From medieval market towns and grand castles to beautiful landscapes and coastlines, there’s a reason that Yorkshire is referred to as God’s Own Country. The largest county in the UK boasts a very rich history that’s helped to shape its culture today. Many parts of the county were once key Roman settlements, and it played a significant role in both the Wars of the Roses and during the Industrial Revolution. As you can probably tell, there are endless places to visit in Yorkshire if you’re a history enthusiast.
Beyond its history though, Yorkshire has a very diverse geography. Its coastline is among one of the most breathtaking in England, and the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales really are something to be seen. The unique landscape that Yorkshire offers has been through Viking invasions, Norman Conquests, and it helped the county to become a powerhouse in coal mining and wool production. There’s a lot to uncover during a trip to Yorkshire, and plenty of places to visit in Yorkshire too. The only question is, where will you go first?
Places to visit in Yorkshire
Middleham Castle
Middleham Castle is one of the most impressive and important castles in Yorkshire. It dates back to the 12th century and is known for being the childhood home of Richard III. Although it stands as a ruin today, the grounds are still very impressive to walk around, and they offer a glimpse into the former glory of the castle. From the top of the castle, visitors will get stunning views of Wensleydale as well. It’s definitely one of the top places to visit in Yorkshire during a road trip.
Richmond and Richmond Castle
No trip to Yorkshire is complete without stopping in the charming market town of Richmond. It’s located along the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and has a lot of history tied to it. In the centre of Richmond stands Richmond Castle – one of the most impressive 11th century Norman fortresses in England. The castle has been beautifully preserved and offers incredible views over the River Swale.
But Richmond has more than just its medieval fortress to offer. The town of Richmond itself is equally worth visiting. Attractions such as the cobbled market square, The Green Howards Museum, Richmond Falls, and the Richmondshire Museum are not to be missed either. I would recommend spending half a day in Richmond’s town centre, and an hour or two at the castle.
The Forbidden Corner
One of the most unique places to visit in Yorkshire is The Forbidden Corner. Although it’s not a traditional historic landmark, its labyrinth of tunnels and hidden chambers are inspired by medieval castles and mythology. As you make your way through the whimsical garden, you’ll find yourself on a magical journey through time, and it’s fun for people of all ages.
The garden can be confusing to walk around (which is part of the entertainment) so I’d recommend grabbing a map at the entrance to help. This ensures you don’t miss any of the sculptures and surprises along the route.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK. Its picturesque villages and rolling hills have been shaped by monastic life, farming, and mining, so it’s a very interesting area to explore. Both Fountains Abbey and Bolton Abbey are major highlights of the Dales if you want to learn more about its medieval past. The Yorkshire Dales is also the perfect place to discover hidden caves and walk along scenic trails in the nice weather.
Easby Abbey
If you’re spending some time in Richmond, Easby Abbey sits only a short drive away. It was founded in the 12th century and until the 16th century it flourished. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey remained in ruins. Today, visitors can walk around the historic remains and learn more about what monastic life was like in this time period. It’s one of the most peaceful places to visit in Yorkshire, but parking can be tricky on weekends as there’s only a small parking lot available at the base of a hill.
Bolton Castle
For those of you who enjoy walking around medieval castles, Bolton Castle needs to be at the top of your list. This medieval fortress in Wensleydale has been beautifully preserved, making it one of the most impressive places to visit in Yorkshire from a historic perspective. It dates back to the 14th century and in 1568 it famously held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner. There’s a small fee to enter the castle, but it’s worth it to learn about its history and to take in the views of the Dales surrounding it.
Hebden Bridge
A vibrant market town in West Yorkshire that needs to be visited at least once is Hebden Bridge. It has a very rich industrial heritage and it was once a hub for textile production in the Industrial Revolution. You can still see its historic mills and quaint weavers’ cottages today as you stroll along its cobbled streets.
There aren’t too many things to see and do in Hebden Bridge itself, but it’s a nice town to visit for its independent shops and cafes. Many people use it as a base to link up with hiking trails as well.
Robin Hood’s Bay
The coastline in Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful in the country, and there’s no better place to admire it from than Robin Hood’s Bay. This picturesque fishing village has an interesting history behind it, as it was once a hub for smugglers in the 18th century. The dramatic cliffs paired with the winding and historic streets lined with cottages all help to play a role in telling the story of the village’s secretive past. Make sure you stop by some of the independent shops in Robin Hood’s Bay too.
Whitby
One of my favourite places to visit in Yorkshire is Whitby. This is another charming coastal village with a lot of history behind it, dating back to the time of the Vikings. Apart from its connections to Captain Cook and its bustling historic harbour, Whitby has been made even more famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as he used Whitby Abbey for inspiration. The ruins of the abbey can still be visited today for a small fee.
There’s a lot to discover in this small town in Yorkshire, so I’d recommend spending a full day here if you can. As well as exploring its historic streets, don’t forget to admire the dramatic coastal views and try traditional fish and chips if you’re feeling hungry.
York
York is one of England’s most visited cities, and it’s not hard to see why. This historically rich city offers visitors an incredibly unique blend of Roman, Viking, and medieval history, all layered on top of one another. There are almost endless historic landmarks to see in York, from York Minster to the famous Shambles and the city walls. Not to mention the Jorvik Viking Centre which transports you back to the time of the Vikings.
It’s very easy to plan a day trip to York, but to really immerse yourself in its history it’s not a bad idea to spend one or two nights here. That way you can see the main attractions and find some hidden gems. There are also plenty of restaurants in York to choose from, as well as some famous cafes.
Places to eat in Yorkshire
Brasserie on the Green
Nestled in the charming village of Reeth, a short drive from Richmond, is Brasserie on the Green. This restaurant is located inside the 5-star hotel The Burgoyne, but it’s open to the public. The menu here features modern British dishes that are all beautifully presented using locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great spot to come for a relaxing meal with a warm ambiance and reasonable prices. The cocktail menu is fantastic too, and you can dine with lovely views of the Dales as your backdrop.
Mainsgill Tearoom
Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is Mainsgill Tearoom. It’s a key feature of the Mainsgill Farm Shop and it’s the perfect spot to stop for lunch if you’re looking for something affordable. It’s very well known for its inviting atmosphere and homemade food ranging from delicious cakes to hearty soups and toasties. All of their food is locally sourced and centred around British dishes. After you’ve finished your meal, you can do a little shopping or visiting the farm animals outside as well.
Shoulder Of Mutton Inn
If you’re spending some time in Hebden Bridge and aren’t sure where to eat, the Shoulder of Mutton Inn is a nice option for pub food. This pub offers a taste of Yorkshire hospitality and is known for its hearty and locally sourced meals, as well as its ales. We visited for lunch and there was an option to choose three starter dishes for a set price which was good value for money. The food isn’t world class but it’ll get you through the day.
Mocha
There are a lot of cafes to choose from in the town of Richmond. We chose to stop at Mocha which is a stylish and cozy cafe with a menu centred around homemade food and great coffee. It’s a very popular spot for both locals and visitors, and their soup and sandwich combo is a good option for lunch. If you have a sweet tooth, Mocha is also very well known for its selection of chocolates.
Where to stay in Yorkshire
The Burgoyne
The Burgoyne is a beautiful historic hotel in Yorkshire, located in the charming village of Reeth, close to Richmond. What was once a private Georgian-era home was later converted into a coaching inn, and since then it has served travellers exploring the Yorkshire Dales. Today, The Burgoyne is a traditional 5-star hotel that’s retained much of its original character, with modern amenities and an award-winning restaurant sprinkled in.
The luxury rooms at The Burgoyne have all been beautifully designed to provide comfort and relaxation for guests. Each room features thoughtful furnishings that blend classic and contemporary styles perfectly. We stayed in the Marrick room which boasts a king-size four-poster bed, high ceilings, stunning views over the village and surrounding hills, a flat screen TV, and plenty of space to move around.
The bathroom is huge, with both a bathtub and walk-in shower available. There’s also the addition of a dressing room to store your luggage and hang your clothes in. It’s a uniquely decorated room and the views from it can’t be beat.
What’s great about staying at The Burgoyne is that you don’t need to venture far for nice food. The hotel is home to an award-winning restaurant, Brasserie on the Green, which serves meals throughout the day. The dinner menu in particular always has a great selection on it that’s centred around British classics and seasonal dishes, which all use local Yorkshire produce and ingredients.
In the morning, guests can also enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast that includes a full English breakfast or lighter options. A small continental buffet is also available with various cereal and fruits on display. Overall, whether you have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at The Burgoyne, you can’t go wrong dining here.
On top of its dining options, The Burgoyne has a very cozy bar area that’s ideal for unwinding in after a day spent exploring the Yorkshire Dales. They have a good selection of local ales, wines, and of course plenty of delicious cocktails to choose from. There’s often drink offers on as well, such as 2-4-1 cocktails at certain times. If the weather is nice when you visit, you can spend some time in the garden area and relax in the sunshine instead of indoors.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, staying at The Burgoyne is the best way to enjoy your trip to Yorkshire. There are many places to visit in Yorkshire that you can discover using this hotel as your base. In the evening, there’s nothing better than coming back to a luxurious and comfortable room to rest in.
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Is Yorkshire worth visiting?
There are so many incredible places to visit in Yorkshire that it’s often difficult to know where to start. If you’re looking for historic attractions, you’ll find everything from medieval castles to abbey ruins and quaint villages scattered throughout the county. Each place provides a unique glimpse into the heritage and history of Yorkshire, so it’s certainly worth spending a decent amount of time exploring the county to see what hidden gems you come across. Other English counties such as Northumberland and Cumbria are also worth visiting if you want to see more of what the north of England has to offer.
If you’re planning a trip to Yorkshire, or you have some questions about places to visit in Yorkshire, feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. You can also reach out on Instagram or TikTok where I’m always sharing my latest travel tips and ideas about where to plan your next trip.
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