Adults Only- Top Things to Do For Grown Ups in North Yorkshire

Family day outs and parenting is great but sometimes we all just need to let our hair down, kick back, relax, and spend some quality time with grown-ups without having to worry about the kids!

Fortunately, North Yorkshire, located in the North of England, is a place bursting with incredible activities for adults to enjoy. From brisk seaside walks, to spa town visits and countryside hikes, if you’re planning the ultimate ‘adult’s only’ getaway then make sure you consider these five great days out in North Yorkshire:

Seaside Fun in Scarborough

Nestled right on the east cost of Yorkshire, Scarborough has proudly stood as a popular holiday for centuries and it’s easy to see why. A sandy beach, fun-filled promenade and beautiful surrounding landscapes make it the perfect place to explore, regardless of the time of year you’re visiting.

If you venture here in the summer months you can enjoy a brisk walk along the beach, or a trek to the famous Scarborough Castle, stopping to grab an ice cream or sample some delicious local food such as traditional fish and chips and fresh seafood on your way. Scarborough is even home to a gorgeous ‘open air’ theatre that has proudly welcomed some of the world’s leading musical acts and performers.

If you’re visiting in the winter months, and the weather is inclement, there’s plenty to do including visiting the arcades or checking out the Rotunda Museum where you’ll be able to learn all about the region’s coastal heritage and geology. 

Sightseeing in Knaresborough

North Yorkshire is blessed with a plethora of picturesque market towns that all boast their own unique sights and attractions. However, none stand out quite like Knaresborough, the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a town bursting full of quintessential British charm.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by striking architectural sights such as an impressive medieval castle and a stunning centuries old viaduct that’s pierced by the charming River Nidd.

In terms of activities, there’s plenty to do here. Dotted around the town you’ll find plenty of cute shops where you can pick up antiques and crafts, whilst on a warm day you can jump on a rowing boat and glide down the Nidd, or there’s a lovely riverside walk you can take that ends at Marigolds café where you can perch down and sip on a well-earned coffee.

Finally, no trip to Knaresborough would be complete without visiting England’s oldest tourist attraction: Mother Shipton’s Cave, an intriguing petrified well that’s surrounded by unspoilt remnants of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough.

Food & History in York

With a striking gothic minster, an ancient city wall, stunning museum gardens and an abundance of great restaurants to enjoy, the city of York should be very high on your list if you’re planning an exciting adult day out in North Yorkshire.

For history buffs, the aforementioned gothic minster is a must-visit. Book a guided tour around York Minster and you’ll learn everything you need to know about the history of this epic structure that has roots dating back all the way to the 7th century.

Away from admiring stunning architecture, adult visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. Shopping enthusiasts will love the bustling York street markets whilst you simply must take a stroll down ‘The Shambles’ one of the quirkiest shopping streets in the whole country.

Chocolate lovers are also in for a huge treat on their trip to York thanks to ‘York Chocolate Story’, a chocolate museum that invites visitors to learn all about York’s chocolate making past- and you can even design your own chocolate bar!

Finally, York is home to an incredible selection of food outlets and eateries, including arguably the best restaurant in York The Star Inn The City. This charming riverside brasserie-style restaurant is owned by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern who has developed a reputation for creating incredible dishes brimming with vibrant locally sourced ingredients.

Hiking in North York Moors National Park

If admiring epic scenery and tackling something a little more adventurous on your North Yorkshire day out is high on your agenda then pencil in a visit to the North York Moors, an area of spectacular beauty that has inspired TV classics such as Downtown Abbey.

Located not far from the seaside resort of Scarborough, The North York Moors National Park encompasses some of the best countryside found anywhere in the UK- and it’s also one of the greenest places to visit in the county.

Pack up your hiking gear and supplies and spend a day, or a weekend, exploring captivating moorland, forests and coastlines. There are plenty of great places you that can plan your hike around but some of the most popular include the small towns of Rosedale Abbey, Hemsley and Robin Hood’s Bay.

If you’re tired of hiking, or the weather is bad, consider hopping on a North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam train. On your exciting train journey, you’ll be able to spot plenty of countryside that served as the inspiration for the first Harry Potter movie.

Relaxing & Unwinding in Harrogate

Sandwiched between the West Yorkshire city of Leeds and the historic town of York you’ll find Harrogate, a gorgeous spa town that’s consistently been voted as one of the happiest places to live in the UK.

Here you’ll find plenty of adult-friendly activities to enjoy given that the town is home to several extremely popular bars and if you’d like to treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea then look no further than Betty’s cafe, which is just a short walk from the beautiful Valley Gardens.

Whilst visiting a spa town it would be rude not to try out a few spa treatments. Book yourself in for a delightful couples massage at one of the town’s many wellness centres or why not take a tip in the famous Turkish Baths? Change into your robe and unwind as you let the bath’s tranquil waters rejuvenate your body and soul.