Yorkshire Overview
Yorkshire is the largest county in England and has some of the country's most breathtaking scenery amidst the wonderfully interesting and diverse landscapes on which it is built. From the exhilarating fresh air of the coast to the lush green countryside of Yorkshire's National Parks and the bustling metropolis of the cities of York, Leeds or Sheffield, Yorkshire is a county that offers something for absolutely everyone.
Yorkshire, often referred to as "Gods Own Country", boasts more square miles of National Parks than any other county in Britain. A stroll through the Yorkshire Dales or the North York Moors National Parks is unrivalled for relaxation, breathtaking views and exhilarating fresh country air, not to mention the abundance of wildlife and flora to be seen at every turn. The delightful hills and valleys just waiting to be explored include The Vale of Mowbray, The Vale of Pickering and The Vale of York. Each with their own charms they offer a mix of rural market towns, pretty, tranquil walking country and lush green farmlands. The Northern Dales are filled with historic sites dating back to Roman times. The countryside is full of dramatic waterfalls and home to the longest waterfall in England.
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city, Leeds and Sheffield both have vibrant redeveloped city centres, mixing striking modern architecture with the imposing historic buildings at their heart. Both offer a wide choice of evening entertainment, with restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres, night clubs and much more.
Sheffield is home to the world famous Crucible Theatre (of World snooker fame!), the stunning Winter Gardens and the famous Meadowhall Shopping Centre to name but a few. The international sporting venues at Don Valley Stadium and The Arena also host major music and cultural events, bringing people from all over the world. The recent growth of city centre living developments has seen an increase in the number of residents and visitors to the city and has contributed to the ever changing cultural scene. In contrast to the hustle and bustle Sheffield is also situated on the edge of some stunning countryside and with regular bus and train services from the city centre, city dwellers have easy access to the natural wonders of the Ewden Valley, Strines and Stanage Edge, and of course The Peak District National Park, offering recreation and relaxation on the doorstep.
Leeds is a busy, cosmopolitan city, with a heady mix of imposing historic and stunning modern buildings and many places of interest to visit. A trip on the city centre tour bus is a must for tourists, and takes in most of the major visitor attractions. Leeds is home to The Royal Armouries and also has an impressive Museum, Art Gallery and University. There are numerous restaurants to suit every taste and palette in and around the city centre. Shoppers are spoiled for choice with a vast range of high street stores and stunning Victorian arcades housing major designer shops. Nearby Nidderdale is the perfect escape to the country and within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there is a wealth of pretty unspoiled villages and picturesque countryside to discover , or maybe visit the bustling market town of Pateley Bridge with its cafes, tea rooms and cosy traditional pubs.
Yorkshire is an historic county and has a wide choice of country houses, working museums and exhibition centres to visit. The Howardian Hills, an area of rich green hills and dales, encompasses picturesque villages and a number stately homes, as well as the famous Yorkshire Lavender visitor attraction.
The City of York is a major tourist centre and is bursting with attractions and sights dating back to Viking times. There are interactive visitor centres, exhibitions and the magnificent York Minster which dominates the city centre. The narrow cobbled streets are filled with interesting shops and eateries. The ancient city walls and the world famous York Minster are a must on any visitor's itinerary.
Historic Haworth, famously known as "Bronte Country" is another great place to explore, with it's steep cobbled streets and national heritage buildings where great novels such as Wuthering Heights and Jayne Eyre were written.
The North Sea lies to the east and the sweeping Yorkshire Heritage Coast has wonderful nature reserves, Victorian seaside towns and traditional fishing villages including Bridlington and Whitby, offering the perfect summer vacation. The dramatic white chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head and the bird sanctuary at Bempton Cliffs provide a stunning and very exhilarating days walking amongst the fresh air and rolling hills.
Set on the mouth of the River Humber, Spurn Point is the perfect place for wildlife lovers and has an unrivalled nature reserve along the sandy coast and grassy dunes. Sea fishing is a favourite here with perfect angling conditions, where strong tides and deep, cold waters make it an ideal fishing mark.
Running between the Humber Bridge and Filey Brigg lies the Wolds Way long distance footpath, this leads through The Yorkshire Wolds and takes in some of the prettiest countryside and picture perfect villages, including Cherry Burton and the historic town of Driffield.
A perfect place to visit at any time of year, Yorkshire will never disappoint.
If you are planning to visit Yorkshire then have a look at Yorkshire-Visitors-Guide.com which provides a host of useful information all about Yorkshire, including; walking, history and places to stay. There is a whole host of information put together by a true Yorkshireman... read more