Places to visit in Yorkshire

This coastal resort may have enjoyed its greatest popularity in Victorian times, but it’s still bringing tourists in by the droves and has all the components of a fine traditional seaside holiday: amusement arcades, fish and chips, and sticks of rock. The charming and picturesque town centre has an elegant, timeless atmosphere that is unmatched in this part of the country.

Highlights of Scarborough include the Victorian Central Tramway funicular train, the blissful Scarborough Spa, and The Grand Hotel which is dramatically positioned atop the cliffs. However, the main attraction is the pair of gorgeous sandy bays divided by a headland that is crowned by the striking 12th-century Scarborough Castle. You’ll be within touching distance of several excellent Haven sites including Blue Dolphin Holiday Park and Haven Primrose Valley Holiday Park, making a visit to Scarborough even more convenient.

The North York Moors offers a beautiful area of unspoiled wilderness to explore making it easily one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire. The landscape is made up over 500 square miles of heavenly heather moorland, rolling hills, crystal clear rivers and shimmering coastline.

The region is a natural habitat overflowing with upland flora such as juniper, dwarf cornel, bog rosemary, cloudberry and beautiful fauna comprising badgers, roe deer, various butterfly species and hawks. It’s unsurprisingly fabulous for lovers of outdoor activities and you and the family can go walking, hiking, cycling, horse riding or just head out for a wonderful scenic drive.

Flamborough is an eight-mile-long chalk headland, with stunning sheer white cliffs. Located between the Filey and Bridlington Bays of the North Sea, the ridges also provide nesting for thousands of seabirds and it’s home to two standing lighthouse towers, the oldest dates from 1669 while Flamborough Head Lighthouse was built in 1806.

Explore this gorgeous Yorkshire gem and you’ll find all kinds of scenic delights to accompany the striking chalk cliffs, such as magical coves complete with rock pools for the kids to explore, sea caves, sea stacks, and magnificent archways. Thee excellent Reighton Sands Holiday Park and Thornwick Bay Holiday Village, there’s no reason to put off your stay by one of the most beautiful places to visit in Yorkshire.

How could we ignore the jewel in the crown of Yorkshire? The historic city is best known for its Roman and Viking roots which are celebrated at the JORVIK Viking Centre, an excellent destination for kids. However, York also features York Minster, a truly beautiful cathedral which is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe, impressive city walls, dungeons, and numerous other museums such as the National Railway Museum, York Art gallery and the York Castle Museum.

York has a wonderful suspended-in-time atmosphere and many gorgeous places to explore. Head down the narrow, cobbled lanes lined with fabulous independent shops and designer boutiques. We also recommend you visit the Shambles district which is dotted with timber-framed buildings dating back to the 14th century, and don’t forget to stop for a Yorkshire tea at one of the many charming cafes and cake shops along the way.

Located by the River Esk, Whitby is a very popular seaside town in North Yorkshire. The romantic ruins of the abbey and the Church of St Mary, perched on the dramatic cliffs, inspired Bram Stoker's novel Dracula and fans of the gothic masterpiece still flock here from around the world, particularly around the Halloween weekend.

Whitby offers the ideal mix of stunning coastal scenery, fresh salty sea air, and old-fashioned seaside fun. Particular highlights include the Captain Cook Memorial Museum (the former residence of the legendary sea captain), the attractive west side of town, and West Cliff Beach which is lined with photogenic beach huts just below the cliffs.