Truly Local Yorkshire

Vibrant heather moorlands, rugged sandy coastlines and soaring green Dales, you’ll find adventure and beauty around every corner in Yorkshire, because this is “God’s own county”. Wander through the charming lanes of a seaside hamlet, relax with your favourite novel beside a crackling fire, or chug past deer-silhouette horizons on an iconic heritage railway. Discover the Yorkshire secrets most visitors never see, with our truly local blog. 

Soaring natural beauty – The Dales

Glorious Gunnerside...

The breathtaking valley of Gunnerside Gill is tucked away on the northeastern fringe of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park. Once a bustling lead mining site, only the romantic ruins of its industrial past remain, nestled into the scarred banks of the valley. Whether you take a woodland wander by the beck or an open meadow stroll, this awe-inspiring adventure is perfect for families and pets alike. After a day in the spectacular landscapes of Swaledale, relax in the pretty, grey stone village of Gunnerside, where you’ll find a couple of cosy pubs to enjoy a cool drink, and welcoming cafés serving scrumptious fresh cakes. Day tripping around the Dales was never better.

… and cascading waters

Hidden under a canopy of trees, just outside the Dales village of Malham, you’ll find the beautiful, cascading waters of Janet’s Foss. When the sun is out, families can be found splashing in the pool at its base, while cooler months bring adventurers, hiking their way through the enchanting forest and across rocky tracks to reach this magnificent natural wonder. A three-mile, gentle walk back along the path brings you to the quaint village of Malham, where you can rejuvenate in one of the many dog-friendly pubs and cafés. Or, take your hike a step further and discover the curving limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove. Slowly shaped over hundreds of thousands of years, it has inspired people throughout history – from painter JMW Turner to the makers of Harry Potter, who filmed a scene from the Deathly Hallows: Part I on its iconic grounds.

Rugged heather landscapes – North York Moors

A tranquil train ride...

Chugging its way through the breathtaking Nork York Moors National Park, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is brimming with vintage charm and is one of the world’s greatest heritage railways. Historic steam and diesel engines will pull you across 24 miles of stunning countryside, from the seaside town of Whitby to the rural station of Levisham. Stop for a warm Yorkshire brew at the Levisham railway tea room, stroll into the village and indulge in seasonal specials and locally sourced ingredients at The Horseshoe Inn, or head to the Hole of Horcum, where the 400-foot deep, naturally-formed amphitheatre creates magnificent views across the moor. 

...and spectacular sights

The most northerly, turf-cut figure in Britain and one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire, the White Horse of Kilburn is a must see. Originally outlined in 1857, this ancient, man-made icon - inspired by chalk characters along the south coast - has been carved into the limestone slopes of the North York Moors countryside, and can be seen from miles around. Views described as the “finest in England”, the stunning landscapes of Sutton Bank are the best place to see the horse. Perfect for children, Sutton Bank has an adventure play area with two treehouses, a mud kitchen, sandpit and stone castle, all made using natural landscape features.

Quirky seaside secrets – Yorkshire Coastline

An Enchanting forest...

Just a short drive from the popular seaside town of Whitby, you’ll find tea, cake and local history in the magical woodlands around Falling Foss. Perfect for paddling in the shade during the summer months, the gentle waters of Falling Foss and the trails around it are spectacular in autumn, with a spectrum of warm-coloured leaves floating down from above. This 2-mile, dog-friendly circular walk past the babbling May Beck will bring you to the Falling Foss Tea Garden. Lovingly restored in 2008, this cosy cottage is the perfect rest-stop to relax and unwind next to the cascading waterfall. 

...and a Coastal hamlet

The quaint, seaside hamlet of Staithes is nestled into the rugged Yorkshire coastline, just north of the moor. Once the biggest fishing port in the northeast, it’s now a dream destination for coastal explorers. Breathtaking clifftop paths are a hikers delight, while the small, winding streets and unusually arranged cottages of the village create an image almost torn straight from a fairy tale, and have inspired painters for generations, forming the Staithes Art Festival. Relax along the water's edge, where children can build castles in the sand, find an ancient fossil, or discover marine life in the clear-water rock pools. 

Meet Louise

“One of the best parts of my role here in our Whitby office is writing about all of the fantastic holiday cottages we have throughout Yorkshire and the vast array of lovely places to visit; I’m always discovering something new!
 
My favourite thing to do in Yorkshire is to spend a Sunday afternoon with my husband and our four-year-old daughter taking in the fresh air of the North York Moors. We love to cross the stepping stones over the river in the pretty village of Lealholm, followed by a good roast dinner, with Yorkshire puddings of course, in the local pub The Board Inn. We’ll then drive on to The Moors National Park Visitor Centre in Danby which has a fantastic play area and mud kitchen for children plus an indoor exhibition, art gallery, kids climbing wall and tea room.
 
There is so much to see and do in Yorkshire you’ll be spoilt for choice. Enjoy a well-deserved ice cream after climbing the famous 199 steps which lead up to the magnificent Whitby Abbey. Paddle in the sea at Sandsend and Runswick Bay on the Yorkshire Coast and enjoy some traditional fish and chips on the seafront in Scarborough. Head to the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales for a long walk in the countryside and see Yorkshire cheese being made at the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes”

Romantic retreat or family getaway, tranquil break or active adventure, Yorkshire is an idyllic holiday destination for anyone. And with our truly local knowledge, your loved ones and pets will enjoy a holiday they’ll never forget. North or south, east or west, our local teams can help you make the most of your time together. With stunning cottages across the county, we know you’ll find your new home from home.