Yorkshire was a historic county that, in 1974, was divided into four modern counties: North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Today, North Yorkshire holds the title of England’s largest county by area and boasts a vast array of attractions that make tourists flock to visit all year round. If you’re planning to visit it’s worth noting that, without people even realising it, many of Yorkshire’s most well-known destinations and landmarks fall within North Yorkshire’s boundaries.
The Yorkshire Dales
Much of the Yorkshire Dales National Park lies within North Yorkshire and covers a significant portion of the county’s western side. The park is one of the region’s most celebrated landscapes, known for rolling hills, limestone valleys and traditional villages. The Dales make the perfect destination for a quintessential English countryside getaway. Ramblers, hikers, and cyclists alike are drawn to the unspoiled natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales including the impressive Yorkshire Three Peaks. Some of the area’s most
popular sites include Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, the Ribblehead Viaduct, and market towns like Richmond and Hawes.
The North York Moors
The North York Moors are almost entirely contained within the county of North Yorkshire and offer a striking moorland landscape. Within the national park, there are historic sites, such as Rievaulx Abbey, alongside natural wonders like the rolling purple heather moors. The Moors are home to charming villages including Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland, famously featured in “Heartbeat” and appearing in the “Harry Potter” film franchise. The North York Moors National Park stretches along the glorious Yorkshire Coast and encompasses some of North Yorkshire’s most popular and scenic tourist destinations.
The Yorkshire Coast
Along England’s east coast stretches the Yorkshire Coast, featuring dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, secluded bays and coves, in addition to historic fishing villages. This picturesque coastline is popular among walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers and is even home to a stretch of the Cleveland Way. Seaside towns and villages like Whitby, Staithes, and Robin Hood’s Bay are among the most popular locations in the whole country – and for good reason! These charming, seafront destinations are rich in history and heritage and showcase traditional features while telling the maritime stories of times gone by.
Historic Cities, Market Towns, and Quaint Villages
Scattered throughout North Yorkshire, there are cities, towns, and villages full of culture and history, just waiting to be discovered. Each of them tells its own unique story and features ruins or traditional elements of original buildings. Ideal for history lovers, Harrogate’s spa heritage is clear to see, while Ripon has its own spectacular cathedral. Richmond’s charming riverside setting and historic castle make this idyllic market town popular among tourists. The local pubs are the perfect place to sample Yorkshire’s famous cuisine, shelter from the elements or unwind after a day of adventure.
North Yorkshire’s variety ensures that there truly is something for everyone, no matter the season. Winter brings frosty landscapes and cosy nights in while summer turns Yorkshire’s vast landscapes into an expansive playground, perfect for all ages. There is so much to uncover in this wonderful county and no better time than now to start planning your next Yorkshire escape.
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