With its bucolic, heather-clad moors and some of the country’s friendliest people, Yorkshire is one of the finest places to enjoy a UK staycation. Dubbed ‘Gods Own Country’, it encompasses the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors and will bowl you over with its Heritage Coast. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and press the reset button, we reckon a holiday in Yorkshire is just what you need. Our Yorkshire travel guide will tell you everything you need to know (and also some hidden gems you should check out!)
When to visit
Yorkshire is a year-round destination and like the rest of the UK, it enjoys four seasons. The coldest weather typically falls between December and February (daytime lows of 1 degree) and the hottest weather falls in July and August when you can enjoy long daylight hours and average highs of 20 degrees.
In winter, expect winter wonderland snow scenes up on the moors and as you’re on the east coast, always come prepared for rain. In other words, pack your waterproof!
How to get there
Yorkshire is very accessible by car. It’s well connected by various motorways, including the M1 and A1 motorways from the south, and the A1 from the North East and Scotland. You’ll also find many car hire options across the county.
York, Leeds Sheffield, Hull, and Doncaster all have excellent rail links and you will find many small towns here have connecting trains to the main stations. Both domestic and international airlines fly into Leeds Bradford Airport, while Doncaster Sheffield Airport also operates international flights.
Why visit Yorkshire?
Beaches
Yorkshire’s rugged coastline, a Heritage Coast, is home to some of the country’s finest beaches. It comes as no surprise then, that the epic 182-mile Coast to Coast Walk, devised by Alfred Wainwright, ends here, in the quaint fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Countryside
The national parks in Yorkshire are outstanding and when you see the vibrant purple heather of the North York Moors and the glorious waterfalls and woodlands of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll instantly feel at one with nature.
Food and Drink
Crumbly Wensleydale cheese, crisp Yorkshire puddings and local ales are just some of the delicious food and drink specialties you’ll find in Yorkshire. Find out more in our blog on Traditional Yorkshire Food.
History & culture
The county city of York is brimming with history. Its medieval York minster, narrow cobbled streets and striking city walls are merely the start. Go back in time with a trip to the Jorvik Centre, which brings its Viking heritage to life.
Hidden Gems
Forbidden Corner [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]
The Forbidden Corner
Children’s imaginations are immediately captured at the strange but wonderful land known as The Forbidden Corner. It was originally built as a private folly at the scenic Tupgill Park in the Yorkshire Dales, but this collection of tunnels, labyrinths, chambers and follies is now an otherworldly attraction and one of the top things to do with kids in Yorkshire.
The Kilburn White Horse
If you’re travelling to Yorkshire by train, you may spot this huge chalk figure of a horse on the side of a hill, before you hop off at Thirsk. This unusual attraction has been here since 1857 and the best way to appreciate its size (314 ft long and 228ft high) is by taking the picturesque walk on Sutton Bank.
The Tiled Hall Café, Leeds
The cosmopolitan city of Leeds offers endless brilliant places to eat, drink and play, but The Tiled Hall Café at Leeds Art Gallery is a sight to behold. With marble columns, Victorian tiles and an ornate mosaic ceiling, there’s no place quite as spectacular to enjoy a cup of Yorkshire tea.
Where to visit
Explore the Dales and Moors
Whichever season you visit, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales will look spectacular, which is why the 109-mile Cleveland Way (which crosses the Moors) is considered one of the UK’s most incredible walks. Castles, fishing villages and chocolate box villages can all be discovered across these parklands. Check out the beautiful priory ruins at Bolton Abbey and visit Wensleydale, the home of the famous cheese.
Discover the North Yorkshire coastline
Whitby and Scarborough are renowned for being one of the best places to enjoy the Great British Seaside. Not only do they boast glorious sandy beaches, but they also come packed with family-friendly attractions and heaps of character. Don’t miss Whitby’s famous ghost walks and the unbeatable fish and chips. Check out Yorkshire’s best beaches in our blog.
Visit the Walled City of York
Home to top-notch fudge shops, a brilliant Railway museum and a clutch of award-winning restaurants, York offers a brilliant day out during your Yorkshire holiday. After you’ve walked the impressive city walls, take a boat trip down the river, marvel the medieval York Minster and take in the views from the top of Clifford’s Tower.
Have we got you hankering for a taste of this beautiful northern region? Check out our collection of houses and cottages in Yorkshire, or alternatively, chat to our concierge team who can help you find the perfect place for you (and they can sort out any extras you might want!)
9 traditional Yorkshire food dishes you should try
Things to do in Yorkshire
Oliver’s Travels heads to Yorkshire
Things to do with kids in Yorkshire
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