The first ever AONB was established in South Wales in the year 1956. Today, there are 33 AONBs in England alone, covering roughly 15% of the country, with one more lying on the England and Wales border. Of these extraordinary landscapes, two are fully contained within the historic county of Yorkshire with a further two found partially within the region.
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Nestled between the North York Moors National Park, the Vale of York, and the Yorkshire Wolds, covering 79 square miles, the Howardian Hills was named an AONB in 1987 in order to protect its unique natural landscape. The River Derwent flows through the east of this area alongside ancient woodland fens and the deep, winding Kirkham Gorge offering visitors a glimpse at the rare plants and wildlife like otters and kingfishers. This picturesque AONB is famed for its historic country houses and 18th-century parklands including Castle Howard, Hovingham Hall, Nunnington Hall, Newburgh Priory, and Gilling Castle.
Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, the Howardian Hills are home to endangered farmland birds such as skylarks, tree sparrows, and yellowhammers as well as brown hares, barn owls, and rare grassland fauna including the knapweed broomrape. Geology lovers can marvel at the northern England’s only area of Jurassic limestone to hold the title of AONB and explore the steep ridges and irregular hills reaching over 550ft. For history buffs, the Howardian Hills have a fascinating history and Iron Age earthworks, Bronze Age burial mounds, and medieval monastic sites can be seen today. This AONB is the perfect place to take advantage of over 180 miles of public walking, hiking, and biking pathways.
Nidderdale, North Yorkshire
Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, the Nidderdale AONB stretches for 200 square miles across the eastern side of the Yorkshire Pennines and along the south-eastern border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Designated as an AONB in 1994, Nidderdale covers most of the upper and middle River Nidd Valley with an array of wildlife, reservoirs, and attractions to uncover. Famed for its fascinating rock formations including Brimham Rocks and the well-known monastic ruin, Fountains Abbey, this AONB offers a unique adventure to all, no matter the season. Visitors can visit historic sites and charming market towns like Pateley Bridge or take to the wide-open spaces to admire the steep river valleys, ancient woodlands, and hay meadows. Nature lovers are bound to love this landscape with over a third of Nidderdale covered in open-access heather moorland and plenty of space for birdwatching and hunting. The Nidderdale Way offers a scenic route through the region, ideal for walking, hiking, and mountain biking, over rolling hills.
Forest of Bowland, North Yorkshire
Although situated mostly in Lancashire, the 312-square-mile Forest of Bowland AONB is situated in Northwest England covers approximately 28 square miles of beautiful Yorkshire. The area has been an official AONB since 1964 and is important for its heather moorland, blanket bog, and rare birds. The Forest of Bowland is home to over 500 listed buildings, charming village, and scenic walking routes, perfect for all types of Yorkshire escapes.
North Pennines, North Yorkshire
As the second largest of the AONB, the North Pennines are spread over County Durham, Cumberland, Northumberland, Westmorland, and Furness as well as a square mile of God’s Own Country. Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Parks, it remains one of the most remote and unspoilt places in England. The landscape showcases the region’s mining heritage, is home to rare wildlife, and features major English rivers, dramatic cliffs, and unmissable waterfalls.
The Yorkshire Wolds, sprawling across 180 square miles of North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire, are currently in consideration for AONB status. The area has been put forward due to its coastal chalk cliffs, remarkable dry valleys, and expansive agricultural landscapes. With all the makings of an AONB, could this be your next Yorkshire getaway?
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