As over a hundred thousand students get ready to relocate to Yorkshire ahead of the start of term, we take a look at the must-sees in the major university cities of Yorkshire:
Nights Out
The biggest names in music and sport play in Yorkshire – check out the biggest venues and festivals to see your favourite acts:
First Direct Arena
The majority of Yorkshire’s students attend a university in Leeds, so why not try the city’s largest venue?
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson: An Evening to Transform Your Life at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AR
Date & Time:
March 21st, 2026 6:00pm
Wolf Alice at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AR
Date & Time:
December 5th, 2025 6:00pm
Jason Derulo – Last Dance World Tour at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AR
Date & Time:
February 6th, 2026 6:00pm
Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall
Second for student population is Sheffield, with its own premiere venue and a host of great acts coming soon:
Help I Sexted My Boss – Crossed Wires at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield
Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2JA
Date & Time:
July 5th, 2025 8:00pm
The Beatles by Candlelight at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield
Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2JA
Date & Time:
June 22nd, 2025 7:30pm
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield
Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2JA
Date & Time:
May 21st, 2025 7:00pm
York Barbican
York has two universities and a number of nearby colleges. Why not head to the cultural delights of the Barbican for a classy night out in one of the world’s most historic locations:
Jack Dee: Small World at York Barbican, York
Paragon Street, York, YO10 4NT
Date & Time:
October 18th, 2025 8:00pm
Björn Again at York Barbican, York
Paragon Street, York, YO10 4NT
Date & Time:
September 28th, 2025 7:30pm
Sounds Of The 60’s Live – Hosted By Tony Blackburn OBE at York Barbican, York
Paragon Street, York, YO10 4NT
Date & Time:
September 30th, 2025 7:30pm
The Piece Hall
If you are studying in Huddersfield, why not try the nearby hotspot of The Piece Hall for top concerts and cultural events:
Olly Murs at The Piece Hall, Halifax
Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE
Date & Time:
July 5th, 2025 6:00pm
Nile Rodgers & CHIC + special guests The Brand New Heavies at The Piece Hall, Halifax
Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE
Date & Time:
August 29th, 2025 6:00pm
The Smashing Pumpkins – Official Ticket and Hotel Bundls at The Piece Hall, Halifax
Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE
Date & Time:
August 12th, 2025 6:01pm
Hull City Hall
Last but not least, Hull City Hall attracts top acts from across the world to the port city in the East of Yorkshire:
George Lewis: The Best Thing You’ll Ever Do at Hull City Hall, Hull
Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RQ
Date & Time:
November 13th, 2025 8:00pm
DOMINATION: The Fall and Rise of an Empire with Alice Roberts at Hull City Hall, Hull
Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RQ
Date & Time:
October 9th, 2025 7:30pm
Chris McCausland: Yonks! at Hull City Hall, Hull
Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RQ
Date & Time:
May 16th, 2026 8:00pm
Team activities
Build some team spirit in your halls, shared accommodation or on your course with an activity to bring people together.
Stump Cross Caverns
Explore these beautiful caves under the hills in-between Grassington and Harrogate.
Climbing on Brimham Rocks
Lost Earth Adventures are ready and waiting to take groups on climbing expeditions to Almscliff and Brimham Rocks on the Harrogate side of Leeds.
Pig herding near Masham
Try tractor racing, pig herding, welly wanging, sheep gathering and more with Farm Adventure near Masham.
Walk the 3 Peaks
A well renowned challenge which can be completed in one day – see the route here.
Days out
York Races
Combine a trip to York Races with a viewing of the Minster (essential to check visiting times) and a cruise along the river.
Bolton Abbey
Try the stepping stones, watch the natural phenomenon that is The Strid and see the beautiful ruins of this ancient monastery.
Where to take visitors?
When students are settling in, there will often be friends and family dropping by to check out the new surroundings. Here are the slightly more touristy or upmarket spots you might like to take them for a special short trip in the area:
York Minster
A must-see for everyone passing through Yorkshire at any time. This is one of the most spectacular churches in the world.
The Devonshire Fell Restaurant
Get a proper English afternoon tea served in the greenest of rolling countryside.
The Harrogate Inn
A magnificent impression in the most handy central location in Harrogate – just steps away from the rail station, convention centre and theatre. Give your loved ones the full Harrogate experience before settling in for fresh local produce and even a comfortable stay. Private dining available by arrangement.
North York Moors Steam Railway Trips
There are a number of steam train trips bookable from around Yorkshire, with pickups in Harrogate and York. The tours have the added benefit of including a stop-off at the coastal town of Whitby to sample the renowned local dish, Fish & Chips.
