As part of our Great British Outdoors series, we’re focusing on the captivating landscapes of God’s Own Country, Yorkshire. A truly inspiring holiday destination with scenery that will invigorate mind, body and soul, Yorkshire is England’s largest county and encompasses everything you could possibly want from a spectacular British holiday within its borders.
If it’s epic country landscapes you’re after, Yorkshire more than delivers. Take your pick from two national parks – the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales – and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Nidderdale and the Howardian Hills. Roam the steep green landscape, criss-crossed by dry stone walls and peppered with herds of curious sheep. It's no wonder the region has provided literary locations for some of our best-loved books, films and TV shows.
If you’re dreaming of being beside the seaside, Yorkshire has gorgeous beaches in spades too, many of which warmly welcome dogs. Visit the heritage coastline where the moors meet the North Sea and spend your days wandering around historic fishing villages, where each narrow street has its own stories to tell.
And we haven’t even touched upon Yorkshire’s enchanting towns and cities – explore historic York, stylish Harrogate or quirky Ripon to discover the vibrant atmosphere and unique traditions. Whatever it is you choose to do on your Yorkshire holiday, we have a wide range of holiday cottages to suit your every need.
Top places to stay
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Activities in Yorkshire
Explore giant peaks and deep caverns
With over 4,000 square miles of gorgeous countryside and breathtaking coastline to explore, Yorkshire is packed to the rafters with all manner of outdoor activities, whether you visit in the winter or the summer.
For hikers of all levels, Yorkshire is a walker’s paradise. Challenge yourself by taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, tackling three formidable mountains in 12 hours, or enjoy a sedate ramble along long-distance paths such as the Coast-to-Coast walk, the Cleveland Way or the Pennine Way. Whether you choose a relaxing walk in the Yorkshire Dales or a memorable trek in the North York Moors, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular scenery from every direction.
The varied Yorkshire terrain also provides some of the best cycling routes in the country – it’s no surprise the challenging hills inspired the creation of a new road race in 2015: the Tour de Yorkshire. Take on the stages yourself across three different route lengths and visit some iconic Yorkshire destinations at the same time.
Yorkshire also has plenty of more unusual activities to offer its visitors, whether you want to make the most of the scenery, get your adrenaline pumping, or treat the kids to a fun-filled day out. Delve deep underground on a caving experience or balance on cliff tops before plunging into the sea below on a coasteering excursion. Yorkshire has plenty of surf spots if you fancy taking to the waves, and if the weather's not quite on your side, then there are plenty of wet-weather activities, too.
Top things to do
Food and drink in Yorkshire
Sample some traditional favourites
If you don’t fancy walking or cycling your way across Yorkshire, how about eating and drinking your way through the county? Yorkshire produces a huge variety of sumptuous food and drink, so you’ll certainly find something to tickle your tastebuds on a gastronomic tour of the county.
For a traditional taste of Yorkshire, seek out the classic Yorkshire pudding in a country pub. This crunchy yet soft creation has been accompanying roast beef for centuries, but you haven’t truly tried it until you’ve eaten it in situ. Other traditional foods produced in the county include creamy Wensleydale cheese, crunchy asparagus and neon forced rhubarb, which is only grown in the Yorkshire ‘rhubarb triangle’! Many of Yorkshire's pubs welcome dogs, so they'll be able to join you for a dinnertime treat too.
Yorkshire is also the place to visit to indulge your sweet tooth. Enjoy a delicious Yorkshire curd tart accompanied by a pot of the very finest Yorkshire tea in one of the county’s many tea rooms. Betty's of Harrogate is the most famous, and a must-visit destination for a decadent afternoon tea.
And if you’re a fan of a tipple, you can wet your whistle with all manner of boozy treats. Yorkshire produces a wide range of traditional beer, but you can also find gin and whisky distilleries in the county too. Book a tour and sample a drop or two for a unique day out!
Best foodie spots
Places to stay in Yorkshire
From rustic cottages to chic apartments
Being such a large county, you’ll be spoilt for choice with so many fantastic options for places to stay in Yorkshire. From traditional stone-built cottages in the Dales to trendy apartments in Harrogate, you can find your perfect place to stay.
If you’re dreaming of stepping out of your front door and onto a secluded walking trail, which you can ramble on to your heart’s content while surrounded by spectacular countryside, we have many rural cottages in some of Yorkshire’s most picturesque villages. Take in the spectacular falls at Aysgarth, bask in the peaceful serenity of Swaledale or enjoy the charms of Kirkbymoorside.
If you want to place yourself close to the breathtaking Yorkshire coastline, we have many coastal cottages where you can spend your days combing the sands, paddling in the sea and breathing in the salty air. Explore Whitby Abbey, meander the tiny streets of Robin Hood’s Bay or enjoy a traditional seaside break at Scarborough.
Or if you’d rather spend your days soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the towns and cities, stay in a chic apartment or a stylish townhouse in places like Harrogate, Skipton and Richmond. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly accommodation, a place to stay for a romantic break or even dog-friendly cottages, take a look at our full range of Yorkshire holiday homes and explore the beautiful outdoors.
Our favourite cottages
