They call it “God’s Own County” and spend a week exploring its nearly 3 million acres and, while you might not wholeheartedly agree, it’s easy to see why so many feel this way.
England’s biggest county is one of amazing contrasts. There are major cities like Leeds, York and Sheffield to explore as well as the stunning countryside that ranges from dales to moors and everything in between. Then there’s the amazing coastline, a paradise for everyone from birdwatchers to sea anglers, not to mention intrepid cold water swimmers. In fact, there’s so much to see, do and experience that you could spend a year and still have plenty left undiscovered. But if you ever have a week to spare then here’s an itinerary that will see you proud.
Day 1 – Whitby
Let’s start off on the coast with the magnificent Whitby. With its ruined abbey and dramatic views out to the North Sea it’s no wonder Bram Stoker chose to set much of Dracula here. It’s also why it stages its famous goth festival each year, attracting the black-clad hoardes from near and far. Go down to the beach and you’ll even find fossilised dinosaur footprints. Then retire to the famous Magpie Café to sample a portion of their legendary fish and chips.
Day 2 – Malham Cove
Next we’re off to one of Yorkshire’s most spectacular natural wonders in the form of Malham Cove. It’s a huge and impressive limestone formation which was created over 12,000 years ago at the end of the ice-age. Popular with walkers and rock climbers, it’s an undeniably impressive spectacle. Above the cove there’s an expansive limestone pavement and the whole area has featured in film and television as locations for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as well as in series one of The Trip starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.
Day 3 – Salt’s Mill
Salt’s Mill is in Saltaire, near Bradford. Built in 1853 by Sir Titus Salt it’s a former textile mill at the heart of the village of Saltaire. Brought back to life in the 1980s by the entrepreneur Jonathan Silver today it is an art gallery, restaurant and shopping complex. It’s also home to many original works by David Hockney, a friend of the late Silver, including a number of his set designs for various operas. Once a temperance village when Salt was in charge, there are now many bars and cafes to enjoy there.
Day 4 – Leeds’ Victoria Quarter
Although there was a great deal of excitement a few years ago when Harvey Nichols headed to Leeds, the arrival of John Lewis in 2016 was just as much anticipated. It forms the heart of the Victoria Quarter along with many exclusive shops as well as the city’s premier casino. So prepare yourself for some retail therapy as well as getting in a little practice for playing at the slots and tables by heading to an online casino or two. Also nearby is a very different shopping experience in the magnificent Leeds Markets, home of the original Marks and Spencer.
Day 5 – Castle Howard
Along with Wentworth Woodhouse and Harewood House, Castle Howard is one of the county’s most impressive stately homes. Set in the Howardian Hills close to York, construction began in 1701 commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. The original architect was John Vanbrugh whose English Baroque style was very much in vogue at the time. As well as tours of the house there are magnificent gardens and grounds to enjoy including the 127 acre Yorkshire Arboretum, home to a large colony of rare red squirrels.
Day 6 – National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre
Moving on, it’s a day at the museums taking in two of York’s most popular attractions. The National Railway Museum is right by the city’s station and is a fascinating celebration of travel on rails. There are trains from all over the world on display including a Japanese bullet train as well as a working replica of Stephenson’s Rocket. Then step back in time to when vikings roamed the city in a fascinating museum that captures the sights, and even the smells, of the city in the 1st century AD.
Day 7 – Haworth
We end our week in that most quintessential of Yorkshire attractions, Haworth. Made famous by the Bronte sisters and brother Branwell, you can visit the parsonage where they lived and wrote some of English literature’s greatest works, A short walk from the village you can even find yourself on the wild moors of Wuthering Heights, before returning for tea and a Yorkshire rascal at one of the many cafés on offer.
By now you’ll not only be exhausted, you’ll also have a good idea of just what Yorkshire has to offer - and, no doubt, be keen to explore even more in the future.
