Brimham Rocks: If The Flintstones Lived in Yorkshire
Ey up. Pull up a chair…
If you’re reading this (and looking for a day out) on thee laptop thing, or on your phone, tablet, stood on the train/bus, or even sat on a plane teasing the clouds and heading to visit the UK, then do summat for me first.
If you’re going to read about places in Yorkshire, tha needs to imagine them properly. First though, we need to set the scene.
Picture this: You’re sat in a big comfy armchair — the sort that draws its sides in around you like it’s giving you a proper Yorkshire hug — wi’ a brew in your hand.
Now close your eyes (unless, of course, you’re driving, flying a plane, talking to a customer, or operating machinery — that tends to upset folk a tad, and they panic a fair bit).
In front of you, imag.ine a beautiful open, roaring fire. Glowing embers crackling… flames dancing like little glowing spirits, celebrating life in all their short-lived glory and waving at you. What? You missed em? Should have had your eyes open… Anyway, that’s not the point, is it? I’m trying to set a scene, not write a Jane Austen novel of young love!
You’re in the lounge of an old Yorkshire stone cottage — safe, warm, and content. Your dog is at your feet, fast asleep, whiskers twitching in its dreams, and a cat is curled up on your knee, purring in time as you gently exhale.
Outside, the wind whips at the chimney pots, carrying smoke across a moody darkening sky. In the kitchen window behind you, a single candle flickers — a tiny beacon of light and hope for anyone who needs it, offering sanctuary in its simple beauty.
Now, take a long sip from your cuppa… and start your wandrin’.
Here, I explore another place in Yorkshire (Gods Own County) and explain why it is worth a visit and your time.
So sit back. Get comfy. Let’s start our journey today with one of the most extraordinary places Yorkshire has to offer…
Brimham Rocks
Where ancient stones meet Yorkshire spirit and endless skies
Just outside Harrogate (yes, tha’ posh place) — nestled on high moorland between earth and sky — sits a landscape of rocks so surreal you’d swear someone made it a few million years ago after a strong night in t’pub. Think Stonehenge, but we do it with far more flair, beauty, and our own magical charm.
Brimham Rocks is a natural playground: towering balancing stones, twisting formations shaped over 320 million years (not Ow much but Ow long?), and sweeping views across stunning Nidderdale. It’s dramatic. It’s peaceful. It’s a bit weird, but beloved — by walkers, explorers, kids, dogs, photographers, romantics, and anyone who needs a lungful of proper Yorkshire air.
Location – Where’s tha goin?
Near Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
What3Words: ///trickles.topples.radiated
(Could they not come up with something better? I’d have called it “by.eck.lad.”)
First Impressions: The Stones Greet You
Step out of the car park and almost immediately the stones rise up in front of you — hulking shapes like elephants, mushrooms, giants’ faces, and impossible balancing acts. Kinda like the huge gates of Jurassic Park - but more spectacular and with no risk of being eaten by a T-Rex. Indeed, we have our version, but its a lot smaller and known as a whippet or a grey hound and besides run fast and be loving, they cannot do much else! T-Rex has tiny hands, our dogs have long legs. I will take my chances with the Yorkshire variant!!
Children scramble. Adults stare for ages (while occasionally yelling “Stop climbin’!”). Dogs sniff everything with great excitement, as if trying to find the scent of those who put the rocks there!
The wild heather sways. The wind hums. Most days it’s a little wild and windy, other days a lot wilder and whole lot more windier, but occasionally, it’s calm, still, warm and breathtaking.
It’s the sort of place you wander into, wander around, and wander back out feeling better than when you arrived. At night, with no light pollution, the stars seem to reach down to touch the rocks, sharing the eternity of the moment.
Brimham Through the Seasons
🌱 Spring
Fresh air, soft sunlight, new life everywhere. The moorland starts to wake, and the rocks look grand against the gentle spring sky. Birdsong lifts the mood, and t’winter has been put to bed awhile.
🌞 Summer
Long golden evenings, picnics between the rock formations, kids running wild. Brave climbers test their skills. Warm enough to sit on the stones and let the world drift by. Dogs love it, we love it, so will thee.
🍂 Autumn
A photographer’s dream: reds, browns, purples — heather turning, bracken crisping, dramatic skies. Cooler air, perfect walking weather — wrap up, don’t forget tha flat cap. Fewer crowds, more peace, and a perfect place to walk off that Sunday dinner. Put your flat cap on.
❄️ Winter
Spectacular. Frosted stones, quiet paths, wild and rugged beauty you feel in your chest.
But — put your proper walking boots or shoes on. Rocks are slippy, especially in the rain, frost and snow. Swap tha’ flat cap for a woolly one hat — the bigger the bobble, the better. You’re here for a walk, not a fashion shoot. By the end, if your bairns or dog don’t come back with half the moor on their legs, you didna’ walk far enough! Still worth every photo and moment.
Dog-Friendly? Aye — Wi’ a Little Bit of Yorkshire Common Sense
Brimham is very dog friendly — wagging tails everywhere. But… it’s working farmland. Sheep, cattle, and spring lambs are around, so please:
Keep dogs on a short lead near livestock
Stick to the main paths
Respect the farmers — they look after the land that feeds us
Clean up after your dog, pop it in the bin, and you’re golden
Do that and you’re awesome and more than welcome.
Family-Friendly? Aye, It Is
Kids love it — climbing, balancing, exploring little caves, spotting shapes in the stones (“that one looks like a frog!”, “that one’s a giant foot!”, “Mum, that one looks like Nana!”).
Firm paths for prams and easier walking exist, though further out it gets rockier. Plenty of open space, fresh air, safe scrambling, and tired kids returning to the car asleep before you know it.
Accessibility & Facilities
Parking: Large National Trust car park (charges apply unless you’re a member)
Toilets: Including accessible facilities
Paths:
Near visitor centre → firm, accessible for wheelchairs, scooters & prams
Beyond → uneven, rocky, occasionally steep (care in wet weather)
Café/kiosk: Hot drinks, snacks, and a very Yorkshire welcome
Dog friendly: Yes — on leads
Ideal visit time: 1–3 hours, depending on how far you wander (and how knackered the kids get!).
Why Brimham Rocks Matters to Us?
Because it’s Yorkshire in a nutshell: big skies, big heart, big stones leaning on each other as if they’ve had one too many.
It captures everything we want to show the world: beauty, humour, heritage, drama, friendliness, and grit. Way better than Stone ‘eng, in our opinion!
And when you get back to the car — boots muddied, cheeks flushed, dog knackered, kids asleep, woolly hat bobbling — you’ll say the same as every Yorkshire soul who’s ever been:
“Aye… tha’ were reet grand.”