Yorkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutcracker-trail-bradford"><a href="https://www.visitbradford.com/stayandexplore/whats-on/nutcracker-trail-p2240261" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutcracker Trail</a>, Bradford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="879" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-879-Bradford-City-Park.jpg" alt="Bradford City Park, Yorkshire" class="wp-image-1552" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-879-Bradford-City-Park.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-879-Bradford-City-Park-300x176.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-879-Bradford-City-Park-1024x600.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-879-Bradford-City-Park-768x450.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Young children sometimes (OK, often) need an incentive to go out for a walk, but they might go nutty for this one. Head to Bradford city centre to crack the clues to the locations of 10 nutcrackers. To help, a trail map can be picked up at Waterstones in the Wool Exchange. Collect letters from each nutcracker, unscramble the anagram and post your answer in the letterbox back at the bookshop to be entered into a competition to win a £100 Bradford City Centre Gift Card. Organised by Bradford BID, the free event runs until <strong>5 Jan</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="990" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-990-Waterstones-Bradford.jpg" alt="Waterstones bookshop, Bradford" class="wp-image-1553" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-990-Waterstones-Bradford.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-990-Waterstones-Bradford-300x198.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-990-Waterstones-Bradford-1024x676.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-990-Waterstones-Bradford-768x507.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Pit stop: </strong>While you’re back at Waterstones, why not visit the Café W on the mezzanine floor? This impressive bookshop – formerly the Victorian Wool Exchange – is in one of the most fabulous buildings in Bradford and the high-ceilinged, Gothic interior will blow you away. From the vantage point, you can admire the architecture of both the shop and the city, plus the sustainably-sourced coffee, choice of cakes and reading material aren’t bad either. Or for kids, the colourful Cake’ole Bradford on City Park has a curious collection of birdhouses as well as Yorkshire Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream – so wrong, it’s right.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-advent-calendar-saltaire"><a href="https://saltaireinspired.org.uk/events/living-advent-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Living Advent Calendar</a>, Saltaire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-999-Saltaire-Living-Advent-Calendar-2022-Photo-by-Philip-Lickley-4-1024x682-1.jpg" alt="Saltaire Living Advent Calendar Mary Poppins" class="wp-image-1554" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-999-Saltaire-Living-Advent-Calendar-2022-Photo-by-Philip-Lickley-4-1024x682-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-999-Saltaire-Living-Advent-Calendar-2022-Photo-by-Philip-Lickley-4-1024x682-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-999-Saltaire-Living-Advent-Calendar-2022-Photo-by-Philip-Lickley-4-1024x682-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-999-Saltaire-Living-Advent-Calendar-2022-Photo-by-Philip-Lickley-4-1024x682-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: Philip Lickley</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Saltaire Living Advent Calendar has been a feature of the village since 2006. Organised by <a href="https://saltaireinspired.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saltaire Inspired</a>, an ambitious arts charity, window designs remain a secret until they are revealed at 4pm on their light-up date. In 2024, 52 windows have opened in the run up to Christmas so now is arguably the best time to see them all, brightening Betwixmas evenings until New Year’s Day. Windows are illuminated from <strong>4pm – 10.30pm</strong> each evening and all remain lit until <strong>1 Jan 2025</strong>. A map can be downloaded <a href="https://saltaireinspired.org.uk/events/living-advent-calendar/lac2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1031" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1031-Boathouse-Inn-Saltaire-Bar-Area-15.jpg" alt="The Boathouse Inn Saltaire" class="wp-image-1555" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1031-Boathouse-Inn-Saltaire-Bar-Area-15.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1031-Boathouse-Inn-Saltaire-Bar-Area-15-300x206.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1031-Boathouse-Inn-Saltaire-Bar-Area-15-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1031-Boathouse-Inn-Saltaire-Bar-Area-15-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Pit stop: </strong>After a brisk walk around the beautiful and historic village of Saltaire, why not dive into <a href="https://theboathouseinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boathouse Inn</a>? Welcoming both people and pooches, there is a cosy fireside as well as picturesque views over the River Aire, although after dark, you may only see colourful festive lights reflected in the water. Fizz, gin, ale, hot chocs and hearty pub grub – what’s not to love?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blue-plaques-ilkley"><a href="https://ilkleyhistoryhub.co.uk/blue-plaques" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Plaques</a>, Ilkley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="906" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/Ilkey-Manor-House-Yorkshire-.jpg" alt="ilkley manor house yorkshire " class="wp-image-1576" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/Ilkey-Manor-House-Yorkshire-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/Ilkey-Manor-House-Yorkshire--300x181.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/Ilkey-Manor-House-Yorkshire--1024x618.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/Ilkey-Manor-House-Yorkshire--768x464.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ilkley Manor <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7tvSuQIVab/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@ilkleymanorhouse</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Can it really be 20 years since Alan Titchmarsh unveiled the first blue plaque at Ilkley’s Town Hall back in 2004? Of course, the celebrity gardener and TV presenter is proudly from the West Yorkshire market town and the number of blue plaques organised by the Ilkley Civic Society to mark historic buildings as they do in the likes of London and Leeds has since grown. It makes a fun walk – like a treasure trail for families – and includes another unveiled by the late actor Timothy West. There are occasional guided tours as well as a map that can be downloaded <a href="https://ilkleyhistoryhub.co.uk/blue-plaques" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="843" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-843-.jpg" alt="Flying Duck Bar, Ilkley" class="wp-image-1557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-843-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-843--300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-843--1024x575.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-843--768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Pit stop: </strong>While out and about, why not duck into <a href="https://www.theflyingduck.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Flying Duck</a>, with its own Wharfedale Brewery (fine wines and fizz also available) housed within the Grade 2 listed building which has been everything from a shoemaker’s to a sweet shop before becoming a public house. And a very welcoming and cosy traditional ‘olde’ Yorkshire Dales pub it is with oak beamed ceiling, flagged floor and a roaring log wood-burner within an inglenook fireplace to warm both dogs and owners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elmer-s-christmas-art-parade-doncaster"><a href="https://wildinart.co.uk/events/elmer-doncaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elmer’s Christmas Art Parade</a>, Doncaster</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-Elmer-David-Oates.jpg" alt="Elmer's Christmas Art Parade, Doncaster" class="wp-image-1558" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-Elmer-David-Oates.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-Elmer-David-Oates-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-Elmer-David-Oates-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-Elmer-David-Oates-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: David Oates</figcaption></figure>



<p>David McKee’s much-loved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and a herd of friends have stampeded to the streets of Doncaster to ensure World Kindness Day is remembered every day until <strong>27</strong> <strong>Jan 2025</strong>. City of Doncaster Council is collaborating with creative producers Wild in Art and Andersen Press, publishers of the iconic Elmer books, to bring 12 stunning sculptures to the city centre. A map and activity pack to <a href="https://wildinart.co.uk/events/elmer-doncaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elmer’s Christmas Art Parade</a> can be downloaded while QR codes will be found on the elephants and in shop windows.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="972" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-pandas-YWP_Winter_Lights_019.jpg" alt="2 pandas lit up Yorkshire Wildlife Park" class="wp-image-1157" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-pandas-YWP_Winter_Lights_019.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-pandas-YWP_Winter_Lights_019-300x194.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-pandas-YWP_Winter_Lights_019-1024x664.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-pandas-YWP_Winter_Lights_019-768x498.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Pit stop: </strong>After plodding round town looking for elephants, perhaps in keeping with the safari theme, <a href="https://thehive.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/dining/wilds-cafe-bistro/#intro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wilds Cafe Bistro</a> adjacent to The Hive and Yorkshire Wildlife Park would be a good choice for all the family for a warming drink or snack. They do great breakfasts, a deluxe hot chocolate with marshmallows, cream and a Flake (it is Boxing Day), cocktails, a good alcohol-free selection if you need it and a fun Cheeky Monkey menu for kids. Then perhaps visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Park afterwards for their wonderful <a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/best-illuminated-light-trails-around-yorkshire-during-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Around the World in 80 Days</a> illuminated trail, on until <strong>31 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-york-nutcracker-trail"><a href="https://visityork.org/events/york-nutcracker-trail-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York Nutcracker Trail</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="729" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-729-York-Nutcracker-1.jpg" alt="Nutcracker Trail, Yorkshire" class="wp-image-1559" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-729-York-Nutcracker-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-729-York-Nutcracker-1-300x146.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-729-York-Nutcracker-1-1024x498.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-729-York-Nutcracker-1-768x373.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Well, how cracking, there is not just one Nutcracker Trail, but at least two in Yorkshire this Betwixmas. I’m sure they’re equally fun for the craic and this one in York takes you around the world to different countries that reflect the city’s diverse, vibrant communities. It also leads you on a merry dance to find clues to crack (sorry – last time, I promise) a competition before the closing date on <strong>1 Jan 2025</strong>. Mind you, their prize beats Bradford’s – York BID offers a £250 York Gift Card. BD must have spent all their cash on becoming the <a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture/bradford-uk-city-of-culture-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK City of Culture 2025</a>!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-05.10.17-Eagle-Child-10-of-39.jpg" alt="Eagle &amp; Child York" class="wp-image-1586" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-05.10.17-Eagle-Child-10-of-39.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-05.10.17-Eagle-Child-10-of-39-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-05.10.17-Eagle-Child-10-of-39-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/12/1500-x-1000-05.10.17-Eagle-Child-10-of-39-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Pit stop: </strong>It’s impossible in York to pick just one cosy pub or café as there are so many, but then the <a href="https://eagleandchildyork.co.uk/">Eagle &amp; Child</a> has the cool claim to fame that the Rolling Stones hung out in the upstairs bar during the 60s – their signatures in lipstick still on the wall for all to see. Built in 1640, the Grade II listed timber-framed pub is a fine example of what makes York so special, with a long history of hosting live music sessions. Spread over three floors, there is an assortment of spaces for groups both large and small, all food is homemade with popular Sunday roasts, plus there is a good beer, gin and wine menu including Champers, of course. All in all, it&#8217;s a gas, gas, gas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-filey-seafront-sculpture-trail"><a href="https://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/listing/filey-seafront-sculpture-trail/128288101/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Filey Seafront Sculpture Trail</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/Filey-Yorkshire-fishing-town-BPTL-scaled-e1727281313803.jpeg" alt="Filey Yorkshire fishing town BPTL" class="wp-image-274" /></figure>



<p>This one is for life and not just for Christmas and there is no better place to blow away the cobwebs than on Filey Promenade and the five-mile sweeping bay. The series of art works inspired by the seaside resort’s natural heritage were designed by artist Russ Coleman. One of the most iconic is a very tall, Insta-friendly fisherman. For more challenging walks, the Cleveland Way, Yorkshire Wolds Way and England Coast Path are all on the doorstep, as is some of the best birdwatching from the east coat’s highest cliffs.</p>



<p><strong>Pit stop: </strong>Why not keep the coastal theme going with a luxury hot chocolate and delicious home-made cakes or even just a good old cuppa Yorkshire Tea at the friendly <a href="https://lighthousetearoom.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lighthouse Tearoom</a>, where even your cappuccino is decorated with lighthouse logo sprinkles. Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea can be enjoyed, with children’s portions and a gluten-free menu available.</p>



<p><em>For more breath-taking hikes around Yorkshire, visit Muddy&#8217;s previous pick of <a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/best-pub-walks-yorkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 welcoming local pubs with gorgeous walks nearby</a>.</em></p>


6 themed walks near you with cosy pit-stops

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