We could wax lyrical for ages about ‘God’s Own Country’ – and with good reason! Yorkshire has become one of the UK’s most popular destinations in recent years, as visitors realise just how much this huge county has to offer. From the wilds of the North York Moors to the coastline that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, museums of Victorian wonders, Viking settlers and mighty Minsters, Yorkshire has it all. Our selection of luxury cottages spread across the county gives you the chance to see the best that’s on offer, so here are a few of our favourite places to visit in Yorkshire, many of which are perhaps a little off the usual tourist trail.
Fountains and Water Parks
One of the county’s real hidden gems is Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens in Ripon. This World Heritage site covers more than 900 years of history with a 12th Century Abbey, Medieval Deer Park, Jacobean Hall, 18th Century Water Garden, Victorian Church and an award-winning 20th Century Visitor Centre. The fountains are spectacular and the tranquillity of the gardens is blissful, especially if you simply want to relax and enjoy some outstanding countryside.
Malham Cove and Gordale perhaps represent the more wild side of Yorkshire, and have a strange, ethereal charm all of their own. For truly spectacular views and a more challenging climb head for Pen-y-Ghent, which is suited for more experienced walkers. If you’re intimidated by the scale of the peak then in the same area (Horton-in-Ribblesdale) you’ll find the magnificent Catrigg Force waterfall.
Those Clever Victorians…
Victorian innovation has helped to shape Yorkshire’s industrial heritage, and you can find out much more about some of their more wild and wacky inventions at the fascinating Museum of Victorian Science in Whitby. This seaside town is also the inspiration for one of the most terrifying stories of all – Dracula. Climb up to the ruined abbey on the clifftop to get a real feel for this dramatic landscape.
While most visitors head for York Minster, don’t overlook the rather splendid Ripon Cathedral too. There has been a stone church here since 672AD, making it one of the earliest established Christian sites in the country.
For something more up to date and definitely one for families, try the weird and truly wonderful Forbidden Corner at Middleham – a remarkable and unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies (and surprises!) in a four-acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park. And if underground adventures are your thing then head further into the Dales to the White Scar Cave at Ingleton.
For some modern art the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a tactile and fascinating day out, while history lovers will adore the splendour of the Royal Armouries in Leeds, filled with suits of armour made for a succession of English kings, including Henry VIII.
![[image]](/blog/media/1115/2.jpg) | Article Name | Places to Visit in Yorkshire |
| Author | Anne Wiltshire | |
| Description | We could wax lyrical for ages about ‘God’s Own Country’ – and with good reason! Yorkshire has become one of the UK’s most popular destinations in recent years, as visitors realise just how much this huge county has to offer. From the wilds of the North York Moors to the coastline that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, museums of Victorian wonders, Viking settlers and mighty Minsters, Yorkshire has it all. Our selection of luxury cottages spread across the county gives you the chance to see the best that’s on offer, so here are a few of our favourite places to visit in Yorkshire, many of which are perhaps a little off the usual tourist trail. |