Looking for fun things to do in Yorkshire? Discover some of the county's best events in spring 2024.
While the drawn-out final days of winter can feel never-ending, the collective excitement felt at the first signs of spring is almost palpable.
Finally, the promise of sunnier days is upon us – and what better way to celebrate than to plan your next day out in the beautiful county of Yorkshire?
The warmer weather and longer days of spring bring a kind of magic to Yorkshire that is hard to match. Whether you enjoy the bustle of its vibrant towns and cities or the beauty of its dramatic, transforming countryside, Yorkshire has something for everyone.
Looking for a half-term family outing? Planning a solo jaunt? Listen up. Here are some of the best events Yorkshire has to offer this season.
Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tour
Date: Friday 15 March to Sunday 31 March
Time: 10:45 to 11:30
Location: Castle Garth, Pontefract, WF8 1QH
Fancy some spine-chilling history with your cornflakes? Immerse yourself in some local lore with a morning tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeon.
Take the steep staircase underground to learn more about the castle's past and the prisoners of civil war who were captured in its sunken cell.
Stump Cross Easter Discovery Day
Date: Wednesday 20 March
Location: Stump Cross Caverns, HG3 5JL
Do you have a little adventurer on your hands? Take them on a trip to Stump Cross Caverns for an educational experience they won't forget.
Our Easter Discovery Day is designed for home-educated kids who want to learn about the fascinating world beneath our feet. The day includes a guided cave tour and a fossil dig hosted by our very own Cavewoman.
After this, you can head back down to the caves for our UV Experience. Armed with special UV torches, you'll see the limestone walls light up as if by magic.
Book your tickets for our Easter Discovery Day.
Springtime Live
Date: Saturday 23 March
Time: 09:00 to 16:30
Location: Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ
Meet and greet the farm animals at this family-friendly event run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Jam-packed with indoor and outdoor activities, this popular event lets kids choose from pedal tractors, climbing walls, felting or forest crafts.
Peter Rabbit Woodland Tour
Date: Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April
Time: 11:00 to 16:00
Location: Hooton Roberts, Rotherham, S65 4TE
Hop to Hooton Lodge Farm this spring to ring in the new season with this aptly themed woodland tour.
You can embark on its annual easter egg hunt, visit the arts and crafts station and even meet the characters themselves. What's more, each child will receive their very own chocolate egg to take home.
World Coal Carrying Championship
Date: Monday 1 April 2024
Time: 10:30 to 15:30
Location: 39 High Street, Gawthorpe, WF5 9QS
Don't be dubious of the date. Wakefield really does host the World Coal Carrying Championship on Easter Monday every year.
Head over to cheer along the competitors – or reserve a spot online to take part in the 1.1-kilometre race and have a chance at making Yorkshire history.
Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival
Date: Saturday 4 May
Time: 10:30 to 16:00
Location: South Leeds Stadium, LS11 5DJ
If you feel like a spot of retail therapy, why not spend a leisurely day in South Leeds Stadium?
The Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival promises more than 80 stalls dedicated to promoting all things vegan. You'll discover a huge range of products, ranging from toiletries, to jewellery, to a variety of sweet and savoury treats.
Ilkley Carnival
Date: Monday 6 May 2024
Location: Ilkley Town Centre, West Yorkshire, LS29 9LW
Have some fun while supporting some great causes at this volunteer-run, not-for-profit event.
Ilkley invites locals and tourists to its streets every May Bank Holiday for a family-friendly day of entertainment.
An impressive parade kicks off the fun and brings together more than 1,000 participants from local schools and theatre groups.
Malton Food Lovers Festival
Date: Saturday 25 May to Monday 27 May 2024
Location: Malton Town Centre, YO17 7LX
Indulge in a weekend of good food at the Malton Food Lovers Festival. Dubbed "Yorkshire's foodie Glastonbury", this event celebrates the finest local produce from the streets of Malton.
Visit to browse over 100 stalls, sample some delicious grub and soak up the live music.
Castleford Roman Festival
Date: Saturday 1 June 2024
Time: 10:00 to 16:00
Location: Town Centre Precinct, Castleford, WF10 1BB
Gather the family for a day of fun in Castleford. The town's Roman Festival celebrates local heritage and is a must for history enthusiasts.
The festival includes a Roman-themed market, street food, Roman trails and heaps of street entertainment.
Tractor Fest
Date: Saturday 8 June to Sunday 9 June 2024
Location: Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE
Don your walking boots for the UK's biggest celebration of vintage tractors and engines. Held in the grounds of Newby Hall, the event occupies around 120 acres and showcases more than 1,000 tractors.
Visitors can also peruse a several trade stalls onsite as well as visit the estate's award-winning gardens.
The Wool Monty
Date: Saturday 8 June to Sunday 9 June 2024
Time: 10:00 to 16:00
Location: Magna, Magna Way, S60 1FD
Craft enthusiasts can celebrate all things yarn in this two-day event, held just south of Rotherham.
Expect vendors and workshop tutors as well as food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Still can't decide?
Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we host fun family-friendly activities throughout the year. Here are just a few of our regular events.
Stump Cross Fossil Hunt
Date: Various
Location: Stump Cross Caverns, HG3 5JL
Bring the whole family for an interactive fossil hunt in Stump Cross' very own cinema room.
It's a wonderfully hands-on experience for any budding geologist. They can learn all about the caves and the fossils within them, then have a go at unearthing their very own gems, fossils and minerals.
You even get to fill a bag and take your treasure home with you. Cool!
Stump Cross Mining Co.
Date: Various
Location: Stump Cross Caverns, HG3 5JL
Ever fancied being a miner? Try panning for gemstones in our real, working gem sluice.
Collect your bag of mining rough and use this age-old technique to discover the treasures within.
It's a hands-on experience that's fun for all the family. And, best of all, you'll leave with some well-earned mementoes to remember your day.
Looking for some fun activities in Yorkshire? Check our events calendar to stay up to date with upcoming activities – or book online to experience the magic of the caves on a self-guided tour.
