7 Interesting and Unusual Gift Ideas in Yorkshire

Looking for something different to give as a gift for Christmas or a birthday? Done the usual to death? Want to make people think you’re thoughtful and interesting? Here we review a range of alternative and unusual gift ideas available from Uniquely Local…

1. Full day cheese making course

One of our most popular gift experiences, this fun and informative day out takes place at an artisan cheese factory in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Spend the day making, grading and tasting cheeses – and you even get some to take home with you!

Lunch and refreshments are provided. The experience can cater for up to 6 participants so is a great gift for couples and groups.

2. Fish and Chip Afternoon Tea for Two in Whitby

Combining the best meal known to man with the best traditional British baked good!

Enjoy the freshest cod served with traditional chips, mushy peas, bread and butter – all followed by one of Hetty and Betty’s famous homemade scones, jam and clotted cream. Washed down with a bottle of bubbles!

3. Alpaca walking

What could be more authentically Yorkshire than taking a South American mammal for a walk? This farm and its flock has featured on Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet. And don’t be mistaken – these are not yobbish, spit-in-your-face-as-soon-as-look-at-you llamas – the Alpaca is an altogether more intelligent, endearing and gentle beast.

As such it makes a great unusual family day out, set amidst the beautiful Howardian Hills near Thirsk.

Read more: Alpaca Walk for up to 6 or Alpaca Walk for 2.

4. Food tour of Harrogate

Ideal for the foodie in your life, this afternoon tour takes in 5 of Harrogate’s finest food and drink emporiums. Visit the city’s best-kept gastronomic secrets with food and drink taken at each stop. Tours can be made vegetarian-friendly as required.

Read more: Harrogate food tour experience.

5. One day blacksmithing course

Another one of our most popular experiences, reconnect with your inner medieval self on this full-day experience based in Malton.

You’ll learn a range of traditional forging techniques in an eco induction forge under the tutelage of a blacksmith artist. Lunch is provided, and at the end of the day you’ll get to take your treasures home with you.

Read more: Yorkshire blacksmith gift experience.

6. Half Day Yorkshire Bee Keeping Experience

Why not take the family (kids aged 8 and over) to enjoy a half day bee keeping experience in South Yorkshire. During this 3 hour unique experience, enjoy an introduction to beekeeping, and learn the history behind family run, More Bees Please. Discover how, with their goal of trying to combat the declining honey bee population, they create all their honey in the UK in a sustainable manner.

7. Introduction to chocolate making workshop

York, a city famed for it’s chocolate, is the perfect place to embark on your chocolatier experience. Located in York Cocoa House you will learn how to make delicious chocolate truffles from scratch which will make you extremely popular with friends and family. What’s more, you get to take approximately 300g of the tasty treats home with you to share….or not!