As the UK’s largest historic county Yorkshire, or ‘God’s own country’ as the locals call it, has so much to offer. Such is its size, this part of northern England is now divided into four administrative counties – South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
There are historical cities, like Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, and the county town of York, offering a mix of attractions and superb cultural scenes. All are worth considering if you’re seeking an urban adventure.
But it is the rolling countryside for which Yorkshire is perhaps best known. Visitors from across the UK and around the world come here to enjoy its areas of outstanding natural beauty and breathe in some fresh air. And, with one-third of England’s national parks here, there is plenty of room to explore.
For many people who live here, this ease of access to nature is one of the highlights. The Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors all offer spectacular scenery and a range of attractions and charming towns and villages. The only challenge for those planning a visit or thinking about sampling country living for themselves is knowing where to start.
In this guide, we’ve pulled together some of Yorkshire’s most interesting and characterful places, all with breathtaking countryside on their doorsteps. Read on to discover what they are.
Haworth
The historic (and charming) village of Haworth, around 10 miles from Bradford in the Pennine hills of West Yorkshire, is best known as the home of the Brontë sisters. For literary lovers, Haworth is a dream destination, and many will relish the opportunity to explore ‘Brontë Country’ and the places that inspired famous novels such as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Tenant of Wildfell. Today Haworth is a desirable place to live and visit, with its cute cafes, pubs, independent stores, hotels, and stunning countryside surrounding it. But in the era of the Brontë sisters, Haworth was an extremely unsanitary and hazardous place to live. Life expectancy was short, and around 41% of residents died before their sixth birthday. The Brontë Parsonage Museum gives a fascinating insight into the sisters, their family, and the local area.
You can even arrive in Haworth by steam train. The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a five-mile long heritage railway that connects Keighley to Oxenhope.
Skipton
Skipton is one of North Yorkshire’s most popular destinations. Spend some time here and it’s easy to understand why. The town has a variety of shops, pubs, restaurants, and cafes, a popular market that runs four days a week, and a range of cultural attractions. Be sure to drop in and check the schedules for Craven Arts, Skipton Town Hall, Mill Bridge Gallery, Plaza Cinema, Skipton Little Theatre, and Mart Theatre. If you love history, Skipton has plenty of it. The well-preserved mediaeval castle, built in 1090, is the highlight and is open to visitors seven days a week.
Skipton Castle Woods is another must-see. This ancient woodland habitat is located just a stone’s throw from the busy high street, alongside the castle ramparts, and with its variety of walking trails and seasonal events is a wonderful place for visitors of all ages. Skipton is a great base for walkers and cyclists, with a huge selection of options just a short distance from the town. Skipton is also in easy reach of both the unmissable Bolton Abbey and Malham Cove.
Hebden Bridge
The picturesque market town of Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire is famed for its artistic, creative identity. This is evident as you walk its streets and browse its galleries, independent stores, and cafes.
This town, eight miles west of Halifax, is now as much known for its vibrant community as it is for its industrial past. Hebden saw an influx of musicians, writers, artists, and other creatives in the 1970s and 1980s, and its popularity has continued to grow in the years since. This is thanks in part due to the town’s rail links to Leeds, Bradford and Manchester and its proximity to stunning countryside. The Rochdale Canal also connects the town with Manchester and Sowerby Bridge, and its valley location made it a key location for wool production during the Industrial Revolution. The old mills and canals, which powered production and distribution and saw Hebden nicknamed ‘trouser town’, now form part of an interesting heritage trail walk along the canal. Local beauty spot Hardcastle Crags is the ideal spot for a walk and boasts the impressive 19th-century Gibson Mill at its centre. This wooded valley is spread across more than 400 acres and has waterfalls, flowing streams, and many footpaths.
Knaresborough
The North Yorkshire spa town of Knaresborough was once home to medieval kings and is perfectly positioned on the cliffs alongside the River Nidd.
A Norman castle, originally built in 1100 and then rebuilt between 1301 and 1307, is open to the public. It offers visitors an insight into the town’s history, as well as amazing views of the river and the town’s famously picture-perfect Nidd Gorge viaduct.
The town is also home to Mother Shipton’s Cave, which is thought to be the UK’s oldest tourist attraction. This has been operated since 1630 and, legend has it, was the birthplace of the famous prophetess. Set among ancient woodland and with a museum, children’s play area, picnic spots, and a regular selection of events, the site offers something for visitors of all ages.
The River Nidd Waterside Walk is a relaxing stroll with scenic views and some cute cafes, perfect for when you’re ready to stop for a well-earned ice cream or coffee. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the countryside too. The Knaresborough Round Walk passes through several pretty villages around the town, while the Beryl Burton Cycleway takes in the viaduct and offers traffic-free cycling to the nearby towns of Harrogate and Ripley.
Yorkshire will inspire you to visit the historic country and explore some of its finest locations, or perhaps even to consider it as a place to live.
