Yorkshire Day is a yearly celebration on the 1st August to promote the historic English county of Yorkshire.  Initially marked in 1975, the Yorkshire Ridings Society started the day as “a protest movement against the local government re-organisation of 1974”. The date was not chosen at random, but has historical significance being the anniversary of the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834. It was William Wilberforce, a Yorkshire MP, who had been one of the campaigners for this emancipation.

Many people travel to Yorkshire on Yorkshire Day to enjoy the good food, the amazing attractions and the incredible scenery of England’s biggest county and, after months of being shut, many Yorkshire attractions will be hopefully be open or re-opening on August 1st

Events

Tapton Hall  – Tapton Hall in Sheffield has usually celebrated this holiday with traditional music from local bands and a themed afternoon tea. Hopefully something similar will occur this year

There are sometimes Yorkshire Day Chocolate Workshops in Scarborough. This may happen again this year, but please check closer to the time. – What would Yorkshire Day be without a chocolate fountain or at least a proper Yorkshire Tea Cup.

Barnsley Museums – A number of museums and historic sites in around Barnsley. There are usually a number of Yorkshire Day activities planned. In the past these have including a Yorkshire pudding competition, a digital jigsaw and a Yorkshire sonnet, and more. Keep an eye on the website. 

Attractions

York Castle Museum – This museum covers hundreds of years of York’s social history in one place. Check on the Museum’s website closer to the date.

The Hepworth Wakefield – The Hepworth Wakefield is an award-winning art gallery in the heart of Yorkshire, set within Wakefield’s historic waterfront overlooking the River Calder. 

North Yorkshire Moors Railway – A preserved historic railway stretching for 18 miles through the heart of the North York Moors National Park. It is one of the largest preserved heritage railway in the UK.

York Art Gallery – Housed in an impressive historic building with an impressive collection, providing tickets are purchased in advance online. 

Rievaulx Abbey – Set in a valley in the North York Moors National Park with the impressive ruins of one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries. The Abbey has a new visitor experience which looks at Rievaulx Abbey’s fascinating past. There is also a museum which will hopefully be open.

York itself is a great city to visit, with many attractions including the Jorvik Viking Centre. And of course, there are amazing walks in Yorkshire, including on the famous Ilkley Moor, with or without a hat.

Enjoy Yorkshire Day.