Things to do this Father’s Day in Yorkshire 2026

Are you looking for the best ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Yorkshire in 2026? Whether your dad loves classic cars, steam trains, horse racing, or a family farm day out, Yorkshire has something special for every kind of dad.

From free entry offers at theme parks and wildlife attractions to heritage railway dining experiences and traditional agricultural shows, there are plenty of thoughtful ways to treat the father figure in your life this June.

In this blog post, I am sharing a round-up of the best Father’s Day events and experiences happening across Yorkshire for 2026. So if you want to make his day truly memorable, read on for inspiration!

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Best Things to Do This Father’s Day in Yorkshire

Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to plan a special day out together. Whether you are looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxed afternoon with good food and great company, Yorkshire has you covered.

From vintage car shows at stately homes to steam train breakfasts through the Dales, and from family racecourse days to theme parks where dads go free, there is no shortage of memorable Father’s Day events in Yorkshire for 2026.

Many attractions across the county offer special Father’s Day deals, including free entry for dads and complimentary drinks. Whether you want something traditional or a little different this year, keep reading to discover the best things to do this Father’s Day in Yorkshire!

Father’s Day also falls right in the middle of one of Yorkshire’s busiest months for events. If you are looking for even more inspiration beyond Father’s Day, check out my full guide to things to do in Yorkshire in June for festivals, food events, and outdoor adventures across the county.

When is Father’s Day in 2026?

Father’s Day in the UK falls on Sunday 21st June 2026. It takes place on the third Sunday of June each year.

Many Father’s Day events in Yorkshire will run across the full weekend, from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st June 2026. This gives you flexibility when booking days out and experiences, especially if you prefer to avoid the Sunday rush.

If you are planning something popular, it is always best to book early!

Things to do in North Yorkshire for Father’s Day

Here is a roundup of the best things to do for Father’s Day 2026 in North Yorkshire.

VanLife Fest 2026

VanLife Fest is a weekend celebration of campervan culture in the heart of North Yorkshire. Whether your dad dreams of van life or already owns a campervan, this is a unique Father’s Day weekend.

The event brings together van enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and independent brands. You can browse converted campervans, discover outdoor gear, and enjoy live music and workshops. Camping is available on site for those who want to make a full weekend of it.

Dates: 19th – 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: £70/adult weekend camping, £22.50/child (5–15), Free/under 5s. Day tickets also available.

Address: Scampston Hall, Malton, YO17 8NG

The Curry Express at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

The Curry Express at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is one of the most unique Father’s Day eve experiences in Yorkshire. A steam-hauled train carries you through the Dales while you tuck into a freshly made curry at your table.

The evening begins at Bolton Abbey station with a 6pm departure. You travel First Class with reserved seats in the Dales Dining carriages. Poppadoms are served as you set off, followed by a choice of chicken, lamb, or vegetable curry with pilau rice and naan bread. All the food is supplied by Mastabs Restaurant in Skipton, so you are in good hands. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available from the on-train bar throughout.

After the return journey, live music kicks off at Bolton Abbey station for those who fancy dancing into the evening. The whole experience lasts around three and a half hours.

Hannah’s Highlight: The train departs at 6pm, so there is plenty of time to explore the Bolton Abbey estate beforehand. The walk to Posforth Gill Waterfall is one of my favourite short walks in the Dales, and it only takes about 30 minutes from Cavendish Pavilion and the hidden waterfall at the end is well worth the effort. On the way back, stop at The Brownie Barn near Barden for homemade treats with a view. Check out my guide to Posforth Gill Waterfall near Bolton Abbey for the full route.

Dates: 20th June 2026

Ticket Prices: £39.22/adult, £28.62/child (3-15)

Address: Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AF

Father’s Day at Thornton Hall Country Park

Father’s Day at Thornton Hall Country Park is a family farm day out with a generous twist. Dads, step-dads, grandads, and father figures all go free with every full-paying child. Every dad also receives a complimentary beer or soft drink on arrival.

Little ones can burn off energy in the indoor soft play area. The farm is home to friendly goats, rabbits, and other animals to meet and feed. Freshly brewed coffee and homemade food are available for the grown-ups who want to sit back and relax.

The park is set in the countryside near Skipton. It is a lovely low-key option for families who want a relaxed Father’s Day without the crowds.

Dates: 20th – 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: Free for dads (with paying child + free beer), £14.99/child (1-15), £11.99/adult (16+), free under 1

Address: Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Near Skipton BD23 3TS

Father’s Day Classic Car & Motor Show at Castle Howard

The Father’s Day Classic Car & Motor Show at Castle Howard features over 500 vehicles on display. Vintage, classic and modern classic cars and motorcycles fill the lawns of this magnificent Baroque estate. It is one of the most popular Father’s Day events in Yorkshire.

You can enjoy live commentary as knowledgeable owners share stories behind each vehicle. Awards, vehicle judging, and a lively autojumble add to the atmosphere. Live music, quality food stalls, and ice cream complete a relaxed day for the whole family.

Admission to the car show is included with your Castle Howard grounds and gardens ticket. You can also explore the boathouse, formal gardens, and courtyard during your visit.

Hannah’s Highlight: Castle Howard is one of my favourite places in North Yorkshire and I would honestly recommend making a full day of it. Once the car show wraps up, take dad for a stroll through the stunning formal gardens and down to the Boathouse Cafe on the Great Lake for a coffee with a view. If he is into history or architecture, the house itself is magnificent. There is even a farm shop in the Stable Courtyard if you want to take home a treat. Check out my full guide to things to do at Castle Howard to plan your visit.

Dates: 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: £27/adult, £13.50/child

Address: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA

Things to do in Yorkshire - North Yorkshire Events - Castle Howard

Cold War Wheels at Yorkshire Air Museum

Cold War Wheels at Yorkshire Air Museum celebrates classic cars and bikes from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The vehicles are displayed against a striking backdrop of Cold War-era jets at this award-winning museum near York.

The event is perfect for dads who love motoring history and aviation. You can browse beautifully maintained vehicles while exploring the museum’s impressive aircraft collection. The museum houses a restored Halifax bomber and aircraft spanning decades of aviation history. Military and civilian planes offer plenty to explore between the car displays.

Entry is at normal museum admission prices, and your ticket includes free return visits for a full year. It is a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that keeps on giving!

Dates: 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: £17/adult, £7/child (4-17), under 4s free

Address: Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU

North Yorkshire County Agricultural Show

The North Yorkshire County Agricultural Show is a traditional countryside event held on Father’s Day itself. With over 100 stalls, livestock judging, and vintage machinery, it offers a genuine taste of rural Yorkshire life.

You can watch cattle and sheep being judged and admire heavy and light horses. Cheer on competitors in the show jumping arena throughout the day. A fun dog show and a parade of hunt hounds add to the entertainment. Vintage tractors and classic cars are also on display for motoring enthusiasts.

The show is set in the beautiful parkland of Otterington Hall near Northallerton. Craft stalls, locally produced food, and farrier demonstrations round out the day. It is a brilliant way to treat dad to something authentically Yorkshire.

Dates: 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: £12/adult, £8/child (5-15), under 5s free

Address: Otterington Hall, South Otterington, Northallerton, DL7 9HW

Father’s Day Lunch on Wensleydale Railway

The Father’s Day Lunch on Wensleydale Railway offers a memorable dining experience aboard a heritage train. Your journey begins with a glass of prosecco before you settle into a scenic ride through the Yorkshire Dales.

A generous sharing platter is served on delicate vintage china at your table. The menu features farmhouse ham, Yorkshire pork pie, samosas, tikka chicken skewers, and a homemade double chocolate brownie. Unlimited tea and coffee are included throughout the journey.

The heritage diesel-hauled train departs from Leeming Bar Station. Seats are limited for this popular event, so early booking is recommended.

Dates: 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: £49/adult (includes lunch and travel), £25/child (14 and under)

Address: Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton DL7 9AR

Things to do in West Yorkshire for Father’s Day

Here is a roundup of the best things to do for Father’s Day 2026 in West Yorkshire.

KWVR Diesel Gala

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Diesel Gala is a four-day celebration of diesel heritage running right through Father’s Day weekend. If your dad has a thing for trains, this is one of the best days out in West Yorkshire to treat him to.

The gala brings together visiting diesel locomotives alongside the railway’s own fleet, running services through the scenic Worth Valley between Keighley and Oxenhope. You can ride behind different locos throughout the day, watch shunting demonstrations, and explore the engine shed at Haworth. The atmosphere is relaxed and enthusiastic, with plenty of fellow diesel fans to share it with.

A One-Day Rover ticket gives unlimited travel across the line for the whole day. Advance booking is recommended, especially for the Sunday.

Dates: 18th – 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: From £33.30/adult (Sunday advance), £16.65/child (5-15), under 5s free

Address: Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Haworth, BD22 8NJ

Father’s Day at Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam in Leeds is hosting a family-friendly Father’s Day with two events running on the same day. The Family Fun Fest on the 20th and 21st June offers free outdoor entertainment on the estate grounds, while the Summer Picnic on Father’s Day itself includes access to the historic house and Home Farm for just £5 per person.

The Tudor-Jacobean house is surrounded by over 1,500 acres of parkland, so there is plenty of room to spread out. You can tour the house, visit the rare breed animals at Home Farm, and enjoy a picnic in the grounds. It is an easy, affordable, and genuinely lovely way to spend Father’s Day without needing to book months in advance.

Dates: 20th – 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: Family Fun Fest: Free. Summer Picnic: £5/person (includes House & Home Farm)

Address: Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE

A Proper Yorkshire Fathers Day at Pontefract Races

A Proper Yorkshire Fathers Day at Pontefract Races brings together horse racing and family entertainment for a lively day out. Pontefract is one of the longest continuous flat racecourses in Europe and offers a genuinely exciting atmosphere.

Gates open at 11:30am with the first race at 2:10pm. Children under 18 enter free, and a special family ticket covers two adults and accompanying children. Between races, there is plenty of entertainment to keep younger racegoers busy.

The racecourse offers a range of enclosures from casual picnic spots to the Premier Gold area. You can also build your own raceday experience with food, drink, and hospitality add-on packages.

Dates: 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: £30/family ticket (2 adults + under 18s), individual from £6. Under 18s free

Address: Pontefract Racecourse, Park Road, Pontefract, WF8 4QD

Things to do in East Yorkshire for Father’s Day

Here is a roundup of the best things to do for Father’s Day 2026 in East Yorkshire.

Beverley Folk Festival

The Beverley Folk Festival is one of the longest-running folk festivals in the UK. Taking place over Father’s Day weekend, it is a wonderful way to celebrate with live music.

The festival features a mix of headline concerts, free stage performances, workshops, and sessions. You can expect everything from traditional folk and roots music to contemporary acoustic acts. The welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for families and newcomers to the folk scene.

Many of the daytime events are free to attend. The festival is spread across several venues in the historic market town. You can easily combine it with exploring Beverley’s shops and eateries.

Hannah’s Highlight: Beverley is one of my favourite towns in East Yorkshire and there is plenty to see beyond the festival. Have a look at my guide to things to do in Beverley to plan your visit.

Dates: 19th – 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: Many free events, ticketed concerts from £15/person

Address: Various venues across Beverley

Wold Rangers Way Walking Festival

The Wold Rangers Way Walking Festival returns for its fifth year across the Yorkshire Wolds. Guided walks follow ancient green lanes and bridlepaths through some of East Yorkshire’s finest scenery. Each route is named after a real Wold Ranger, with distances from 3 to 44 miles. It is perfect for dads who love the outdoors and want a more active Father’s Day weekend.

Walks range from gentle strolls to longer, more challenging routes. Local guides share knowledge of the landscape, wildlife, and history along the way. The Wolds are one of Yorkshire’s quieter areas and offer stunning views without the crowds of the Dales or Moors.

Dates: 19th – 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: Free/donation for shorter walks, small charge for specialist routes

Address: Various locations across the Yorkshire Wolds

Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby

The Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby is a free, family-friendly spectator event at one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks. Teams race custom-built carts down a specially designed course on the bridge approach.

Creative designs and colourful costumes are all part of the fun. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming. It is a great free day out for dads who enjoy lighthearted competition. Food stalls and entertainment add to the carnival feel.

Dates: 20th June 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Humber Bridge, Hessle, HU13 0GS

BrewDog Dads Eat Free

BrewDog Dads Eat Free is a straightforward offer that craft beer fans will appreciate. On Father’s Day, dads eat for free at BrewDog bars across the country, including in Hull!

The offer covers one burger, pizza, or salad per dad when dining with the family. You will need to pre-book under the Dads Eat Free booking type to secure the deal. With a wide selection of BrewDog and guest brewery beers on tap, it pairs perfectly with a relaxed afternoon.

Dates: 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: Free meal for dad (1 burger/pizza/salad). Must pre-book

Address: BrewDog Hull, 30G Princes Dock St, Hull, HU1 2PQ

Things to do in South Yorkshire for Father’s Day

Here is a roundup of the best things to do for Father’s Day 2026 in South Yorkshire.

Father’s Day Weekend at Gulliver’s Valley Resort

Father’s Day Weekend at Gulliver’s Valley Resort offers adults free entry when accompanied by a full-paying child. The Rotherham-based theme park is designed for families with younger children and features a range of rides and attractions.

You can explore themed areas, enjoy live shows, and take on the Dinosaurs at Gulliver’s experience. Soft play, trampolines, and mini golf keep everyone entertained. Dining options are available on site for a full day out.

The offer runs across both Saturday and Sunday. Online advance booking is recommended to secure the best prices and guarantee entry.

Dates: 20th – 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: Adults FREE with paying child. £23.50/child

Address: Gulliver’s Valley Resort, Mansfield Road, Rotherham S26 5QW

Sheffield Krazy Races

Sheffield Krazy Races brings soapbox derby racing to the city centre for the very first time on Father’s Day 2026. Teams race custom-built karts downhill through Sheffield, competing for prizes including Best Dressed, Best Design, and Fastest Kart. The top ten go head-to-head in a final race for the winner’s trophy.

The event is completely free to watch and runs from 10:45am to 5pm. Beyond the racing, there is an event village with street food stalls, a market, fairground rides, family entertainment, and a giant screen so you can follow the action. Dogs are welcome too. All team entry fees and sponsorship go directly to Roundabout, South Yorkshire’s youth housing charity.

If you are looking for a free, fun, and slightly bonkers Father’s Day out, this is hard to beat.

Dates: 21st June 2026

Ticket Prices: Free for spectators

Address: Sheffield City Centre

Things to do this Father’s Day in Yorkshire

So, here is a roundup of the best things to do in this Father’s Day in Yorkshire in 2026. Where will you be celebrating this year?

If you want to discover even more things to do in Yorkshire in June, take a look at my full June events calendar.

Have I missed your favourite Father’s Day event off the list? Let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to add the details!

And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!

Until our next adventure,

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