Yorkshire's finest

Yorkshire Day is your chance to celebrate the county where you'll always belong, no matter where you go in the world.

From mountain summits to perfect villages, take a look through our global community's favourite places in Yorkshire.

Think we're missing one? It's not too late to submit your suggestion.

Brimham Rocks

"Fantastic scenery and scrambling opportunities." Bryan Hardwick (PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1982)

"Just stunning and so much fun to explore and wander!" Rosie Lindley (Law 2015; MSc Business Psychology 2017)

"A large area of brilliant rock formations. The rocks have been transformed over millions of years into fantastic shapes. A perfect peaceful place to contemplate." Geoff Chapman (Chemistry 1972)

Malham Cove and Malham Tarn

"Malham Cove, is almost unworldly, bringing together natural beauty, grandeur and danger. It is the most unique place I know it Yorkshire and the UK. It is a place we went to several times as a child with fond memories with my late mother and family, and a place I take partners to marvel at its beauty. It amazes me every time I go. " James Broom (Mathematics 2003)

"Malham Tarn! It's special to me as from an early age my family used to go to Yorkshire for summer holidays - my Dad was born in Hull - though we were living in Essex and I was born in London. His sister, my aunt, was a geographer and taught at the then Bingley College and on a few occasions when I was very young I used to stay with her at the college and she taught me such a lot. I will always remember Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn and its ice-cold water. Loved my time at Leeds and still in touch with several of my fellow students!" Kathryn Foster (nee Mahoney) (English 1973)

"It has to be stunning Malham Cove. I went there as a student at the University, with two fellow students. We walked to the foot of the cove and across the limestone pavement above the cove. We optimistically brought with us just the one tent and after a drink or two at one of the pubs in Malham, we retired to our tent, which turned out to be a tight squeeze. One of my friends was particularly tall and had to sleep with most of his legs outside the tent, and it was a damp and chilly night. None of us slept very well and we were awoken during the night by a herd of cows who we thought were munching our tent. In fact, they were probably just chewing the cud. We were happy in the end to return to our student digs in Cliff Road, but with a fond memory of Malham and its Cove, if not our camping arrangements." Rafael Donnelly (Law 1980)

Whitby

"The view of Whitby from the 199 steps. Happy family memories over many years." Michael Holloway (Economic History 1980)

Ilkley Moor

"I love Ilkley Moor. It’s such a great spot for a hike with a friend, and to get away from the city into nature. To me, moors are such an iconic part and symbol of Yorkshire. They’re a must-see. Ilkley moor is gorgeous, and a great distance for a short day trip from Leeds." Stella Vellendi (International Development with Politics 2015)

"Sitting on the Calf Rock at Ilkley Moor following graduation in 1970." Bernard Quoroll (Law 1970)

"Ilkley, specifically the Cow and Calf rocks. I explored Ilkley on my own and climbed the hill to see the rocks. I struggled with the climb but all the grass was unique. And then the view at the top and the fresh air were amazing. I even saw a rainbow. A perfect spot for a small picnic, alone or with friends." Eden (MSc Clinical Embryology and ART 2023)

"Ilkley park, where I once spent a gloriously sunny afternoon reading after cycling up and down what felt like thousands of hills between there and Leeds." Ilse Ras (PhD English 2017)

Sutton Bank

"Sutton bank! Gorgeous walks with family and friends there." Phoebe (Diagnostic Radiography 2017)

"The view from the top of Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire. After the 1 in 4 drive up Sutton Bank itself, travelling from Thirsk, park in the National Park car park at the top. It is then only a short walk to fantastic views over the countryside below, which if you are lucky, will also have gliders soaring above." Dr Paul Hatton (Medicine 1982; MPH 1988)

Bolton Abbey

"My wife and I lived a year in Leeds while I studied at the University on a Fulbright grant. We fell in love with Bolton Abbey, and my wife always said she wanted to be buried there. So after she died 10 years ago the whole family came over from the United States and we sprinkled her ashes at Bolton Abbey. Bolton Abbey will always be my favourite spot in Yorkshire - I can't wait to get back!" Larry Pike (JYA 1961)

Meanwood Valley

"I love standing on the little bridge over the river in Meanwood Valley park." Milly Cox (Classical Civilisation 2022)

Dewsbury

"Now that I live in Canada, my childhood home in Dewsbury is my favourite spot. Walking through these green fields to get to my home (which is in the bottom left corner) growing up, and then being able to bring my husband and show him where I'm from last year was so special. I'm a Yorkshire lass forever." Sanna Iqbal (Philosophy & Politics 2020)

Burnsall

"Burnsall is the most beautiful village I have ever seen in wonderful countryside." Steve Blackburn (Maths 1979; MPhil 1983)

York

"York has a brilliant history, chocolates, elaborate tour guides and ghost stories." Raghav Kanoria (MBA 2002)

"Definitely York Minster, so proud to be a Yorkshire man." Simon Blackett (Chemical Engineering 1990)

Knaresborough

"I love having food around the river and those boat rides with the view." Rushali Gupta (MSc Global Supply Chain Management 2024)

Hebden Bridge

"It’s objectively beautiful! But my absolute favourite spot there is a bit of a hidden gem called Lumb Falls and it is magical. Getting there is a bit of a hike if you don’t have a car. But it’s so worth it. And you can even swim there!" Nicole Pinto (MSc International Marketing Management 2024)

Settle

"The village of Settle is special for its town square with the Olde Naked Man Café, an outstanding bakery and other restaurants and shops and it is an easy walk to the close by village of Giggleswick and its ancient holy well at St. Alkelda's Church where sheep graze in the churchyard. Pictured are my two sons in Settle's square." Michael Bentley (Biology 1968)

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

"I love Henry Moore and it has an amazing collection set amongst the beautiful Yorkshire countryside." Lara Goodman (Mathematics 2024)

River Wharfe, Wetherby Ings

"It is a beautiful green space where people are free to play sports, socialise, and reconnect. With a leisure centre and clubhouse, the green space has a wonderful family feel, where I have made many memories over my childhood and into adulthood. The space looks stunning in the nice weather, a real gem in the most unexpected places." Anonymous

Rosedale

"It was my grandad's favourite spot; he was a photographer and artist and used to take his camera out there. My gran sometimes takes us for a drive out there when we visit. It is beautiful all year round, but especially when the heather is in bloom. The attached photo was taken from Blakey Ridge in August 2022." Sarah Brooks (Languages, Cultures and International Relations (Spanish) 2023)

Other Yorkshire gems suggested by alumni:

• Hawes, Yorkshire Dales
• Harewood House: "Beautiful house and grounds for a visit just by itself, but is also host to great music events on throughout the year." Amanda Field (PhD Colour and Polymer Chemistry 2009)
• Castle Howard and the surrounding countryside
• Howarth, home of the Brontës
• Keld, North Yorshire
• Parkinson steps
• Lake Semerwater
• Kirkstall Abbey
• Fountains Abbey and Studley Abbey
• Summit plateau of Ingleborough
• Roundhay Park
• Skipton, Otley and the Dales: "Absolutely stunning scenery and definitely some of the best pubs." Lise Chaput (Spanish Management Studies and Spanish 1982)
• "Looking westward from the junction of Penny Pot Lane and the B6451 road five miles to the west of Harrogate." Malcolm Coupe (Politics Studies 1973)
• Plumpton Rocks
• Woodhouse Moor
• Parkinson Court
• Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire
• Pastureside Farm, Walden: "Utterly breathe taking scenery just 40 mins from Leeds." Tom Wilson (MSc Biodiversity and Conservation 2024)
• Headingly Stadium: "A place where we can be loud and proud of our Yorkshire pride, cheering on both our rugby league and cricket teams!" Joanna Lester (History 2006)
• Trollers Gill