Julie
18 October 2023
When considering Yorkshire as a holiday destination, you may be picturing anything from the classic brand of tea and the humble chip butty to its rolling hills created by glaciers aeons ago.
It’s the largest county in the UK, and its unique landscape and heritage have made it an absolutely beautiful region of our small island. With many places of interest, it's a must-visit for anyone looking to holiday in the UK.
Let’s begin with the Yorkshire Dales which is just one of Yorkshire’s two iconic national parks. Here, you can find a complex of cave systems, welcoming towns, cosy country pubs, wonderful walks and National Trust attractions. You could visit York to uncover the medieval architecture that lines these streets or venture into Yorkshire’s second national park: the breathtaking North York Moors. Once you have had your fill of these magnificent inland landscapes, head for the Yorkshire coast to visit the beaches and breathe the salty sea air.
Read on to discover the best things to do and places to go while on a holiday to Yorkshire.
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Things to do in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover these beautiful villages and towns, top places to eat, fun attractions and the stunning Yorkshire Dales walks we’ve put together for you. We have fantastic self-catering accommodation throughout the area so once you are done reading, take a look at our cosy Yorkshire Dales cottages.
Our top 3 towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales
Hawes
Located high in the hills of Wensleydale, Hawes is a pretty market town that’s surrounded by tumbling waterfalls and challenging walks. You can visit the Wensleydale Creamery to sample this region’s famous cheese, learn about the history of Hawes at the Dales Countryside Museum and spot red squirrels at Snaizeholme Forest at the edge of the town. Read our guide to Hawes for more reasons to visit.
Pateley Bridge
This lovely little town is an ideal base for walkers as it marks the start and end point of the circular 53-mile Nidderdale Way. It’s also a bit of a hub for artists with various galleries in Pateley Bridge along with the King Street Workshops, which are housed in the town’s former workhouse and home to various designers and makers.
Grassington
Grassington is a tiny cobbled town in Upper Wharfedale that will be familiar to viewers of Channel 5’s ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ - it doubles as Darrowby in the popular series. The town is filled with independent shops that have wonderful names such as The Rustic Rabbit and Stripey Badger bookshop, and a scenic spot on the River Wharfe means it is a popular spot for fishing.
Our top 3 Yorkshire Dales attractions
Aysgarth Falls
The Yorkshire Dales is teeming with wonderful waterfalls including Hardraw Force, which has the highest single drop in England. One of our favourites to visit though is Aysgarth Falls where you can watch water tumbling over a series of drops on the River Ure. Along with the on-site visitor centre, there are several scenic walks around the falls and spots at the bottom that are perfect for paddling in.
Forbidden Corner
This fantastical folly near Middleham is regularly named one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire and there are strange happenings and mysterious creatures lurking around every corner. You’ll be given clues to a series of things to try and find as you wander around Forbidden Corner and the attraction never ceases to surprise and delight its visitors.
Bolton Abbey
This sprawling Wharfedale estate is the perfect spot for a summertime adventure that the whole family will enjoy. It’s located on the banks of the River Wharfe and there’s a series of 60 stepping stones that you can cross to reach a beach on one side and the priory remains on the other. There is also a variety of family-friendly trails to try at Bolton Abbey with lots of wildlife to spot along the way.
Our top 3 places to eat in the Yorkshire Dales
The Blue Lion
This rather lovely 18th-century coaching inn is nestled in East Witton and comes with an original cobbled driveway leading to it from the pretty village green. Head inside and The Blue Lion is every bit as good as it looks from the outside, with a characterful dining room, roaring log fire and lots of fresh local produce on the menu.
The Frenchgate
Located in the market town of Richmond, which sits at the northern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Frenchgate is a romantic restaurant that’s the perfect choice for a date night. The elegant dining room is filled with original Georgian features, and food on the menu includes local Swaledale lamb and fresh Whitby crab.
The Old Barn at Hebden
If you’re looking for a traditional Yorkshire tearoom where you can get homemade cakes served with a freshly brewed cuppa, it’s hard to beat The Old Barn Tea Room in the gorgeous village of Malham. There is a range of gluten-free options on the menu, along with bacon and sausage from the local butcher for tasty breakfast butties.
Our top 3 walks in the Yorkshire Dales
Malham Cove and Janet’s Foss
This fairly easy 5-mile walk starts in the village of Malham and takes in tumbling waterfalls, rocky ravines and the dramatic Malham Cove, a limestone amphitheatre that featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The route will take you through pretty woodland on the way to Janet’s Foss, a magical waterfall and plunge pool with a cave behind it where it’s said that a fairy queen once lived.
Pen-y-ghent
This Yorkshire Dales hill forms part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and the route to the top is fairly challenging but well worth it for the views you’ll get. The 6-mile walk starts in the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, a stop on the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, and you’ll follow the Pennine Way to get to the summit which is marked by a trig point.
Muker Meadows
One of the loveliest Yorkshire Dales walks for late spring and early summer takes in the Muker upland hay meadows around Swaledale where you can see rare species of wildflowers amongst vibrant yellow fields. The 6-mile circular walk starts and finishes at the car park in Muker and follows the path of The Pennine Way along the River Swale and through the Kisdon Hills to Keld.
More top reasons to go to the Yorkshire Dales
If this overview of the Dales has inspired you to investigate further, read our guide to the Yorkshire Dales and plan a fantastic holiday in Yorkshire. And if you’re thinking of a holiday to the west of this region, get inspired with a read through our guide to West Yorkshire.
Things to do in York
Visit York for a busy holiday of seeing the sights, having fun at the city attractions and dining out every evening. For those of you who can’t sit still, York is the place to be: investigate the city centre, take in a show, and when you need a bit of peace and quiet, go for a stroll along the river or head back to a cosy cottage.
Our top 3 things to see in York
The Shambles
This narrow, cobbled medieval street dates back to the 14th century and is one of York’s best-known landmarks. It’s one of the best-preserved streets of its kind in Europe and full of interesting shops that you’ll want to call in as you walk along the cobbles. It’s said that The Shambles was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, so it seems only right that The Potions Cauldron and The Shop That Must Not Be Named can both be found along the street.
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
This distinctive yellow timber-framed building dates back more than 650 years and is one of the finest medieval guild halls in the world. Enter the beamed Great Hall to imagine where Tudor merchants would have met to do business, then head to the on-site cafe for refreshments. There are information boards and rare artefacts from the past so you can learn about the fascinating history of Merchant Adventurers’ Hall with tour guides on hand to take you around the various restored rooms.
York Minster
This magnificent cathedral is located right in the centre of York and is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Visitors can head inside York Minster to admire the intricate architecture, vast spaces and beautiful stained-glass windows. You can also delve underneath the cathedral to discover The Undercroft which is filled with interactive chambers, then climb up the central tower of York Minster to admire the view from the top.
Our top 3 attractions in York
York Maze
This seasonal attraction features more than a million living maize plants that make up the largest maze in the UK. The main maize maze opens each summer with a different theme and there is also a sunflower maze and a mysterious maze of Illusions. There are slides, climbing walls, a giant tractor ride and a daily foam party at York Maze, with fun shows that take place three times each day during the summer months.
National Railway Museum
This free-to-enter museum showcases more than 100 historic locomotives as well as modern bullet trains and Eurostar carriages, and has all manner of objects related to the railways. Visitors can climb aboard some of the trains and there are interactive exhibits, VR experiences, and items that kids can touch and play with that show the evolution of transport and railways around the world.
York Chocolate Story
York has a long history of chocolate making with classic bars such as KitKats and Yorkies developed in the city at the Rowntree Factory and lots of independent artisan chocolatiers based here. If you fancy learning more about this delicious cocoa treat, head to York Chocolate Story where you’ll find interactive displays and tours through the chocolate-making process, with an on-site cafe where you can indulge in a chocolate afternoon tea.
Our top 3 places to eat in York
Bettys
Founded back in 1919, Bettys is a York institution that serves classic cakes, breads and pastries, and their own blends of tea and coffee. Head upstairs for an afternoon tea where you’ll be serenaded by a pianist as you sample miniature treats served in style on a silver cake stand. There’s also a downstairs cafe where you can enjoy Betty’s classics such as Fat Rascals and Curd Tarts along with a range of savoury breakfast and lunch dishes.
Partisan
This independent cafe on Micklegate is a great choice for brunch with friends, and you’ll find a range of dishes on the menu from a classic bacon sandwich to Middle-Eastern shakshuka with lots of vegan options to choose from, too. The decor at Partisan is boho chic with lots of interesting vintage pieces, and there’s even a gallery space where you can shop for art and antiques.
Fish & Forest
As you may be able to guess from the name, this York restaurant specialises in serving sustainably sourced wild fish and food that is foraged from the forest. You’ll find fresh Whitby crab on the menu along with oysters from Lindisfarne and game from small local farms. Fish & Forest have been recognised in the Michelin Guide for their ‘Commitment to Sustainable Gastronomy’ and the food on offer regularly changes to match seasonal availability.
Our top 3 walks in York
York’s City Walls
These beautifully preserved ancient walls encircle the city of York and are free to access if you fancy trying a York walk with a difference. There are around 2 miles of elevated walls to walk around and they can be accessed at various points in the city. There are four main ‘bars’ which are worth stopping at and you’ll find information boards, interesting features including arrow slits, and great views across York.
Beningborough River Walk
Just outside of York is Beninbrough Hall, a National Trust site that’s nestled on the banks of the River Ouse. There is a lovely circular 3-mile walk around the grounds which takes in a stretch of the river and is fairly flat so suitable for most ages and abilities. Things to see along the walk include flower-filled woodland, carved benches and even a small beach beside the river. There’s also a cafe at the end where you can stop for refreshments.
Bishopthope Circular
This great York walk takes in a section of the River Ouse and starts close to Bishopthorpe Palace on the outskirts of the city. You’ll pass by an array of colourful boats at York Marina and the Naburn Swing Bridge as you walk along the riverside. Wildlife to spot along the way includes kingfishers and woodpeckers, and there are several places to stop for refreshments including the cafe at Brunswick Organic Nursery and The Ship Inn, a pub that is reputedly haunted.
More top reasons to go to York
- Jorvik Viking Centre – an interactive museum that highlights some of the Viking artefacts found under the city
- York Barley Hall - a medieval townhouse that has been fully restored to its 14th-century glory
- Clifford's Tower - this iconic site is part of the original castle in York and you can climb the hill for magnificent views of the city
For more information about the best things to do in this ancient and magnificent city, take a look at our guide to York.
Things to do in the North York Moors
While the Dales are impressive, the North York Moors are simply beautiful. Take a trip to this quaint part of the world and stop by two of England’s most beautiful villages, Thornton-le-Dale and Hutton-le-Hole, for a bite to eat or a peaceful country ramble.
Our top 3 towns and villages in the North York Moors
Helmsley
With a handsome market square that’s filled with mellow sandstone cottages, grand Georgian townhouses and charming tearooms, Helmsley is a thriving market town on the banks of the River Rye in the North York Moors National Park. Visitors can explore a 900-year-old castle that’s perched high above the town, wander amongst fragrant flowers at the Helmsley Walled Garden, and then relax in a heated outdoor swimming pool that’s part of the Verbena Spa.
Pickering
Pickering marks the start of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) and you can catch a steam train from here through to Whitby. It’s an ideal base for exploring the North York Moors as it’s in between Helmsley and the coast, with pretty villages such as Thornton-le-Dale close by. There are around 100 independent shops to browse in Pickering along with a market that takes place each Monday.
Goathland
Located on the eastern side of the North York Moors and just a short drive from the coast, Goathland is the perfect place to head to for a relaxed, peaceful getaway. Sheep still graze on a large village green and you’ll find a pub, tearoom and a small selection of shops surrounded by rolling moorland. You may well recognise the village as Aidensfield from the long-running TV series, Heartbeat, and the Goathland NYMR station was used as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Our top 3 attractions in the North York Moors
Nunnington Hall
This Yorkshire manor house is run by the National Trust and nestled on the banks of the River Rye. Learn about the history of the property as you wander through a series of period rooms then head up to the attic which is home to one of the world’s best collections of miniature rooms. One of the highlights of Nunnington Hall is a beautiful garden which slopes down towards the river and features vibrant flowers, organic fruit, colourful peacocks and a walled tea garden.
Dalby Forest
Located on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest is a place for adventure, family fun and connecting with nature. With 8,500 acres of beautiful forest to explore, the best place to get started is at the visitor centre where you’ll find maps and guides to the various trails and activities. Adrenaline junkies can try tricky mountain bike trails or swing through the trees on a Go Ape course, while those looking for a gentler activity can try stargazing in this Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Castle Howard
One of the UK’s finest stately homes, Castle Howard has featured in numerous films and TV shows including Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Victoria, and Brideshead Revisited. Visitors can walk through intricately decorated rooms and then take a turn around sprawling grounds that include fountains, statues, woodland and a boating lake.
The Kelly Car Land Train will help you to see all parts of this grand estate and if you’ve got little ones with you, the Skelf Island Adventure Playground has ropes, nets, slides and swings for them to enjoy with views out over the Great Lake.
Our top 3 places to eat in the North York Moors
The Black Swan at Oldstead
Helmed by acclaimed Yorkshire chef Tommy Banks, The Black Swan Oldstead has held a Michelin star since 2013 and is a top choice for an extra-special celebration meal, with carefully curated tasting menus that showcase freshly farmed and foraged produce. The farmland that surrounds The Black Swan at Oldstead has been owned by the Banks family for a number of generations, and much of the produce used in the restaurant is grown here or foraged in the surrounding North York Moors hedgerows.
Graze on the Green
Graze on the Green is located on the village green in Rosedale Abbey and serves soups, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and delicious cakes which you can either take out for a picnic or sit in to enjoy. Rosedale Abbey is a pretty village that’s right in the middle of the North York Moors and there are five paths leading to different parts of the national park. If you’re planning a scenic walk, Graze on the Green is the perfect place to stop for hearty refreshments.
The Star Inn at Harome
Image credit: The Star Inn at Harome
Housed in a charming thatched inn that’s located just outside of Helmsley, The Star Inn at Harome is the place to go if you like seriously good food served in idyllic surroundings. The traditional part of the building features wonky walls, open fires and low beams, so it is full of character and there’s also an elegant modern dining room where you can enjoy tasting menus and a range of a la carte options, including a wonderful cheese course.
Our top 3 walks in the North York Moors
Sutton Bank
The view from Sutton Bank has been described as the finest in England by Yorkshire vet James Herriot, and you can look out over peaceful Gormire Lake and the Vale of York during this scenic 3-mile walk. You’ll start at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre where there is parking, a cafe and lots of useful information on the local area, before following part of the Cleveland Way to the Kilburn White Horse.
Roseberry Topping
This little hill in the North York Moors is a popular choice for families to climb and is surrounded by fields of bluebells and wildlife-rich woodland. It can also be easily seen from miles around due to its distinctive shape that looks a bit like a witch's hat. One of our favourite walks is a 7-mile circular route that starts in nearby Great Ayton and takes in Captain Cook’s Monument (the famous explorer was born in the village) on the way to Roseberry Topping.
Hutton-le-Hole and Lastingham
This 5-mile circular walk takes in two of the North York Moors’ prettiest villages, Hutton-le-Hole and Lastingham. Starting in Hutton-le-Hole, where you’ll see sheep grazing on a village green that’s divided by a gently flowing beck, you’ll follow peaceful country lanes to Lastingham. You’ll walk across the Spaunton Escarpment back to Hutton-le-Hole where can enjoy sweeping views of unspoilt heather-clad moorland before stopping for refreshments at The Crown.
More top reasons to go to the North York Moors
- Book a dining car on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and take in the fantastic landscape with a ride on the steam railway
- Wander around the Hole of Horcum, a mysterious natural amphitheatre in the middle of the moors
- Seek out Mallyan Spout near Goathland, it's the tallest waterfall in the North York Moors National Park
Discover more about this scenic region of Yorkshire and start planning your trip with our guide to the North York Moors.
Things to do on the Yorkshire coast
What’s a holiday without a trip to the seaside? Grab the bucket and spade for a beach holiday at one of the excellent resort towns along the beautiful Yorkshire coast. Splash about in the sea, play at the penny arcades, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the ocean.
Our top 3 Yorkshire coast towns and villages
Whitby
You’ll never be short of things to do during a visit to Whitby on the Yorkshire coast. This popular seaside town combines a bustling fishing harbour, classic amusement arcades, and characterful cobbled streets that are filled with independent shops. Four-legged friends are also welcome throughout much of Whitby with dog-friendly beaches and an assortment of cafes, pubs and cottages where they can happily join you during a short break or holiday.
Scarborough
One of the first English seaside resorts, Scarborough combines classic Victorian architecture with beautiful beaches and lots of attractions for visitors of all ages. The town is divided into two bays by Scarborough Castle where you can enjoy wonderful views out to sea. You can still catch a Victorian cliff lift down to South Bay beach which is where you’ll find most of Scarborough’s amusement arcades. North Bay is home to a quieter beach along with a range of family-friendly attractions.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Once a thriving fishing village and a haven for smuggling, Robin Hood’s Bay is now best known as a holiday destination. Visitors can follow a maze of narrow streets and alleyways from the cliffs above to the dog-friendly beach below and there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the way. The beach is a great spot for rock pooling and fossil hunting, and you can see examples of some of the ammonites found here at the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum.
Our top 3 attractions on the Yorkshire coast
Peasholm Park
This oriental-themed park in Scarborough’s South Bay dates back to Victorian times and includes a boating lake, a historic water chute that is available to ride once more, and a mini golf course. Visitors can hire a dragon-shaped pedal boat to row around a pagoda that sits in the middle of the lake or enjoy a series of trails across the pretty parkland. There are also regular summer concerts held at a bandstand in the middle of the park.
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
This stately home has a dramatic cliff-top position looking out over Bridlington and lots to see and do in the extensive gardens and grounds. There’s an on-site zoo where you can see penguins, llamas and capuchin monkeys, and a land train that will take you to and from Bridlington’s seafront. The rooms at Sewerby Hall are presented as an Edwardian country estate with an authentic working kitchen and a nursery full of toys that children can play with.
Whitby Abbey
Towering above the seaside town, the remains of Whitby Abbey are famously reached via 199 steps which were featured in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The gothic and dog-friendly remains are a great spot for a picnic with views out to sea, or a game of hide and seek with the kids. You can learn more about Whitby’s connection to Dracula in an on-site museum and it’s worth visiting for the Illuminated Abbey event during October and November when the site is specially lit up in a range of colours.
Our top 3 places to eat on the Yorkshire coast
Mother Hubbards
If you fancy classic fish and chips by the coast, Mother Hubbards in Scarborough could be the place for you. The family-friendly fish restaurant is located just a stone’s throw from South Bay and serves cod, haddock, scampi, and lemon sole, and their own ultimate fish cakes. There are lunch and teatime specials where your fish and chips come served with bread, butter and a cup of tea. If you fancy something stronger, you can get wine, beer or even champagne to wash down your meal.
Estbek House
Tucked away in the peaceful village of Sandsend is Estbek House, a fine dining restaurant that was the first place on the Yorkshire coast to be awarded two AA rosettes. There’s a wine bar where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink and the restaurant has a romantic area and a livelier section for food with friends. All the fish and seafood used at the restaurant has been caught locally and the menu changes daily to reflect what is available.
Humble Pie 'n' Mash
There are lots of places you can get fish and chips in Whitby but if you fancy something a little different, we recommend heading to Humble Pie 'n' Mash where you can enjoy a range of home-made pies in characterful surroundings. The building this casual restaurant is based in dates back to 1638, and you can find everything from a traditional steak and kidney pie to a roast veg and goat cheese pie, all served with peas and mashed potato.
Our top 3 walks on the Yorkshire coast
Sandsend to Whitby
Sandsend is the closest village to Whitby and you can easily walk to the seaside town using either a cliff-top path or the sandy beach which connects the two places. The walk is around 2 miles each way, and we recommend following the Cleveland Way to Whitby Abbey before getting refreshments in the town and heading to the beach for a sandy stroll back to Sandsend.
The Ravenscar Round
Located to the south of Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar is home to some of the tallest cliffs in North Yorkshire and a colony of grey seals. This 4-mile walk starts at the National Trust Coastal Centre where you can learn more about the area and circles around this interesting village. The Ravenscar Round uses part of the long-distance Cleveland Way National Trail footpath and then follows a section of the Cinder Track, a disused railway that connects Whitby to Scarborough.
Flamborough Head
Part of the East Yorkshire coastline, Flamborough Head is a distinctive chalk-white cliff that juts out to sea. This part of the Yorkshire coast is a haven for seabirds and you can see kittiwakes and gannets soaring above your head during a walk here. You can take a 2-mile walk from Danes Dyke nature reserve along the Headland Way to Flamborough, then climb up the historic lighthouse to enjoy the view from the top.
More top reasons to go to the Yorkshire coast
- The fantastic sandy beaches including Runswick Bay, Cayton Bay, Sandsend and Saltburn
- Follow in Captain James Cook’s footsteps with a visit to Staithes
- If you surf, catch a wave at the fantastic surfing beach of Cayton Bay
If you already know you are destined for a seaside retreat along the coast, head over to our guide to the Yorkshire coast to find out all about this beautiful section of the county. Whitby is one of our favourite seaside resorts along the beautiful Yorkshire coast. To find out more about this coastal town, take a look at our guide to Whitby.
Book a holiday to Yorkshire
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Yorkshire is such a huge county with so much to offer that it can be almost impossible to squeeze everything you want to do into your holiday. We hope this handy guide has helped you plan where to go and what to do during your time away.
For more fun things to do while on holiday in Yorkshire, take a look at our post about the best days out in Yorkshire for a little holiday inspiration.
Still can’t decide between the Dales, York, the Moors, and the coast? Let our cottages inspire you by browsing our collection of handpicked Yorkshire accommodation so you can book a holiday home in Yorkshire today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.