Ten of the best views in Yorkshire (and where to stay nearby)

Whether you are looking for great photos, a scenic picnic spot or somewhere that will inspire you to do something creative, Yorkshire is full of stunning places with magnificent countryside and coastal views. 

There are majestic castles perched high on Yorkshire hillsides, elevated roads weaving through dramatic Dales landscapes and clifftop walking paths where you can look out over pretty villages and the thundering North Sea.

We have rounded up ten of our favourite Yorkshire views and a cottage close to each of them that you can stay at. For more inspiration, take a look at our favourite things to do in Yorkshire or click the link below to browse our full range of handpicked holiday homes.

Skip to:

• Sutton Bank
• Roseberry Topping
• Ravenscar
• Flamborough Head
• Buttertubs Pass
• Malham Cove
• Middleham Castle
• Top Withens
• Blakey Ridge
• Ingleborough

Sutton Bank

Looking out over the Vale of York from Sutton Bank was described by famed Yorkshire vet James Herriot as ‘the finest view in England’. This North York Moors peak also looks out over the peaceful Gormire Lake, a natural pool of water that’s surrounded by forest and is a popular spot for wild swimming. There’s plenty of parking at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre where you’ll find a dog-friendly café to relax in and an outdoor play area with treehouses, a mud kitchen and a magical castle for little ones to explore. The centre is also an International Dark Sky Reserve where you can enjoy a spot of stargazing in clear night skies which are free from light pollution.  

Roseberry Topping

This distinctive hill in the North York Moors is shaped a little bit like a witch’s hat and is a manageable first climb for little legs. Located near the pretty village of Great Ayton, Roseberry Topping is surrounded by wildlife-rich woodland that’s filled with beautiful bluebells during late April and early May. Once you’re at the top of the hill, you can enjoy views across the North York Moors, and after completing the walk we recommend calling for refreshments at The Kings Head Inn, which is located at the bottom of Roseberry Topping.

Ravenscar

With only a handful of houses, and views that go on for miles, Ravenscar makes a perfect place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. The peaceful hamlet is located on a coastal headland that’s 180m tall and a haven for Yorkshire coast wildlife, with seabirds swooping overhead and grey seals basking on the rocks below. Look out and see Scarborough in one direction and the pretty village of Robin Hood’s Bay in the other; you can easily walk to both from Ravenscar along the Cleveland Way National Trail, which forms part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. You can also cycle along the Cinder Track from Ravenscar – this 21-mile stretch of disused railway runs all the way from Whitby to Scarborough.  

Flamborough Head

Jutting out into the North Sea is Flamborough Head, a much-photographed, 8-mile promontory that’s famed for its chalk white cliffs and large colony of seabirds. For the best view in town, we recommend climbing the 119 steps to the top of Flamborough Lighthouse where you can look out over rolling Yorkshire Wolds countryside and across the sea to Bridlington Bay. You can also take a wonderful walk around Flamborough Head where you’ll find a peaceful nature reserve and clifftop views over beautiful beaches. 

Buttertubs Pass

You’ll find plenty of scenic roads running through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but one of our absolute favourites is the Buttertubs Pass. This high road winds its way across the top of the moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale and there are spectacular views to enjoy along the way. It’s up to you whether you go for a challenging bike ride or a more leisurely drive along this twisting road, with the summit located between Hawes and Thwaite. Jeremy Clarkson has said that Buttertubs Pass is ‘England’s only spectacular road’ and the climb has been used as the King of the Mountains in the Grand Depart of the Tour de France.  

Malham Cove

Towering around 70m high, Malham Cove is a natural phenomenon and a must-visit destination in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The huge limestone amphitheatre featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and is easily reached from Malham village where you’ll find a National Park Visitor Centre and picnic area. At the top of Malham Cove is a unique limestone pavement and you can look out over unspoilt Malhamdale countryside which is criss-crossed with traditional dry stone walls.   

Middleham Castle

The childhood home of Richard III is perched high on a hill in the pretty village of Middleham and comes with a viewing platform that you can climb up to enjoy panoramic views across Wensleydale and Coverdale. The grounds of Middleham Castle are perfect for a game of hide and seek, with plenty of nooks and crannies to conceal yourself in as you explore the extensive remains. There’s also an on-site exhibition where you can learn more about the fascinating history of this 15th-century castle, which was a key site in the War of the Roses.

Top Withens

This ruined farmhouse is believed to have inspired Emily Bronte to write her classic novel, Wuthering Heights and has a dramatic location on the top of Haworth Moor. The only way to reach the isolated spot is by walking along the Pennine Way; the 4-mile route from Haworth will also take you past Bronte Falls, so it’s the perfect way to follow in the footsteps of the famous literary sisters. Once you have reached Top Withens, you can set down a picnic blanket and enjoy far-reaching moorland views that have changed little since Wuthering Heights was written.   

Blakey Ridge

Located right in the middle of the North York Moors National Park, Blakey Ridge is a remote moorland plateau that’s around 400 metres above sea level. It’s actually the highest point in the North York Moors, so is the perfect place to look out over the huge swathes of heather-clad moorland that this part of Yorkshire is famous for with big skies and wide open vistas. You can park at Blakey Ridge then take a scenic, circular walk around Rosedale where you can enjoy ever-changing valley views along the way.    

Ingleborough

One of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Ingleborough is one of the most interesting mountains to climb as it features rare limestone pavements, fascinating caves and has a large nature reserve covering much of its northern and eastern slopes. The walk is a challenging one, especially as you get towards the top, but there are plenty of places where you can stop, rest and enjoy the sweeping views over the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Once you’ve reached the 723m high summit of Ingleborough, you should be able to see all the way to Morecambe and the Irish Sea if the conditions are clear enough.

Map of the best Yorkshire views

Discover the loveliest coastal and countryside view in Yorkshire with this handy map:

Plan your Yorkshire getaway

If these beautiful views have inspired you to head to Yorkshire for a memorable getaway with loved ones, browse our range of holiday cottages to find the perfect base for you.

You’ll find romantic retreats by the sea, dog-friendly barn conversions in the Yorkshire Dales, and gorgeous gardens where you can relax and enjoy the view. Take a look and see what you can find.