The county of York holds a prestige and significance in the history of England that could easily be argued to be greater than any other. This area, often referred to as ‘God’s Own County’, has been the centre of Roman occupation and innovation, was developed by Viking rule, and eventually became an integral part of the medieval administration for English kings and queens. In more modern times, it was the heart of the Industrial Revolution that altered the whole world in immeasurable ways.
With awe-inspiring scenery, echoes of every grand European civilisation waiting to be explored and an inimitable charm all of its own, Yorkshire should be high on any discerning visitor’s list when making a trip to the United Kingdom
To help plan an itinerary, here is a brief guide to some of the best towns in Yorkshire.
York
When speaking of the best towns in Yorkshire, it would be difficult to begin with anywhere other than York. This incredible walled city is immaculately preserved with locations such as the iconic Shambles showcasing the timber-framed buildings, quaint shops and cobbled streets of a European medieval town. This particular place was made even more famous as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films with its crooked buildings lending an appropriate dash of magic and menace. It is impossible to move in York without encountering thousands of years of history writ large around you. York Castle and Clifford’s Tower offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s tumultuous Norman past and the Jorvik Centre details Viking occupation in an energetic and interesting way for visiting children. For the very best view of the town, taking a trip to the majestic York Minster Cathedral is hard to beat. This majestic Gothic creation took over 250 years to build and visitors can climb the steps of the Central Tower for a 230-foot high panoramic view of the whole town and lots beyond. A stirring experience indeed.
Ilkley
Right on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales is the serene and charming spa town of Ilkley. Once a Roman fort location, it was transformed into an attraction for the Victorian elite to bathe in fashionable hydrotherapy treatments and take in the clean air, away from the smoke of the cities. Ilkley remains a town shaped by its environment in the 21st century, making the most of its connections to the dales and the Lake District beyond with medium and long-distance walking trails that meander across the heart of the county. This is a cultural hub for the county of Yorkshire with an annual literary festival that regularly attracts poets, authors and speakers from around the world, and it definitely has the facilities to serve them. The Yorkshire institution of Betty’s Tea Room here offers a quintessential English Tea experience with cakes, pastries and delicacies to complement the brews. And for a slightly more elevated dining experience, The Box Tree is an award-winning and Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a stone farmhouse that dates back to 1720. A terrific restaurant in unique surroundings is a feather in any town’s cap.
Whitby
The coastal town of Whitby supplies such rugged and dramatic scenery that it has been cemented into Gothic literary history through its connection with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It served as the backdrop for the eerie town where the most famous vampire ran aground with the ruins of Whitby Abbey looking down on the sands. As you might expect, this makes it a global tourist destination for the modern day, just as it was for seaside-venturing Victorians. Much of Whitby remains reminiscent of those bygone days with the famous Magpie Café providing an opportunity for the classic English tradition of fish and chips on the pier. The elegant Dillons of Whitby is perhaps the perfect place to extend a stay here, with Michelin Guide-recommended hospitality within period surroundings. The short drive to the tiny enclave of Robin Hood’s Bay is also well worth the time while you are here too.
Harrogate
Harrogate can easily be viewed as the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown for modern amenities aligned with historical charms. The iron and sulphur-rich waters that fuel the springs here were so well known centuries ago that Queen Victoria was herself a frequent visitor, praising the tranquillity and benefits for health. Harrogate water was even dubbed ‘The English Malady Cure’ by the Victorians and it remains a sought after asset to this day. The Montpellier Quarter in the town provides ample opportunity for boutique and high-end shopping with a collection of art galleries that act as welcome neighbours. The town is also home to a thriving dining scene, with standout establishments such as The Tannin Level, a home for British Cuisine with an excellent wine list, and the classic French Bistro of Hotel Du Vin. Simple and fast transport links from the nearby city of Leeds ensure that Harrogate is well connected to the whole country for potential visitors too.
Haworth
Yorkshire is fortunate to have a wealth of literary and cultural connections that draw an interesting map to follow across the entire county. Haworth is the best example of how a place is eternally linked to not just one individual, but an entire family. This is Brontë country, where Charlotte, Emily and Anne brought their most famous works to life, often using the scenery around them as a muse. The brooding moorlands of Wuthering Heights surround Haworth and are now part of a walking trail known as Brontë Way that connects Haworth to the amazing Yorkshire countryside. With Penistone Country Park and the lush greenery of Worth Valley just on the doorstep, this is a town where ramblers, cyclists and runners flock to all year round. Strolling up to the famous misty moors on an early morning trek here is definitely an experience that will stay with you for a long time.
Most of all, the county of Yorkshire is renowned for its simple, charming welcome where all visitors are made to feel at home. The towns in this list are proud to have this as their philosophy, while also offering some unique attractions that you just can’t find anywhere else in the United Kingdom.
