Things to do in Yorkshire in July: Best July Yorkshire Events 2026

Yorkshire is making the most of the sunshine this July with a whole host of festivals and outdoor events!

This calendar of events shares the best things to do in Yorkshire in July, including unmissable July Yorkshire events. Keep reading to fill your July calendar!

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Things to do in Yorkshire in July

Summer fun is ramping up in Yorkshire this July. Warmer, sunny days are bringing a host of festivals to the region that you do not want to miss. From literature festivals and food festivals to music festivals and more, there are so many things to do in Yorkshire in July.

Keep reading to discover the best events across Yorkshire this July.

Please note, the information provided about these events may be subject to change. For the most up to date information, always check the event website prior to booking.

Things to do in North Yorkshire in July

North Yorkshire really comes into its own in July. You can choose between grand estate events, family trails, literary festivals, and some of the county’s biggest summer highlights. Here’s what is on in North Yorkshire this July.

North Yorkshire Events in July

Here is a roundup of the best events in North Yorkshire in July 2026.

Vanbrugh 300 at Castle Howard

Castle Howard is celebrating 300 years of Sir John Vanbrugh’s visionary architecture with this major exhibition. You can get up close to showstopping architectural models, explore Vanbrugh’s bold Baroque ideas through film and historical storytelling, and see how the house came to look the way it does today.

The exhibition is included with a standard House and Gardens ticket, which makes it easy to weave into a full day at the estate. Wander the Long Gallery and Great Hall first, then head outside for the lakeside walk and Temple of the Four Winds. Allow at least half a day to do both justice.

Dates: 20th March – 31st October 2026

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

Address: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA

British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition at Nunnington Hall

Striking wildlife photography fills the atmospheric rooms of this National Trust manor house on the edge of the North York Moors. The award-winning images cover everything from dramatic coastal close-ups to quiet woodland scenes, and the intimate gallery spaces give each photograph room to breathe.

Nunnington Hall itself is worth the visit on its own. The riverside gardens are peaceful on a summer afternoon, and the tearoom does a proper cream tea. Note that the exhibition closes on 5th July, so catch this one early in the month if you can.

Dates: 16th May – 5th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £13/adult, £6.50/child

Address: Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, YO62 5UY

York Mystery Plays Festival

The York Mystery Plays Festival returns this summer with a vibrant celebration of the city’s medieval storytelling heritage. Open-air performances bring the mystery plays to York’s streets, while evening shows take over the atmospheric Shambles Market. The festival programme also features “The Flood”, an immersive art exhibition with an original soundscape.

Beyond the plays, you can explore the Women’s Voices archival exhibition, follow a city-wide Grotesque Trail, or join guided walks and live music evenings. Created in partnership with The Bar Convent and the National Centre for Early Music, the programme offers something for history lovers and culture seekers alike. York truly becomes a stage, and everyone is invited!

Dates: 22nd June – 5th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free festival programme; performance tickets vary, see website for details

Address: Various locations across York city centre

The Wind in the Willows at RHS Harlow Carr

This playful garden trail brings Kenneth Grahame’s classic to life across the grounds of RHS Harlow Carr. You can follow Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Toad through interactive stations, sensory boxes inspired by E.H. Shepard’s original illustrations, and hands-on activities tucked among the borders and woodland.

Younger children love the treasure-hunt feel of it, and the trail gives a summer garden visit real purpose beyond just wandering. Allow a couple of hours to do it properly, especially if you want to stop at the adventure playground and café too. The gardens look stunning in July when the herbaceous borders are at their peak.

Dates: Throughout July until December 2026

Ticket Prices: From £17.20/adult, £5/child, RHS members free

Address: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB

Summer Garden Lates at Castle Howard

Castle Howard opens its gardens into the evening for this special late session, and the difference in atmosphere is remarkable. The crowds thin out, the light turns golden, and you can wander the paths around the Atlas Fountain and Temple of the Four Winds in near-silence.

The Library of the Four Winds makes a particularly atmospheric stop at dusk. Bring a picnic blanket if you want to settle somewhere with a view, or grab something from the café before it closes. The late entry is included with a standard garden ticket, so there’s no extra cost. A lovely option for couples or anyone who prefers a quieter pace.

Dates: 3rd July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £17/adult, £8.50/child

Address: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA

Merchant Adventurers’ Charity Beer Festival

The Merchant Adventurers’ Charity Beer Festival returns to the stunning 669-year-old Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, with over 30 breweries showcasing more than 70 ales, beers, and lagers.

This festival promises a unique experience as the Great Hall is transformed into a Keg Beer Hall, and the atmospheric Undercroft hosts a 50-foot Cask Bar. Headline sponsor Brew York will feature a wide range of their popular ales alongside some exciting new brews.

Dates: 3rd – 4th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £10/person

Address: Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate, York YO1 9XD

The Wizard Walk of York

The Wizard Walk is a magical guided adventure through York’s medieval streets, led by the Wizard of York himself. You’ll search for mythical creatures, hear enchanting stories, and meander through some of the city’s most atmospheric lanes and snickelways. The tour runs on selected July dates and lasts around 90 minutes.

Children absolutely love this one. The humour is pitched perfectly for families, and you can buy wand kits (£5 each) to make little wizards feel fully part of the adventure. It’s a wonderful alternative to York’s famous ghost tours if you’ve got younger ones, and the route covers some beautiful corners of the city that most visitors miss.

Dates: 4th – 31st July 2026 (selected dates)

Ticket Prices: £12/person, £5/wand kit

Address: St Crux Churchyard, The Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ

Scarborough Art

Scarborough Art takes over venues across the town with a free summer programme of exhibitions, installations, live events, and creative workshops. The programme runs for a full month from early July into August, so you can dip in and out on any visit to the coast.

What makes this work well is the variety of locations. You might start at a gallery on the seafront, wander through a pop-up in the Old Town, and finish with an installation near the harbour. The whole thing is free, which means you can shape your own route and combine it with fish and chips, a walk up to the castle, or an afternoon on the beach.

Dates: 4th July – 2nd August 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Various venues across Scarborough

Ripon Theatre Festival

Ripon Theatre Festival transforms this compact cathedral city into one big stage for a week of live performance, pop-up shows, street entertainment, and workshops. The programme is spread across venues throughout the city, from the cathedral itself to market square pop-ups, which gives the whole place an electric festival atmosphere.

Ripon doesn’t always get the attention it deserves compared to Harrogate and York, so this festival is a brilliant reason to spend a day or two exploring. The city is very walkable, with good independent cafés and pubs close to all the venues. If you’re staying nearby, the evening performances are particularly special.

Dates: 5th – 12th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Multiple events, prices vary

Address: Various locations across Ripon

Summer Music Sundays at RHS Harlow Carr

Every Sunday in July, RHS Harlow Carr hosts a different live music performance in the garden. The acts range across genres, and the relaxed setting among the borders and wildflower meadows makes for a very different kind of gig. Music is included with your standard garden admission, so there’s no extra cost.

The best approach is to arrive mid-morning, explore the gardens first, grab lunch at the café (the food is genuinely good), then settle near the performance area for the afternoon. Bring a blanket and a book in case you want to linger. RHS members get free entry, which makes this an easy regular outing through the month.

Dates: 5th – 26th July 2026 (every Sunday)

Ticket Prices: From £18.40/adult, £6/child; RHS members free

Address: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB

Ryedale Festival

Ryedale Festival brings two weeks of classical music, chamber performances, and recitals to beautiful venues across North Yorkshire. Concerts take place in country churches, historic halls, and intimate spaces that give the music real atmosphere. The programme typically features a mix of established international artists and rising stars.

What sets Ryedale apart from bigger festivals is the setting. You might find yourself listening to a string quartet inside a candlelit medieval church, or enjoying a recital in a country house drawing room. Venues are spread across the region, so you can build a day around the concert with a walk or pub lunch in the Howardian Hills.

Dates: 10th – 26th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Multiple events, prices vary

Address: Various locations across North Yorkshire

Settle Flowerpot Festival

Settle Flowerpot Festival is gloriously silly in the best possible way. Locals create inventive, themed flowerpot characters and hide them in shop windows, gardens, and unexpected corners all over town. You hunt them down while wandering the streets, and the creativity on display is genuinely impressive.

The festival runs from mid-July right through the summer, so you’ve got plenty of time to visit. Buy a trail leaflet to turn it into a proper challenge, and give yourself a couple of hours to explore. Settle itself is a lovely Dales market town with good cafés and the famous Naked Man Café for lunch. Free to enter, with the trail leaflets supporting the festival.

Dates: 11th July – 6th September 2026

Ticket Prices: Free entry; Trail & Quiz Leaflets available to purchase

Address: Multiple locations throughout Settle

York Comedy Festival

York Comedy Festival brings a night of live stand-up to the stunning York Museum Gardens. Expect a strong bill of established comedians and rising talent performing outdoors against the backdrop of the medieval ruins and abbey walls.

This is positioned as more of an event than a casual comedy club night. The outdoor setting makes it feel special, particularly on a warm July evening. Arrive early to grab a good spot and make the most of the surroundings. Combine it with dinner in the city centre first for a proper York night out.

Dates: 12th July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £57.50/person

Address: York Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR

Great Yorkshire Show

The Great Yorkshire Show is the biggest agricultural event in the Yorkshire calendar and one of the most popular shows in the country. Across four days at the Harrogate Showground, you can watch livestock competitions, equestrian displays, sheep shearing, and farming demonstrations. The food halls are enormous, packed with Yorkshire producers offering everything from artisan cheese to craft beer.

The 2026 edition is the 167th show, and it comes with headline arena entertainment including the Bolddog FMX stunt team and celebrity appearances. Allow a full day to do it properly. The showground is huge, and you’ll want time for the main ring, the shopping village, and the food marquees. Tickets sell well in advance, so book early. Family discounts are available.

Dates: 14th – 17th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £36.50/adult, £13/child (family discounts available)

Address: Great Yorkshire Showground, Railway Road, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ

Castle Howard Outdoor Adventure Cinema

Watching a film under the stars at Castle Howard is one of the best summer evenings you can have in Yorkshire. Adventure Cinema sets up a big screen in the grounds, and you can choose from six screenings across the weekend, including The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia!, and Pride and Prejudice.

The setting is what makes this more than just outdoor cinema. As the sun drops behind the estate, the house glows in the background and the atmosphere shifts from picnic buzz to proper movie magic. Gates open well before the screening, so arrive early to claim a good spot, lay out your blankets, and enjoy the grounds at golden hour. Bring layers and a flask (it cools down fast once the sun sets).

Dates: 17th – 19th July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £15.50/adult, £9.50/child (under 12s)

Address: Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

Ingleton Gala

Ingleton Gala is a proper old-fashioned village summer celebration in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Expect a parade, games on the playing field, stalls, live music, and the kind of community atmosphere that makes these small-town galas so charming. Ingleton itself sits at the foot of Ingleborough, with the famous waterfalls trail on its doorstep.

Local organisations participate by showcasing their activities, adding to the festive atmosphere. The gala takes place on the sports field behind the Ingleborough Community Centre, providing ample space for all activities. It’s an ideal opportunity to experience the vibrant community spirit of Ingleton.

Dates: 18th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Ingleton Village, Ingleborough LA6 3EG

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is one of the UK’s most prestigious literary events and a highlight of the Harrogate calendar. Over four days at The Old Swan Hotel, you can hear from bestselling crime writers, attend panel discussions, join masterclasses, and get books signed. The line-up regularly features names like Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Richard Osman, and the atmosphere is warm and accessible.

Harrogate makes the perfect base for a literary long weekend. Browse the independent bookshops, enjoy afternoon tea at Bettys, and return to the festival for evening events. The hotel setting keeps everything compact and sociable, which is part of the charm.

Dates: 23rd – 26th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Multiple events, prices vary

Address: The Old Swan Hotel, Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SR

Flamingo Fest: Pink Boots & Cowboy Roots at Flamingo Land

Flamingo Fest brings a country-and-western twist to Flamingo Land with live entertainment, themed performances, and a cowboy atmosphere layered on top of the usual rides and attractions. You can spend the day at the theme park and then stay on for the evening entertainment.

There’s also a festival-only entry option from 3pm for £15, which works well if you just want the evening atmosphere without a full day at the park. Families with older children and groups of friends will get the most out of this. Flamingo Land is between Malton and Pickering, so you can combine it with a day exploring the Ryedale area.

Dates: 25th July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £15/adult

Address: Flamingo Land Resort, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX

The Great How Stean Duck Race

The Great How Stean Duck Race is exactly the kind of quirky summer event Yorkshire does brilliantly. You sponsor a rubber duck (£5 each), watch them race through the dramatic limestone gorge, and cheer your one on from the walkways above. The gorge itself is spectacular, deep, narrow, and lush with ferns and moss.

And if you want to make a day of it, How Stean Gorge has a rope bridge, via ferrata, and cave exploration on offer too, so you can easily extend the day with the family.

Dates: 30th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £5/duck (£8 for 2)

Address: How Stean Gorge, Lofthouse, HG3 5SF

Seaside Fun and Yorkshire Day Market

York’s city centre gets a seaside makeover for Yorkshire Day with a themed market, family entertainment, and a cheerful summer atmosphere right in the heart of town. Expect deckchairs, bunting, beach-themed stalls, and the kind of playful energy that works brilliantly for families.

The market runs for several days spanning the end of July and start of August, so you can catch it on a casual visit. Everything is free, which makes it an easy add-on to a day of sightseeing. Grab an ice cream, browse the stalls, and enjoy the atmosphere. Yorkshire Day itself falls on 1st August, so the celebrations build nicely towards that.

Dates: 30th July – 2nd August 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: York City Centre

Things to do in West Yorkshire in July

West Yorkshire serves up city culture, food tours, community celebrations, and major summer festivals. There is plenty to fill a day in Leeds, Bradford, Haworth, and beyond. Here’s what is on in West Yorkshire this July.

West Yorkshire Events in July

Here is a roundup of the best events in West Yorkshire in July 2026.

Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey

Curated by comedian and artist Bill Bailey, this exhibition at Loading Bay brings together breathtaking portraits with the incredible personal stories behind them. Part of the Bradford Culture programme, the show has a warmth and depth that stays with you.

The exhibition is free and located centrally in Bradford, so you can combine it with other City of Culture events or a wander around the regenerated city centre. Allow about an hour for the portraits themselves, and check what else is on at Loading Bay while you’re there, the venue has become one of Bradford’s most interesting cultural spaces.

Dates: 1st May – 26th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Loading Bay Arts Centre, 1 Duke St, Bradford BD1 3QR

Lights, Camera, Bronte: East Riddlesden Hall on Screen

East Riddlesden Hall has been used as a filming location for Wuthering Heights adaptations for over a century, and this exhibition tells that story beautifully. You can see original screenplays, Brontë-linked objects, and behind-the-scenes material that connects the atmospheric 17th-century manor house to its screen history.

The exhibition runs alongside your normal visit, so you can explore the dark oak panelling and period rooms first, then see them through the lens of the films that were shot here. The gardens are peaceful and the tearoom is cosy. National Trust members get free entry, and it’s a lovely half-day outing from Keighley or the Aire Valley.

Dates: Throughout July – October 2026

Ticket Prices: £8.30/adult, £4.20/child, free for NT members

Address: East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley BD20 5EL

Sounds Of The City 2026 – Leeds

Sounds of the City transforms Millennium Square into an open-air concert venue for ten nights of major live music. The 2026 line-up includes Alabama Shakes, Tom Odell, Wet Leg, The Human League, and The Cribs, with each night a standalone show, so you can pick the acts that suit you rather than committing to a full festival weekend.

The city centre location is a big part of the appeal. You can have dinner at one of the restaurants around the square, walk to the gig, and be back in a bar or hotel within minutes of the encore. Ticket prices vary by night and act, so check the website for the full programme.

Dates: 30th June – 11th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Prices vary per event

Address: Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD

Bradford Literature Festival

Bradford Literature Festival is one of the most diverse and ambitious literary events in the north. Over ten days, the city fills with inspiring talks, panel discussions, poetry readings, performances, and workshops spread across venues in the heart of Bradford.

The programme always attracts a wide mix of speakers and subjects, from big-name authors to emerging voices covering everything from politics to food writing. You can build a full weekend around the programme or just dip into a single event. The city feels especially vibrant during festival days, and there’s a real buzz around the main venues.

Dates: 3rd – 12th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Prices vary per event

Address: Various venues across Bradford

Holbeck Gala

Holbeck Gala is a proper community summer celebration on Holbeck Moor in south Leeds. Expect live music, food stalls, games, craft activities, and the kind of warm neighbourhood atmosphere that bigger events can’t quite replicate.

The gala is free, family-friendly, and usually runs through the afternoon. Keep an eye on the latest programme details online, as the organisers tend to announce the full line-up closer to the date. Holbeck Moor is easy to reach from Leeds city centre, making this a nice low-key option for a Saturday afternoon.

Dates: 4th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Holbeck Moor, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 9QX

Bradford Faith Trail

Bradford Faith Trail offers a unique opportunity to discover a little bit about Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Christian (Roman Catholic and Church of England) faith buildings. About the faiths within them and how they link into Bradford’s local community culture and faith heritage.

You can visit as many places of worship as you like – each place of worship will be open for set times and you will be shown around by experienced guides who are there to answer your questions, and to make your visit more informative and enjoyable.

The Trail begins at St. Peter’s RC Church at the top of Leeds Road and works its way down Leeds Road, stopping at the Abu Bakar Masjid, the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple and the Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara, where everybody enjoys a langar (vegetarian lunch). It finishes with a tour of Bradford Cathedral and refreshments.

Places on the Faith Trail are limited, and booking is essential. To book your free place, e-mail faithtrail@bradfordcathedral.org in the first instance, or call the Cathedral Office on 01274 777720 between 9am and 2:45pm Monday – Friday.

Dates: 4th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: St. Peter’s Catholic Church in The Parish of St. Mary, 651 Leeds Rd, Bradford, BD3 8EL

Horsforth Walk of Art

Horsforth Walk of Art is a free community art trail that turns the streets of this leafy Leeds suburb into an open-air gallery. Local and regional artists display work in shop windows, front gardens, and unexpected spots along the route. You can pick up a trail map and follow it at your own pace.

Horsforth has a great selection of independent cafés and delis, so the trail works well as a relaxed morning or afternoon out. Take your time, stop for coffee, and enjoy the creative surprises along the way. The whole trail is walkable and family-friendly.

Dates: 4th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Horsforth, Leeds

Leeds ‘Hidden Gems’ Food Tour

Leeds ‘Hidden Gems’ Food Tour takes you on a guided walk through six independent food spots in the heart of the city. You’ll sample generous portions at each venue, from cosy pubs to innovative eateries. The tour also visits one of Europe’s largest covered markets.

Along the way, your guide shares stories of Leeds’ culinary past, including local food inventions. Expect a mix of tastings, history, and plenty of humour. All food and a coffee stop are included in the ticket.

Dates: 4th – 25th July 2026 (Saturdays only)

Ticket Prices: £75/person

Address: The Queens Hotel, City Square, Leeds, LS1 1PJ

Holmfirth Artweek

Holmfirth Artweek fills this beautiful Holme Valley town with open studios, exhibitions, workshops, and creative events. Local artists show work in galleries, community spaces, and sometimes their own studios, which gives you a chance to meet makers and see the creative process up close.

Holmfirth is gorgeous in summer, the stone buildings, steep lanes, and valley setting make it a photogenic place to spend a day. Browse the art, stop for lunch at one of the town’s cafés, and take the scenic route home through the Holme Valley. The whole festival is free and very walkable.

Dates: 5th – 11th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Holmfirth Civic Hall, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3AS

Ageless Festival

The Ageless Festival returns to Leeds city centre for two days of dance, talks, workshops, and installations. Organised by Yorkshire Dance, the festival reimagines what age means through bold creative performances. This year’s programme includes a retrospective of French choreographer Jérôme Bel and the premiere of Wild Hope.

Events are spread across Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds City College, and stage@leeds. You can book a weekend or single-day festival pass for access to the full programme. Some events are free, including the Welcome event and The Big Communal Boogie. All venues have step-free access and accessible seating.

Dates: 10th – 11th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £100/full price, £80/concession, day passes and free events also available

Address: Various venues across Leeds city centre

Haworth Festival

Haworth Festival spreads over two and a half weeks with a mix of live performance, literary events, music, workshops, and community celebrations. The programme changes each year, but the setting never disappoints, Haworth’s cobbled Main Street, independent bookshops, and moorland views make everything feel a bit more special.

You can dip into a single event or build a weekend around the festival programme. Literary fans will love the Brontë connections, but the festival reaches well beyond that with family activities and evening entertainment. Combine it with a walk up to Top Withens or a visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum for a full day.

Dates: 10th – 26th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Varies by event

Address: Various venues across Haworth

Pontefract Liquorice Festival

Pontefract has been famous for liquorice since monks first grew it here in the Middle Ages, and this annual festival celebrates that heritage with stalls, themed entertainment, cookery demonstrations, and family activities in the town centre. You can try all kinds of liquorice-flavoured treats, from traditional Pontefract Cakes to more adventurous creations.

The festival is completely free and runs for a full day. There’s usually face painting and entertainment for children, plus a liquorice-themed baking competition. The town centre fills with a cheerful, carnival-like atmosphere. A quirky and genuinely fun free day out with loads of local character.

Dates: 12th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Town Centre Precinct, Pontefract, WF8 1BD

Loaded Laughs – Edinburgh Fringe Previews

Edinburgh Fringe season starts early at Loading Bay in Bradford, where comedians preview their full Fringe shows in an intimate venue setting. You’ll see fresh material, new jokes, and full sets taking shape before they hit Edinburgh, often at a fraction of the Fringe price.

The smaller audience makes these previews feel special, comedians are looser, more experimental, and sometimes genuinely surprised by what lands. Check the website for the line-up, prices, and timings. If you like live comedy, this is one of the best-value ways to catch it in Yorkshire.

Dates: 18th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £7/person

Address: Loading Bay Arts Centre, 1 Duke St, Bradford BD1 3QR

A Lotherton Summer Holiday

A Lotherton Summer Holiday fills the grounds of Lotherton with six weeks of family fun during the school holidays. The programme includes fairground rides, a bouncy castle, sand pit, crafts, classic seaside games, and a trail through the house. Live entertainment runs throughout the week, all included with general admission.

Tuesdays bring Sublime Science with hands-on experiments for younger visitors. Wednesdays feature magic shows, and Thursdays are for traditional Punch and Judy performances. You can also add a Deer Tractor Tour on weekdays for a closer look at the estate’s red deer herd.

Dates: 18th July – 31st August 2026

Ticket Prices: £10/adult, £5/child (3+), Free/under 2s

Address: Lotherton Lane, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB

Summer at Harewood

Summer at Harewood transforms the grounds of Harewood House into a performance-themed playground for families. The Curtains Up! play zone on Sun Sides features a stage, pop-up tents, and circus skills to try. You can also build dens, explore nature safari trails, and discover the Adventure Playscape.

Inside the House, Snaps Through Times explores the art of photograph conservation across the ages. Thomas’ Terrace School invites younger visitors to learn how the estate’s historic stonework is cared for. Free activities like minibeast hunts and regency-inspired garden games come included with your day ticket.

Dates: 18th July – 6th September 2026

Ticket Prices: From £24.50/adult, £10/child (4-15), Free/under 4s and members

Address: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG

Things to do in East Yorkshire in July

One of Hull’s biggest and most extravagant parties returns to the city streets this month! Will we see you there?

East Yorkshire Events in July

Here is a roundup of the best events in East Yorkshire in July 2026.

Laurel Vines Vineyard Picnics

Laurel Vines offers vineyard picnic experiences in the Yorkshire Wolds near Driffield, where you can taste locally produced wine while enjoying the peaceful rolling views. Picnic hampers are available, and the setting, rows of vines stretching across open countryside, feels a world away from the usual Yorkshire day out.

The picnics are available on selected dates through the summer and suit couples or small groups looking for something a bit different. English wine has come on enormously in recent years, and visiting a working Yorkshire vineyard is a genuine treat.

Dates: March – September 2026 (Thursdays and Saturdays)

Ticket Prices: £25/person

Address: Laurel Farm, Aike, Driffield, YO25 9BG

Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Sewerby Hall

The 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition arrives at Sewerby Hall, on loan from the Natural History Museum. This internationally acclaimed showcase captures extraordinary animal behaviour and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. The images have been selected from thousands of entries across the globe.

Your day pass also includes access to the gardens, zoo, and the hall itself. You can hand feed the penguin colony, explore 50 acres of clifftop parkland, and enjoy Orangery concerts during your visit. It is a full day out on the East Yorkshire coast.

Dates: 9th May – 19th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £12.75/adult, £8.75/child (3-15), under 3s free

Address: Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1EA

Sledmere Farmers Market

Sledmere Farmers Market brings together local producers, artisan food makers, and seasonal treats in the grounds of Sledmere House on the Yorkshire Wolds. Expect a strong line-up of cheeses, baked goods, preserves, fresh meat, and Yorkshire-grown veg, all sold by the people who made or grew them.

The estate setting adds real charm, Sledmere House is a beautiful Georgian property with sweeping parkland designed by Capability Brown. Entry to the market is free, and you can combine it with a visit to the house and gardens. Go hungry, bring a cool bag for purchases, and allow time to browse.

Dates: 4th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free entry to market

Address: Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield, YO25 3XG

Waves of Waste Spurn Beach Clean

Waves of Waste organises regular beach cleans at Spurn Point, the dramatic sand spit that stretches three miles into the Humber Estuary. You can spend a couple of hours clearing litter from one of Yorkshire’s most spectacular and remote stretches of coast, with equipment and guidance provided.

Spurn feels wild and otherworldly at any time of year, and doing something practical for the landscape makes the visit even more rewarding. The Discovery Centre at the start of the spit has a café and wildlife information. A rewarding and memorable way to spend a morning on the coast.

Dates: 4th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Spurn Discovery Centre, Spurn National Nature Reserve, HU12 0UH

Hull Folk and Maritime Festival

The Hull Folk and Maritime Festival brings music, history, and seafaring heritage to the streets of Hull City Centre. Expect a vibrant mix of folk performances, maritime traditions, and community celebrations spread across various venues.

You can enjoy live music, traditional crafts, and street entertainment suitable for all ages. The event highlights Hull’s cultural roots and strong connection to the sea.

Dates: 4th – 5th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Beverley Bites – History Tours with a Foodie Twist

Beverley Bites combines a guided walking tour of this beautiful market town with tastings at independent food and drink spots along the way. You’ll discover the historic streets, hear stories about the town’s past, and sample local flavours from producers and restaurants you might otherwise walk straight past.

Beverley is one of East Yorkshire’s gems, with the stunning Minster, cobbled lanes, and a vibrant Saturday market. The food tour fits perfectly into a longer day exploring the town.

Dates: 4th – 25th July 2026 (selected dates)

Ticket Prices: From £50/person

Address: Beverley Town Centre

Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival

Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival brings a full weekend of live music to the beautiful grounds of this Elizabethan manor house near Driffield. The line-up covers jazz, blues, soul, and roots, with performances on multiple stages throughout the day and evening. Camping is available on site for the full festival experience.

Burton Agnes Hall itself is worth visiting, the Elizabethan architecture, contemporary art collection, and award-winning gardens add a cultural dimension that most music festivals can’t match. The relaxed atmosphere and intimate scale make this a favourite with music fans who prefer heritage settings over muddy fields.

Dates: 10th – 12th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £130/adult, £55/child plus camping options available

Big Sky Beer Festival

Big Sky Beer Festival is the new name for the popular annual festival at Wold Top Brewery on the Yorkshire Wolds. You can sample beers brewed on site alongside guest ales and craft offerings, with live music, food traders, and panoramic Wolds views as the backdrop.

The festival runs over two days and keeps things friendly and manageable, this isn’t a massive commercial event, more a celebration of good beer in a beautiful setting. Wold Top is one of Yorkshire’s most respected independent breweries, and the chance to drink their beers at the source, surrounded by the barley fields they’re brewed from, makes this extra special.

Dates: 17th – 18th July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £17/person

Address: Wold Top Brewery, Hunmanby Grange, Driffield YO25 3HS

Hornsea Carnival

Hornsea Carnival is a traditional seaside celebration that takes over this charming East Yorkshire coastal town for a full weekend. Expect a colourful parade through the streets, live entertainment, funfair rides, market stalls, and community events that give the whole town a festive atmosphere.

Hornsea’s seafront and promenade make the perfect backdrop for a carnival weekend. You can watch the parade, grab fish and chips, take a walk along the beach, and enjoy the free entertainment. The carnival is completely free to attend and suits families with children of all ages. A lovely excuse to head to the coast.

Dates: 17th – 19th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Across Hornsea town centre

Withernsea Pirate Festival

Withernsea Pirate Festival is a swashbuckling seaside celebration with pirate-themed activities, fancy dress parades, treasure hunts, live entertainment, and family fun along the promenade. The whole town gets into the spirit, and you’ll spot pirates of all ages roaming the seafront.

Fancy dress is very much encouraged, the more creative, the better. The festival is free, family-friendly, and pairs perfectly with a day at the coast. Withernsea has a proper old-school seaside feel that suits the pirate theme brilliantly. Bring buckets, spades, and your best pirate voice.

Dates: 18th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Valley Gardens, Withernsea, HU19 2DN

The East Yorkshire Show & Family Fun Day

The East Yorkshire Show brings a traditional agricultural show and family fun day to Elloughton, with livestock displays, equestrian events, children’s activities, local food stalls, and live entertainment. The format follows the classic country show template, animals in the show ring, craft tents, and ice cream vans, and does it well.

The show suits families with children of all ages and anyone who enjoys the slower, friendlier pace of a local agricultural event. Allow a full morning or afternoon to make the most of it.

Dates: 19th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £5/adult, £3/child

Address: Brantingham Park, Elloughton

Driffield Show

Driffield Show is one of East Yorkshire’s premier agricultural events and has been running for well over a century. The show features livestock competitions, equestrian events, local food producers, craft stalls, rural displays, and family entertainment across a large showground near Driffield.

The show attracts a loyal local following and feels like a proper rural day out. You can watch the judging in the show ring, browse the trade stands, and sample Yorkshire produce from local farmers and food makers. Allow a full day to explore the showground properly.

Dates: 22nd July 2026

Ticket Prices: £20/adult

Address: Driffield Showground, Kelleythorpe, Driffield, YO25 9FB

Pride in Hull

Pride in Hull celebrates its 24th anniversary in 2026! As one of the UK’s biggest and best-known free Pride celebrations, the day fills Hull city centre with a vibrant parade, live music stages, community stalls, and a powerful atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.

The parade is the centrepiece, winding through the city streets with colour, noise, and thousands of people joining in. After the march, the party continues with performances, DJs, and family activities across multiple venues. Because it’s completely free, it’s easy for anyone to join in. Hull really comes alive for the day, and the city’s bars and restaurants buzz well into the evening.

Dates: 25th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Across Hull City Centre

Things to do in South Yorkshire in July

This month, South Yorkshire is throwing some of its most celebrated music events. You’ll find the annual favourites are returning this year, even bigger and better than ever! Grab your best festival outfit and get ready for these lively weekend events!

South Yorkshire Events in July

Here is a roundup of the best events in South Yorkshire in July 2026.

Cannon Hall: The Story of a House and Its Family

This exhibition at Cannon Hall Museum explores 300 years of the house’s history through the families who lived here, from fiery personalities and fashionable society hosts to rumoured spies and Pre-Raphaelite collectors. The display brings the rooms to life with personal stories, portraits, and objects that connect you to the people behind the grand house.

Cannon Hall itself is set in 70 acres of parkland near Cawthorne, with a walled garden, farm shop, and café on site. The exhibition is free and adds real depth to a visit. Allow a full morning or afternoon to explore the house, gardens, and grounds properly.

Dates: Throughout July 2026 – 20th September 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens, Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet Guided Tours

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is one of Sheffield’s most remarkable heritage sites, a beautifully preserved 18th-century scythe-making works set in a wooded valley on the edge of the city. Guided tours take you through the workshops, tilt hammers, grinding hull, and workers’ cottages, with guides who bring the industrial processes vividly to life.

The site is free to visit and the guided tours add real depth to what you see. In summer, the valley setting is lovely, and there’s a pleasant walk along the River Sheaf nearby. Allow an hour or so for the tour, and check the website for the latest schedule.

Dates: Throughout July 2026 – 1st November 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Abbeydale Road South, Sheffield, S7 2QW

Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt Exhibition

Experience Barnsley Museum hosts this major exhibition taking visitors on a journey through 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, with a focus on Cleopatra and the powerful queens who shaped one of the world’s greatest civilisations. The exhibition uses artefacts, storytelling, and immersive displays to bring the period to life.

The museum is free, centrally located in Barnsley Town Hall, and genuinely family-friendly. Allow a couple of hours for the exhibition, and check out the rest of the museum while you’re there, the local history galleries are surprisingly good. A strong indoor option for mixed-weather days.

Dates: Throughout July 2026 – 20th February 2027

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Experience Barnsley Museum, Town Hall, Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2TA

Crossed Wires Festival

Crossed Wires Festival brings live podcasts, panel conversations, and big-name speakers to Sheffield City Hall. The format is built around the kind of smart, funny, wide-ranging discussion you’d normally listen to through headphones, but performed live with the energy and spontaneity of a real audience.

The festival runs over three days at the start of July, and you can buy tickets for individual events or the full weekend. Sheffield City Hall is right in the city centre, which makes it easy to combine with restaurants, bars, and the rest of what Sheffield has to offer. A different kind of festival for people who love ideas as much as music.

Dates: 2nd – 5th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Prices vary per event

Address: Sheffield City Hall, Barkers Pool, Sheffield S1 2JA

Peddler Market No. 106

Peddler Market is Sheffield’s best-known street food event, and the 106th edition falls on the first weekend of July. Expect a rotating line-up of independent food traders serving everything from loaded tacos and woodfired pizza to Korean fried chicken and inventive vegan dishes, all in the industrial surroundings of their Neepsend venue.

Live music and DJs add atmosphere as the evening picks up. The market runs on both Friday and Saturday nights, and entry is free. Arrive early for the best selection, come hungry, and wear something you don’t mind getting sauce on. Drinks are available from the bar on site.

Dates: 3rd – 4th July 2026

Ticket Prices: Free

Address: Peddler Market, 92 Burton Road, Neepsend, Sheffield, S3 8BX

Totley Open Gardens

Totley Open Gardens invites you to wander through a selection of private gardens in this leafy Sheffield suburb, each one showing off different planting styles, creative landscaping, and the kind of personal touches that make garden visits so inspiring.

The event runs over a weekend and supports local community causes. £5 for a programme maps all the participating gardens. Allow a full morning or afternoon to do the trail justice, and plan a pub lunch in Totley village to round off the day.

Dates: 4th – 5th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £5/adult, Free/child

Address: 202 Baslow Road, Sheffield S17 4DS

Cusworth Hall Walled Garden Open Days

Explore the historic charm of Cusworth Hall Walled Garden, a beautifully restored gem dating back to the old Cusworth manor house.

You can wander through the Orchard with its fruit-laden trees, and admire the roses and perennials in the Flower Garden. Discover remnants of the old greenhouses and take in the historic layout of the Old Cusworth Hall.

To reach the Walled Garden, park in the main Cusworth Hall Car Park and enjoy a scenic walk through Cusworth Village. Follow the signs past the British Orthodox Church and Mulberry Close, or take the path through the trees via Shrubbery Walk.

Dates: 12th July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £3/adult, Free for children

Address: Cusworth Hall, Museum & Park, Cusworth Lane, Doncaster, DN5 7TU

Dub Odyssey VW Festival

Dub Odyssey brings VW campervan enthusiasts and festival lovers together for a long weekend near Rotherham. Expect vehicle displays from classic splitscreens to modern conversions, plus live bands, DJs, a kids’ area, food traders, and a properly social camping atmosphere.

The festival runs from Thursday to Sunday, with camping included in the weekend ticket price (from £25 per person). The VW focus gives it a distinct personality — this isn’t your average music festival, but you don’t need to own a campervan to enjoy it. A fun, affordable long weekend for anyone who loves outdoor events with character.

Dates: 16th – 19th July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £25/person

Address: Guilthwaite Common Lane, Upper Whiston, Rotherham, S60 4NG

Doncaster Balloon Festival

Doncaster Balloon Festival fills the skies above Town Field with colourful hot air balloons and offers a packed programme of family entertainment at ground level. Expect fairground rides, food stalls, live music, and a funfair alongside the main balloon launches at dawn and dusk.

The mass ascents are the highlight, dozens of balloons lifting off together is genuinely spectacular, but they are weather-dependent, so check social media for updates on the day. The festival offers excellent value even without the balloons, and there’s plenty to keep children entertained all day. The night glow on Saturday evening, where tethered balloons light up in sequence, is particularly magical.

Dates: 24th – 25th July 2026

Ticket Prices: £8.40/adult, £6.30/child

Address: Town Field, Doncaster, DN1 2JS

Open-Air Cinema at Wentworth Woodhouse

Adventure Cinema brings outdoor screenings to the grounds of Wentworth Woodhouse, and the setting is hard to beat. With the longest country house frontage in Europe as your backdrop, you can choose from six films across the weekend: Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia ExtrABBAganza, Pride and Prejudice, Jurassic Park, Sing, and a Bing session for toddlers.

Gates open well before the screening, so arrive early with blankets, picnic chairs, and a flask. The atmosphere builds as the sun goes down and the house looms behind the screen. Bring warm layers, even in July, it cools down after dark. Children’s tickets start at £9.80, making this a more affordable option than many outdoor cinema events.

Dates: 24th – 26th July 2026

Ticket Prices: From £12.89/adult, £9.80/child (under 12)

Address: Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ

The Best Things to do in Yorkshire in July

So, here is a roundup of the best things to do in Yorkshire in July. Which one will you be visiting first?

Have I missed your favourite July Yorkshire 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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