Yorkshire, the land of the White Rose. Once a kingdom in its own right Yorkshire has never lost touch with its heritage or its identity. With its beautiful moorland scenery, traditional seaside resorts, bustling cities and historic villages, Yorkshire offers something for everyone. Whatever you look for in a holiday, in Yorkshire you are sure to find it and wherever you visit you'll be guaranteed to get a warm Yorkshire welcome.
For 2000 years history records its story, written in blood and honour. The warrior Brigantes resisting the legions of Rome. The conquering Vikings making Jorvik (York) their capital. The medieval houses of York and Lancaster fighting to the death. When the centuries turned, peace saw Yorkshire bloom and pour its wealth into stately homes, gracious towns and splendid Victorian cities. Yorkshire is a treasure for visitors.
As a holiday region Yorkshire offers a huge choice of places to go and things to do, whatever the time of year. Explore the romantic beauty of Britain's best-known countryside. While away the day on golden beaches. Browse in country bookshops and wander around historic cities. Watch classic cricket or sample northern ale.
Varied is best to describe the scenery, in one direction the green and silver vistas and wildflower meadows of limestone country. In another, the wide skies and curlews of heather moorland. In yet another, the wild rose hedgerows of farming country. The rugged Pennines form Yorkshire's western ramparts marching shoulders squared from the Peak District to the Yorkshire Dales. Linking them lays the South Pennines, Britain's new heritage area. These are the landscapes and brooding moors which inspired the Brontes. Yorkshire sweeps to the sea across the heather heights of the North Yorkshire Moors. Uncrowded accessible Yorkshire is perfect touring country with space and solitude never too far from the perfect place to stay
York with its museums and historic houses, the narrow streets are still circled by ancient walls and dominated by York Minster, a masterpiece of Europe's Gothic age. Some of Britain's superior stately homes are in this region; Nostell Priory near Wakefield, Duncombe Park, Harewood House near Leeds and Castle Howard near Malton. There are more than 50 historic houses in this area and many have links with famous people from the past, for example Captain Cook's home in Whitby and the Bronte's Parsonage in Haworth.
Award winning museums, clubs and cafe bars are to be found in Leeds on the waterfront and Hull's marina. Leeds is the gateway to Yorkshire with stunning Victorian arcades and speciality boutique shopping.
The old spa towns of Harrogate and Ilkey have some fine examples of Georgian architecture and wonderful antique shops as well as ruined abbeys, castles, beautiful gardens, the Moors and the Dales and historic houses. The markets of Knaresborough and Skipton are worth a visit too.
The bustling seaside resorts of Scarborough, Bridlington and Filey are aimed at families. For a seaside resort with a difference visit the quaint ports of Whitby, Filey which boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and Robin Hood's Bay.
The Yorkshire Dales are famous for breathtaking scenery, limestone fells, unspoilt villages, lively market towns, ancient castles and abbeys, underground caves, open farms, craft fairs, agricultural shows and steam railways and an array of family attractions. For the family steam railways mix fun with nostalgia. Why not visit the Embsay and Bolton Abbey and the North Yorkshire Moors steam railways.
East Yorkshire is set in magnificent countryside and an unspoilt holiday location. Whether you spend days on the beach, exploring local market towns, walking in the Wolds or visiting stately homes. East Riding has countless villages with ancient Inns, ponds and churches. The historic towns of Beverley and Ripon, with cobbled streets, market places and famous Gothic Minster attracts visitors from far and wide.