5 fun ways to celebrate Yorkshire Day on 1 August

As Yorkshire Day approaches on 1 August, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate here at PenLife.

Our home county is full of natural beauty, amazing people, and fun activities that both locals and tourists can enjoy all year round – but with this momentous day arriving soon, what better time to soak up all Yorkshire has to offer?

If you are looking for ways to enjoy this occasion with your family, friends, or solo, here are five fun ways to celebrate Yorkshire Day 2023.

1. Embark on an epic hike up one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – referring to a 24-mile hike over the course of one day across the Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough peaks – has become a popular athletic feat for people around the UK.

If you’re not necessarily up for hiking the whole lot in just one day, though, you can still celebrate Yorkshire Day by choosing one peak to climb. The views from the top are beyond stunning, and on a sunny summer’s day, this challenging uphill walk could provide the revitalisation you’ve been craving.

Choose an eager group of friends or family, lace up your walking boots, and take in the amazing Yorkshire views by hiking up one of the Three Peaks on Yorkshire Day. Remember: safety is paramount, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and allow lots of time to complete your hike.

2. Learn about our history at the Yorkshire Museum

Yorkshire has a fascinating history. First occupied in around 8000BC, during the Ice Age, Yorkshire has since been inhabited by the Romans, Vikings, and Angles.

After the Norman Conquest of 1066, the harrying of the North – one of the more gruesome parts of Yorkshire’s history – saw the region enter a period of extreme difficulty.

Fast forward to more recent times, and Yorkshire became an essential cog in the machine of the industrial revolution, and many Yorkshiremen and women contributed to Britain’s successes in the first and second world wars.

All this, and more, can be discovered in the Yorkshire Museum, located in central York.

This site comprises historical artefacts and modern art exhibitions from in and around Yorkshire. So, perhaps it’s time to visit the Yorkshire Museum this Yorkshire Day and discover the incredible history of our county that spans thousands of years.

3. Go for a picnic at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a hidden gem nestled in the countryside just south of Huddersfield.

Spanning across 500 acres of beautiful Yorkshire land, the Sculpture Park is a permanent outdoor art exhibition featuring pieces by Damien Hirst, Ai Weiwei, and Barbara Hepworth, to name just three world-renowned sculptors.

Wander freely among these surprising pieces and meet sheep, highland cows, and deer as you go. Sit among the sculptures and bring your own picnic, or relax in the park’s café and enjoy a freshly prepared meal – whatever you choose, the Sculpture Park could be the ideal family day out this Yorkshire Day.

4. Attend a Yorkshire event in the month of August

Although Yorkshire Day falls on 1 August, why stop at just one day of celebrations?

There are so many exciting events happening around our county next month. Here are just a few days out you could take to mark Yorkshire Day.

Whitby Regatta (12 – 14 August)

An exciting day for all involved, the Whitby Regatta comprises a series of sea rowing competitions, complete with an RAF display, fireworks, a car rally and more.

Staithes Lifeboat Weekend (18 – 20 August)

The stunning seaside town of Staithes hosts its Lifeboat Weekend this year between 18 and 20 August. With lots to do and see on the day, all proceeds go towards the Royal National Lifeguard Institution (RNLI), who do lifesaving work around the UK’s coastline every year.

Malham Show (26 August)

One of the north-east’s finest agricultural spectacles, the Malham Show, is sure to be a fun day out for all the family.

Go along and find horse and dog shows, livestock parades, and plenty of contests you can join in with on a hot summer’s day.

Malton Food Lovers’ Festival (26 and 27 August)

Considered Yorkshire’s “food capital”, Malton is the perfect place to hold a festival for foodies to enjoy.

Taking place over the last weekend of August, why not taste delicious delicacies from around the world at this family-friendly event?

Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta (25 to 28 August)

Held this year in Castle Howard, Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta is a spectacle for the entire family to enjoy.

Camp onsite or travel in from home, and you’ll find musical acts, food and drink stands, and of course stunning hot air balloon tethering and launches.

Extending your Yorkshire Day activities into the whole month of August could give you the chance to taste all our county has to offer.

5. Support a local business

Finally, if you want to mark Yorkshire Day with something special such as a meal out, a trip to the pub, or a day out with the kids, finding a local business to support might suit the spirit of the day.

Here at PenLife, we are passionate about championing small businesses based in Yorkshire through the Guest House segment in our newsletter. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a local business to uplift and support entrepreneurs around York.

Whether it’s a family-owned pub in your village, a small coffee shop, or a bigger business that originated here in Yorkshire, giving your custom to hardworking local business owners could be the perfect way to celebrate Yorkshire in all its glory.

Get in touch

We are Yorkshire-based Financial Planners who can help you reach your life goals, no matter what they may be. To learn more, email us at enquiries@pen-life.co.uk, or call 01904 661140.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.