7 Fantastic Father’s Day Gift Experiences in Yorkshire

With father’s day fast approaching, we asked a real dad to pick out which of our experiences he would most like to receive this June. So in no particular order, here goes…

1. For the gentleman drinker: a beer tour

The Guardian recently hailed Leeds as “the UK’s craft ale capital”, not surprising as it’s chock full of  independent breweries and quirky bars. Drinking beer was once seen as a nasty habit, an affliction or addiction. Now, thankfully, it’s just a hobby. And what better way to nurture a budding interest in zythology (Google it) than with a guided tour of the region’s finest beer makers?

A great group exercise for a bunch of like-minded dads, it lasts 3.5 hours and the price includes plenty of opportunities for tastings.

Heritage Beer Tours in Leeds cost £80 for two people.

2. For the foodie: Cheesemaking in the Dales

In the words of Annie Lennox: “Sweet dreams are made of cheese / who am I to dis a brie?”. If the dad in your life is a cheese fan then perhaps this experience in the heart of the northern Yorkshire Dales is worth a look.

A full-day experience (and again a great one for a group) to learn about the process and – crucially – participants get to either a) take some cheese back or b) collect some of the cheese they actually made once it has matured. And he can do it in his wellies. Cracking.

Full day course from £120 for 1 person, £192 for 2 people – further discounts for larger groups. Reeth nr Richmond (15 mins off the A1).

3. For the whisky connoisseur: whisky tasting on the Yorkshire Coast

There comes a point in every man’s life when he is going to have to nurture an appreciation for good whisky. Send Dad to the beautiful Yorkshire coast to spend an hour with the guys at Spirit of Yorkshire distillery and he will experience the passion and enthusiasm that goes into every drop produced here.

The distillery’s expert guides will tell him all about this age-old, hands-on process that is part science, part patience and part instinct. And he’ll round off the tour with a chance to try some of the Maturing Malt.

Whisky Tour & Tasting Sessions cost £18 per person

4. For the hungry artist: art experience including lunch

Is dad harbouring some latent artistic talent? Is he full of untapped creative potential? Could the walls of his home be filled with his prodigious output?

If the answer to any of the above questions is ‘yes’, then treat the old man to this creative day out under the expert tutelage of artist Paul Robinson near the Peak District national park. He’ll introduce a range of techniques so dad can head home with the fruits of his labour and having enjoyed a home-cooked, locally-sourced lunch.

Art Taster Day £75 per person South Yorkshire

5. For the stressed-out: Axe throwing (near Leeds, York and Harrogate)

It’s throwing big axes for an hour. No further explanation required.

£60 for two people at Hazlewood Castle (near the A1/A64 between Leeds and York) or Ripley Castle (between Harrogate and Ripon).

6. For the heritage crafter: Learn the traditional art of blacksmithing

This one’s for all the Dad’s with a keen interest in history and absolutely anyone who gets satisfaction from creating useful objects with their own hands. On this practical blacksmithing course you will learn a range of traditional forging techniques and apply these to traditional or modern designs depending on your preference returning home with a range of hand made treasures.

 £180 for a one day blacksmithing course including lunch

7. 35 Minute Neck and Shoulder Massage in York

A popular choice in the ‘gift experiences for him’ section and a must for hardworking, stressed out dads. Spend a frankly heavenly 35 minutes having a deeply relaxing massage which is applied on the upper back, neck, shoulder, arms and scalp. If you’ve stored all your stress in your shoulders and back this treatment reduces muscle tension, increases blood flow to the head, neck and shoulders and promotes deep relaxation. I had a massage recently and I’m not ashamed to say I left feeling FABULOUS.

This father’s day, your dad needs a fabulous massage more than you realise (or he’ll admit).

Buy dad a 35 Minute Neck and Shoulder Massage in York.