A Fresher’s Guide to Yorkshire

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?

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The First Direct Arena in Leeds

Fontaines D.C. at First Direct Arena, Leeds

Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AR

Date & Time:

December 3rd, 2024 6:00pm

Bluey’s Big Play at First Direct Arena, Leeds

Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AR

Date & Time:

June 28th, 2024 1:00pm

Bluey’s Big Play at First Direct Arena, Leeds

Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8AR

Date & Time:

June 28th, 2024 10:00am

Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall

Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall

Second for student population is Sheffield, with its own premiere venue and a host of great acts coming soon:

Kim Wilde at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield

Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2JA

Date & Time:

March 22nd, 2025 7:00pm

Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez – Speakeasy at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield

Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2JA

Date & Time:

March 9th, 2025 5:00pm

Ant Middleton at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield

Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2JA

Date & Time:

October 30th, 2024 6:30pm

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:

Ant Middleton at York Barbican, York

Paragon Street, York, YO10 4NT

Date & Time:

October 28th, 2024 7:00pm

Carrie Hope Fletcher: Love Letters at York Barbican, York

Paragon Street, York, YO10 4NT

Date & Time:

October 8th, 2024 7:30pm

Chris Kent: Back At It at York Barbican, York

Paragon Street, York, YO10 4NT

Date & Time:

October 10th, 2024 8:00pm

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:

Pixies at The Piece Hall, Halifax

Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE

Date & Time:

August 21st, 2024 6:00pm

Blondie at The Piece Hall, Halifax

Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE

Date & Time:

June 9th, 2024 6:00pm

McFly at The Piece Hall, Halifax

Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE

Date & Time:

August 10th, 2024 6:00pm

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:

Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons at Hull City Hall, Hull

Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RQ

Date & Time:

January 31st, 2025 7:30pm

What’s Love Got To Do With It? at Hull City Hall, Hull

Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RQ

Date & Time:

January 24th, 2025 7:30pm

Shed Seven at Hull City Hall, Hull

Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RQ

Date & Time:

November 19th, 2024 7:00pm

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.

Related Accommodation

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