastime is as simple as it sounds: grab a welly, take aim and see how far you can chuck it! Of course, you’ll need plenty of space to practice your technique. Sheffield is packed with beautiful green parks, making the vibrant South Yorkshire city an ideal spot for a bit of light-hearted competition. From family outings to fun-filled group events led by local organisers, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved. Who knows – with some practice, you might even master a championship-worthy throw! It’s a brilliantly bonkers way to celebrate Yorkshire Day in true Yorkshire style.

7. Explore Yorkshire’s famous Rhubarb Triangle

Fancy a foodie adventure with a twist? Yorkshire’s Rhubarb Triangle, tucked between Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield, is a nine-square-mile haven for rhubarb lovers. This corner of Yorkshire still brims with heritage, thanks to the dedication of local growers. The secret to its success lies in the unique "forced rhubarb" growing process, where rhubarb plants are cultivated in darkness to produce sweet, vibrantly pink stems. Be sure to pop into the Rhubarb Triangle Farm Shop, where you’ll find a treasure trove of rhubarb-inspired goodies waiting to tickle your taste buds.

8. Discover the magic of Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire’s artistic legacy is unmatched, having nurtured visionaries like Damien Hirst and David Hockney. But when it comes to creativity, the Wakefield district truly shines – it’s the birthplace of iconic sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, and home to the incredible Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

The largest outdoor gallery of its kind in Europe, this 500-acre award-winning park was the first of its calibre in the UK and is a dream for art lovers. It’s the only place in the world where you can see Barbara Hepworth’s monumental masterpiece, The Family of Man, in its entirety. Whether you’re a modern art enthusiast or just fancy a day of inspiration in the great outdoors, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an unmissable cultural gem.

With so many things to do for Yorkshire Day, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding on how you celebrate! Book your train to York now to avoid disappointment.

For more inspiration on things to do across our network, check out our guide on the top 10 UK hidden gems you need to visit.