With ample opportunities for hiking as well as delightful towns and villages to explore, a holiday in the beautiful county of Yorkshire promises a relaxing escape from the everyday.
Our Yorkshire holiday cottages cater to all types of trips, whether it be a large group getaway with your loved ones or an unforgettable family holiday exploring the best kid-friendly activities in the area.
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked home in Yorkshire. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Boasting not one, but three beautiful National Parks, it’s no wonder that outdoor lovers continue to flock to Yorkshire for their UK cottage holiday.
Luring visitors with picturesque views and vast open spaces, ‘escapism’ is the overall theme of a trip to Yorkshire. Choose between beach and countryside for a fantastic family-friendly day out, or head to one of the lively cities or towns and enjoy a buzzing day trip with your friends.
Our Yorkshire holiday cottages to rent are ideal for making the most of this varied county. Perfectly located, promising total privacy yet handy accessibility, the ultimate staycation is just a short drive away.
Walkers and ramblers will feel right at home in Yorkshire. The county is best known for its green spaces, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. Each is unique in their own way and offers breathtaking landscapes. Head to the moorland and see the changing environment that has inspired decades of artists, or learn more about the Dales’ castles, one of which is over 900 years old!
Yorkshire is peppered with outdoor adventures, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a thrill or an animal lover seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From kitesurfing on the beach to bungee jumping or even skydiving, heart-pumping activities are on offer throughout the county.
To get your fix of adorable cuteness, a visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a must. See polar bears, otters, sea lions and even giraffes. Looking for something even quirkier? Meet llamas and alpacas at Nidderdale Llamas, and go on an unforgettable trek across the Yorkshire Dales.
Check out our guide of Things to Do in Yorkshire for even more inspiration.
Though the initial image of Yorkshire may be that of rolling fields and miles of greenery, the county also has a magnificent coastline that can’t be ignored. Running from the Tees to the Humber Estuary, the Yorkshire Coast is home to some of the prettiest towns and villages in the UK.
This beautiful stretch of land has also been recognised nationwide, containing three Heritage Coast locations, which are known for their appeal and uniqueness.
Have a family day out at Robin Hood’s Bay, or step back in time at Whitby. Go for long, sandy walks in Filey Beach, or explore the seaside buzz of Scarborough. Grab your camera and be prepared for the photographic sites of Runswick Bay or Staithes – the beaches of Yorkshire are perfect to visit year-round.
Have a read of our Best Beaches in Yorkshire blog for further coastal inspiration.
We’re all familiar with Yorkshire Tea, puddings, and Wensleydale, but what other culinary delights can you sample during your cottage holiday in Yorkshire?
Cheese lovers are in luck: there are over 80 artisan cheeses made in the local area, using sheep, cow’s and goat’s milk. Blue cheese, brie, cheddar – it’s all just waiting to be tasted. We recommend starting your journey at The Courtyard Dairy.
Did you know there’s a yearly rhubarb festival in Yorkshire? The county is home to the ‘rhubarb triangle’, where forced rhubarb growing takes place between Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield in custom sheds. Have a sip of Rhucello, Yorkshire’s very own rhubarb liqueur, for a unique flavour experience.
Looking for a sweet treat? Don’t leave Yorkshire without trying the famed Yorkshire Curd Tart – shortcrust pastry with curd cheese, spices, and fruit. Betty’s, a Yorkshire institution, is said to make the best one.
Find further foodie inspiration in our Traditional Yorkshire Food blog.
Yorkshire is a great place for a young family holiday. Introduce your little ones to the wonders of the animal world with a visit to one of the many farms in the area, or take them for their very first dip in the sea. Many of our family-friendly cottages are baby-proofed or come with a cot too.
Active kids will love the variety of attractions throughout Yorkshire. Get muddy at Diggerland, be amazed at The Deep, and have hours of fun at Flamingo Land – both a theme park and zoo! If you do want a day indoors, many of our holiday cottages to rent in Yorkshire come complete with a games room or entertainment that is perfect for kids.
Open their minds at Yorkshire’s various museums and centres, designed to inspire and educate in a fun and exciting way. We recommend York’s Chocolate Story (tasting included!) or the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford.
Book ahead: Due to COVID, many popular attractions and activities now have allocated time slots and need to be booked further in advance. Don’t miss out on the fun and make sure to plan your cottage holiday in Yorkshire early.
Ask locals: Staying near a village? Head to the local pub and ask around for the best things to see and do in the area. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results, and uncover some hidden gems in doing so.
Yorkshire is a year-round destination that thrives in all weather. Don’t be put off by grey skies or rainy weather – these gloomy moments are when places like the North York Moors and Peak District really come to life, transforming into atmospheric areas full of untapped mystery. That said, a sunny day spent on one of Yorkshire’s stunning beaches is equally just as fun.
From Ingleton, take the path to Turbary Road and wander through a rugged and varied area to come to the Cheese Press Stones. These magnificent natural structures are likely to have been left from the Ice Age, and have since been shaped and smoothed by the elements, giving them their distinctive image. Enjoy an impressive view over the Yorkshire Dales while you’re there too.
We love the variety of places to visit in Yorkshire. From trendy student cities to charming and quiet villages, every style of holiday is covered.
Places like Leeds and Sheffield are known for their bustling centres and stellar live music venues, while York is bursting with museums and historical buildings and Harrogate showcases its history as a popular resort and spa town. Head to the coast for picturesque seaside villages, often undiscovered by tourists and offering total tranquillity.
A short drive around Yorkshire and one thing quickly becomes apparent – the towns and villages are uniquely diverse. Each offers their own interpretation of what it means to live in Yorkshire, and the impact this beautiful environment has had on their community.
Whether it be farming, industry, or the sway of the natural surroundings, a Yorkshire cottage holiday is a great place to start rediscovering English culture across these towns and villages.
Hawes is the birthplace of the delicious Wensleydale cheese, which (in our opinion) is reason enough alone to give it a visit. It’s a gorgeous little market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales – ideal for a day trip.
Another town that is home to a famous icon, this time with a spookier feel… Whitby’s ruined Gothic Abbey was actually the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula! There’s much to the seaside town than vampires though; Whitby has a rich history and is undeniably beautiful.
Often described as one of the most romantic places in North East England, Richmond has one of England’s largest cobbled market squares and a stunning castle, steeped in history, to match.
Head up to the North York Moors for an unassuming yet popular quintessential Yorkshire village. Think tearooms, pubs, an ancient church and stone cottages. What more could you ask for?
Book your taxis in advance when going to and from smaller towns and villages. You don’t want to be left stranded!
Consider getting a railcard if you’re going to be relying on trains during your trip. Depending on the discount, it can make tickets nearly half the price.
Despite its size, Yorkshire is relatively easy to get to and around. Many of the main cities are connected via frequent trains, and we thoroughly recommend exploring the county on foot too.
Depending on what you want to see and do during your trip, hiring or bringing your car is advisable. Our cottages to rent in Yorkshire come with parking and, due to their secluded and relaxing settings, public transport may be limited. Having a car also gives you greater freedom to travel widely across Yorkshire, taking in all the sights and attractions the county has to offer.
Opt for a greener method of travel and explore Yorkshire via train. Leeds, York, and Sheffield all have well-connected stations, and so do many of the other major towns and villages – great for day trips. A scenic journey that will introduce you to the picturesque environment.
Buses are another, greener option to consider when holidaying in Yorkshire. While some of the smaller towns/villages may not have train stations, nearly all of them will have a dedicated bus schedule. Village-hop between these charming places for a traditional English experience.
Taxis can be found in most of the towns and villages throughout Yorkshire. A good option if you wanted to enjoy an evening in the local pub, for example.
Of course, the best way to discover Yorkshire is on foot. With three National Parks and tons of walking trails, it would be perfectly easy to have an entire holiday without encountering more than a handful of people, if a peaceful break is what you’re after.
