Discover Yorkshire | A Visitor's Introduction to Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Dales, a national park in northern England, is famed for its rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and picturesque valleys. Traditional stone villages, dry-stone walls, and historic market towns add timeless charm. With waterfalls, caves, and endless walking trails, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Rich in wildlife, culture, and scenery, the Dales offer a quintessentially English countryside escape.

Bradford is a city steeped in history and cultural diversity. The city is known for its industrial heritage, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene. Explore the National Science and Media Museum, visit the historic Saltaire Village, and savor diverse cuisine in its many restaurants. Our editors have picked out a wide choice of Bradford hotels and other accommodation.

Harrogate is a delightful spa town in North Yorkshire, known for its elegant architecture, lush parks, and natural springs. Harrogate offers a blend of tranquility and sophistication. Stroll through the picturesque Valley Gardens, visit the historic Turkish Baths, and indulge in afternoon tea at iconic tearooms. Harrogate is a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration, with a number of highly recommended hotels.

Richmond is a charming market town in the heart of North Yorkshire. Rich in history, Richmond boasts a picturesque castle perched above the River Swale, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the cobbled market square and enjoy scenic walks in the nearby Yorkshire Dales. With its timeless charm and natural beauty, Richmond invites visitors to experience a quintessential English market town.

Skipton is a picturesque market town nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Known as the "Gateway to the Dales," Skipton boasts a historic castle, bustling market, and charming cobbled streets. Explore the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, visit the Craven Museum, and enjoy scenic walks in the Dales. With its idyllic setting and traditional market town charm, Skipton offers a serene escape for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Beverley, in East Yorkshire, is a charming market town famed for its magnificent Gothic Minster. Cobbled streets, Georgian townhouses, and a lively Saturday market give it timeless character. The town is also known for Beverley Racecourse and its vibrant music scene. Surrounded by countryside and close to the Yorkshire Wolds, Beverley combines history, culture, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Driffield, known as the Capital of the Wolds, is a lively East Yorkshire market town surrounded by rolling countryside. Its traditional market, independent shops, and canal reflect its rural heritage. The town hosts an annual agricultural show, one of England’s largest. With walking and cycling routes across the Yorkshire Wolds, Driffield offers a welcoming base for exploring the region’s beauty.

Aysgarth, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is renowned for its spectacular Aysgarth Falls, a series of limestone steps on the River Ure. Surrounded by rolling countryside and woodland trails, it’s a haven for walkers and nature lovers. The village itself offers cosy inns and traditional charm, making Aysgarth an ideal base for exploring Wensleydale’s beauty.

Castle Howard, in North Yorkshire, is one of England’s grandest stately homes, set amid vast landscaped gardens and lakes. Its baroque architecture, lavish interiors, and sweeping grounds have made it a favourite filming location. Visitors can explore temples, woodlands, and fountains across the estate. Blending history, art, and natural beauty, Castle Howard offers an unforgettable country house experience.

Goathland, nestled in the North York Moors, is a picturesque village famed as the setting for TV’s Heartbeat and the “Hogsmeade” station in Harry Potter. Surrounded by heather moorland, it offers scenic walks, waterfalls, and heritage steam trains on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. With its timeless charm, Goathland is a favourite stop for walkers, film fans, and nature lovers alike.

Hawes, set in Upper Wensleydale, is a vibrant market town surrounded by stunning Dales scenery. Best known as the home of Wensleydale cheese, it hosts the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre and Dales Countryside Museum. With waterfalls, traditional shops, and cosy pubs, Hawes offers a perfect mix of heritage and natural beauty, making it a lively hub in the Dales.

Knaresborough, perched above the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, is famed for its dramatic viaduct views and historic charm. Its winding streets lead to Knaresborough Castle ruins, riverside walks, and the quirky Mother Shipton’s Cave. With a lively market square, independent shops, and boating on the river, Knaresborough blends history, folklore, and scenic beauty in a truly picturesque setting.

Malton, in North Yorkshire, is celebrated as the county’s food capital, with bustling markets, artisan producers, and a vibrant annual food festival. Its Georgian streets are filled with independent shops, cafés, and traditional inns. Close to Castle Howard and the Howardian Hills, Malton blends heritage with culinary flair, offering a welcoming base for exploring Yorkshire’s countryside and culture.

Northallerton, the county town of North Yorkshire, is a bustling market hub with a wide High Street lined by independent shops, cafés, and regular markets. Its history includes links to the railway and the impressive All Saints’ Church. Surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, Northallerton blends heritage, convenience, and countryside access in a welcoming setting.

Ripley, a picturesque North Yorkshire village, is centred around its striking 14th-century Ripley Castle and gardens. With cobbled streets, stone cottages, and a traditional market square, it feels timeless. Famous for its ice cream, Ripley also offers scenic walks through nearby parkland and countryside. Blending history, charm, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a delightful stop near Harrogate.

Selby, in North Yorkshire, is a historic market town famed for its magnificent Selby Abbey, a masterpiece of Norman architecture. The town centre offers independent shops, markets, and a riverside setting along the Ouse. With strong links to Yorkshire’s industrial past and convenient rail connections to York, Leeds, and beyond, Selby combines heritage, community spirit, and accessibility.

Tadcaster, a historic North Yorkshire market town on the River Wharfe, is renowned for its brewing heritage, with famous breweries shaping its character. Its medieval bridge and parish church highlight a rich past, while riverside walks offer scenic appeal. Conveniently located between York and Leeds, Tadcaster blends history, tradition, and community spirit in a picturesque setting.

York, a historic walled city in northern England, is rich in Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage. Its magnificent York Minster and winding Shambles streets capture centuries of history. The Jorvik Viking Centre, museums, and city walls bring the past to life, while riverside walks, cafés, and shops add vibrancy. York blends culture, character, and charm in every corner.

Barnsley, in South Yorkshire, is a lively market town with deep industrial and mining heritage. Its cultural heart includes the Cooper Gallery, Cannon Hall, and the Experience Barnsley Museum. The town is surrounded by green spaces like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Peak District fringes. Blending history, art, and countryside access, Barnsley offers a dynamic mix of heritage and modern life.

Known for its transformation from an industrial hub to a green and culturally rich metropolis, Sheffield, the "Steel City" offers an array of attractions. Explore the Millennium Gallery, visit the Botanical Gardens, and immerse yourself in the Peak District National Park on its doorstep. With a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, Sheffield promises a diverse and captivating visit for all.

Bingley, in West Yorkshire, is a historic market town on the River Aire, best known for the Five Rise Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Surrounded by wooded valleys and moorland, it offers scenic walks and a traditional town centre with shops and cafés. With strong canal heritage and countryside charm, Bingley blends history, nature, and community character.

Castleford, in West Yorkshire, is a historic town with Roman origins and a strong industrial past. Today, it’s known for Xscape Yorkshire, a major leisure and retail destination, and its proud rugby league heritage. The River Aire and canal provide scenic walks, while the town centre blends markets and shops. Castleford combines history, sport, and modern family-friendly attractions.

Haworth, in West Yorkshire, is a characterful village best known as the home of the Brontë sisters. Its steep cobbled Main Street is lined with independent shops, tearooms, and historic inns. Surrounded by moorland that inspired Wuthering Heights, Haworth also features the heritage Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Blending literary heritage with timeless charm, it’s a truly iconic Yorkshire destination.

Ilkley, in West Yorkshire, is a spa town renowned for its moorland scenery and literary heritage. The iconic Cow and Calf Rocks overlook the town, while the River Wharfe and Riverside Gardens add charm. With boutique shops, tearooms, and the famous Ilkley Literature Festival, it blends culture and countryside. Ilkley offers a perfect mix of relaxation, history, and outdoor adventure.

Ossett, in West Yorkshire, is a market town with roots in the textile industry, once famed for its woollen mills. Today, it blends heritage with community spirit, featuring a lively marketplace, independent shops, and local breweries. Close to Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Ossett offers tradition, character, and convenient access to surrounding culture and countryside.

Shipley, in West Yorkshire, is a town shaped by its canal and industrial heritage. Close to the UNESCO-listed Saltaire village, it offers easy access to arts, history, and riverside walks. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through, providing scenic routes for walking and cycling. With parks, markets, and strong community spirit, Shipley combines heritage with modern convenience.