The historic northern region of Yorkshire offers visitors the perfect mix of the country and the city. Popular with walkers and cyclists, areas like the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors have changed little in generations, while coastal towns such as Scarborough and Whitby provide everything tourists need for a very traditional British seaside holiday. Heading inland to the cities of York and Leeds, visitors to the area can experience modern Yorkshire, with its excellent shopping facilities and cultural events.
Countryside
The best time of the year to explore rural areas like the Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors and the Peak District, on the border with Lancashire, is definitely in the summer when you have the best chance of warm and dry weather. Fans of the TV show “Heartbeat” should take the steam railway from Pickering to Goathland, now better known as the fictional Aidensfield, while the Dalby Forest centre is the ideal place to start your visit to the North Yorkshire Moors. Not only is there a small museum detailing the geological history and wildlife of the area but you can also buy maps of the walking trails in the surrounding region.
Coast
Not far from Dalby is the small town of Whitby, which is less of a tourist destination than its larger neighbour Sacrborough, but still worth a visit thanks to the impressive Abbey. Climb the 100 steps from the old town to the churchyard for a spectacular view along the coast. Scarborough itself is an interesting mix of the historic and the modern with its medieval castle overlooking amusement arcades and donkey rides. Take a walk to the top of Oliver's Mount to enjoy the view over the town and its two beaches. In between the two towns is the small village of Robin Hood's Bay, the perfect place to sample local fish and chips while exploring smuggler's caves on the beach.
Cities
Head inland from Scarborough and you come to York, a picturesque town with an interesting Roman and medieval history. You can learn more about the former at the interactive Jorvik museum, while examples of architecture from the Middle Ages can be seen throughout the city, particularly in the quaint shopping street known as “The Shambles”. The Minster is the city's main attraction along with the National Railway Museum, which will keep the children entertained on a rainy day. Leeds is more of a city for adults, with its excellent designer shopping centres, top-class restaurants and vibrant night-life.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Yorkshire, then below is a selection of houses, holiday homes, flats and holiday cottages in Yorkshire that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
