What to Do in Yorkshire This July: Walk, Eat, Stay a While
There’s something about Yorkshire in July.
The days are longer, the countryside is at its very best, and every excuse to get outdoors feels like a good one. Whether you're planning a weekend away, catching up with friends or simply looking for things to do in Yorkshire this July, there are few better places to spend it than in the Wharfe Valley.
The Penny Bun sits between Ilkley and Otley, making it the perfect base for a day of walking, exploring and, most importantly, eating well.
Head for the Hills
If you're looking for a proper Yorkshire walk, you really are spoilt for choice.
Ilkley Moor is only a few minutes away and has something for everyone. You can keep it short with a stroll up to the famous Cow and Calf Rocks or spend a few hours exploring the winding paths across the moor. Either way, you'll be rewarded with some of the best views in Yorkshire, and if the sun's shining, there's nowhere quite like it.
If riverside walks are more your thing, Otley is just down the road. Wander along the River Wharfe, discover quiet woodland paths or simply spend a morning exploring the town's independent shops and cafés before heading back out into the countryside.
And if you fancy venturing a little further, you'll find endless footpaths weaving through rolling farmland, ancient woodland and the beautiful landscapes surrounding Denton Reserve.
Then Leave the Cooking to Us
After a few miles under your boots, you've earned a good lunch.
Or maybe a long afternoon that somehow turns into dinner.
Our terrace is made for days like these. Grab a seat in the sunshine, order something cold to drink and settle in while the barbecue gets to work.
This summer we're firing up Fire & Feast — proper barbecue, cooked over flames and made for sharing. Expect slow-cooked meats, char-grilled favourites, colourful seasonal salads and plenty of Yorkshire hospitality.
The best meals start with the best ingredients, so we work closely with local suppliers and make the most of what's in season. You'll find produce grown nearby, ingredients inspired by the surrounding landscape and dishes that celebrate Yorkshire without overcomplicating things. Simple, generous food that's full of flavour.
Why Rush Home?
One drink becomes two. Dessert suddenly seems like a very good idea. Before you know it, you're checking the time and wondering why you ever planned to leave.
The good news is, you don't have to.
The Penny Bun has five beautifully designed bedrooms upstairs, making it easy to turn a day out into a proper Yorkshire escape. Wake up to a hearty breakfast, lace up your walking boots and head straight back out to explore.
Sometimes the best plans are the ones where nobody has to drive home.
Colin, Molly and Team Penny Bun x