Top things to do in Yorkshire – historic sights and natural beauty

Yorkshire is a place that is filled with a mixture of historical sites and natural beauty, and this makes it the perfect holiday destination for all the family. Whether you have a weekend or a week, you will find something amazing in this part of the world. Here are some of the things you might like to see;

Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

Quite easily one of the most famous country houses in the United Kingdom, a trip to Castle Howard is always a great day out. A grand Baroque mansion, it opens in March, there is always an event to plan for if that’s what swings your vote.

However, even when the events aren’t on there is so much to enjoy in both the house and the gardens that you could spend more than a day here. Great for a picnic on the warmer days, there is a garden centre and a farm shop while caravanning and camping is available if you just can’t get enough.

York Minster

A truly amazing place, the largest Gothic cathedral you will find across Northern Europe is one of great beauty and wonder. There is a lot to see and hear about the history of this place – there are free guides on offer about how they are  restoring it and you can also take the time to go into the crypt or up the tower to witness the gargoyles and pinnacles of the Minster while enjoying great views of the city.

With so many other things to do in and around the city, York is often used as a weekend destination for families to find cottages to rent in Yorkshire and enjoy the rich heritage of this walled city.

The Royal Armouries, Leeds

If arms and armour is your thing, then this is a top spot within the county because you will be taken back in time to see how and why England has changed over time. Their mission is to keep, study and care for objects so that everyone can get a better knowledge of them.

With plenty going on all year round and free entry, it is a great place to take the children – and there is plenty for the adults to enjoy as well. Following this medieval day out, you are in prime position to enjoy the bars and restaurants of canal-front development Clarence Dock.

Flamborough Head Cliffs, East Riding of Yorkshire

If getting into the great outdoors is more your cup of tea, and you want a country cottage to rent for a blissful long weekend then this will be right up your street. Sat some 400 feet high, and stretching for seven miles, this chalk headland is a special area of conservation and a place of stunning natural beauty.

Home to around 200,000 birds, you will find many twitchers in and around taking advantage of the views for nesting sea birds. Distinctive is an understatement for this glorious spot, and it is an excellent spot to enjoy during a Yorkshire holiday.

Whitby Abbey

Overlooking the seaside town of Whitby, this abbey was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and it is easy to see why. From the top you get a great view of the surrounding areas, and you can go into the grounds to see the mystery of the abbey. The town itself has a very unique vibe and atmosphere around it, and is known for some fine fish and chips.

Check out this article with more information about visiting Whitby Abbey

More things to do in the North of England

Getting to know LS Lowry at The Lowry in Manchester
Street art and vintage in the Northern Quarter of Manchester

Photo credits: Castle Howard by Darwin70, York Minister by ♍, Royal Armouries, Leeds by reinholdbehringer, Flamborough Head by nick.garrod

My thanks* for this article to Sykes Cottages, who are specialists in cottage holidays across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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