Sprawling across the heart of the United Kingdom, North Yorkshire lies between the North Sea coast and Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s one of four English counties with the name “Yorkshire” in its title and is home to spectacular landscapes, authentic market towns and centuries-old ruins.
Things to do in North Yorkshire
With around 40% of the county encompassed by national parks, North Yorkshire is all about escaping the city to discover the wild and rural landscapes of England.
Explore Yorkshire Dales National Park. Encompassing picturesque valleys, wildlife-rich moors and charming villages, Yorkshire Dales National Park is an upland area of the Pennines. You can explore the 12th-century ruins of the Bolton Abbey Estate or visit the childhood home of Richard III at Middleham Castle. Active travellers can venture underground to marvel at one of the park’s magnificent show caves or follow the hiking trail that leads to the Gordale Scar and its ravine waterfalls.
Visit North York Moors National Park. Sprawling across one of the largest tracts of heather moorland in the United Kingdom, North York Moors National Park includes picturesque market towns and moorland villages. You can soak up the magnificent scenery along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and visit the Dracula-inspiring ruins of Whitby Abbey, a 7th-century Christian monastery overlooking the North Sea.
Sightsee in Harrogate. Known as the “English Spa” during the Georgian era, Harrogate is a historic town on the eastern edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Learn about the importance of the town’s mineral springs at the Royal Pump Room Museum and visit the Moorish-inspired Turkish Baths & Health Spa, then admire the seasonal plantings of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Harlow Carr.
Getting around North Yorkshire
Newcastle International Airport, Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport are the main aviation gateways to North Yorkshire and offer flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect towns and villages across the region and local bus operators travel throughout the county. Hiking is a popular way of exploring North Yorkshire and heritage railways traverse each of the national parks.