Exploring alternative worlds in Yorkshire

There are few places as steeped in folklore, culture and literacy as Yorkshire is and, naturally, a county with such a diverse and fabled past has a few quirky attractions to entice those on holiday in the area.

From the orient to an exclusive gig for near enough one, discover the unusual treasures in ‘God’s own country’ in our guide to a few curious attractions to help get you exploring Yorkshire’s alternative worlds.

ORIENTAL ESCAPE

Peasholm Park offers the tranquillity of the Far East to Yorkshire.

An ideal excursion for those staying in hotels in Scarborough, Peasholm Park is an oriental themed park set just back from the seaside town’s North Bay.

Featuring temple-esque buildings, including the restored pagoda, a traditional half-moon bridge and zen waterfall, taking a stroll in these pretty gardens is the perfect way to round off an evening in Scarborough. Notably, Peasholm Park is also home to two rare Dickenson’s Golden Elm trees.

During the day visitors can make the most of the boating pond, with rowing boats, canoes and dragon pedaloes available for hire. There’s also a café serving up snacks and drinks for those spending a day relaxing in the gardens.

In the summer months the park plays host to an array of entertainment and families can enjoy the Naval Warfare Battle, a miniature sea battle re-enactment that takes place on the pond throughout August and September. When the weather is warmer, Peasholm Park often holds open air concerts featuring local classical ensembles, and brass and fanfare bands.

With its design reminiscent of a distant land, Peasholm Park is well worth a visit for those looking for something a little different in beautiful surroundings.

LEGENDARY DAY OUT

As alternative goes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a visitor attraction quite as quirky as award-winning The Forbidden Corner at Tupgill Park.

Comprised of labyrinths, mazes and follies, you could easily lose yourself at this unique day out situated on four acres of garden in the midst of the atmospheric Yorkshire Dales.

Featuring the Green Man, among other mythical characters, the clever chambers and temples take visitors on a warped journey through history’s legends and ancient curiosities. Families will need to work together to solve multiple fun puzzles and find their way back to the comfort of the onsite centre and café.

Amy from lifestyle blog Tenpenny Dreams explains the appeal of The Forbidden Corner:

“The Forbidden Corner is a fantastic day out for adults and children alike. So much thought has gone in to building the place and creating the details; you could spend hours exploring the grounds, finding something new around each corner.

“My main tip if you’re planning a visit would be to book a slot early in the day when it’s still quiet so that you feel like the only ones exploring this magical place.”

Want to see more? Amy has documented her trip with multiple photos exploring The Forbidden Corner in pictures.

A PRIVATE GIG

Well, not quite private but with a maximum capacity of 100, a gig at The Band Room is likely to be the most intimate performance you ever see.

Small in size it may be, but this venue has a big reputation amongst people in the music business. A firm fixture at the venue for more than two decades, Nigel Burnham adds:

“The Guardian has called us ‘The Shed that Rocks!’. The Yorkshire Post has called us ‘England’s tiniest major venue’ and a well-known alternative country band called The Handsome Family called us ‘the greatest small venue on Earth’.

“So I really don’t need to make any false claims about the venue – because other people have already said it all!”

In a tiny village hall perched on the vast North York Moors, bands play country, folk and root music to a select audience, which makes for a one-of-a-kind gig experience.

The venue has gained notoriety over the years, with big names like Cerys Matthews dropping in occasionally to perform a secret set.

Crowds will come from miles around to see this truly ‘Tardis-like’ venue, enjoying the billed act and dancing the night away before retiring to their luxury Robin Hoods Bay accommodation.

It’s not hard to see why, as Nigel explains:

“It’s a very special, magical venue which a lot of the musicians who play here call their favourite venue – anywhere in the world.”

To see who’s on stage next at The Band Room, visit their upcoming gigs page.

Image Credit: Peter Collins (flickr.com), Amy Lord (tenpennydreams.com), David Major (flickr.com)