Yorkshire is called ‘God’s Own County’ for good reason. This large county that spans the north (east, west and south) of England is a mix of wild moors, seaside resorts and dark skies.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
Learn how to right a sheep if you find one upside down (if you can’t find a farmer). It’s simple to do, and will save its life (and stay with it, until rain has poured off rain-soaked wool).
Read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
The Wild National Parks of Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales one of this big county’s National Parks, offering rugged beauty and history at each turn. From sweeping views to gentle strolls, you can also find cosy pubs in tiny hamlets, to stop off for a tea or local beer.
If walking in any of the parks, always follow the Countryside Code, to protect dogs and livestock. If near the coast, read up on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Follow the 7 steps of Leave No Trace. Never leave behind litter (nor have barbecues, which cause wildfires). If you smoke, use a personal ashtray (which extinguishes butts immediately, to safely store until you find a proper bin).
Learn how to right a sheep if you find one upside down (if you can’t find a farmer). It’s simple to do, and will save its life (and stay with it, until rain has poured off rain-soaked wool).
Malham Cove is a natural limestone cliff that rises 80 metres, a result of glacier meltwater carving its way through rock, over thousands of years. The views over the Yorkshire Dales are unmatched, with many birds nesting here, including peregrine falcons.
Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure is a series of broad stepped waterfalls, surrounded by woodland. England’s tallest single-drop waterfall is also here. Hardraw Force is just a short walk from a pub to take you through a wooded gorge, to where water plunges 30 metres into a pool below.
Ribblehead Viaduct is a feat of Victorian engineer, 400 metres long to carry the Settle-Carlisle railway across open moorland. Stand beneath the 24 stone arches for impressive views.
Ingleborough is a favourite clime to reach Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (the summit is 723 high). The route from Clapham Village takes you past caves, springs and Norber Erratics – boulders left from passing glaciers).
The lively village of Grassington makes a great point for walks along the River Wharfe, with its stone cottages and friendly pubs. And Swaledale Meadows (known for its wildflowers and dry stone walls) has winding lanes bursting with buttercups and orchids.
The Dales Way is a long-distance footpath that runs for 80 miles from Ilkley to Windermere (Cumbria). This is a gentle trail that follows rivers and ancient lanes, if you don’t fancy walking the whole Coast-to-Coast Trail.
North York Moors: Sweeping Purple Heather
The North York Moors is a place of sweeping heather moorland, deep green valleys, rugged coastline, and charming villages. The moors burst into colour each early autumn, ideal for hiking, and sweeping views along with clean air, a popular walking holiday spot.
The coastline along this area is wild and beautiful, with The Cleveland Way National Trail taking you along sandy beaches, hidden bays and dramatic cliffs.
The tiny village of Robin Hood’s Bay is where you paddle your toes, to mark the end of Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk, which begins the Cumbrian village of St Bees, facing the Irish Sea on the west coast of England.
There are many picture-perfect villages here including Hutton-le-Hole, and Helmsley. The village of Goathland is known for being the location of the TV series Heartbeat. You can also ride the steam railway through the park, which links Pickering with Whitby.
Look out for rare birds like merlins and curlews. In spring and summer, you’ll spot orchids and butterflies, plus adders basking on the heath (keep dogs safely away). You may likely not spot red deer hiding in the woods, but they are there!
Yorkshire Dales: England’s Wild Heart
The Yorkshire Dales is another National Park, offering rugged beauty and history at each turn. From sweeping views to gentle strolls, you can also find cosy pubs in tiny hamlets, to stop off for a tea or local beer.
Malham Cove is a natural limestone cliff that rises 80 metres, a result of glacier meltwater carving its way through rock, over thousands of years. The views over the Yorkshire Dales are unmatched, with many birds nesting here, including peregrine falcons.
Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure is a series of broad stepped waterfalls, surrounded by woodland. England’s tallest single-drop waterfall is also here. Hardraw Force is just a short walk from a pub to take you through a wooded gorge, to where water plunges 30 metres into a pool below.
Ribblehead Viaduct is a feat of Victorian engineer, 400 metres long to carry the Settle-Carlisle railway across open moorland. Stand beneath the 24 stone arches for impressive views.
Ingleborough is a favourite clime to reach Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (the summit is 723 high). The route from Clapham Village takes you past caves, springs and Norber Erratics – boulders left from passing glaciers).
The lively village of Grassington makes a great point for walks along the River Wharfe, with its stone cottages and friendly pubs. And Swaledale Meadows (known for its wildflowers and dry stone walls) has winding lanes bursting with buttercups and orchids.
The Dales Way is a long-distance footpath that runs for 80 miles from Ilkley to Windermere (Cumbria). This is a gentle trail that follows rivers and ancient lanes, if you don’t fancy walking the whole Coast-to-Coast Trail.
North York Moors: Sweeping Purple Heather
The North York Moors is a place of sweeping heather moorland, deep green valleys, rugged coastline, and charming villages. The moors burst into colour each early autumn, ideal for hiking, and sweeping views along with clean air, a popular walking holiday spot.
The coastline along this area is wild and beautiful, with The Cleveland Way National Trail taking you along sandy beaches, hidden bays and dramatic cliffs.
The tiny village of Robin Hood’s Bay is where you paddle your toes, to mark the end of Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk, which begins the Cumbrian village of St Bees, facing the Irish Sea on the west coast of England.
There are many picture-perfect villages here including Hutton-le-Hole, and Helmsley. The village of Goathland is known for being the location of the TV series Heartbeat. You can also ride the steam railway through the park, which links Pickering with Whitby.
Look out for rare birds like merlins and curlews. In spring and summer, you’ll spot orchids and butterflies, plus adders basking on the heath (keep dogs safely away). You may likely not spot red deer hiding in the woods, but they are there!
River Wharfe: Yorkshire’s Famous Waterway
The River Wharfe winds for 65 miles through the heart of Yorkshire, offering stunning views, charming villages, and plenty of history. It begins in the village of Buckden, then flows south-east through beautiful countryside, before joining the River Ouse near Cawood. Along the way, it passes through quaint villages and open landscapes.
The river supports many plants and animals (including otters) along with kingfishers and herons, always on the banks looking for fish. Rare wildflowers and mosses thrive on this river’s limestone edges.
Hebden Bridge: Yorkshire’s Most Charming Town
Nestled in the Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a small Yorkshire market town with a big personality. Steep green hills meet narrow winding roads, while the River Calder snakes through the centre of a village with stone cottages and weeping willows.
Artists, writers and musicians flock here, with more independent shops than most towns, open art galleries and cosy cafes and pubs.
Hebden Bridge has roots in the textile industry, and you can still see mill chimneys and grand Victorian buildings. It used to be called ‘Trouser Town’ as this is where the clothes were made for local workers.
It was also one of England’s first Transition Towns (aiming to be independent of oil, so resilient against rising prices).
All just an hour away by train from Manchester or Leeds. The nearby town of Todmorden was the beginnings of the worldwide ‘Incredible Edible’ movement (where people grow free food in health centres to herbs on railway platforms).
The Coastal Resort of Whitby
Whitby sits on the North Yorkshire coast, and is one of England’s most popular northern holiday destinations. With a sad history of whaling and links to Dracula, today it’s known for its sandy beaches on the Jurassic coast, and the 199 steps that lead up to St Mary’s Church and the abbey.
Perched on the East Cliff, the ruins of Whitby Abbey give unbeatable views over the town and coastline. Cross the swing bridge to the Old Town. Here, narrow cobbled lanes hide quirky shops, cosy pubs, antique sellers, and old bookshops.
The Characterful Cities of Yorkshire
Most of the 6 million or so people in Yorkshire live in the cities, though most are not far from beautiful countryside:
Leeds is Yorkshire’s largest city and packed with independent boutiques and historic arcades like the Victoria Quarter.
York is one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities, with cobbled streets, medieval halls and timber-framed houses. York Minister is a stunning Gothic cathedral, and the Shambles is a narrow winding street, lined with quirky shops and cafes.
Sheffield used to be called ‘Steel City’ due to its industrial heritage, but now this South Yorkshire place is deemed as one of England’s greenest, with plenty of green space and eco initiatives.
Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the huge Winter Gardens brings nature into the city centre.
Bradford is a city rich with culture (it’s the ‘curry capital of England!) along with grand Victorian buildings.
Kingston Upon Hull sits on Yorkshire’s eastern edge, on the Humber Estuary. The Old Town is full of winding streets, historic pubs and winding squares, and unique museums tell the story of its maritime past, and links to poet Philip Larkin.
Wakefield is a small city with a big arts scene (The Hepworth art gallery sits in a striking riverside building). The cathedral’s tall spire stands at the heart of a city that is a great base for exploring rural West Yorkshire, and the nearby Pennines.
Doncaster is another South Yorkshire city, with roots that go back to Roman Times. Shaped by its train history, today it’s known for its lively market, old buildings and friendly community.
Ripon is Yorkshire’s smallest city, with a cathedral that dates back to the 7th century. The compact city centre is filled with independent shops and tearooms. Each evening, the Hornblower sounds a horn in the market square.
Growing Free Food for People in Yorkshire
Incredible Edible is a worldwide movement that began in the Yorkshire town of Todmorden, a good idea for people who in food deserts (a couple of small shops selling mostly pizza and chips, and no fresh food).
Read our posts on no-dig gardening and safe gardening near pets and wildlife.
Volunteers grow fruits, vegetables and herbs, which are free for others to help themselves. You can find gardens in health centres and schools, fruit and nut trees on streets, and herbs to pick up at the railway station!
On Gardening Sundays, a tasty meal is provided for anyone who visits. Even if you’re ‘a bit wobbly’ and unable to garden, you are free to visit. This is about building community, in a place that has no paid staff, no buildings and no public funding. It’s held in the ‘greenest police station in England!’
Children can attend with adults, though ‘leave beautiful pets’ at home. Also let them know in advance, if you don’t want your photo taken. And bring sensible shoes!
The project’s ‘Little Library’ is also situated in the police station, full of crime novels, which amuses the local force! This idea now turned into a global movement, with 100,000 little libraries across the world.
And rather than locals watching divisive news programs, here locals cook pancakes or pakoras (in the mosque), to raise money for the local markets annual fundraiser.
The Incredible Medical Garden is a weekly session at the local health centre. There are themed growing beds, from herbs for cooking, health and beauty – to ones for women’s health and even mental health.
The area has become the hub for ‘vegetable tourism’ with many high-profile visitors including gardener Alys Fowler and chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Never heard of Todmorden? It’s actually got a rich history of free thinking (many people say they’ve seen UFOs!) along with lots of local good food, beer and music.
It’s surrounded by three rainy steep valleys in Yorkshire, near Halifax, Burnley and Rochdale.
