Welcome to Yorkshire

This summer, visitors to York will have the exciting opportunity to explore a hidden part of the city’s rich history. A previously closed section of St Leonard’s, which was once a monastic hospital, will be opened to the public starting from Monday, 20 July 2026. This initiative is the result of collaborative efforts by the City of York Council and various local organisations, including Explore York, York Museum Trust, York BID, and York Archaeology.

James Taylor, the legendary singer-songwriter, captivated fans during a sold-out concert at TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall in Halifax on Thursday evening. This memorable event showcased his timeless music, with Taylor performing for two hours alongside his acclaimed All-Star Band. Celebrating A Beautiful Venue As the evening began, Taylor greeted the enthusiastic Halifax crowd with warm words about the historic venue. He remarked, "This is a remarkably beautiful spot to find oneself.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is taking a stand for polar bears as it marks Arctic Sea Ice Day on July 15, 2026. With UK temperatures rising, the park is raising awareness about the impact of climate change on these magnificent animals and the ice they rely on for survival. The 110-acre park, located near Doncaster, is reaffirming its commitment to protecting polar bears, whose populations have been declining alarmingly over the past two decades.

Standing unassuming on Southgate in the heart of Halifax, the Old Cock is one of the town's oldest and, in fact, one of its most significant surviving buildings. Originally constructed around 1580 as a prestigious townhouse for the Savile family, the building was converted into an inn in 1668, reflecting Halifax's growing importance as a centre of trade and commerce.

This summer, visitors to Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, located near Doncaster, are in for a treat with a variety of exciting events lined up from 18 July to 6 September 2026. Dubbed the Great British Summer, this programme celebrates the cherished traditions of British holidays and pastimes that many hold dear. English Heritage is hosting a packed schedule of activities designed to entertain families and visitors of all ages.

Acclaimed filmmaker Clio Barnard, who grew up in Otley, returns with her latest feature I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning. Barnard is best known for a body of work closely associated with Yorkshire, including the Bradford-set films The Arbor, The Selfish Giant and Ali & Ava, as well as the Yorkshire farming drama Dark River. Fresh from presenting the film at this year's Cannes Film Festival, her latest feature is due for UK release later this year.

A vibrant wildflower meadow at Spilmans Farm, located near Thirsk, has opened its gates to visitors, providing a delightful experience for nature lovers and families alike. This stunning five-acre site, part of the 100-acre Church Farm in Sessay, offers an incredible opportunity for people to pick their own flowers while enjoying a day out in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

The excitement at White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds is palpable as the newly opened Volcano Falls Adventure Golf welcomes visitors. This immersive entertainment destination, created by Funstation, officially opened its doors on July 13, 2026, and promises an engaging experience for everyone, from families to friends, date nights, and corporate events.

As the UK faces its third heatwave in just a few weeks, many are looking for ways to cool off without venturing far from home. With record-high temperatures affecting the entire country, the concept of a 'coolcation' has become increasingly popular. A coolcation is a holiday taken in a cooler climate, but with many people keen to stay within Yorkshire, there are plenty of nearby options where rivers, the coast, woodland and higher ground help provide a welcome escape from the heat.

This summer, families in York are in for a treat with the opening of a brand-new pop-up play area called The Tempest, set to launch on Tuesday, 21st July. Located on Parliament Street, this exciting new attraction is designed to offer children a fun and engaging space to play while learning about local heritage. The initiative is brought to the city by York BID, which aims to create a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.