With its bucolic, heather-clad moors and some of the country’s friendliest people, Yorkshire is one of the finest places to enjoy a UK staycation. Dubbed ‘Gods Own Country’, it encompasses the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors and will bowl you over with its Heritage Coast. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and press the reset button, we reckon a holiday in Yorkshireis just what you need. Our Yorkshire travel guide will tell you everything you need to know (and also some hidden gems you should check out!)
When to visit
Yorkshire is a year-round destination and like the rest of the UK, it enjoys four seasons. The coldest weather typically falls between December and February (daytime lows of 1 degree) and the hottest weather falls in July and August when you can enjoy long daylight hours and average highs of 20 degrees.
In winter, expect winter wonderland snow scenes up on the moors and as you’re on the east coast, always come prepared for rain. In other words, pack your waterproof!
How to get there
Yorkshire is very accessible by car. It’s well connected by various motorways, including the M1 and A1 motorways from the south, and the A1 from the North East and Scotland. You’ll also find many car hire options across the county.
York, Leeds Sheffield, Hull, and Doncaster all have excellent rail links and you will find many small towns here have connecting trains to the main stations. Both domestic and international airlines fly into Leeds Bradford Airport, while Doncaster Sheffield Airport also operates international flights.
Why visit Yorkshire?
Beaches
Yorkshire’s rugged coastline, a Heritage Coast, is home to some of the country’s finest beaches. It comes as no surprise then, that the epic 182-mile Coast to Coast Walk, devised by Alfred Wainwright, ends here, in the quaint fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Countryside
The national parks in Yorkshire are outstanding and when you see the vibrant purple heather of the North York Moors and the glorious waterfalls and woodlands of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll instantly feel at one with nature.
Food and Drink
Crumbly Wensleydale cheese, crisp Yorkshire puddings and local ales are just some of the delicious food and drink specialties you’ll find in Yorkshire. Find out more in our blog on Traditional Yorkshire Food.
History & culture
The county city of York is brimming with history. Its medieval York minster, narrow cobbled streets and striking city walls are merely the start. Go back in time with a trip to the Jorvik Centre, which brings its Viking heritage to life.
Children’s imaginations are immediately captured at the strange but wonderful land known as The Forbidden Corner. It was originally built as a private folly at the scenic Tupgill Park in the Yorkshire Dales, but this collection of tunnels, labyrinths, chambers and follies is now an otherworldly attraction and one of the top things to do with kids in Yorkshire.
The Kilburn White Horse
If you’re travelling to Yorkshire by train, you may spot this huge chalk figure of a horse on the side of a hill, before you hop off at Thirsk. This unusual attraction has been here since 1857 and the best way to appreciate its size (314 ft long and 228ft high) is by taking the picturesque walk on Sutton Bank.
The Tiled Hall Café, Leeds
The cosmopolitan city of Leeds offers endless brilliant places to eat, drink and play, but The Tiled Hall Café at Leeds Art Gallery is a sight to behold. With marble columns, Victorian tiles and an ornate mosaic ceiling, there’s no place quite as spectacular to enjoy a cup of Yorkshire tea.
Where to visit
Explore the Dales and Moors
Whichever season you visit, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales will look spectacular, which is why the 109-mile Cleveland Way (which crosses the Moors) is considered one of the UK’s most incredible walks. Castles, fishing villages and chocolate box villages can all be discovered across these parklands. Check out the beautiful priory ruins at Bolton Abbeyand visit Wensleydale, the home of the famous cheese.
Discover the North Yorkshire coastline
Whitby and Scarborough are renowned for being one of the best places to enjoy the Great British Seaside. Not only do they boast glorious sandy beaches, but they also come packed with family-friendly attractions and heaps of character. Don’t miss Whitby’s famous ghost walks and the unbeatable fish and chips. Check out Yorkshire’s best beaches in our blog.
Visit the Walled City of York
Home to top-notch fudge shops, a brilliant Railway museum and a clutch of award-winning restaurants, York offers a brilliant day out during your Yorkshire holiday. After you’ve walked the impressive city walls, take a boat trip down the river, marvel the medieval York Minster and take in the views from the top of Clifford’s Tower.
Have we got you hankering for a taste of this beautiful northern region? Check out our collection of houses and cottages in Yorkshire, or alternatively, chat to our concierge team who can help you find the perfect place for you (and they can sort out any extras you might want!)
Pamper Your Pooch With ‘It’s A Dog’s Life’ Experience
Next
The 5 Best Cities For Mardi Gras in France
Popular Articles
The 10 Best Beaches in Cyprus
Cyprus has beaches for almost every kind of holiday, from soft, pale sands and shallow family bays to turtle-nesting shores, watersports hubs, and quiet coves beneath cliffs. Better still, the island makes it easy to combine time beside the sea with ancient ruins, mountain villages, and lunches in coastal tavernas. The best beaches in Cyprus […]
The 10 Best Beaches in Mykonos
Mykonos may be known for its whitewashed lanes, late-night parties, and famous beach clubs, but its coastline has more range than the headlines suggest. Long sandy bays curve around the south of the island, while the north coast feels wilder, more exposed to the Aegean wind. The best beaches in Mykonos cover almost every mood. […]
10 Best Villas in Ibiza
The fabled ‘White Island’ is a place of many faces. On the one hand, Ibiza is renowned as a prime clubbing destination with a vibrant nightlife that’s a magnet for partygoers. But there’s more to the island than exclusive clubs and dancing ’til dawn! Further inland, you’ll find there’s a much more laid-back atmosphere among […]
The Most Iconic Filming Locations in the UK (and where to stay nearby!)
Thanks to more than 150 years of the silver screen, we’ve spent a lifetime watching a variety of films and TV shows. As well as their entertainment factor, a great movie in an amazing setting can inspire us to visit famous filming locations around the world and closer to home. Over the decades, there have […]
Top UK Holiday Homes for the Ultimate Staycation
We offer a vast selection of charming holiday homes in the UK, perfect for families or large groups to visit. Avoiding the stress and queues at passport control is one of the many highlights of going on a staycation! Whether you’re looking for party houses to celebrate in or luxury country escapes, the UK boasts an abundance of choices. We’ve […]
Best Vineyards in England (and where to stay nearby!)
When one thinks of world-renowned wine regions, England may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, in recent years, English vineyards have been making waves in the wine industry, producing exceptional wines that have garnered international acclaim. The unique terrain and climate of Southern England, across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset, create […]
Top 10 Holiday Cottages and Houses in South West England
The South West is one of England’s treasured gems. With a beautiful coastline, stunning scenery, and some of the best British attractions, it’s a top destination for families and couples alike. Foodies can indulge in divine culinary seafood treats, while little explorers will love splashing about on the beaches of Cornwall, Dorset, and Devon. With […]
Top 10 Beach Houses in the UK
Brits have a new-found (or maybe rediscovered) love for staycations. Gone are the days when holidaying in the UK meant drab caravan accommodation, miserable weather, and bored children. Holidays in the UK are now about outdoor adventures, culture-filled weekends, pretty scenery, and downright stylish places to stay – and yes, even beach breaks. The UK coastline […]
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cottages for a UK Break
Your pooch is part of the family, so it’s no wonder it tugs at your heartstrings when you have to leave them behind to go on holiday. Gone are the days when you couldn’t take Fido anywhere, though, because as staycations have grown in popularity, so has the demand for dog-friendly cottages and holiday homes. […]
Our Top Homes with Royal Connections
Looking for a truly exceptional getaway? We’ve handpicked the most captivating holiday homes with royal connections across the UK – from estates designed by royal architects to homes set on regal grounds still frequented by the monarchy. These one-of-a-kind stays offer more than just luxury – they offer a rare chance to step into Britain’s […]
Top 10 UK Cottages with Hot Tubs
Here at Oliver’s Travels, we have plenty of luxury UK holiday homes in our portfolio. However, some are more luxurious than others. We’ve decided to share our secrets with you and have assembled a selection of our top 10 UK cottages with hot tubs so you can enjoy your holiday in style. Here are our most […]
Top 10 Unusual Places to Stay in the UK
Not all holiday homes were created equal, and that’s particularly true of this list of unusual places to stay in the UK. Delve into your very own fantasy world, whether you’re staying in a fortress, a barn, a princess castle or a cottage that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. These […]
The 10 Best Beaches Near London
We don’t usually associate Britain’s southeast shores with beautiful beaches, but if you know where to look, you’ll find some unrivalled marvels. Londoners needn’t trek the Earth for brilliant sands; the capital is connected to some of the UK’s best beaches, and our favourites here at Oliver’s Travels are all within a 90-minute drive. Cop […]
