No Trip to the UK Would be Complete Without Exploring Yorkshire
Although my partner is from Lancashire so it feels wrong to say this (the rivalry goes deep), Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful places in England. The brooding, rain-soaked moors, the rolling green valleys, the crumbling stone houses, the dramatic coastline.
The history here is simply mind-boggling — you can peel back the layers and find historic sites dating all the way back to Roman times.
The people of Yorkshire are known for their warm friendliness, their broad, characterful accent and dialect, and their strong sense of regional identity. As you explore “God’s Own Country” you’ll be greeted with smiles and drawn into long conversations about the region and its history — often over a pint or two at a local pub.
Here are some of the best things to do in Yorkshire.
Saltaire
The pretty little Victorian village of Saltaire was built by Sir Titus Salt for his mill workers who lived there. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Salts Mill (which was once the largest industrial building in the world) has been turned into an art gallery.
Be sure to check out the Saltaire United Reformed Church, one of the most impressive examples of Victorian architecture in the United Kingdom. When Titus Salt was in charge of the town no alcohol was allowed, but these days the award-winning Saltaire Brewery welcomes visitors for tastings and there is a local pub called Don’t Tell Titus.
St. Ives Estate
At the Yorkshire county park of St. Ives Estate there are over 550 acres of gorgeous countryside to explore, from open moor to wildflower meadows to dense woodland. There are many winding paths through the greenery, ideal for a day of hiking.
It’s also a great place to bring children as there is an adventure playground and a lovely Coppice Pond where you can feed the ducks. Make the most of a sunny summer day and bring a picnic with you!
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Whitby Abbey
The ruins of Whitby Abbey overlooking the fishing harbor of Whitby is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Yorkshire. Although the first monastery here was built in the seventh century, the building that currently remains is the shell of a 13th-century abbey constructed after the Norman Conquest.
Climb the 199 stone steps and admire the view of the sea, then head down to Sherlock’s Coffee Shop for a cup of tea and a piece of cake.
The Shambles, York
It’s easy to convince yourself you have stepped through a portal back to the Medieval period when you walk down this street in the heart of York. The timber-framed shops lean over the cobbled passageway and beautifully painted wooden signs stating the names of businesses dangle into the street.
The Shambles used to be where the butchers of the city sold their wares and you’ll notice the cobbles are slightly sloped, so the blood could be easily washed away. These days you’ll find a mix of shops and eateries along this incredibly atmospheric street.
The Turkish Baths, Harrogate
The Turkish Baths in the pretty town of Harrogate date back to 1897 and are truly stunning to look at, featuring Moorish arches, painted ceilings and elaborately tiled floors. They are owned by Harrogate Borough Council and the prices are quite reasonable.
Visitors have been coming to relax and rejuvenate here for over 120 years and the baths offer a range of pampering spa treatments, including Indian head massages, reiki, reflexology, hot stone therapy and much more.
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The Brontë Way
It’s a requirement that Yorkshire tourism make mention of the Brontë sisters. Their classic novels wouldn’t be the same without the misty, brooding setting of the wild Yorkshire moors. The Brontë Way Trail is a historic hiking trail that will take you through several locations related to the lives and works of these famous writers.
The journey will bring you through Spen Valley, Oakwell Hall, Top Withins, Wycoller Hall, Thursden Valley and the Brontë Parsonage. If you are a bookworm who also loves to hike, you’ll adore this literary journey through the scenic Yorkshire countryside.