It can be really difficult to find the perfect gift for someone – let’s be honest, there are only so many chocolates a person can eat and only so many pairs of socks they need! So instead of reaching for the usual novelty slippers, why not treat them to a special East Yorkshire experience that they’ll remember for years to come.
Better still, a lot of experiences can be purchased online or over the phone so you don’t have to brave the crowds or stress about gift wrapping. Christmas gifting made easy-peasy!
Go cow cuddling at Dumble Farm
Beverley is synonymous with the cows that can often be seen grazing on the Westwood but did you know about the neighbouring cows that just love to be walked and cuddled?
Just three miles north of Beverley lies Dumble Farm, home to a herd of adorable highland cattle. Join Morag and her friends on an adventure walk or if you prefer, you can spend some time handing out with the farm’s retired dairy cows who have the important job of being cuddle cows!
Or how about hopping onboard the Dumble Bus for a Highland Cow Safari? Explore the farm’s meadows, getting up close to the resident Highland Cows and learn all about these majestic creatures from the farmers.
Book your loved one an udderly adorable cow experience or buy them a gift voucher so they can choose their own.
Drive a heritage train at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway
Train fanatics will be really excited to have the opportunity to drive an actual locomotive!
At the Yorkshire Wolds Railway, you can do exactly that under the supervision of their experienced drivers. After a little training you’ll be given control of their locomotive ‘Sir Tatton Sykes’ as you journey along their line which offers the most stunning views of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Find out more and book your tickets
Enjoy year-round access to East Yorkshire’s stately homes
Imposing, historic and quite simply breath-taking, East Yorkshire is blessed to have an eclectic mix of stately homes and gardens on our doorstep. These magnificent buildings with their secret walled gardens and stunning floral displays are a pleasure to explore at any time of the year.
With grand rooms to discover, picturesque gardens to stroll through and an often full and interesting events programme to take advantage of, there are always plenty of reasons to keep coming back time and time again.
Many of East Yorkshire’s stately homes offer annual passes or memberships, giving unlimited access all year round with added discounts and benefits. So if you know someone who’s happy place is Sewerby Hall, Burnby Hall, Sledmere House, Burton Constable Hall or Burton Agnes Hall, we know just the gift for them!
Find out more about East Yorkshire's stately homes
Walk an alpaca at Ings Park Alpacas
For an experience combining oodles of fun, the great outdoors and lots of cute animals, it has to be an alpaca walk! The team at Ings Park Alpacas offer two different experiences for you to choose from.
Farm walks are great for families with younger children or those who want to get up close with their alpaca. After a meet and greet, you’ll feed your alpaca and heard them as a team. Then enjoy a walk around the fields with your furry friend which includes some small obstacles to navigate. Of course, you’ll want to take some alpaca selfies and there will be plenty of photo opportunities.
Adventure treks on the other hand offer long afternoon treks through the beautiful East Yorkshire countryside. After meeting your alpaca, feeding them and getting to know the basics on alpaca handling, you’ll set out on a 2/3 hour trek.
Both types of alpaca experiences can be booked quickly and easily through the Ings Park Alpaca website.
Find out more about Ings Park Alpacas
Go wine tasting at East Yorkshire’s vineyards
Each summer the team at Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery throw open their doors and invite you in to enjoy a vineyard picnic. Enjoy a brief tour of the vineyard, walking amongst the colourful vines and see where the magic happens and the grapes are transformed into award-winning wines. Then settle down in the comfy outdoor seating and feel the sun on your skin as you graze your way through a freshly prepared picnic and some of Laurel Vines delicious wine. Contact Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery to purchase a gift voucher.
Over at Little Wold Vineyard you can book a vineyard tour and try some wines in their cosy tasting room. Hear about the history of the farm, taste four delicious Little Wold Vineyard wines and, if the weather is nice, take a wander around the vines. When buying as a gift you can either book a specific date or purchase a gift card so that the recipient can choose their own tour date. Just head to the Little Wold Vineyard website to get another gift ticked off the list!
Find out more about Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery and Little Wold Vineyard
Feel the thrill of a sky dive
For the thrill seeker in your life, how about a skydive?
If you’re going to parachute out of an aircraft you want the very best views on the way down and Skydive GB, located near Bridlington, offers unrivalled coastal views both from the aircraft and throughout the skydive experience.
If the person you’re buying for is new to skydiving, they offer tandem jumps from around 10,000 ft where you’re secured to an instructor. They also offer a full day of comprehensive training for those who fancy going it alone with an automatically opening parachute.
Find out more about Sky Dive GB
Have a go at clay pigeon shooting
As we head into a new year there’s no better time to try something new or take up a new hobby. If you know someone who has always wanted to try their hand at clay pigeon shooting then some lessons at East Yorkshire Shooting Ground might be right up their street!
They offer ‘Have A Go’ packages for those who, well, want to have a go! No previous shooting experience is required and these supervised sessions are perfect for the novice shooter.
Shooting lessons, coaching and tuition for all skill levels are also available so if your loved one wants to learn more about shooting or has tried it in the past and wants to improve then these are a great option.
Gift vouchers are available to purchase through the East Yorkshire Shooting Ground website.
Find out more about East Yorkshire Shooting Ground
Take part in a cookery masterclass at the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School
For the foodie in your life, a class at the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School is sure to be a hit!
Located near Driffield with the stunning views of the Yorkshire Wolds, we can’t think of a better place to perfect your culinary skills. From pristine pasta dishes to inspirational Indian cuisine and one pot suppers, the school offers a fantastic range of classes. There is award-winning accommodation on site too, providing the opportunity to get out and discover more of beautiful East Yorkshire too.
Find out more about the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School