Log cabins in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is renowned for its excellent range of independent craft breweries. The town of Masham is home to the famous Black Sheep Brewery, whose owner spent years working for the family business, Theakstons, before heading off by himself – the ‘black sheep’ of the family! Rudgate Brewery in Tockwith is based out of RAF Marston Moor Airfield. The company name is in homage to the Vikings who came through the area, defeating the Romans. Check out their Oak Aged Ruby Ale – simply delicious! For something completely different, take a trip to Dishforth and look up Bad Co; delightful beers with a funky retro branding and names like ‘Comfortably Numb’!

Famously, author Bram Stoker wrote his classic novel ‘Dracula’ having been inspired by the desolate, yet spectacular ruins of Whitby Abbey overlooking dramatic cliffs that plunge into the sea. Stoker wrote that Dracula arrived in the form of a black dog, bounding up the 199 steps towards the Abbey and onwards down to the town of Whitby itself. Howarth, a beautiful village itself, was where the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Anne and Emily, lived and wrote their famous novels. Their home is now a museum. Further south, the market town of Thirsk is the Darrowby of the James Herriot autobiographical veterinary books and Skeldale House is now the World of James Herriot museum.

Referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’ for good reason, the wilds of the moors of North Yorkshire and the rolling hills of the Dales are unmatched in beauty in the UK. With well-marked paths for safety, and maps easily available from local towns, hikers, walkers and ramblers will find themselves in a veritable paradise. In the North Yorks Moors National park, climb high on to Cold Moor and discover the magnificent rocky crags of the Wainstones on this eight-mile circular walk.

Jet, a gemstone, is fossilised wood prized for use in jewellery. Whitby jet is considered to be some of the world’s finest and jet collectors may well get lucky searching on the town’s beautiful beaches.

If you’re in Harrogate or York, don’t miss the opportunity to have a real British afternoon tea at the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms. Offering fine beverages and delightful pastries since 1919, you couldn’t have afternoon tea in a place more quintessentially British.

The spa town of Harrogate became a health destination in the Georgian era, where the wealthy would go to ‘take the waters’ to be ‘cured’ of any number of ills. The Royal Pump Room was built as a destination for visitors, and is now a museum to the history of the Waters.

Based in Kirby Misperton, Flamingo Land offers a fabulous day out for all the family, with thrill rides for all ages, and a fantastic zoo. Don’t miss the ‘meet a creature’ experiences for an opportunity to pet a creepy crawly!

The fascinating Mother Shipton cave in Knaresborough has a water source rich in sulphate and carbonate which petrifies objects. It was home to the most famous prophetess in England, Mother Shipton, who, born in 1488, lived in the cave as a small child.

Enjoy freshly caught fish fried to perfection in Filey, a delightful seaside destination just south of Scarborough, known for having the freshest fish and chips in the land. Spend the day on the beach and then head to the penny arcades for a truly retro experience.

One of the finest gothic cathedrals in Europe, York Minster is a leviathan, a truly grandiose building. Despite multiple fires and restorations, York Minster retains its grandeur and beauty and is a must-see for visitors to this fine part of the world.