Ey Up! In honour of Yorkshire Day taking place on 1st August here is our complete guide to what's happening, where and when to make the most of the special day. No matter if you’re from Yorkshire or not, it’s a great national day to celebrate the largest county in the UK. Yorkshire Day 2023 is less than a month away and we’re SO buzzing, are you?! Let's get cracking with everything that's happening this year...

The History Of Yorkshire Day

If you haven't the faintest idea what Yorkshire Day is then don’t stress, we’re here to tell you everything there is to know. First of all, its celebrated every year on 1st August to remember and celebrate the historic county of Yorkshire. The roots of the national day come from the anniversary of the Battle of Minden on 1st August as well as the anniversary of the freedom of slaves in the British Empire in 1834. In which William Wilberforce, an MP from Yorkshire campaigned. However, Yorkshire Day was officially established in 1975 by the Yorkshire Ridings Society. It started as a protest against local government boundary changes. Yorkshire was originally divided into four ‘Ridings’ – one each for North, East, South and West. One of the government changes was to remove the word ‘Ridings’. The East Riding was impacted the worst, with parts of the county being re-assigned to ‘Humberside’. Parts of West Riding were also changed to Lancashire. Those from East Riding hated being a part of ‘Humberside’ so they re-invented Yorkshire Day to honour the county they still felt part of. The abolition of the County of Humberside took place in 1996. The first Official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration took place in 1985 in York and still takes place annually. Every year The Yorkshire Society selects a town or city to organise a special civic celebration. This year the host town is Rotherham in South Yorkshire, now that the trivia is over, discover how you can celebrate this special day! history of yorkshire day

What's On For Yorkshire Day 2023

Yorkshire Day has come a long way since its humble beginnings and is celebrated across the UK and the globe. Unfortunately, the national day isn't a bank holiday and is taking place on a Tuesday this year. Although, we still think it's going to be a great day of showcasing regional pride and celebrating all things Yorkshire. If you're curious what there is to do on the national day, stick with us. There’s so much to do, here is our guide to what’s on where and when so you can gain some inspiration!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Little Bird Artisan Markets (@littlebirdmade)

Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration

As we mentioned earlier, the official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration is taking place in Rotherham and will be hosted by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. Sadly, the main event in Rotherham is for members of The Yorkshire Society who have bought tickets or have been invited only but the parade can be joined by members of the public. Here is the list of the activities and events taking place in Rotherham:

10.00am - A meet and greet brunch at Rotherham Town Hall.
11.00am - Mayors Parade from Rotherham Town Hall to Rotherham Minster.
11.30am - Thanksgiving service at Rotherham Minster and formal hand-over of the official Yorkshire Flag.
12.30pm - Depart on vintage buses to Wentworth Woodhouse – one of the grandest stately homes in the country.
1.15pm - Arrival at Wentworth Woodhouse for a three course dinner and guided tours of the stately home.
4.00pm - Civic Reception ends.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rotherham Town Centre (@rothtowncentre)

Yorkshire Day At Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens

If you're living in North Yorkshire, why not celebrate Yorkshire Day 2023 at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens?

Taking place from 10am until 4pm on Tuesday 1st August, this exciting event will focus on all things Yorkshire with several local suppliers showcasing their skills.

Some of the suppliers attending this year include Little Yorkshire Honey House, Cosy Cottage Soap Company , Lorna Gilbert Ceramics and Happy Hounds alongside many more.

The event is free to attend, but you do need to pay for admission to the National Trust Site.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beningbrough - National Trust (@ntbeningbrough)

Pontefract Castle Explorer Tour - Yorkshire Day

Looking for ways to celebrate Yorkshire Day 2023? The Pontefract Castle Explorer Tour on August 1st is a great way to get together with friends and explore the historic site. Did you know that Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North? How interesting is that! With castle tours lasting around 45 minutes, afterwards you can head out for a bite to eat or some drinks to carry on the celebrations. Tickets can be bought on the day or online.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Turner (@jonno1123)

How Else You Can Celebrate

Why not get involved in the special day by visiting some of the best attractions in the county of Yorkshire? If you’re a university student in the likes of Leeds, Bradford, York, Sheffield, Huddersfield or Scarborough you’ll have tons of things to do so much so, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Or, if you’re from Yorkshire you might already have celebrations planned to showcase your regional pride. Here is a list of our favourite attractions up North that you just have to visit for Yorkshire Day, or whenever you get some free time.

1. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park

Enjoy the scenery at North Yorkshire’s Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park. You can explore the ancient abbey ruins and stunning water gardens at this World Heritage Site. It's such a great place for a day trip in Yorkshire with over 800 acres to explore and places to eat, shop and rest. Enjoy a picnic with friends after seeing the amazing views and landscapes, what better way to celebrate Yorkshire Day?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fountains Abbey (@ntfountainsabbey)

2. Yorkshire Dales National Park

Yorkshire Dales National Park is the home of the three peaks and has incredible scenery, wildlife and cultural heritage to explore. There’s always something to do at the Dales whether you’re there with friends or family you’ll be blown away by the sights. It's one of the best national parks in the UK which you must go and see. You can even do the Yorkshire three peaks challenge if you’re feeling up for it!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yorkshire Dales National Park (@yorkshiredales)

3. Brimham Rocks

Visting Brimham Rocks is a popular tourist attraction which makes for a wonderful day out in Yorkshire. The collection of natural rock formations is in Summerbridge, North Yorkshire and are managed by the National Trust. The historic rocks were formed centuries ago, and some even have names such as the Dancing Bear, The Sphinx and the Anvil. If you’re keen to experience new views and venture the Yorkshire countryside, this is the place to go.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brimham Rocks (@nt_brimhamrocks)

4. Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a stunning Grade I listed building in Leeds, West Yorkshire. If you’re a lover of historic architecture, you for sure have to visit this place. It's so maintained considering it was built in 1152! Located next to the River Aire the abbey is a great to have a leisurely walk around and you can even pack a nice picnic and read a book – how relaxing! Or go with friends and then afterwards head into the vibrant city centre in Leeds.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by It must be an abbey house! (@kirkstallabbey)

5. The Shambles

The Shambles is a historic street in the city of York. Not only is it one of Yorkshire's most famous landmarks but it also one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets within Europe. This quirky street was originally home to butcher shops, however, the street is now mostly home to independent retailers. It’s a great place to take in the sights, eat and drink and shop! Add it your bucket list to soak in the history of England's largest county.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shambles (@theshamblesyork)

There’s absolutely tons of places to visit in Yorkshire from hidden gems to natural beauties so we’d be here all day if we were to name them all. Regardless, no matter how you’re celebrating Yorkshire Day if it's at home eating some Yorkshire puddings, visiting a new place in the county, spending time with family and friends, or down at the pub. We’re sure Yorkshire Day 2023 is going to be fantastic!

How will you be celebrating this year? Let us know @_homesforstudents and use the #YorkshireDay hashtag.

Keen to find your perfect student home? We have accommodation available across Yorkshire and the UK.

holidays

Top 10 Vintage Shops in London for Students 2023

The COMPLETE Yorkshire Day 2023 Guide