Yorkshire Day 2026: 15 Things You’ll Only Find in West Yorkshire

To celebrate Yorkshire Day 2026 we’re bringing you a tantalising list of experiences, attractions and events you’ll only find in West Yorkshire; featuring top recommendations and insider tips from our partners at Visit Bradford, Visit Calderdale, Kirklees, and Experience Wakefield. From stunning heritage buildings to epic experiences and spectacular events – you’ll be amazed at what there is for you to explore!

#EnjoyWestYorkshire #ExploreWestYorkshire

 

Visit Leeds

Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons at Harewood House – Until 4 October 2026

This Summer, step into the glamorous world of photographer and designer Cecil Beaton, who captured some of the most iconic figures of the 20th century including the British royal family and Hollywood legends like Audrey Hepburn, Vivian Leigh and Marilyn Monroe, at Yorkshire’s most vibrant historic home, Harewood House.

Children can follow the Spot Simba Trail – a homage to Cecil Beaton’s beloved pug Simba and get theatrical themselves with Curtains Up! Outdoor Play, or enjoy the Outdoor Cinema with showings of Encanto and Star Wars.

Find out more at https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/whats-on/all-events/cecil-beaton-staging-icons/

 

Genghis Khan: How The Mongols Changed The World at Royal Armouries – Until 1 November 2026

The international blockbuster exhibition, Genghis Khan: How The Mongols Changed The World, has landed at the Royal Armouries. Discover the history of Genghis Khan’s Empire with over 250 rare objects including jewellery, weaponry, armour and more. Entry is free for under 16s and adult tickets start from £7.

Experience it further with the free Mongolian horse shows showcasing archery and weapon skills, every day between 22nd July and 31st August, as well as other free activities across the museum.

Find out more at https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/whats-on/all-events/genghis-khan-how-the-mongols-changed-the-world/

 

Leeds West Indian Carnival – Monday 31 August

Leeds’ West Indian Carnival is Europe’s oldest Caribbean carnival, which has been taking place in Chapeltown since 1967. Carnival is the perfect blend of jaw-dropping costumes, infectious tropical rhythms, mouthwatering food, Caribbean Culture and entertainment for everyone and it’s free!

Plus the day before, on Sunday 30 August, Potternewton Park is host to the 40th Black Music Festival, Europe’s biggest free open-air reggae concert, now incorporating R&B, hip hop and other music styles.

Find out more at https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/whats-on/all-events/leeds-west-indian-carnival/

To discover more events and experiences in Leeds visit our What’s On section.

 

 

Visit Bradford

Feel the spirit of Wuthering Heights in Haworth

Step into the landscapes that inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Explore the village’s historic stone streets, wander across sweeping moorland and experience the wild beauty of Brontë Country. Then board the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, where heritage steam trains travel through the green Worth Valley, offering a journey through some of Yorkshire’s most memorable countryside.

Haworth Station, Station Road, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 8NJ

Celebrate 25 Years of UNESCO World Heritage Status in Saltaire

This year marks 25 years since Saltaire became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the remarkable Victorian village, enjoy riverside walks along the River Aire and soak up the surrounding Yorkshire scenery. Inside Salts Mill, explore David Hockney’s 20 Flowers for 2025 and Some Bigger Pictures, alongside his much-loved landscape works, featuring colourful Yorkshire scenes, blossom-filled trees and the rich colours of the changing seasons.

Saltaire, Victoria Road, Shipley, BD18 3HU

Enjoy Nature Through Art at Cartwright Hall

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford’s civic art gallery, is currently showcasing Jim Moir: Neo Fauna until 31 August 2026. Artist Jim Moir, widely known as Vic Reeves, presents colourful, richly textured paintings inspired by his close observation of British birds and wildlife, bringing familiar creatures to life with humour, character and unexpected detail. Set within the green surroundings of Lister Park, the exhibition can be enjoyed alongside a walk through the park’s gardens, boating lake and tree-lined pathways

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park, Bradford, BD9 4NS

Planning a Yorkshire Day adventure? Explore these Bradford highlights, then see what’s on at Yorkshire Day events across the district.

 

Visit Calderdale

Stage at the Lake

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Shibden Park Halifax, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, you can experience four unforgettable days of world-class music, theatre, comedy and family entertainment as Stage at the Lake transforms this much-loved green space into a spectacular open-air venue for four days of entertainment.
From family-friendly adventures and laugh-out-loud comedy to live music, theatre performances and outdoor cinema under the stars, there’s something for every age and interest. Explore the park, discover the wider attractions of Calderdale and enjoy a summer experience that combines culture, nature and unforgettable moments in a stunning lakeside setting.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway or summer holiday in Yorkshire, Stage at the Lake is the perfect reason to visit Halifax this August.

Find out more at https://www.stageatthelake.co.uk/

The Streets in the Sky

Did you know that above Halifax Borough Market there are two ‘secret’ streets? Discover them with VisitCalderdale’s ‘Streets in the Sky’ guided tours!
On these tours you’ll explore the unique architecture of the Grade II* listed Halifax Borough Market, learn about its history, visit both of the Market balcony ‘Streets in the Sky’, where the houses are still used by the businesses below and a couple are still lived in; and get an exclusive look inside one of the uninhabited houses.
Afterwards you can enjoy delicious food from around the world at one of the locally owned independent cafes and delis and stock up on veg, cheese, jams, pies, cakes sweets, fish, meats and more to fill your larder and enjoy at home!

Find out more at https://www.visitcalderdale.com/streets-in-the-sky-guided-tours/

The Calderdale Way

The Calderdale Way is a 50 mile (80km) walk encircling Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. It follows old packhorse routes, passing through pretty hillside villages and old mill towns, and provides exceptional panoramic views over the Pennines. The route can be completed in short stages, with numerous paths providing links from valley bottoms onto the Calderdale Way, or as an epic 5-day hike exploring our hills, moors and valleys.

Be inspired by our ‘50 Miles for 50 Years’ Calderdale Way itinerary.

 

Kirklees

Yorkshire Day at Oakwell Hall – Sunday 2^nd August, 11am – 6pm

Yorkshire Day returns to Oakwell Hall on Sunday 2 August, bringing together the very best of Yorkshire’s culture, creativity and community spirit for a fun-filled day out. Visitors can enjoy live music, family entertainment, creative workshops, outdoor activities and a bustling Yorkshire Makers’ Market featuring more than 50 local traders. There will be plenty for families to enjoy, including animal encounters, nature-inspired activities, face painting, creative making sessions and outdoor play. New for 2026, visitors can pick up a personalised poem from the Poetry Takeaway, enter the West Yorkshire Dog Rescue Dog Show, or try their hand at the Great Yorkshire Games, a collection of fun challenges inspired by Yorkshire traditions. With local food and drink, live performances and activities for all ages, Yorkshire Day at Oakwell Hall is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Yorkshire special while enjoying one of Kirklees’ most historic settings.

Find out more at Yorkshire Day

Urban Artist Competition – Sunday 16^th August, 10am – 3pm, Huddersfield

Creativity takes centre stage in Huddersfield Town Centre on Sunday 16 August as talented artists compete in this year’s Urban Artist Competition. Artists will have just four and a half hours to create an original artwork inspired by St Peter’s Garden and the surrounding town centre. Visitors are invited to watch the artworks take shape throughout the day before casting their vote to help decide the winner. The competition continues beyond the event itself, with all artwork created on the day going under the hammer at HuddersFeast on 22 and 23 August. Every penny raised from the auction will support the RSPCA.

Find out more at Urban Artist Competition

Whistlestop Valley, Clayton West

Looking for a family day out this summer? Whistlestop Valley in Clayton West offers adventure for all ages, with a ride on the Kirklees Light Railway, outdoor playgrounds, an indoor activity area, crazy golf, pedal cars and a giant jumping pillow. Families can hop aboard the train for a scenic journey through the Yorkshire countryside before enjoying tasty treats at the cafés on site.

With special events throughout the summer holidays, activities for younger children and a dog-friendly welcome on general admission days, Whistlestop Valley is packed with fun, whatever the weather. Be sure to check opening times and book tickets in advance.

Find out more at Whistlestop Valley

 

Experience Wakefield

Luke Jerram’s Helios at WX – Wakefield Exchange – Until 6 September 2026

Step inside Helios at WX – Wakefield Exchange this summer and experience a breathtaking, larger‑than‑life encounter with the Sun, surrounded by free, family‑friendly space activities for all ages. Helios, a spectacular six-metre wide illuminated artwork by artist Luke Jerram, reveals the Sun’s surface in extraordinary detail, offering the chance to explore sunspots, filaments and swirling patterns. A full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities is running alongside the exhibition, including hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, storytimes and drop‑in experiences designed to ignite curiosity and imagination.

Find out more at https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/luke-jerrams-helios/

Hold To This Earth at Yorkshire Sculpture Park – Until 18 April 2027

Hold to this Earth at Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a major presentation of work by contemporary Indigenous American artists from Tia Collection. This landmark exhibition brings together 67 works by 38 artists, showcasing Indigenous North American art on a scale never seen before in the UK! Hold to This Earth features sculpture, film, photography, painting, ceramics and fibre art highlighting the broad spectrum of work being produced by Indigenous North American artists today. practices are rooted in deep relationships to land, cultural memory and community, offering a rare encounter unprecedented in Europe.

Find out more at https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/hold-to-this-earth/

Live At Tileyard North – 27-30 August 2026

Get set for big names and big energy at one of Wakefield’s cultural powerhouses! Live At Tileyard North is a curated series of outdoor concerts featuring major artists alongside special guests performing in the iconic outdoor space at Tileyard North. The series kicks off with headliner Sophie Ellis-Bextor (supported by Scouting For Girls, Deco and Lois), The Fratellis (The Twang, The Subways and The Cheap Thrills), Ocean Colour Scene (supported by The Lilacs, M60 and Keyside) and finishing with The Vaccines!

Find out more at https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/?s=%22live+at+tileyard%22