September is Friendship Month here in the UK so if you’ve been meaning to catch up with your nearest and dearest for a while, here’s your reminder to get a date in your diaries! Stumped for ideas for your next mate date? Whether you’re seeking thrills and adventure or a day of rest and relaxation, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in East Yorkshire.
Take on an escape room
Can you rise to the challenge and work as a team to escape in time? Choose which epic themed room you want to play then put your thinking caps on as you have 60 minutes to solve the puzzles and decipher the codes to reign victorious. East Yorkshire has three fabulous escape rooms for you to try, Beverley Breakout, Escape Rooms Beverley and Bridlington Escape, all offering an immersive experience that problem solving friends will love.
Tour a vineyard, brewery or distillery
Ever wondered how your favourite tipple is made? Why not visit one of East Yorkshire’s premier producers to find out. Join Wold Top Brewery to learn about their award-winning beers and enjoy a tour of their brewery. At Little Wold Vineyard you can take part in a tasting tour where you’ll explore the vines and sample some delicious wines. Over the summer months, Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery offers picnics alongside their vineyard tours and if whisky is your tipple of choice, head to Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery to tour the facilities and taste Yorkshire’s first single malt. Cheers to great friendships!
Share an afternoon tea
There’s nothing quite like catching up with good friends over good food, especially if it’s in the form of several tiers of sandwiches, scones and cakes! There are lots of places you can enjoy afternoon tea in East Yorkshire, from cosy cafes to elegant tea rooms. Read our recent blog post to find some to try.
Amble with alpacas
If you and your friends share a love of animals, we know just the day out for you! Ings Park Alpacas offers long afternoon treks through the countryside with their herd of adorable alpacas. They also have a flock of sheep that you can walk on their main farm. You’ll help your furry friend to navigate an obstacle course so expect plenty of fun, giggles and photo opportunities!
Place your bets for a day at the races
With race meetings taking place between April and September, Beverley Racecourse is the perfect place to gather in the sunshine with friends and take in the atmosphere of the horses thundering home. Choose the laid-back vibe of the course enclosure or dress to impress for the premier enclosure, either way you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink including real ale outlets and the beautiful Laurent Perrier Champagne bar. There are 19 race meetings to choose from each year but if a day out with the girls is on the cards it has to be Ladies Day – an opportunity to glam up and enjoy a flutter with friends.
Spoil yourselves with a spa day
Comfy gown and slippers on, bubbly in hand and treatments at the ready. Who’d like a relaxing spa day? Sit back, unwind and catch up with friends as experts pamper you in the ultimate rejuvenating experience. Atomic Spa is located within 2 acres of tranquil grounds near Brandesburton while Sessions House sits next to The Westwood Restaurant, a Michelin credited establishment that serves a modern and delectable range of English cuisine.
Wander the wolds
How incredibly lucky we are to have the Yorkshire Wolds on our doorstep. It’s the place that inspired some of the most iconic images by artist, David Hockney, and it isn’t difficult to see why. With vast open spaces, stunning wildlife and incredible landscapes, it is simply breath-taking. If you and your friends love the outdoors, why not choose a section of the Yorkshire Wolds National Trail to explore together? There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a cosy pub lunch or coffee and cake along the way too.
Retail therapy
Easily explored on foot, Beverley has the perfect mix of independently owned boutiques and high street stores, while its popular market takes place every Saturday. Flemingate Beverley brings fashion, food and film close to East Yorkshire’s historic heart offering an independent cinema and mix of high street names, independent shops and boutiques alongside local creative talent. Shopping is hard work so no doubt you’ll want to stop for a sweet treat or leisurely lunch with your pals too. Beverley has a wealth of cafes, pubs and restaurants so you’ll be recharged and ready to hit the shops again in no time!
Perfect your swing with mini golf
Fore! You’re never too old for a game of mini golf and some friendly competition always makes for an interesting meet up. Treasure Island Mini Golf in Bridlington has a 10-hole pirate themed golf course which is guaranteed to bring you plenty of laughs. Make sure you don’t lose though as your friends may dare you to enter their haunted pirate ship as punishment! As you’re in Bridlington it would be rude not to treat yourselves to some fish and chips afterwards whilst taking in the views along the beautiful coastline.
Discover spectacular stately homes
Spend some time exploring East Yorkshire’s stately homes and take in the splendour of the Elizabethan, Edwardian and Regency eras. Expect beautiful architecture, secret walled gardens, interesting exhibitions, cosy cafes and varied event programmes. The perfect setting for an afternoon with your bestie.
On your bike!
Enjoy a pedal powered morning with your friends and explore East Yorkshire by bike. Choose one of our leisure cycle routes and enjoy exploring some of the market towns and villages across the region. Our cycle map suggests a number of routes to take, from easy rides to something a little more challenging.
Curtains up for an evening at the theatre
East Yorkshire is blessed to have a fantastic choice of theatres showcasing local and world class talent. Bridlington Spa always has a packed and exciting programme including music, comedy, theatre and touring musicals. East Riding Theatre in Beverley delivers an eclectic programme of quality theatre, music and entertainment to the people of HU17 and beyond, whilst Pocklington Arts Centre has first class facilities for showing major films and a fully equipped 200 seat theatre for live music, theatre and comedy.
Get in the saddle
Horseback is a wonderful way to experience East Yorkshire. Both novice and experienced riders are welcome at Woldgate Trekking Centre, near Bridlington and their team of safe and friendly horses are suitable for riders of all ages. Imagine trekking through woodland and over dales, taking in your peaceful surroundings and sharing this special experience with some of your favourite people. Don’t worry if you’re nervous as you can be led by a member of the team if you prefer.
Hornsea Mere
Take to the water and enjoy rowing, sailing, fishing and boat tripping at Hornsea Mere. The Mere is Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake and is a peaceful and relaxing location to meet up with friends. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there is also an 18 hole putting green and a café serving meals and light snacks. Check café opening times before visiting as they can vary.
Food, glorious food!
Food and friendship goes hand-in-hand. Sitting down together, enjoying delicious local produce and chatting about life’s latest twists and turns. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to East Yorkshire eateries – from fine dining to fish and chips, we have it all! It’s easy to stick to what you know but why not venture into the unknown and try somewhere new. Click here for ideas and inspiration.
Pawfect days out
If your best friend happens to have four paws instead of two feet, East Yorkshire is just pawfect for days out together. With miles of coast and countryside to sniff out and explore, you'll be hard pressed to find a more dog-friendly location. Looking for dog-friendly places to eat, stay and play? Discover lots of places which welcome dogs, from cafes to attractions and glamping sites. And if you happen to be out and about in Beverley, spoil your best pal with a treat from Oh My Dog!
Where is your favourite place to spend time with friends? Let us know by tagging us in on Instagram, Facebook and X.