21 Yorkshire little-known treasures you probably haven't visited

So you’ve been to Castle Howard, York Minster and The Deep about 78 times.

That’s fine; who wouldn’t? But perhaps you’d like to try somewhere different, somewhere where in peak season your enjoyment won’t be marred by the clatter of a thousand selfie sticks.

No problem. Here are 21 cities, town, bits of cities, bits of towns, villages and other miscellaneous tourist attractions in God’s Own Country where the tourists don’t go. At least not very often.

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Is that because they’re rubbish? Absolutely not. We wouldn’t be suggesting them if they were. In fact, they’re some of the best. You can’t always link popularity with quality, otherwise Crazy Frog would be one of the greatest musical ‘artists’ in history.

From cute little towns to subterranean rivers there’s plenty to explore in Yorkshire beyond what’s in the proverbial guidebook. Does anyone still buy those?

1. Appletreewick

One of the quieter villages in the Yorkshire Dales is just as beautiful as its slightly noisier neighbours of Burnsall and Grassington. It's a great place to start or finish a walk along the River Wharfe or, if it's warm enough, take a dip.

The village itself has a couple of decent pubs and a couple of unusual ancient buildings, including a 16th-century manor house you and your family can rent for a holiday.

2. Baitings Dam

This dam on the western edge of the Pennines, near Ripponden, stands at a mighty 50 metres. When Baitings Reservoir is full, white water cascades down its near-vertical, concrete sides. The setting in the shadow of Rishworth Moor, at the top of the steep Ryburn valley, adds to the drama. The dam is off the A58 Rochdale Road, two miles west of Ripponden village.

3. Barnsley Market

One of Britain’s most deprived towns has a sizable gem at its heart. As well as bargains, this massive modernised market has a huge food hall with a surprisingly wide assortment of British and exotic fare.

4. Bradford Synagogue

Bradford’s Jewish population, which dates back to the 1820s, has dwindled to negligible numbers but one of its finest treasures remain. This Iberian-style synagogue, off Manningham Lane, is still lovingly maintained by volunteers. It isn’t the easiest place to visit as it’s only open for sporadic services but when it is, visitors Jewish or otherwise are welcome.

5. Coatham Beach

At the northeasternmost tip of Yorkshire is this broad stretch of golden sand which stretches across the Tees estuary and out into the North Sea. This once heavily industrialised area is returning to nature – the former steelworks has been levelled – and is undergoing considerable investment to return neighbouring Redcar to its former glory.

6. Deepdale

Not to be confused with the hamlet in Langstrothdale, Deepdale is one of the Dales’ smallest and least-visited dales. This high-altitude valley, in the shadow of the mighty Whernside, is a virtual wilderness. The road through this dale from Ingleton to the top of Dentdale is quiet, so quiet there are livestock gates blocking the road.

7. Dewsbury Minster

Dewsbury isn't on many tourists' agendas and frankly speaking, nor is it likely to be for the foreseeable future. However, it does have one real treasure, a medieval minster with a collection of incredibly rare Saxon artefacts.

Welcoming staff and a nice, little cafe in grand surroundings make the detour worthwhile.

8. Doncaster City Centre

Gritty though ‘Donny’ might be, it has some fantastic pre-industrial buildings, an outstanding fish market and a wonderful cathedral. There’s also a cool food hall across the plaza from the fish market.

9. Hickleton

What appears to be a dormitory village between Doncaster and Barnsley, holds a fair few treasures. Most obvious are the quaint village green and the stately Hickleton Hall. Most curious however, is the momento mori containing actual human skulls in the lychgate of St Wilfred’s, a 15th-century church with a Saxon font.

10. Howden

Two miles from the M62 is this cute Georgian town with a much older Grade I-listed minster. It’s full of little squares, alleys and leafy public spaces.

11. Hull Old Town

Narrow cobbled streets with painted houses, very old pubs and museums make for a fascinating and atmospheric walkaround. It's only a stone's throw from The Deep, the best aquarium in Yorkshire, and well worth a wander.

12. Kirklees Estate

Entering the hamlet in the middle of this private estate is like stepping back 500 years ago. Fewer places have as many grade-I listed buildings in such a small space. And there's a big Robin Hood connection.

Because it's a private estate the public has no access. That's except for one summer weekend when Calderdale Heritage Walks runs its Outlaws and Nuns walking tour of the main parts of the estate.

13. The Megatron

Sometimes the most amazing manmade structures are the functional ones. Victorian engineers built this tunnel system at the confluence of the River Sheaf and Porter Brook, under what is now Sheffield Railway Station, to stop the city flooding.

You should never attempt to explore it yourself; it's dangerous. But there are now official tours with seasoned cavers inside the Megatron – a name coined by urban explorers – which culminates in a cavernous, cathedral-like archway.

14. Pontefract Town Centre

Most of Yorkshire's main urban settlements were little more than two huts and a horse before the Industrial Revolution. Pontefract was different; it was a medieval seat of power and an important market town.

And while the streets of 'Ponte Carlo' are a bit worse for wear, they are lined with impressive pre-industrial buildings. The Buttercross, old town hall, Assembly Rooms and former Counting House (sadly empty when we visited) are all worth a look.

And the piece de resistance and spiritual home of liquorice, Pontefract Castle, is a seven-minute walk away. There is a medieval hermitage too but access is frustratingly difficult.

15. National Centre for Birds of Prey

Despite it being the NationalCentre for Birds of Prey, this raptor centre has a relatively low profile. The setting in Duncombe Park, on the edge of the North York Moors, is first-class, as is the collection of owls, hawks, vultures and eagles, including the world's biggest bird of prey, Steller's sea eagle.

16. Reighton Gap

Six miles south of Filey is this broad, unspoilt stretch of sand. Amenities might be short supply (i.e. non-existent) but they are tide pools and most intriguing, the remains of World War Two defences.

17. Selby Abbey

Selby Abbey may be overshadowed by York Minster but it's not far off in terms of magnificence. Even devout atheists can't fail to be impressed by its cavernous, ornate interior, especially its dizzyingly large stained glass windows and choir.

We found the volunteer guides to be very friendly and helpful and unlike, York Minster, you probably won't have to queue to enter this 11th-century treasure.

18. Shibden Valley

Little over a mile from Halifax town centre is this green and serene valley. Start at the top of Lee Lane and wander down the steep cobbles – cyclists call it 'the wall' – deep into the greenery. Shibden Brook and the Shibden Mill Inn, which is one of Yorkshire's best pubs and restaurants, are at the bottom.

You can then try, as I foolishly did, to retrace your steps uphill and admire the view from the top.

19. Sunbridge Wells

Under Bradford city centre is this surreal maze of tunnels and staircases with bars, places to eat and quirky curios including a giant chemistry set, old gaol cells and the very bedrock on which Bradford was built.

20. Waxholme Beach

Probably the lowest profile beach in Yorkshire, Waxholme, about a mile north of Withernsea, has sand, modest sea cliffs and um… that’s about it as far as physical things go. For abstract concepts like tranquility and solitude, it’s perfect – even in high season.

21. Widdop Reservoir

No place in West Yorkshire feels as wild as Widdop Reservoir, above Hebden Bridge and on the edge of Bronte country. The reservoir might be manmade but with few obvious signs of human interference, it feels like a final remaining wilderness.

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