There are no prouder folk than the warm inhabitants of Yorkshire, and their good-natured welcome is just one of the many charms of a visit to the county. Indeed, with three rugged national parks, a long rolling coastline and historic market towns that ooze character, Yorkshire has a lot to be proud of.
At Lodge Holidays, our friendly team will find you the perfect self-catering holiday accommodation. We have open-plan lodges for groups looking for all the comforts of home, while our range of luxury lodges with hot tubs may suit a couple seeking a romantic break. Log cabins with wood-burning stoves add a rustic touch, and as a pet-friendly company we of course have some amazing dog-friendly properties on our list.
But where to stay? For long beaches and seaside towns, choose Scarborough or Whitby. Alternatively, keen hikers may like to consider the Yorkshire Dales or the wild, heather-strewn North York Moors. City breaks are great in God’s Own Country, with lodges near York, lodges near Leeds and Lodges near Harrogate providing excellent shopping, tea rooms and nightlife.
Best for: Viking history and medieval architecture
You can’t walk a step in the city of York without tripping over a piece of history, from its iconic Minster to its Viking past. This latter history is engagingly told at the Jorvik Viking Museum; well worth a visit on a rainy day.
Best for: Atmospheric harbour views and Gothic culture
Whitby is an intriguing contrast; part sunny harbour town, part Gothic mecca. As the scene of Dracula’s arrival in the UK, and home to the UK’s annual Goth Weekend, the town puts a unique spin on coastal retreats. Try some excellent fish and chips down on the waterfront.
Best for: Discovering its 900-year-old castle and local market
As the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton is perfectly positioned for cycling and hiking in the national park. When you’re ready for a rest day, the town’s market, Norman Castle and canal boat rides are an excellent way to spend some down time.
Best for: A foodie stay in Yorkshire’s gourmet capital
Perhaps not as big a name as others on this list, Malton is a little hidden gem close to the stunning North York Moors. It’s known as Yorkshire’s foodie capital, and the high street is packed with artisan shops, selling everything from patisserie and poultry to gelato and gin.
Best for: Hiking in the Yorkshire Dales
To the outsider searching for a picture-postcard Yorkshire town, Grassington may just be the one. The town is located in the very heart of the national park, with outstanding walks just on the doorstep.
Location: York
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two miles
The walk around York City Walls follows the perimeter of the city, giving an elevated view over the Minster that is quite unique. The medieval gateways of the walls come alive in spring, when daffodils add a pop of vibrant colour.
Location: Whitby
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: Seven miles
Beginning with Whitby’s famous 199 steps to St Mary’s Churchyard, this walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay gets high enough for some incredible views of the Yorkshire coastline. Take a post-walk drink at one of the excellent pubs.
Location: Skipton
Difficulty: Challenging
Walk length: 11.5 miles
Walkers undertaking the Silsden Moor and Skipton Moor walk will get a glimpse of the windswept hills of Bronte Country, as well as some of Yorkshire’s iconic mill village.
Location: Malton
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: Five miles
Beginning at the Augustinian ruins of an English Heritage property, this walk around Kirkham Priory and the River Derwent is a lovely exploration of the Derwent Valley. Following green fields and farm tracks, it’s a real glimpse at rural life in Yorkshire.
Location: Grassington
Difficulty: Challenging
Walk length: Seven and a half miles
Gordale Scar and Malham Cove are two of the most scenic attractions in Yorkshire’s southern Dales, and this Malham Circular walk takes in both of them. There are a couple of challenging scrambling sections but the rest of the walk is straightforward.
Location: York
Best for: Fans of classic architecture and historical buildings
York Minster is without a doubt one of the most immaculate cathedrals in the UK. Built in the 7th century, the Minster has hosted a daily mass for nearly 2000 years, and now also offers art and cultural exhibitions to the York community.
Location: Whitby
Best for: An exciting wildlife adventure
During summer and autumn, the waters around Whitby come alive with whales in search of herring shoals. Minke whales are frequently sighted on these Whale Watching Trips, as well as humpback whales, dolphins and seals.
Location: Skipton
Best for: A family day out
While Bolton Abbey’s prime attraction is the ruins of its Gothic priory, the enormous grounds, sandy lakeshore and woodland trails offer hours of fun to curious children. The expansive estate is the picture-perfect backdrop to a family picnic.
Location: Malton
Best for: Exhilarating theme park rides
Forget Thorpe Park and Alton Towers. Flamingo Land is the North Yorkshire theme park of choice. People across the county, from the town of Richmond to Doncaster in the south, travel here to take a ride on the park’s many roller coasters.
Location: Grassington
Best for: Cycling, hiking and being in the outdoors
Stone-built villages, towering waterfalls, craggy gullies and wildflower meadows; the Yorkshire Dales have a thousand natural attractions to discover. Try local cheese at Wensleydale or take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks - the world is your oyster.