One thing you’ll realise as you’re researching group activities in Yorkshire is that there are so many to choose from! The largest county in the UK has no end of days out and experiences to cater for visitors of all ages, abilities and interests. From making friends with alpacas to getting to grips with axe throwing, you name it, you can do it in Yorkshire!
Whether you’re planning your friend’s stag or hen do, looking for a family adventure, organising activities for your friendship group, or simply organising a holiday with friends, you’re sure to find something to float your boat amongst our suggestions below.
To make hunting down your perfect activity for your holidays in Yorkshire easier, we’ve arranged our suggestions into sections, but that’s not to say you can’t whisk your group of retirees off on a high ropes adventure, or take the kids to a cookery workshop! Holidays in Yorkshire are all about trying new things, and what better way to do it than surrounded by family or friends?
Once you’ve browsed our ideas for group holidays and your itinerary is shaping up nicely, take a look at our holiday cottages for large groups by clicking the button below.
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FUN DAYS OUT FOR FAMILY GROUPS
Even if you had months to spend in Yorkshire, it would be impossible to visit all the family attractions and enjoy all the experiences on offer for children. There are fascinating museums in vibrant cities, inspiring wildlife attractions and science brought to life in front of your very eyes. On large group holidays with children, you’ll want plenty to keep them engaged, so take your pick from our list and wait for excited shouts of ‘this is the best holiday ever’!
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Families with children aged 0-11 will find plenty to capture young imaginations, laid out over a thrilling six zones of exhibitions, activities and interactive displays. Parents can pat themselves on the back for choosing an educational day out, while children will be inspired, excited and awe-struck around every corner.
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With over 3 million items of cultural and historical significance, this fascinating museum has more than enough to keep you occupied! Focussing on the history of image and sound, the collection includes the earliest television footage, the first cameras and a captivating insight into photography and moving images. There are also three cinemas, including an IMAX screen – perfect if you’re looking for ideas for rainy days out in Yorkshire.
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Travel back in time to AD960 and discover your inner Viking at this unique and immersive museum. The sights, sounds and smells of the Viking age, along with 1,000 year old artefacts and intriguing stories, bring history to life. Rides, interactive exhibits, and technology engage visitors of all ages – great for Yorkshire holidays with inquisitive kids.
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Meet over 5,000 animals as you embark on a journey through the seas of the world, from the warm waters of the tropics to the chilly Antarctic. A fantastic attraction for both adults and children, the aquarium features an array of interactive exhibits and presentations to help you learn more about the animals you see during your visit. An underwater tunnel, 10m glass lift ride and touch pool are just a few of the highlights.
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As group activities in Yorkshire go, a family visit to the National Coal Mining Museum has to be one of the best. Hold onto your hard hats as you descend 140m below the surface, led by an ex-miner who will impart their knowledge on this fascinating industry. Nature trails, a chance to meet the pit ponies and a collection of displays and galleries add to the interest and provide a fulfilling day for the whole family.
ADVENTURES FOR THE YOUNG AND CAREFREE
You’ve rallied the troops, browsed our holiday homes for large groups and pinned down a date to suit everybody; now you’re ready to start planning a Yorkshire holiday to remember with all your friends. Yorkshire has so much to offer active young visitors from their teens to their 30s, with an unlimited selection of outdoor adventures, and unparalleled experiences.
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Based on the awe-inspiring Broughton Hall Estate, the Yorkshire Land Rover Experience is a group activity like no other. Sessions range from 1-hour taster drives to test out a Land Rover on inclines, descents and water obstacles; half-day experiences to really put your driving skills into practice; and full-day, advanced and trek days for those looking to fully immerse themselves in all things Land Rover. The best bit? Heading back to your large group accommodation in Yorkshire to compare notes (and debate who drove best!).
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Think back to your secondary school years and those fun laser sessions, running around in dark rooms: the thrill of the chase. Double that feeling and you come just about close to the Battlefield Live experience on offer at Actionzone. Using the latest infra-red technology, your group will feature in your very own video-game style combat amongst dense conifer woodland. As if that weren’t enough fun, other group activities at Actionzone include archery, axe throwing and bush craft.
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A brewery tour is great fun with a group of friends, just remember to bring along a designated driver to get you safely back to your large holiday home in Yorkshire! Every weekend, Brew York runs several brewery tours, introducing you to the brewery process, with samples along the way (of course)! Book a table in the Brew York Beer Hall for after your tour to continue your appreciation of the beverage you’ve just seen being made.
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One for the fit and adventurous who like their group activities seasoned with a little adrenalin, a guided mountain bike ride through Swaledale is a novel way to appreciate the glorious scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. Leaving from the Dales bike centre, your group will head out to take on the challenge of single tracks, rocky trails and hair-raising descents.
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When thinking of group activities in Yorkshire, surfing probably isn’t the first thing to spring to mind, but make your way to world-famous Cayton Bay and Scarborough Surf School will be there to bring you surf skills up to scratch. A great experience to enjoy with friends, learning to surf will have you laughing in the white water, applauding each other’s new-found skills and give you plenty to talk about when you’re back at your group accommodation.
SOPHISTICATED ATTRACTIONS FOR A MATURE GROUP
If you’re looking for more rest and relaxation than action-packed and fast-paced, then the following group activities in Yorkshire will probably be more your cup of tea. Enjoy sampling and cooking delicious food and drink, taking in some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful sights and enjoying the best things in life with your friends and family around you.
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Set at Highfield Farm within the picturesque surrounding of the Yorkshire countryside, the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School offers a refreshing change from traditional tourist attractions. There are many classes to choose from, including vegan food, Persian dishes, modern British fare, classic French meals and even street food. It’s lovely way to spend time with friends and family, while learning a new skill – definitely not your average group activity!
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Set in the heart of York, York’s Chocolate Story is the ultimate destination for chocolate lovers! Take a journey through the story of chocolate using all of your senses and treat yourself and your group to a chocolatier experience. There are different events throughout the year, so check their website and book before your trip.
Train image credit: © National Railway Museum, York
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What would a list of group activities in Yorkshire be without a mention of the glorious Holmfirth Vineyard and its fantastic tours and tastings? This morning or afternoon experience involves strolling amongst the vines, learning about how the English wines are produced and tasting a selection of wines under expert guidance. Make sure you have a taxi booked or a designated driver lined up, as you’re sure to want to settle down with a glass of your favourite wine after your tour and continue to enjoy the beautiful setting.
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The National Railway Museum has plenty of space to bring large groups and is bursting with full-size locomotives and railway paraphernalia. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or not, you can’t fail to be amazed by the exhibits which include Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. Given its proximity to the centre of York, it’s a great attraction to combine with a day out exploring the city.
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One of the most iconic views of Yorkshire is its beautiful lavender fields in bloom. Take a trip with your group to Yorkshire Lavender, the family-run farm set over nearly 60 acres encompassing lavender gardens, a plant nursery, tearoom and gift shop. There’s even a lavender maze! Groups can book in for daytime talks on lavender and its many uses, and enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon tea in the licensed tearoom.
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We said there would be no adrenalin pursuits in this section of the article, but a little flutter on the horses to add some excitement to your group holiday in Yorkshire is a sure-fire way to guarantee a memorable day! Dress up to the nines and attend a fixture at York Racecourse – whether you crowd together to soak up the thrill of trackside viewing in the Grandstand, or opt for premier County Stand access, it’s sure to be one of the best days out of your holiday.
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What could be a more fitting activity in the Yorkshire Dales than a full day’s cheesemaking workshop? At Lacey’s Cheese, your group will learn about the process from beginning to end, taught by an experienced and enthusiastic cheesemaker. Lunch is included, and includes cheese, of course, and you will leave with a selection of cheese to enjoy back at your Yorkshire group accommodation. At the end of the day, you will have turned 500 litres of local milk into traditionally made Yorkshire cheese!
If you’re planning a special birthday celebration, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Milestone Birthdays for more inspiration.
STAG AND HEN PARTIES
When planning a stag or hen party in Yorkshire, you’ll no doubt be looking for a memorable experience that all members of the party can enjoy. Whether the bride loves murder mysteries or the groom is an outdoor enthusiast, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to group things to do in Yorkshire.
UNUSUAL STAG AND HEN ACTIVITIES IN YORKSHIRE
Yorkshire Trails organises exhilarating treasure hunts across Yorkshire, designed to help you explore the beautiful scenery in a fun and imaginative way. Their team-building challenges are good for large groups, with options including Spy Mission, CSI Murder Mystery or Treasure Hunt Challenges. Approach the company and they can also arrange bespoke challenges, perfect for the discerning bride or groom!
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York’s self-proclaimed funniest and scariest attraction, the York Dungeon makes a change from the standard stag and hen activities you may have experienced before. The York Dungeon takes you on a journey through 2,000 years of the city’s darkest history with special effects, immersive 360-degree sets and actor-led experiences.
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How about a llama trek for a hen or stag do with a difference? The family-run llama trekking centre is located in scenic Nidderdale with 30 – 40 llamas. The farm treks last around 3 hours and give you the chance to get to know your llama or alpaca (who is matched with you in a sort of speed-dating style)! There’s also a full-day trek which takes you and your llama up to a height of nearly 300 metres, with far-reaching views from the top. Interactive and family experiences are available for those wanting to get to socialise with the llamas without too much of a walk!
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The work of the artists at Sand in Your Eye is astounding, from sand sculptures and beach drawings, to pumpkin carving and ices sculptures. They’ve made it onto our list as they offer workshops to teach groups their skills, and you’ll be surprised at the results!
ACTIVE STAG AND HEN ACTIVITIES IN YORKSHIRE
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The Yorkshire Activity Centre offers a whole host of fun and adventurous activities which are well-suited to stag and hen parties. Choose from archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting, bushcraft, quad biking and crossbow shooting, with specific stag and hen packages available.
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The national treetop adventure company, Go Ape’s offering in Dalby Forest is the perfect stag or hen do option for an adventurous group of guys and girls. Choose from a number of experiences, including the Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure and Forest Segways, all of which will test your balance, stamina, and skills, and give you lots to talk about in the pub afterwards!
RELAXING STAG AND HEN IDEAS IN YORKSHIRE
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Outdoor adventure doesn’t suit all hens and stags, so why not mix things up a bit with an indulgent few hours at the Turkish Baths in Harrogate. With relaxation and luxury at their heart, the treatment packages will leave you feeling rejuvenated and stress free – a great choice if the wedding is shortly after.
GROUP ACCOMMODATION IN YORKSHIRE
The Copse, Harrogate | Sleeps 8
Whether you’re gathering your family together for a long-awaited reunion, planning the stag or hen do to blow all others out of the water, or arranging a relaxing getaway with old friends, you’ll need somewhere spacious and comfortable to stay. Our holiday cottages for large groups in Yorkshire are available for group bookings, providing you a special place to enjoy each other’s company and make lasting memories.
If you’re looking for large dog-friendly properties, you’ll find some stunning examples in our collection, and as for family-friendly houses – they’re second to none! Find inspiration in our article ‘5 large holiday cottages in Yorkshire that we love’, or browse our selection of large group accommodation in Yorkshire today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.