Bored of the dark, dreary winter months? Yorkshire will help you banish those blues with some sparkling ways to embrace the new season
Days Out in Yorkshire in Spring 2025
Festival of the Outdoors
Every March, as the days are getting longer, drier, and warmer in Sheffield, Welcome to Sheffield celebrates what it means to be The Outdoor City by hosting the Festival of the Outdoors. You’ll find everything from large-scale international sporting events to small community gatherings; from guided walks to some of the world’s hardest bouldering problems; outdoor markets to film festivals. There’s plenty that will make you want to embrace the great outdoors.
Bradford City of Culture
Bradford’s moment under the spotlight is well under way, with a whole host of fabulous events still to come. To celebrate Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford District Museums and Galleries and 125 young people from the district were offered the opportunity to create a new exhibition with artworks from the Government Art Collection. The result is I Am Me, which runs until 5th May.
Erica Whyman directs a one-night-only celebration of one of Bradford’s most distinctive voices, Andrea Dunbar, on 12th March. Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey opens on 13th March, where you can get up close with artworks from the hit BBC One series at this exhibition in Loading Bay, the new pop-up venue in Bradford. And this is merely three events amongst a host of stunning shows – check out the website for more.
Scarborough Film Festival
This festival started life as a chance encounter between Elizabeth Boag and Martha Cattell, both wanting to change the film scene in Scarborough. Many coffees and beers later this developed into a film festival. Created from a DIY ethic for change, the festival aims to bring alternative film to the town whilst championing local makers and creators. Keep an eye on the website for information of what’s on, when, from March.
Springtime Live!
Springtime Live is a family farming event, attracting thousands of visitors to the Great Yorkshire Showground every year. Children can get close to a host of farm animals from piglets to calves, goats and rare breed sheep. Once inside the event, all demonstrations and hands-on workshops are free and this year’s event will be held on Saturday 5th April.
Last year featured Super Spaniel Shows, a crazy climbing wall and mini Land Rover rides. There were a host of farm animals from pigs and goats, to ferrets and giant tortoises. For the first time, there were two performances of Super Spaniel Shows which covered 24 hours in the life of an Assistance Dog. Hosted by Chloé Fuller, her incredible dogs have wowed audiences at various events, generating millions of views on social media.
Book your tickets at Springtime Live
Steam Gala
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through time as the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR) once again steams into action with its much-anticipated annual Steam Gala, running from 20th-23rd March. This beloved event is a firm fixture in the UK’s heritage railway calendar, promising four thrilling days of vintage locomotion along West Yorkshire’s picturesque five-mile branch line.
This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, with a diverse roster of historic locomotives set to take centre stage. Two distinguished guest engines, two powerful industrial workhorses, and the railway’s own home fleet will come together to create a dazzling display of steam power.
York Chocolate Festival
The ever so tasty Chocolate Festival returns to Parliament Street from 16th-20th April and there will be a host of goodies to look forward to. The Chocolate Festival Market will showcase a selection of chocolatiers, confectioners, and everything in between. Even some traditionally savoury products with a sweet twist will be showcased at the festival market, from independent traders local to the area.
Then there’s the Chocolate Festival Taste Trail, a self-guided walking trail around the city of York and an opportunity to try samples from some of the best of York’s food scene. The trail features 10+ sample stops and you will receive a map and guide of the various participating businesses, along with a schedule of when each business is open and offering samples. The Taste Trail is a fun and engaging way for visitors to sample a variety of local food and drink offerings and experience the unique flavours and culture of York.
The North Leeds Food Festival
Scheduled for 10th-11th May at Roundhay Park, the North Leeds Food Festival returns with its biggest lineup to date. Attendees can indulge in a variety of street food, artisan markets, and specialist independent bars. The festival also features live music, cookery demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and families alike.
Book at the North Leeds Food Festival
Leeds Running Festival
On 20th April, Roundhay Park will host the Leeds Running Festival, offering chip-timed 5k, 10k, and half marathon races. Catering to runners of all abilities, the event provides a scenic route through one of Europe’s largest city parks. Participants will receive unique venue-themed medals, and the festival atmosphere includes music and refreshments, fostering a sense of community and achievement.
Enter the Leeds Running Festival
York Open Studios
April 2025 will see over 160 artists from across York opening their studios and welcoming visitors. This annual event gives a rare glimpse into the creative methods of artists and offers an opportunity to buy work directly from the artists themselves.
Over the weekends of 5th-6th April and 12th-13th April there will be 166 artists and makers throwing open their doors, across over 117 locations – with 38 of those artists brand new to the event. It’s little surprise this wonderful event is fast approaching a quarter of the century since the launch of the first open studios.
Huddersfield Literature Festival
Huddersfield Literature Festival is an award-winning two-week event held annually in the spring (this year 8th-18th May). A blended festival of around 70 digital, outdoor and venue-based events held online and at accessible spaces in Huddersfield, HuddLitFest champions accessibility, diversity and under-represented groups.
Showcasing emerging writers and artists alongside major names, the festival offers a diverse programme of author talks, workshops, discussion topics, performance poetry, multi-arts performances, wellbeing projects, events for young people and family friendly events.
Grab your tickets at Huddlitfest
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
