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Your Guide to Yorkshire
Yorkshire has been described as God's Own County, and it's easy to see why. With sweeping vistas of green hills divided by stone walls built centuries ago. A county rich in history of battles, wealth, industry and stunning scenery makes Yorkshire one of Britain's most popular tourist's destinations.
About Yorkshire | Getting to Yorkshire | How to Get Around Yorkshire | Activities in Yorkshire
About Yorkshire
Ancient castles, stately homes, and cathedrals are abundant throughout Yorkshire. Preserved treasures of the industrial era delight visitors to the region. The Yorkshire Moors offer a rich biodiversity of moorland plants including varieties of heather and gorse displaying a tapestry of colours.
Climate
The climate of Yorkshire is similar to the rest of the UK. There is a lot of rainfall throughout the year, although the summer months of July and August are pleasantly warn.
Language
The official language of Yorkshire is English.
Getting to Yorkshire
| Flights | Travelling to Yorkshire is easy by road, rail, sea or air. This large region is serviced by three airports: Leeds International, Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster/Sheffield and the Humberside airport. The main airlines are low cost carriers including Jet Blue, Easy Jet and Ryan Air. All airports are well connected by public transport and buses are available to take visitors into the city centres. There are also taxi ranks outside the arrival terminals. |
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| Train | Visitors travelling to Yorkshire from London can get a direct train with Virgin East Coast. The journey takes just over two hours. From other parts of the UK First Transpennine Express serves the region of Yorkshire and is also direct form Machester. If travelling from the West of England changes are required and journey time is longer, taking around four hours. |
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| Bus | National Express runs buses from all over the country to Yorkshire departing several times a day. Occasionally changes are required, although there is usually at least one direct bus from most parts of the UK that departs daily. |
How to Get Around Yorkshire
Options for travelling around Yorkshire are as varied and exciting as the region itself. Both cycling and walking are popular in and out of the cities. Taxis, buses, trains and rental cars are widely available. For a leisurely pace, one can go by boat through the 270 miles of inland waterways.
Places to Visit
Harewood House
Allow a day to discover Harewood House in Leeds. This magnificent Georgian property and the grounds are breathtaking. Tour the house and gardens, which were designed by Capability Brown. The children will love the playground and the exotic animals which include parrots, penguins and flamingos.
York Minster
York Minster is one of the world's most spectacular cathedrals with a history spanning 2,000 years and is one of the largest Cathedrals of its kind within Northern Europe. With stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful stain glass windows that let colourful light flood onto the floor, the cathedral is worth visiting for an afternoon.
Saltaire
The village of Saltaire is a UNESCO world heritage site for its contribution to the woollen industry. Now sympathetically converted, and home to artwork of David Hockney. The typically charming English village is perfect to explore by foot for a day.
Activities
Hiking and Cycling
The countryside of Yorkshire is waiting to be discovered by foot or by bike. From quiet country roads to ancient footpaths, the county of Yorkshire is the ideal place for hikers and cycler's. There are many different trails and cycle routes throughout the region, or visitors can explore the region independently.
Caving
Stalagmites, stalactites, fossils and hidden waterfalls are all found underground in Yorkshire. Explore caves and old mines at many different locations throughout the region. Taking a guided tour will make sure the experience matches your skill level and allows you to learn about the history of the caves.
Rock Climbing
For those interested in rock climbing there are many locations dedicated to this sport with indoor and outdoor areas indicated for the appropriate skill level.
Events
Tulip Festival
For a blaze of colour, the annual Tulip Festival runs from late April through mid May with over 30 varieties of Tulip, and more than 14,000 flowers.
Flying Scotsman Season
The recently renovated Flying Scotsman season runs from March 25-May 8 2016. See the world famous steam locomotive up close.
Yorkshire Festival
A month of fun and music can be found at the Yorkshire Festival which runs from June 16 – July 3 2016 and is celebrated with events in towns and cities across the region.
5 Day Trips from York
The cobbled streets of York attract millions of visitors each year. With highlights such as the stunning York Minster, an impressive castle and even a dungeon to explore, it’s easy to see why. But what about those wanting to explore beyond the city walls? We’ve got five suggestions for day trips from York, all of which can be easily reached by train.
Harrogate
Time from York on the train: 35 minutes
Harrogate offers an unspoiled option for travellers looking to get off the tourist trail. The spa town is famous for its lavish Turkish baths, which have a reputation stretching back for centuries. It’s the perfect day out for those looking to completely unwind. Visitors can enjoy the combination of steam rooms, heated chambers and even a plunge pool. It’s an experience in ultimate relaxation, which can make leaving understandably difficult.
Once you’re suitably relaxed and have managed to pull yourself away from the baths, why not check our what the town has to offer? Sure, there’s a Betty’s tearoom in York and afternoon tea here is a must. Although arriving early to avoid the queues is essential. For a more tranquil option, head to Harlow Carr Gardens. Here you’ll find award-winning floral displays and, maybe, another branch of Bettys!
Scarborough
Time from York on the train: 50 minutes
This Victorian seaside town ticks every box for a nostalgic trip. Amusement arcades help you skip back to the good old days of with the sounds of rattling penny slots, a funfair boasting a Helter Skelter and quaint donkey rides along the beach.
Away from Scarborough’s south bay visitors will find a charming coastal town full of history. Nowhere backs this up more than the 12th-century castle, which is a notably spectacular fortress. It may be steep, but a climb to the top is worth the breathtaking views of the Yorkshire coastline. Then settle in for a hug in a mug at the Master Gunner’s house which has found a new purpose as a tearoom for visitors.
Hull
Time from York on the train: 1 hour 5 minutes
The city was crowned as the European Capital of Culture for 2017, but is it a deserved title? We think so. Hull has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. The city has welcomed in a wealth of theatre, music, art and much more. This may actually be the best time to visit the cultural populous city.
The city’s Museum Quarter is a must-see while you’re in town. Discover sea monsters at the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology. Or for something a little less fishy and step back in time at the Streetlife Museum of Transport.
Haworth
Time from York on the train: 1 hour 25 minutes
There’s a whole area in the Pennines dedicated to the Brontë sisters, but Haworth is the true highlight of Brontë Country. The three sisters, responsible for literary classics such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, lived and penned most of their novels in Haworth. The former family home now serves as The Brontë Parsonage Museum, and by no surprise, is the most popular attraction in town.
Aside from literary legends, the cobbled streets of Haworth have plenty more to offer. Sweet-toothed visitors shouldn’t miss Mrs Beightons – a nostalgic sweet shop offering sugary treats both old and new. With sherbet fountains, bonbons and much more golden oldies, this confectionary haven is guaranteed to send you on a trip down memory lane.
Saltaire
Time from York on the train: 50 minutes
This pretty little mill village on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool canal is so well preserved that it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001. Small it may be, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Saltaire.
The standout feature of Saltaire is undoubtedly the Salts Mill, a textiles mill turned art gallery and shopping centre.! Inside this Italianate building, you’ll find the world’s largest collection of work by local artist David Hockney. As well as the Story of Saltaire exhibition and a variety of cafes.
A short albeit steep walk away sits Shipley Glen, a local beauty spot offering sprawling views of the Pennines. Although very walkable, it’s best to take the Shipley Glen Tramway just to say you’ve ridden the country’s oldest cable tramway! However you choose to get to the top, your endeavours will be rewarded with a cafe, a traditional pub and green fields for miles.
