NORTH YORKSHIRE IS THE PLACE TO VISIT!

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NORTH YORKSHIRE IS THE PLACE TO VISIT!

The largest county in England, North Yorkshire is purple moorland and splendid countryside, seaside resorts and charming towns. Visitors are drawn by the grand houses and ruined abbeys that dot the landscape, while in York inviting pubs and restaurants line the medieval streets. If you plan on staying a while, North Yorkshire has some great self-catering cottages.

 

York

York is quite possibly the most beautiful city in the UK, it is full to the brim with history and character. It has influences from the Romans, Vikings, Normans, Tudors AND Victorians so provides an in-depth snapshot into British history in one place. There is so much to see and do:

  • Walk the historic city walls.
  • Explore & climb York Minster.
  • Walk through the Medieval Shambles.
  • Climb up Clifford Tower.
  • Wander through the Museum Gardens.
  • Have an afternoon tea at Betty’s 
  • Take a ghost tour in the evening.
  • Wander through the city’s snickelways (the many Medieval narrow paths and lanes)

     

The North Yorkshire Coast

North Yorkshire has an incredible coastline scattered with picturesque villages clinging to its cliffs.

Whitby

Whitby is a classic Yorkshire seaside town that is best known for being home to Captain Cook. There is so much to do. Climb up the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, a historic ruin with stunning views. Wander through the quaint cobbled streets, discovering hidden nooks and crannies. Walk along the beach to Sandsend when the tide is out. Hop on a boat for a whale-watching or wildlife trip. The possibilities are endless!

Robin Hoods Bay

Known as one of the prettiest villages in North Yorkshire, Robin Hoods Bay is full of cobbled alleyways, quaint cottages and smuggling history.

Staithes

This old fishing port is a great spot for rock pooling, fossil hunting and coastal walks.

Runswick Bay

This is our favourite spot for a seaside walk as the beach is absolutely pristine and well sheltered. Look out for fossils!

Ravenscar

This high point is a great spot to get views over the North Yorkshire coastline and well known for seal spotting.

Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest is an area of over 6000 acres of woodland, home to gorgeous glacial valleys and best known for mountain biking. But don’t be put off if you’re not a cyclist, there is an abundance of activities for everyone. There’s 13 walking trails, 4 running routes, 2 play areas, a Go Ape and a cafe.

The Bridestones Walk

A circular walk which takes you past large and unique sandstone formations.

Crosscliff Viewpoint

This is a short walk to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Blakey Topping.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales is an upland area made up of rugged river valleys, rolling hills and beautiful dales. It is an incredible area to visit any time of year, whether it’s for a winter walk or a summer picnic:

Nidderdale

Nidderdale is a narrow valley surrounded by expanses of heather moorland and is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s a great spot for walking and mountain biking. Stop off at nearby Brimham Rocks, a great spot for climbing or hiking amongst the dramatic rock formations. 

Bolton Abbey

This ruined priory nestled into a scenic valley is great for exploring. It’s right next to a river with stepping stones, woodland walks and lots of little cafes to grab a cuppa.

Malham Cove & Gordale Scar

Malham Cove is a scenic limestone cliff which used to be home to a waterfall higher than Niagara Falls! From here you can walk to Janet’s Foss Waterfall and around to Gordale Scar, a huge gorge.

Ribblehead Viaduct

This beautiful viaduct has twenty-four arches and is a dramatic addition to the Dales landscape. There are various walks surrounding it.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

If you’re up for a serious hike then check out the 24 mile three peaks challenge, which takes in over 1585m of elevation in a single day. 

Fountains Abbey

This is the largest monastic ruin in England, dating back to the 12th century. It is linked by a walkway to the Studley Royal Water Garden, an 18th century landscape garden that has world heritage status. It’s home to lakes, sculptures, ancient woodland and a deer park. 

 

The North York Moors National Park

I’ve saved the best until last, our all-time favourite region in North Yorkshire and the area I spent most of my childhood holidays, The North York Moors. This is a hugely diverse national park that contains ancient woodland, rolling dales and one of the largest areas of heather moorland in the UK. There is SO much to see and do that you could fill a week-long holiday and still not scratch the surface. To help you make the most of this gorgeous area, these are some of my family’s favourite day trips:

Hutton le Hole, Rosedale & Chimney Bank

Hutton le Hole is often said to be the most picturesque village in the national park. It is the starting point for endless walking routes in the region. Nearby is Chimney Bank, where you can park and take a windswept walk along the top of the moors, past historic kilns and overlooking Rosedale valley below. The drive down Chimney Bank, the steepest public road in England, takes you into the sleepy village of Rosedale Abbey for a cup of tea and some cake.

The Hole of Horcum

Taking in a natural amphitheatre which is 400 feet deep and half a mile wide. It is a trail with rolling landscapes and big skies. I recommend stopping off at Skelton Tower en route and grabbing a drink in nearby Levisham to refuel afterwards.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

This incredible heritage railway offers the opportunity to take a ride on a classic steam train through the national park. Climb aboard at Pickering and riding all the way through to Grosmont. From here you can get off, explore and then walk back towards Gothland (where Heartbeat was filmed) and hop back on the train to Pickering. 

Helmsley & Rievaulx Abbey

Helmsley is a cute little market town that is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area, with plenty of walking trails starting there. It has a historic castle you can visit and is near to one of my favourite ruins in the region: Rievaulx Abbey. A former Cistercian abbey which is in great condition with plenty of intact arches and doorways.

Sutton Bank & The White Horse

Sutton Bank is an inland cliff formed by glaciers. They offer great views over the Vale of York, Vale of Pickering, the North York Moors and across to the Dales. From here you can walk to the famous White Horse, a 228ft high chalk horse figure on a hillside which was created in 1857. The nearby villages Woss, Byland, Ampleforth and Hovingham are exceptionally pretty and worth a visit for an afternoon cup of tea.

Maybeck & Falling Foss

This is a magical woodland walk which ends up at the 30 foot tall Falling Foss waterfall. A further short walk from the falls is the Hermitage – a cave carved out of an enormous boulder. It dates back to the 18th century and was once the secluded home of a hermit.

Esk Valley

Esk Valley is a classic North Yorkshire valley, topped with moorland, dotted with woodland and scattered with neatly partitioned farmland. It’s a great place for a country walk. There is the 37 mile Esk Valley Walk you can take on in chunks – and I love hopping across the stepping stones in the villages of Lealholm and Egton Bridge.