Yorkshire Dales National Park
Yorkshire boasts an enviable collection of peaks and river valleys with a wealth of natural history and heritage. Yet there are many more reasons to visit the wilds of Yorkshire. Simply take your pick of some of the county’s fantastic towns and cities – there’s so much choice and you are bound to enjoy this peaceful and unhurried part of the world.
One of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Yorkshire is by spending your time in a holiday cottage. A cottage offers an unusual and romantic experience that will make your time in this rugged part of the world unforgettable – discovering the depths of Yorkshire is always hugely rewarding. Interestingly, some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most treasured locations are hidden deep underground.
Why not take a trip to White Scar Cave and see a trove of hidden gems at the longest show cave in Britain? Or, take a visit to Malham Cove which boasts a huge limestone formation that towers over the surrounding countryside. In fact it’s such an enchanting view that Harry Potter stopped off there during the first part of his adventures in The Deathly Hallows.
Yorkshire’s capital – the walled city of York – is intertwined with major events that have shaped Britain. It was here that the Romans settled during their conquest of Britain. Constantine the Great became Emperor while in York and William the Conqueror had to pay a visit to quash a rebellion in 1068. Notorious gunpowder plotter, Guy Fawkes was born and raised in the city, and at the turn of the 20th century, the North Eastern Railway was based in York and subsequently played a large part in its expansion.
It goes without saying that history plays a large part in York’s appeal to visitors, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t have a wealth of contemporary attractions too. York has recently been voted the UK’s top ‘Food & Wine City’ on Trip Advisor and the annual Illuminating York festival offers a fresh take on some of the city’s most stunning historic locations.
Away from the city, situated on the edge of the Pennines, Haworth’s cobbled streets, tea rooms and antique shops promote a proud sense of heritage. It was also the former home of the Brontës, making it a mecca for literary fans. Make sure you pay a visit to the Parsonage Museum, the Brontë’s former home is packed with history and family memorabilia and remains a fantastic tribute to the family and their time in Haworth.
For something a little more unexpected there’s the Forbidden Corner folly located in a four acre garden in Tupgill, North Yorkshire. One of Yorkshire’s best kept secrets is located in a four acre garden in Tupgill, The Forbidden Corner reflects 25 years of effort between Colin Armstrong, the owner of Tupgill Park, and architect Malcolm Temptest. During this time it has expanded to become a maze of walled gardens, tunnels and woodland. In fact since winning The Guardian readers’ tips for UK family attractions it’s clearly not going to be a secret for very long.
Another historic attraction is Bolton Abbey which is crowned by a magnificent spire. Offering the stunning remnants of a 12th-century Augustinian priory within expansive grounds and a beautiful riverside setting it is an ideal place to unwind in the warmer months and a lovely location for a walk in winter.
Why not round off your visit to Castle Howard which has a stunning façade that is undeniably attractive? It has an interesting pedigree featuring in both screen adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited (the classic TV adaptation and the film) and legendary director Stanley Kubrick used it as an exterior location for his film Barry Lyndon in 1975. There are formal gardens, an arboretum, walled gardens, an adventure playground, a mausoleum and much more to enjoy in the grounds, which makes Castle Howard a superior all-weather attraction.
cottages4you feature holiday cottages in Yorkshire near to all of these attractions and more.