Yorkshire’s Finest
As the largest county in England, Yorkshire has plenty to offer visitors. Known as God's Own County, the dramatic landscapes of the Dales, Moors and Wolds have inspired painters and writers alike, including David Hockney, the Brontë sisters and JK Rowling. Its dramatic scenery makes it a popular choice for set locations, which have been featured in Harry Potter, Bridgerton and the Marvel franchise to name a few. We have included our highlights from Menagerie House to help feed your imagination and make the most of your visit to this splendid county.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Just beyond the cathedral city of Ripon, lies the National Trust owned abbey and gardens. It is a staggeringly beautiful place to visit regardless of the time of year and has something to offer all ages. Children enjoy playing hide and seek amongst the ruins; adults enjoy the tea and cake that awaits at the end! Picnics are welcome and during holiday time there are plenty of activities on offer for families to enjoy.
Knaresborough
Knaresborough is a quaint town, only a short trip by train from York and offers plenty for visitors to see and do. Plan to visit on Wednesdays and enjoy the town crier opening the weekly market, followed by a walk around the remains of the castle, before descending the stone steps to the river below overlooked by the impressive viaduct. Relax and enjoy lunch by the riverside cafe or hire a boat for an hour before heading out to explore the woodlands of the Nidd Gorge. If travelling by car, Mother Shipton’s Cave and Goldborough Hall are two further options to add to your day’s intinerary.
The Yorkshire Dales
For guests who are looking to explore all that Yorkshire has to offer, it is certainly worth venturing into the Dales for the day. The village of Malham makes for a family and dog friendly outing with circular walking routes to Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove. With routes taking less than two hours, there is plenty of time to have a meal at the end of it all, enjoy a picnic by the clear waters of the beck or choose from one of several pubs and tea rooms in Malham itself. Beck Hall is a gem worth looking out for due to its enviable riverside location, pretty gardens and whimsical interiors and often missed because of its position at the end of the village.
Staithes
The seaside town of Staithes offers a relaxed alternative to Whitby yet with plenty of history, a maze of cobbled alleys and walks to take in. The views overlooking the town on approach are certainly worth a photo or two. Children will enjoy rock pooling and fossil hunting at the beach here, so come prepared!
Top Tip:
Trips to the coast are hugely popular in the summer months; we advise against joining the queues of traffic on the A64 and instead opt for the scenic route across the Moors, taking in the delights of Hovingham, Hutton-Le-Hole and Lastingham in the morning and heading to the seaside in the afternoon when the crowds have begun to scatter. Lastingham’s Blacksmith’s Arms is a great place to stop off and enjoy a meal before embarking on to a leisurely afternoon at the seaside. They have a great selection of food and a large beer garden at the rear where dogs are welcome.
North Yorkshire Moor Railway
Step back in time and climb on board one of the North Yorkshire Moor Railway’s beautiful steam engines. Take in the spectacular scenery from country to coast. Your journey begins at the market town of Pickering and ends at the seaside town of Whitby, with plenty to see and do in between, including a stop at Goathland Station which was the location used for Hogsmeade Station in the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Brimham Rocks
The unique rock formations of Brimham Rocks has drawn visitors for centuries. There are endless hours of rock climbing to be had by adults and children alike, as well as moorland walks.
Runswick Bay
A picturesque traditional British seaside village, with a wonderful beach and cafe with plenty of local home-baked produce being served. A firm favourite amongst children and bucket and spade are a must have! It is also part of the Cleveland Way National Trail, a fantastic path for walkers to take in the heather Moors as it meets the coast.
Harrogate Turkish Baths
A trip to Harrogate’s Victorian Turkish Baths is definitely worth the effort. They are a thing of beauty as well as a fantastic place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Booking is essential but please note that it is for ages 16+. Harrogate has a multitude of great places to eat and shop and can be easily reached by train, bus or car, so there is plenty to keep you busy for the day!
Fans of the Gothic novel will revel in a visit to the harbour town of Whitby, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Sitting on the cliffside overlooking the old town, sits the eerie ruins of the 13th century abbey, which can be reached by car, or for those seeking a challenge they can climb the 199 steps from the old town to the top to take in the vast views of the coastline.
In the old town, visitors can meander the cobbled streets, packed with independent shops and plenty of jewellers showcasing the best of Whitby jet before heading over to the new town to enjoy fish and chips at The Magpie Cafe, a favourite amongst locals and foodies - book a table ahead of your visit to avoid the queues!
Whitby
Built in 1779 as a Cloth Hall for the trading of ‘pieces’ of cloth, The Piece Hall now stands as the only remaining hall built for such purposes despite being one of many when it was originally built. It is a great example of Georgian architecture and is now home to a range of shops, bars, restaurants and live music venue.
Piece Hall Halifax
Helmsley
Helmsley is a superb market town in the North York Moors, with picture postcard cottages and a beck running through it. There is something for everyone here, including Helmsley Castle, a brewery tour of Helmsley Brewing Company, an array of independent shops and restaurants, walks and a favourite activity of ours is a trip into the Walled Gardens, where the Vine House Cafe serves the most sumptuous cakes and fantastic vegetarian food from its beautiful vine-lined conservatory. It is also blessed to have a heated outdoor swimming pool, which is very popular with children. However, if you fancy the latter, ensure to check the weather and book ahead!
Getting to Helmsley is easiest by car but for guests who do not have that option, a bus service is available - Number 31X (Reliance buses) – this service runs twice a day (excluding Sundays and bank holidays) to and from Helmsley and York via Easingwold and other villages.
Whilst the easiest option to get out and about around the North York Moors and the coast is by car, those without one do not need to miss out. The Coastliner bus service runs frequently throughout the day from outside York Train Station, travelling all the way to Whitby. Choose to buy a day tripper ticket and hop an and off at the towns and villages of Malton, Thornton-le-Dale, Sleights, Pickering and Goathland.
Sightseeing by bus
Castle Howard
Still owned and run by the Howard family, Castle Howard is a large stately home set in the Howardian Hills. Visitors can choose to visit the grounds or grounds and house, where they will find impressive landscaped gardens and sumptuous interiors. With such grandeur, it will not come as a surprise to learn that the house has been used on multiple occasions for film locations, most recently Bridgerton but most notably Brideshead Revisited. Children will enjoy the adventure playground, adults will enjoy the tranquility of walking around the grounds and lake.