9 Free Things To Do In North Yorkshire: Exploring the Region's Hidden Gems
North Yorkshire offers a wealth of free attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
From historic city walls to stunning natural landscapes, there's something to suit every interest without spending a penny.
Exploring North Yorkshire doesn't have to cost anything, with numerous museums, parks, ancient ruins and natural wonders available to experience at no charge.
The region's diverse geography encompasses both vibrant cities and peaceful countryside, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers looking to discover authentic Yorkshire charm.
1) National Trust - Brimham Rocks
Perched on the moorlands near Harrogate, Brimham Rocks features extraordinary rock formations that have been shaped by centuries of weathering.
These 400 acres of natural wonder offer visitors a chance to explore bizarre balancing rocks, towering structures and fascinating geological features without paying an entrance fee.
The area provides spectacular views across the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a perfect destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
While the site is managed by the National Trust, access to the rocks themselves is completely free, though there is a charge for the car park if you're arriving by vehicle.
Visitors can wander through the labyrinth of paths surrounding the rocks, with each formation having its own unique name and character.
Dogs are welcome throughout the site, making it an excellent day out for the whole family including four-legged members.
The dramatic landscape changes with the seasons, offering a different experience whether you visit in the misty autumn, snow-dusted winter, or blooming heather of late summer.
Pack a picnic and spend the day scrambling over rocks and enjoying the remarkable natural sculptures.
Rating: 4.8 (5968 reviews)
Location: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
Contact: 01423 780688
Website: Visit Website
2) Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the River Nidd, Knaresborough Castle offers visitors free access to its picturesque grounds throughout the year.
This medieval fortress dates back to the 1300s and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the impressive railway viaduct.
While exploring the castle grounds costs nothing, the Courthouse Museum does charge an admission fee if you wish to venture inside.
The museum houses an original Tudor courtroom and exhibits detailing the castle's royal residents and Knaresborough's colourful history.
During spring and summer, the castle grounds come alive with free musical performances on Sunday afternoons.
These band concerts begin at 2pm and create a delightful atmosphere for visitors relaxing on the green clifftop setting.
The newly renovated Castle Critters activity room offers family-friendly experiences, though these activities are part of the paid museum experience.
For those seeking adventure, the Sally Port underground tunnel occasionally opens for exploration, providing insight into the castle's strategic defensive design.
Rating: 4.6 (4476 reviews)
Location: Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS
Contact: 01423 866886
Website: Visit Website
3) Valley Gardens Harrogate
Valley Gardens is a stunning 17-acre English Heritage Grade II listed parkland in the heart of Harrogate.
The gardens are renowned for their exceptional floral displays that change with the seasons, featuring magnificent dahlias and bedding flowers replanted throughout the year.
What makes Valley Gardens truly special is Bogs Field, believed to have the highest concentration of different mineral water springs in the world.
Thirty-six of Harrogate's approximately one hundred mineral wells can be found within the gardens, each with its own unique properties.
The gardens boast several themed areas including New Zealand, Japanese, Scree, Peat, Rock, and Sensory Gardens.
Historic buildings add to the charm, including the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room (1858) and the Art Deco Sun Pavilion and Colonnade from 1933.
Visitors can enjoy numerous free attractions including a children's play area with paddling pool, model boating pond, and the King Edward VII Memorial Gate.
The adjacent Pinewoods offers an additional 96 acres of woodland with paths leading to RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
Rating: 4.7 (5509 reviews)
Location: Valley Dr, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
Contact: 01423 500600
Website: Visit Website
4) Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre
Aysgarth Falls is a stunning natural attraction featuring a series of cascading waterfalls set within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The visitor centre serves as an ideal starting point for exploring this picturesque area, offering informative displays about the local landscape and wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy several walking routes from the centre, leading to the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls.
These walks are suitable for different abilities and provide excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting throughout the seasons.
The centre provides helpful resources including maps, guidebooks and free advice from knowledgeable staff who can assist with planning your visit.
They can recommend local walks, points of interest, and provide information about public transport options.
While the visitor centre offers souvenirs and books for purchase, access to the falls themselves and the surrounding walking trails is completely free.
The car park remains available even when the visitor centre is closed, ensuring the natural beauty of Aysgarth Falls can be enjoyed at any time.
Rating: 4.7 (6396 reviews)
Location: Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, Church Bank, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3TH
Contact: 01969 662910
Website: Visit Website
5) Malham Cove
Malham Cove is a stunning geological wonder in the Yorkshire Dales, featuring a magnificent 70-metre high curved cliff of white limestone.
This natural amphitheatre was formed over millions of years through the relentless forces of water and ice erosion along the Middle Craven Fault.
The spectacular limestone pavement at the top of the cove offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Once the site of a massive waterfall when glacial meltwater flowed over its edge, today the water travels underground, emerging at the base of the cliff.
The cove has become a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly birdwatchers.
Lucky visitors might spot peregrine falcons that nest in the rock face during summer months, alongside house martins and jackdaws that soar around this impressive natural formation.
The RSPB often sets up a viewpoint during nesting season.
For adventure seekers, the cove presents a challenging rock climbing opportunity, while those who prefer a gentler experience can enjoy the well-maintained walking paths that lead to and around this remarkable natural landmark.
Rating: 4.9 (5660 reviews)
Location: Malham, Skipton BD23 4DJ
Website: Visit Website
6) Museum Gardens
Museum Gardens in York offers a serene escape in the heart of the city. The expansive botanical gardens surround the Yorkshire Museum, providing a picturesque setting with mature trees and well-maintained landscapes.
History blends with nature here as visitors can explore Roman ruins and the medieval St Mary's Abbey within the gardens. These historical elements add a fascinating dimension to a simple stroll through the grounds.
The gardens are free to enter and open daily from 9am to 6pm, with the Artists' garden available from 10:30am to 4:30pm.
It's a perfect spot for relaxation, and while picnics are welcome, visitors are asked to take their litter home and note that alcohol is not permitted.
For refreshments, Ciao York operates near the Museum Street entrance, offering sandwiches, hot drinks and treats from 9am to 4pm daily.
The garden's central location makes it an ideal stop during exploration of York's attractions.
Rating: 4.6 (8400 reviews)
Location: Museum St, York YO1 7FR
Contact: 01904 687687
Website: Visit Website
7) Ribblehead Viaduct
The magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct stands as an iconic landmark in North Yorkshire, just over the border from Cumbria.
Built in the 19th century, this impressive structure features 24 massive stone arches towering 104 feet (32 metres) above the moorland, making it the most remarkable feature of the Settle-Carlisle Railway.
The viaduct has a sobering history, with hundreds of railway builders ('navvies') losing their lives during its construction due to accidents, conflicts and smallpox outbreaks.
The railway company even paid for an expansion of the local graveyard to accommodate the deceased workers, with memorials at nearby churches commemorating their sacrifice.
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the viaduct by taking a short walk from Ribblehead station.
Photography enthusiasts will find the structure particularly photogenic against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales.
For those seeking more adventure, a footpath leads from the viaduct to Whernside, offering extended hiking opportunities.
The area surrounding the viaduct provides excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the Yorkshire Dales.
This historical engineering marvel demonstrates Victorian ingenuity and determination, making it well worth a visit for anyone exploring North Yorkshire.
Rating: 4.8 (1989 reviews)
Location: Low Sleights Rd, Carnforth LA6 3AU
Website: Visit Website
8) Janet's Foss
Janet's Foss is a charming natural attraction nestled in the Yorkshire Dales near the village of Malham. This picturesque waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool, creating a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush woodland. The name "Foss" comes from the Old Norse word for waterfall.
The site is accessible via a scenic woodland trail that meanders alongside Gordale Beck. This easy walking path makes it suitable for visitors of all ages and provides a delightful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Spring visitors will be treated to the sight of wild garlic carpeting the woodland floor.
According to local folklore, Janet (or Jennet) was the Queen of the local fairies who was said to inhabit a cave behind the waterfall. This enchanting legend adds to the magical atmosphere of the place.
Many visitors enjoy photographing the falls or even taking a refreshing dip in the plunge pool during warmer months.
The waterfall forms part of the popular circular walk that includes Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, making it a perfect addition to a day exploring the breathtaking limestone landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
Rating: 4.8 (2780 reviews)
Location: Malham, Skipton BD23 4DL
9) Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle stands as one of North Yorkshire's most impressive medieval fortresses. Completed in 1399, this well-preserved castle offers visitors a glimpse into medieval life without requiring an entrance fee for the exterior grounds.
While exploring the castle surroundings, you can enjoy spectacular views of Wensleydale and the Yorkshire Dales. The castle's imposing stone walls and corner towers present excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate medieval architecture up close.
Falconry displays are occasionally held in the castle grounds, allowing visitors to watch magnificent birds of prey in action.
The castle also hosts various seasonal events throughout the year, many of which can be enjoyed without purchasing a ticket.
For those interested in history, the castle is famous for once imprisoning Mary, Queen of Scots in 1568, adding a compelling historical narrative to your visit. Walking the perimeter provides insight into the strategic importance of this fortress.
Rating: 4.5 (2337 reviews)
Location: Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4ET
Contact: 01969 623981
Website: Visit Website
Exploring North Yorkshire's Natural Beauty
North Yorkshire offers breathtaking landscapes from rugged moorlands to dramatic coastlines, all accessible without spending a penny.
The region's diverse terrain provides countless opportunities for outdoor adventures throughout the year.
Scenic Walks and Trails
North Yorkshire boasts an impressive collection of natural wonders perfect for exploration on foot.
Brimham Rocks features fascinating rock formations shaped by centuries of weathering, creating an otherworldly landscape that visitors can wander through freely.
For a rewarding hike with spectacular views, Roseberry Topping offers a distinctive peak that's challenging yet accessible for most walkers. The panoramic vistas from the summit are truly worth the climb.
The lesser-known Hackfall Woods provides enchanting woodland trails alongside picturesque waterfalls and historic follies. Perfect for a peaceful day out surrounded by nature.
Aysgarth Falls showcases a series of three spectacular limestone waterfalls along the River Ure. The well-maintained paths make viewing these natural spectacles accessible for visitors of all abilities.
Stunning Coastal Views
The Yorkshire Coast stretches for miles, offering dramatic cliffs, charming fishing villages and sandy beaches—all completely free to enjoy. The Cleveland Way National Trail provides excellent vantage points along the coastline.
Robin Hood's Bay presents narrow, winding streets leading down to a stunning beach perfect for fossil hunting at low tide. The village itself is rich in smuggling history and maritime heritage.
For those seeking tranquillity, the quieter reservoirs provide peaceful alternatives to busier coastal spots.
Swinsty Reservoir offers gentle waterside walks through dense woodland, while Thruscross Reservoir provides more secluded paths and intriguing remains of the village that was flooded to create it.
Cultural and Historical Insights
North Yorkshire's landscape is dotted with remarkable heritage sites and artistic treasures that won't cost you a penny to experience.
The region's rich history spans from Roman settlements to Viking invasions, all leaving their distinctive mark on the local culture.
Rich Heritage Sites
North Yorkshire boasts numerous accessible historical sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the past without emptying their wallets.
Easby Abbey near Richmond provides a peaceful setting to explore impressive 12th-century ruins. The tranquil riverside location makes it perfect for a contemplative visit.
The famous 199 Steps in Whitby lead to the haunting Whitby Abbey ruins, offering both exercise and extraordinary views across the harbour. This Gothic masterpiece inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and continues to captivate visitors today.
For something more unusual, the Druid's Temple near Masham isn't actually ancient—it's a 19th-century folly—but still provides an atmospheric experience of megalithic architecture without any entry fee.
Local Art and Museums
Many of North Yorkshire's museums and art installations are free to the public, offering cultural enrichment without cost.
The Hornsea Pottery Art Trail features colourful ceramic installations that celebrate the area's pottery-making heritage, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
In York itself, many galleries offer free admission on select days.
The city's streets function as an open-air museum, with medieval architecture and Roman remnants visible throughout the historic centre.
The Jorvik Viking Centre in York, while not free, has transformed our understanding of Viking history in the region. However, you can view many archaeological finds from this period in free exhibitions around the city.
Public art installations in towns like Scarborough and Whitby offer cultural insights into maritime traditions and folklore, accessible to everyone regardless of budget.
Events and Seasonal Activities
North Yorkshire hosts a variety of free festivals and community gatherings throughout the year, offering visitors and locals alike opportunities to experience the region's rich culture without spending a penny.
Annual Festivals
North Yorkshire boasts several free annual festivals that showcase local traditions and creativity.
The Filey Food Festival takes place multiple times a year in April, June, August and October, featuring local producers and delicious treats at no entry cost.
In Scarborough, the Food and Drink Festival held on 12 and 13 April 2025 offers free entry with opportunities to sample regional specialities and watch cooking demonstrations.
Many towns across the region host seasonal celebrations including summer galas and Christmas markets where visitors can enjoy free entertainment, music performances, and festive atmospheres. These events typically feature local artisans, traditional Yorkshire food, and family-friendly activities.
Community Events
The Pancake Day Races on 4 March bring communities together for this quirky British tradition where participants race whilst flipping pancakes. This free spectator event offers fun entertainment for the whole family.
Spring Daze on 9 April celebrates the arrival of spring with free activities across various North Yorkshire locations. Visitors can enjoy outdoor performances, crafts and nature-focused events.
Local libraries and community centres frequently host free talks, workshops and activities throughout the year.
These smaller events provide authentic experiences of Yorkshire culture and hospitality.
Many villages organise seasonal fêtes featuring traditional games, local history displays and community performances that visitors are welcome to attend at no cost. These gatherings offer a genuine glimpse into Yorkshire village life and often showcase regional customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Yorkshire offers numerous free attractions for all ages, from historical sites to natural wonders. Visitors can explore scenic landscapes, historic towns, and cultural landmarks without spending a penny.
What are some engaging activities for families to do in North Yorkshire without spending any money?
Families can enjoy a day at the National Railway Museum in York, which offers free entry and interactive exhibits that children love. The museum features historic locomotives and hands-on activities that educate and entertain.
Brimham Rocks provides an exciting outdoor adventure where children can climb among the uniquely shaped rock formations. These natural sculptures created by erosion offer hours of exploration and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Valley Gardens in Harrogate present a perfect spot for a family picnic with beautiful floral displays, a children's playground, and open spaces for games. The gardens host various free events throughout the year.
Can you list the top free attractions to visit in North Yorkshire for dog owners?
Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers dog-friendly walking trails alongside spectacular waterfalls. The series of three falls provides a refreshing spot for dogs to cool off during summer walks.
The York City Walls welcome leashed dogs and provide a 3.4km elevated walking route with panoramic views of the city. These medieval walls represent the most complete example in England.
Hackfall Woods near Ripon features ancient woodland paths and hidden follies that dogs and their owners can discover together. The varied terrain and natural water features make it an exciting adventure for four-legged visitors.
Where can one find unique and free places to explore in North Yorkshire this weekend?
The Druid's Temple near Masham is a fascinating folly built in the 1800s that resembles a prehistoric stone circle. Despite its relatively recent construction, it creates a mysterious atmosphere worth experiencing.
The Forbidden Corner offers unusual sights around its perimeter that can be viewed without entry fees. Often described as "The Strangest Place in the World," its exterior provides a glimpse of the quirky attractions inside.
Exploring the historic Shambles in York costs nothing and transports visitors to medieval times with its overhanging timber-framed buildings. This well-preserved street dates back to the 14th century.
Could you suggest some free cultural experiences in North Yorkshire that are ideal for adults?
Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum grounds can be explored without charge, offering spectacular views over the River Nidd. The ruined fortress dates back to the Norman era and has hosted royalty throughout its history.
Whitby Abbey can be admired from various vantage points around the town without paying entrance fees. This Gothic ruin, which inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, creates a dramatic silhouette against the North Sea.
Art enthusiasts can visit numerous galleries in towns like Staithes and Saltburn-by-the-Sea that showcase local artists' work. These coastal communities have long artistic traditions and feature changing exhibitions throughout the year.
What are the best towns in North Yorkshire to visit that offer no-cost tourist spots?
York features numerous free attractions including the York City Walls, historic Shambles, and riverside walks. The city's medieval streets can be explored through self-guided walking tours.
Scarborough offers free access to its beaches and the Peasholm Park, a Japanese-themed garden with a pagoda and artificial lake. The town's historic harbour and South Bay promenade provide scenic coastal views.
Harrogate allows visitors to sample the famous sulphur water from the Tewit Well and explore the extensive Valley Gardens without spending anything. The elegant spa town also features beautiful Victorian architecture and the historic Montpellier Quarter.
Which free outdoor locations in the North Yorkshire Dales are worth visiting?
Aysgarth Falls comprises three sets of limestone steps over which the River Ure cascades dramatically. The falls have featured in films and attract photographers year-round to capture their beauty.
Sutton Bank offers what famous veterinarian James Herriot called "the finest view in England" without any entrance fee. The natural landmark provides stunning vistas across the Vale of York.
Malham Cove presents a curved limestone formation with a distinctive pattern of limestone pavement at its top. This natural amphitheatre was formed by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age.
