The Best Nights Out in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is famous throughout the United Kingdom and even the world for its beautiful landscapes, crisp Yorkshire puddings, and welcoming people. The county is the birthplace of Wensleydale cheese and its biggest connoisseurs, Wallace and Gromit. It also gave the world stainless steel, Marks & Spencer and Sheffield FC, the world’s first football club. 

 

In decades gone by, Yorkshire was one of the industrial heartlands of Great Britain, producing iron and steel, coal, aircrafts, and textiles. Before that, the city of York was an important asset to the Roman Empire, becoming a key economic centre and a crucial military installation. 

 

Today, Yorkshire is a popular destination for tourists, both domestic and international who come to admire the rolling Yorkshire Dales and the county’s quaint architecture. While many will be tired at the end of the day from hours of hiking, some others will be gearing up for a night out in Yorkshire’s many great towns and cities. 

 

If you fancy a night out in this Northern county, here are some of the best options.

 

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

 

Based in the seaside town of Scarborough, the Stephen Joseph Theatre has been operating since 1955 but didn’t have a permanent home until 1996. It’s now located inside the former Odeon cinema, giving the outside of the Theatre a retro feel.

 

Inside, there are two separate stages: a larger 404-seat facility and a smaller 165-seat stage/cinema. 

 

You’ll find a range of different shows performed here including classics like Oliver Twist and more contemporary performances like Gym & Tonic, and Strangers On A Train Set. 

 

Combine your trip to the theatre with an evening stroll along the promenade to catch some sea air or dinner in one of the local cafes that serve locally caught fish and chips. 

 

The Bloody Tour of York

 

If you enjoy finding out about ghostly goings-on or you like being frightened, then book yourself on to The Bloody Tour of York. 

 

You’ll be led by Mad Alice through the streets of York, while she points out landmarks and describes unusual tales from the invasion of the Vikings right through to the Plague in sometimes gruesome detail. 

 

You’ll discover more about the motivations of Guy Fawkes, the man who famously attempted to blow up Parliament, and Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman. 

 

Tours last around 90 minutes and start at 6 PM for most of the year with an additional 8 PM tour in the main tourist season. 

 

The tour does involve a fair amount of walking, but it’s still suitable for people of all ages and abilities. If you’re part of a large group, private tours are also available, just book ahead. 

 

The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe

 

Open from 11 AM until late every day, The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe in Halifax proudly boasts that it is an independent business, free of influence from larger brands. Despite its name, it also stocks a wide selection of teas and soft drinks too. 

 

It holds regular themed nights, including poetry, open mic nights and live acoustic music performances throughout the week. On Sundays, delicious Thai food is served between 4 PM and 9 PM, while there are also occasional pop-up kitchens that serve anything from pizza to Mexican dishes. 

 

 

Napoleons Casino

With venues in the heart of major towns and cities, including Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and Hull, Napoleons Casino is one of Yorkshire’s best casino brands.

 

You’ll find all the most popular casino games, including video slots, blackjack roulette and poker. It prides itself on having a friendly atmosphere for both casino veterans and newbies. If you are unsure of the rules of any games, the friendly staff are on hand to help you learn the rules. Alternatively, you could get up to speed online first by using a no deposit casino bonus

 

It’s not just casino games on offer at Napoleons. Each venue has its own restaurant, serving mouthwatering dishes. Its “Dine in Style” packages combine gaming and dining together, with a welcome drink on arrival and three carefully prepared courses for a set price. At some locations, its late-night menu, featuring favourites like burgers, pizzas, steaks, sandwiches and even full English breakfasts is served until 3 AM. 

If you are out for a night on the town why not consider hitting some of Sheffield’s cocktail bars?

 

Fibbers

If you want something more lively, then Fibbers in York is a great option. It’s an institution in the city and has seen top artists like Biffy Clyro, the Stereophonics, Kasabian, Coldplay, Scouting for Girls, Dragonforce, The Killers and the Arctic Monkeys all perform on its stage. 

 

Since 1992, it claims that 11,000 bands have graced its stage, and over one million music fans have come to watch them perform.

 

Fibbers keeps going until late, turning into a nightclub after the live performances have finished. 

 

Due to developers buying the building, Fibbers closed the doors of its Toft Green home in January 2020 but will be announcing a new venue in the near future. 

 

The Basement

The Basement in York is home to live music, comedy and other arts. This unique venue has capacity for up to 100 people and first opened its doors in March of 2000. It has very low ceilings, so you may need to duck a little if you’re on the tall side. However, this gives it a very intimate feel and creates a great atmosphere no matter how many people show up for the performance. 

 

The Basement hosts open mic nights each month, with just about anything allowed. So if you want to practice your stand up, poetry, music, or just ramble on, it’s all welcome. 

 

Regular comedy nights are what bring the most people through the door. It claims to have York’s most diverse range of comedy, including up and coming locals and household names. The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club hosts one show per month at The Basement, with tickets costing £17 if booked in advance. Each show contains four separate comedians that will leave you with strained stomach muscles and split sides from all the laughing. 

 

No matter where you are in Yorkshire, there’s plenty of great options available for night time entertainment. With everything from ghost tours to comedy clubs, there’s something for every taste.