There is no feeling quite like seeing somewhere new for the first time. But often, we don’t have to go far to find new places that inspire us. That’s why I started my Hidden Yorkshire series.
I’m fortunate to live in a beautiful part of England that is renowned for historic cities and beautiful countryside which attracts millions of visitors every year. But Yorkshire is also packed with some incredible hidden gems that even the locals don’t know about. Here is my ultimate guide to the secret places of Yorkshire that you’ll want to see with your own eyes!
P.S. I’m always adding new content to this page. Be sure to click here or on the image below to save these Hidden Yorkshire destinations to Pinterest, so you can come back time and time again!
Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden
Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden is a Yorkshire hidden gem that is hiding in plain sight. While many visitors flock to the spectacular Aysgarth Falls waterfalls, only a handful stop to explore this charming retreat just a short walk away.
The garden is a beautiful place to explore in the heart of Aysgarth village. Especially if you want to step away from the crowds that gather to explore the falls.
In this post I’m going to share everything you need to know about Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden including the history, how to get there, and more. Ready? Let’s go!
Holden Park in Oakworth
If you’re looking for hidden gems in Yorkshire with a quirky twist, you’re going to love Holden Park in Oakworth, West Yorkshire!
This park has much more to offer than your traditional village park. Keep reading to discover exactly what makes it so special!
In this post you will discover the history of Oakworth Park, as well as everything you need to know before you go.
The World Famous Emett Machines in Leeds
You might not know the name Rowland Emett, but if you have seen the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, you certainly know his work!
There are currently six Emett machines on display on the upper level of the Merrion Centre in Leeds city centre.
In this guide I’ll show you how to find the world-famous Emett Machines in Yorkshire. But they’re only here for a short time so don’t miss out!
Barnsley Main Colliery
Barnsley Main Colliery is a historic site with a tragic past. However, a group of local volunteers are working hard to breathe new life into this permanent reminder of Barnsley’s coal mining past.
This guide shares everything you need to know about visiting Barnsley Main Colliery. This includes where to park, how to get to Barnsley Main Colliery and the best things to do there.
Lumb Hole Falls
Lumb Hole Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in West Yorkshire. This enchanting spot can be found near the town of Hebden Bridge, nestled in the Pennine hills.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Lumb Hole Falls. Including where to park, how to get there and what to see on your visit.
Standedge Tunnel
Standedge Tunnel is the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. Nestled beneath the rolling Pennine hills, this essential route transports canal enthusiasts from Diggle in Greater Manchester to Marsden in West Yorkshire.
In this guide you will discover everything you need to know about visiting Standedge Tunnel, including how to get there, where to park and how you can book your tickets to explore Standedge Tunnel.
Middleton Railway
Did you know that Leeds is home to the world’s oldest railway? Here’s your guide to visiting Middleton Railway, the oldest continuously working railway in the world, right here in Yorkshire.
This guide includes an introduction to Middleton Railway and a brief history of the locomotive industry in Leeds. Keep reading to discover the best things to do at Middleton Railway and all the information you need to know before you go.
Monk Bretton Priory
The ruin of Monk Bretton Priory in Barnsley is one of South Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away on a dead-end street, you could easily miss this peaceful spot when you are in the area. This guide shows you how to find Monk Bretton Priory and how to get the most out of your visit.
In this guide you will discover how to find Monk Bretton Priory in Barnsley. You will also learn about the history of the priory, plus, what you need to see when you visit.
The Druid’s Temple
The Druid’s Temple in North Yorkshire is not exactly as it appears. This Stonehenge inspired-stone circle is actually a Victorian folly! This guide will show you all the things to do on a visit that you don’t want to miss!
Although The Druid’s Temple clearly takes inspiration from Druidism and other stone circles such as Stonehenge, it is unlikely it was built for any religious purposes. Today, you can admire this unique structure as well as enjoying picturesque walks and bike rides through the surrounding countryside.
Rocking Hall
Rocking Hall is an early example of a shooting house. It was built in 1758 for the Bolton Abbey Estate. The stone building is made up of two separate rooms, which would have been used by the shooters and beaters.
You can’t get a Yorkshire gem and better hidden than Rocking Hall. Overlooking a blustery and rural moor, you’ll need good walking boots for this one! Here’s your guide to how to find Rocking Hall so you can enjoy it for yourself.
Hackfall Woods
Hackfall Woods in North Yorkshire is a real Yorkshire hidden gem. This picturesque woodland is more than first meets the eye. Littered with secret waterfalls and hidden follies, here is a guide to the top ten things to do at Hackfall Woods.
Hackfall is a woodland Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was significantly landscaped during the 17th century and described as “one of the most beautiful woods in the country.” For a period, it was left unattended and was a victim of vandalism until it was purchased by the Woodland Trust in 1989. Since the purchase, Woodland Trust in partnership with Hackfall Trust and the Landmark Trust have been working hard to restore Hackfall to its former glory.
The Lost Summer House
If you’re a regular visitor to Roundhay Park in Leeds, you might have heard the rumour of the hidden summer house somewhere in the park. This hidden gem is notoriously difficult to find! So, I’m going to give you some clues about how to find the lost summer house at Roundhay Park.
However, unlike my other Hidden Yorkshire posts, I’ve decided that I’m not going to give away the exact location of Roundhay Park’s best kept secret. The magic in the lost summer house is that you must hunt for it, and I don’t want to reveal the secret completely. But I will guide you to the right section of the park to focus your efforts so you can narrow your search area while still enjoying unearthing the discovery for yourself.
Heptonstall
This Hidden Yorkshire guide is packed with double the adventure, as you’ll have the opportunity to explore two beautiful places in West Yorkshire. You’ll start your walk in the more widely known Hebden Bridge, a town full of artisan coffee shops and independent boutiques. Then a short uphill walk will take you to the quaint village of Heptonstall.
The pretty village of Heptonstall is a real hidden gem in West Yorkshire. This guide will show you how to walk to Heptonstall from Hebden Bridge. Plus, what to do in Heptonstall and Hebden Bridge on your visit.
St David’s Ruin
It’s no secret that I love to discover new follies. And St David’s Ruin in Bingley, is a beautiful folly with a fascinating history. Keep reading to discover how you can explore St David’s Ruin yourself!
In this guide, I’ll show you how to find St David’s Ruin, where you need to park, and what you need to bring. As well as giving you an overview of the history of this fascinating folly.
Goit Stock Waterfall
While North Yorkshire is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, in West Yorkshire, they are exceedingly rare. But you can find some incredible hidden waterfalls if you know where to look. Goit Stock Waterfall is just one of the secret waterfalls waiting to be found in West Yorkshire.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to find Goit Stock Waterfall, where you need to park, and what you need to bring. As well as showing you everything you’ll want to do on your visit. On this adventure, you’ll unearth a beautiful secret Yorkshire spot!
The Coldstones Cut
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of The Coldstones Cut – I certainly hadn’t. This enormous piece of public art is intelligently masked in the surrounding countryside, while seamlessly blending with the neighbouring quarry. It’s a true hidden gem in Yorkshire that you don’t want to overlook!
In this guide, I’ll show you how to find The Coldstones Cut, where you need to park, what you need to bring, as well as showing you everything you need to do on your visit. Get ready to discover an incredible hidden Yorkshire gem!
Milner Field Ruins
This once-grand mansion now lies forgotten, lost to nature in dense woodland. Milner Field Ruins are a physical example of the historic wealth and then decline of the textile industry in West Yorkshire. Not only is this place a fascinating historic site, it is also supposedly cursed…
In this guide, we’ll recommend where to park, how to locate the ruins, and the best time for visiting.
Needle’s Eye
A 14-meter-high pyramid isn’t the first sight that springs to mind when you think of Yorkshire. Nevertheless, this grade II listed building in South Yorkshire is exactly that!
In this guide, we’ll recommend where to park, how to locate the folly, and the best time for visiting.
Black Dick’s Tower
The Temple, or Black Dick’s Tower as it is more commonly known is a forgotten folly in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. This peaceful beauty spot is hidden just minutes from the road, but most passersby don’t even know it exists!
In this guide, we’ll recommend where to park, how to locate the folly and the best time for visiting.
Folly Dolly Falls
Folly Dolly Falls is an impressive beauty spot near Meltham, West Yorkshire, which is well hidden; if you don’t know where to look, you could easily miss it! Because it is tucked away, it makes for a great trip that you can enjoy in peace without many visitors.
In this guide, we’ll recommend where to park, how to locate the falls and the best time for visiting.
