Once a year, a day is set aside solely to celebrate the wonders of God’s own county. This year August 1st falls on a Saturday, meaning that the whole family can get out and celebrate some of the highlights that Yorkshire has to offer.

For me, the fact that we are currently looking after our 2 week old baby means that our options to celebrate Yorkshire Day are a little bit limited! However, we may still celebrate by enjoying a tasty Yorkshire pudding, either with some golden syrup or perhaps with some gravy, sausages and sauteed onions! For the rest of you, I can suggest the following places (weather permitting) as my tips to visit to get a feel for the beauty, history and culture of Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Free, fascinating, and great for the whole family, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is located just off the M1 near Wakefield. It is a wonderful location for anyone looking to enjoy a special day out. Charlotte and I have been before on walks with our families, friends, and for a romantic picnic as just the two of us. Versatile offerings for the whole family include a lovely long walk across meadows filled with cows, truly amazing artwork by the likes of Barbara Hepworth, and a nice cafe on site. On top of all of this, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is free (although you do have to pay a car park fee) and has an excellent gift shop.

The Brontë Parsonage (and walks in the surrounding area)

Stunning in summer, harrowing in winter, the history and tragedy of the Brontë parsonage is a true reflection of the highs and lows Yorkshire has faced in its long history. With the Brontë parsonage offering a wonderful insight into Victorian life in Haworth, the treasures of some of the original writings of the Brontë sisters can be seen here. There’s also immaculately preserved home furnishings, so this is a wonderful place to visit for history and literary buffs.

For those of you who feel like doing something outdoors, you can do some incredible walks in the surrounding area, taking in places such as the house that inspired the home Heathcliffe lived in and the Brontë waterfall. If you really want to be energetic, you can walk part of the Pennine Way!

Hawes Creamery

Of course, being a foodie blog, we couldn’t ignore a true taste of Yorkshire to celebrate Yorkshire Day! Hawes Creamery (now known as Wensleydale Creamery) offers you the chance to watch the wonderful Wensleydale cheese being made and also most importantly has perhaps the biggest and best tasting room ever in the world of cheese.

With a cafe on site, history, food and a nice bit of culture, this is a great place to come to if the weather decides not to play ball this Saturday. Sure, it won’t be a whole day experience but you might find that you are enjoying the drive around the area as much as you enjoy eating the lovely cheese.

Think we have missed a trick for this weekend? Let us know what you think is the best option this Yorkshire Day by commenting below!