Yorkshire - The Place To Be
Known as God’s own Country, the county of Yorkshire is the largest in the UK, and covers almost 15,000 sq km. It’s that renowned it even has a whole day dedicated to it – Yorkshire Day, which takes place on 1st August each year.
With over 90 miles of coastline from rugged cliffs to peatlands and nature reserves, and home to Britain’s best beach in 2020, Runswick Bay, it’s a county of wild beauty and warm hearts.
Perhaps one of the biggest attractions to the county is the diverse nature of what it offers. Beautiful countryside, pretty villages, bustling market towns and cosmopolitan cities; and none are too far away from one another wherever you decide to take a visit or make your home.
We take a look at some key locations across the county and showcase what makes Yorkshire a great place to explore and enjoy and even call home.
Up hill and down dale
To the Northern regions of the county are two stunning national parks – the rugged North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. Both have farming at their heart but are delightfully peppered with pretty villages, striking waterfalls, babbling brooks, rolling hills, craggy cliffs and bustling market towns that form the heart of these welcoming communities.
Exploring them both is a joy with country pubs, villages with central greens, independent retailers and many a spot where a picnic can be enjoyed whilst the peace and serenity is soaked up.
Jorvik Joy
The county capital is York, or Jorvik as it was known in Viking times. It is a city packed with history and there is so much to do and explore. The River Ouse winds its way through the city and a river cruise is a wonderful way to while away an hour or two and view the historic skyline from the water. Its wonderful minster dominates the city and the stunning architecture is visible from both the inside and out.
Although there are measures to socially distance guests at the present time, it’s worth making a booking or visiting one of York’s renowned restaurants. It’s got a great selection of top-quality restaurants that are famed for their service and food offering. And, if it’s a day’s pampering you prefer, then the city centre spa at the Grand Hotel close to the railway station, is an ideal way to indulge in a little ‘me-time.’
Coastal charm
The coast of Yorkshire is a true joy and a drive, from Staithes in the North to Spurn Point in the south, would be sure to unveil some beautiful vistas.
Close to Staithes there are some gorgeous coastal villages including the delightful Robin Hoods Bay and the nearby town of Whitby, famed for its gothic abbey perched on the cliffs and its connection to Dracula.
A little further south are the white chalk cliffs around Flamborough Head, which then leads into one of the area’s most popular seaside resorts, Bridlington. With two wide sandy beaches, harbour, fun fair and amusement arcades it’s a bustling little mecca when a good old fashioned day out at the seaside is just what’s needed.
As the coast winds south the cliffs disappear, and eventually you will reach the Site of Special Scientifc Interest and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve of Spurn Point which is a haven for flora and fauna. Here, whilst still in Yorkshire, it really does feel as if you are a world away from anywhere.
And of course, a trip to the Yorkshire seaside wouldn’t be complete without a portion of fish and chips, preferably eaten outside with lashings of salt and vinegar whilst the wind whips your hair and the seagulls look on enviously!
Castles and cathedrals
If it is a dose of history you are craving, rather than a blast of sea air, there are some amazing historic buildings across the county.
Some of the places of worship are truly magnificent on a rather grand scale – Ripon Cathedral, the minster at York, Beverley Minster and Selby Abbey are just a few of the most significant ones from a tourist perspective, although there are so many more that are also worthy of a visit.
Castle-wise, York has its Clifford Tower which commands views over the city, Middleham in the Yorkshire Dales town of the same name is a ruin now, but was famous for being the childhood home of Richard III, whilst Conisbrough near Doncaster is a stunning example of a Norman keep and was famously said to have been the setting for the novel Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott. Ripley Castle, close to the spa town of Harrogate, is in a hamlet setting and is well worth exploring as it’s a family home too.
For a day, for a weekend, forever
Yorkshire is a great place to visit for a day or a weekend or stay forever if its magic truly captures your heart. The people are warm and witty, the food is amazing – what’s not to like about Yorkshire puddings and ginger spiced Parkin! And there is such a variety of places to live, that you will be truly spoilt for choice.
From bustling cities to rural hamlets Yorkshire has it all – why not pay it a visit and discover how life the Yorkshire way could benefit you.
To view our homes currently available in the Yorkshire region visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/locations/yorkshire-and-the-surrounding-areas.aspx