Yorkhire's best places to visit in 2023

Make 2023 the year to explore our beautiful country of England. Here are 15 of our favourite places to visit this year.

Whitby

Whitby is a seaside town in North Yorkshire, England. It is known for its picturesque harbor, historic abbey ruins, and Gothic architecture. The town has a rich maritime history, dating back to its days as a thriving port for whaling and fishing. Today, Whitby is a popular tourist destination, with a busy center full of shops, restaurants, and pubs, and a beautiful sandy beach. The town is also a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and sailing.

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Middletons, York

Tucked beneath a leafy canopy that’s wrapped inside York’s medieval walls, Middletons is a collection of luxurious accommodation spread across six historical listed buildings, including Chaplin House, Cromwell House and Lady Anne House, which is a fine example of Georgian architecture.

Knaresborough

Overlooking the River Nidd, Knaresborough is a picturesque market and spa town with medieval walkways and cobbled alleys. Knaresborough Viaduct straddles the Nidd Gorge and is a prominent feature of the town, towering over the river that weaves down to Mother Shipton’s Cave. The famous cave and its petrifying well opened in 1630 and are among the main attractions of the town. Mother Shipton was a famous prophetess who predicted that the world would end in 1991. Knaresborough Castle is another notable landmark, and its museum is a great place to learn about the local heritage. Just moments away is Bebra Gardens, a leafy green space that offers a calming sanctuary away from the town.

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Five Star Stays, Scarborough

Our luxury self-catering holiday cottages are nestled in the pretty villages of Seamer and Scalby, just outside Scarborough, on the North Yorkshire coast.

Staithes

Staithes has often been regarded simply as a traditional fishing village. However, the village is set in some spectacularly rugged coastlines, rich in marine life and boasting of a proud maritime history dating back millennia. Staithes can also fairly claim Captain Cook as one of its former residents. Located on the “Dinosaur Coast”, Staithes is also a popular spot for fossil hunting which can be done independently or in well-organised local tours. Alternatively, wandering through the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of the Old Town offers a vivid glimpse of historic Staithes. Be aware though that parking is not allowed anywhere in the Old Town.

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The Crescent

Taking centre stage in the heart of the spa town of Ilkley in the Yorkshire Dales, The Crescent is an iconic building dating back to 1860. The curved walls wrap around a more modern interior which mingles effortlessly with its rich heritage.

The Ribblehead Viaduct

Just beyond the Cumbrian border with Yorkshire and a short drive from Ingleton, Ribblehead Viaduct maintains an imposing presence over the surrounding moorlands. Comprising a massive sequence of 24 stone archways rising 100 ft above the ground, the Viaduct most resembles a Roman aqueduct. This impressive product of Victorian engineering, however, cost the lives of hundreds of navvies toiling on its completion. So great was the death toll that the Settle-Carlisle Railway actually paid for an extension to the local graveyard.

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The Farrier, Scarborough

Hugged by the North Yorkshire Coast between Scarborough and Filey in thehandsome village of Cayton, The Farrier is blessed with a dramaticsetting and more history than you can shake a stick at. Fusing the richequestrian heritage of the village with traditional hospitality, thisfamily-run inn sees no stone left unturned when it comes to luxury andcomfort.

Goathland

Goathland is a refreshing moorland village in the centre of the North York Moors National Park. The village has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination due to its role as Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat, and features lots of old cars and business names that are the the same as in the series. More recently, Goathland Train Station was used as the station for Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter films. You can arrive in the village in the same manner as the students via the steam train before taking in the sights.

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Judge’s Lodging, York

As grand and imposing as many of York’s iconic buildings, this Grade Ilisted Georgian townhouse blends in seamlessly with the city. Judge’sLodging not only boasts a beautiful façade, but its interior is equallyas striking.

York

York is a historic city located in North Yorkshire, England. Foundedby the Romans in AD 71, it is renowned for its rich history, culturalheritage, and stunning architecture. It is one of the most visitedcities in the UK and attracts millions of tourists each year York ishome to a number of notable landmarks and attractions, including YorkMinster, a magnificent cathedral that dominates the city's skyline, andthe Jorvik Viking Centre, which offers visitors a glimpse into thecity's Viking past. The city is also home to the National RailwayMuseum, the largest railway museum in the world, and the York CastleMuseum, which offers a fascinating insight into life in VictorianEngland.

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The Red Lion, Skipton

Flanking the River Wharfe and lying beneath the gaze of dramatic fells, Burnsall plays host to The Red Lion, a former 16th-century coaching inn. Blessed with the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, this boutique inn with rooms makes a great base for exploring the great outdoors.

Robin Hood's Bay

Robin Hood's Bay is a picturesque fishing village located on the coast of North Yorkshire, England. It is known for its steep cobbled streets, charming fisherman's cottages, and stunning coastal scenery. The village has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century, and was once a busy port for smugglers. Today, Robin Hood's Bay is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy its breathtaking coastal walks, quaint streets, and charming pubs. Visitors to the village can explore its narrow alleyways, which are lined with traditional fisherman's cottages, and admire its stunning views of the North Sea.

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The Golden Lion

Behind the unassuming façade of this 17th-centurycoaching inn awaits a rustic interior that celebrates The Golden Lion’s Yorkshire heritage. Still retaining much of its original charm, you’llfind beautiful oak flooring, inglenook fireplace and tweed fabrics.

The Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is a breathtaking area of natural beauty located in northern England. It's known for its rolling hills, pristine rivers, and stunning valleys, and it's a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales can explore its many walking trails, cycle routes, and scenic drives, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The area is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with historic villages and ancient castles dotted throughout the landscape. Some of the must-see attractions in the Yorkshire Dales include the stunning waterfall at Aysgarth, the charming village of Hawes, and the striking limestone cliffs at Malham Cove.

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The Pheasant Hotel, Yorkshire

Exuding a timeless elegance that wouldn’t look out of place in a glossymagazine, The Pheasant Hotel has all the hallmarks of a luxuriouscountry house. From its beautiful bucolic setting to the antiquefurnishings and roaring log fires, this is exactly the kind of place youdream of when planning an escape in the Yorkshire countryside.

Fountains Abbey

FountainsAbbey is a Cistercian monastery located in North Yorkshire, England. Itwas founded in 1132 and was in use until the Dissolution of theMonasteries in 1539. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and isopen to the public as a popular tourist attraction. The abbey is knownfor its impressive Gothic architecture, which includes the ruins of thechurch, cloisters, chapter house, and other buildings. It also features alarge mill, which was used to provide flour for the monks and thesurrounding community.

Visitors can explore the extensive groundsand learn about the history of the abbey through exhibitions, guidedtours, and audio guides. The nearby Studley Royal Water Garden is alsoworth a visit, with its impressive landscaping and stunning views.

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The Plough, Scarborough

The Plough, where boutique accommodation and award-winning dining blendseamlessly with traditional Yorkshire hospitality. nestled in thevillage of Scalby, a few miles from the beloved seaside town ofScarborough on the North Yorkshire coast. A charming gem with as muchcharacter and appeal as its residents.

Richmond

Described as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond, situatedon the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is a town of scenicbeauty which has long provided inspiration for painters and poets.Founded by the Normans in 1071 the town developed around the castlebuilt on the 'riche-mont' or 'strong-hill' which gave the town itsname. Richmond's cobbled market place is surrounded by Georgianproperties, created when the town flourished during this era. Richmond'scastle was one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain and itsimpressive remains are a popular place to visit.

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Yorkshire's Most Beautiful Places to Visit

Yorkshire is ahistoric county in northern England, known for its rolling hills,stunning coastline, and charming towns and villages.

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