Yorkshire is a glorious part of the world. As much for the scenery, as for the rich variety of characters and accents that you’ll find there. So, let’s look at how to enjoy a few days in Yorkshire.
We were very fortunate, that a few years ago, my uncle and aunt decided to move to North Yorkshire for their retirement. And so, we’ve had a great reason to travel there several times now, to get an appreciation of the place.
Sadly, if it hadn’t been for that move, the Yorkshire probably wouldn’t have been on our radar. And that certainly would have been our loss.
Prior to visiting, my only real encounter, if it can be called that, was watching “All Creatures Great And Small” on the T.V. at dinner time. We always enjoyed watching Mr Herriot and the Farnham brothers on their rounds through the Yorkshire landscapes.
Little did we know that a few years later we’d be treading some of the same paths and realising that the small screen does nothing to show the full majesty of the scenery.
Getting There
Most people coming to Yorkshire from overseas will find themselves in London. It’s always best to check on the cost of that though.
Whilst Heathrow and Gatwick are the main points of entry. Quite often, you can get cheaper deals to land at Manchester or Leeds/Bradford. If you are going to be heading north anyway, then these may serve you better.
From Heathrow, the Piccadilly line will take you straight through to Kings Cross Station. From here, the trains head out across the country. Indeed, across the continent as well, if that’s your fancy.
The two main trains we use, go up to York and Leeds. Either of these is a good option. Running several times a day between York and Leeds, is another train which goes via Harrogate. This has you in the heart of Yorkshire.
From here I would hire a car. There may well be local buses and trains in the area, but honestly, you will be much better served with a car to really get to grips with the place.
You could of course hire a car in London and drive up. The journey takes about 5 hours. Unless you do it a couple of days before Christmas, when it will take 8-9 hours. Not so much fun.
My advice would be to base your decision on the number of people in your group. With 4-5 people or more, then the shared car will be cheaper than the train. Below that number, then the cost of hire and fuel will be more than the cost of tickets.
Accommodation In Yorkshire
The larger towns like Leeds and York have the larger chain hotels, with all the amenities that you’d expect. And, we have stayed in Leeds, and then day tripped into North Yorkshire. But then, I like driving, so hours spent behind the wheel is good for me.
The better option for most people is to look at the little towns and check their pubs. These generally have a few rooms to rent. More and more I like this option.
They will normally have breakfast included, and there’s something nice about finishing the day over a couple of pints with the locals, then just wandering back to your room.
These places put you in the heart of the area, and allow you an easy day of touring.
Things to See
This is by no means an exhaustive list. And I’m sure people will be saying that there are a lot of places that I’ve missed. I’m sure there are, but I probably haven’t seen them yet. So, this is a list of the things that I enjoy going to.
Moors And Dales
This is a fairly broad sort of subject, but I think that both should be seen and appreciated.
In short, the dales are the farming areas. Lots of undulating green fields, ancient handmade stone walls, that go on forever. Lots of sheep, and quaint old buildings.
Every twist and turn of the road bring on the gasps, and oohs and ahhs from the passengers. You have to fight hard to not pull over at every turn to get another picture.
The moors are a vastly different landscape. A harsh, windswept landscape, that appears barren and unforgiving. But wow, it is an awe-inspiring sight.
They are totally different, but I can’t pick a winner. It just comes down to personal preference, I guess.
Aysgarth Falls
Not a set of stand up, vertical falls like you might be used to. But more of horizontal, sheer power of water type effect. Almost like a set of wild rapids that you’d never want to go through.
Maybe it’s because I’m an Aussie, and we don’t generally see that much moving water. But I find it mesmerizing.
I’m led to believe that some of the fight scenes from one of the Robin Hood movies was shot here. Not the men in tights version though. I remember the Tolls for Rolls scene on the river very well. It’s certainly not that river.
Beamish
Even if you only have a passing interest in history, Beamish will still suck you in. It’s basically a huge open-air museum.
It’s mainly covering the Victorian and Edwardian eras, although there may be a few older bits in there.
They’ve taken an old mine site, and then relocated significant buildings that are representative of that era to create a town.
So, you have workers cottages, school, church, farm, workshops and all the associated trades represented. Staffed by workers in period costume who have a great knowledge of their surroundings. You can expect to spend a whole day here. Click here to visit the website.
Whitby
How could an Aussie not go to Whitby? Home to Captain James Cook (who I think was only a lieutenant at the time). But also, the birthplace of the Endeavour. The plucky little Whitby Cat that carried him to Australia.
There’s just enough history here to keep you entertained but not enough to overwhelm you. It’s also a working port that brings another set of sights and sounds into the mix.
Whitby abbey on the hill overlooking the port was the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Naturally the shops sell plenty of things to reference this, so it can sometimes feel a bit like a nautical Halloween.
And, I don’t mind saying this. It has the best fish and chips that I’ve ever had.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
So you’ve got the kids with you and they’ve had enough of history. You’re sick of them asking, “why is dad taking more photos”. Time to let them run free.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park is a nice place to go. Now, when you hear the phrase theme park, you may be getting an impression of Disney or Universal.
It’s not that. There are some rides, there’s some entertainment, but if you compare it to the theme park giants, then you’ll be disappointed. But it’s still a good park to go to.
It has a roller coaster that’s supposed to be the longest overland roller coaster. I believe it. It takes you flying through the countryside.
Now I was sat in the front carriage. Next to a young chap (18-20), who was a screamer. I’m not a fan of screamers on rides. When the photo was taken, it captures that sentiment perfectly. He’s got his mouth open in a long scream, and I’m glaring at him with my WTF face on.
I wish I’d bought that photo.
Click here to visit the website.
York
York is a lovely town. It has a relaxed feeling to it, while having everything in it that you need. When coming from the north, there’s a carpark just out of town. Park up there and jump on the shuttle bus to take you into town. This helps to keep cars out of the city.
York Minster
One of the most elegant church buildings I’ve ever seen. Maybe they’d just cleaned it that morning, but it looked to be in pristine condition.
It’s an imposing structure which rightfully has it’s photograph on a great many postcards. Definitely worth having a look.
The Shambles
The Shambles is a street in York that has been lovingly preserved. It has a real Dickens feeling to it. There’s a point along the street where the buildings lean in so close that you can shake hands with the neighbour across the street.
National Rail Museum
Now, I quite like trains. I don’t follow locomotives around the country or anything. But I’m impressed by the engineering of them.
The National Rail Museum could keep me entertained for hours. Take a journey from the earliest days up to the modern age. They even have some of the old Royal carriages.
Click here to visit their website.
Jorvik Viking Museum
While removing a building in the town centre. Workmen came across what they thought was some items of archaeological interest.
The archaeologists came in and discovered the site of a Viking camp. The museum was then built on top to showcase these discoveries.
Now, if I’m honest, I find quite a lot of the museum a bit dry for my tastes. That may be because I don’t have much knowledge of the Vikings. Surprisingly, Aussie schools don’t teach a lot about them.
The part that I do like though, is the ride. It goes underground and moves through a recreation of the Viking camp, with explanations narrated in several languages. Click here to visit the website.
Leeds
Unfortunately, I can’t tell you too much about Leeds. I’ve hired a car from there. I’ve stayed in a hotel there and been to the markets. But I really don’t feel as if I’ve ever gotten a grasp on it.
It seems like a practical city. Built because it needed to be, and it serves a purpose well. There’s probably a lot more to it than that. But as yet, I haven’t peaked too far inside.
So that’s a look at the Yorkshire I enjoy. I’m glad that I had a reason to visit, and no doubt I’ll keep going back. It may not be on your radar right now, but if you’ve got the opportunity, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time there.
If you’re coming up from London, here’s a couple of posts that will help you plan that part of the journey.
Hotels in London’s Earls Court
Cheers and happy travels