Yorkshire is the hot place to visit at the moment. Everyone’s saying it. Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, AOL have all named Yorkshire in their best of the best lists for one thing or another.

And then there was the small matter of an international bike race this summer that has really put Yorkshire in the world spotlight.

But why is it so great to live in Yorkshire? Countryside, coast, and cities of course. But not just any countryside, coast and cities. The best countryside, coast and cities. And everything in between.

Here are some delightful highlights…


1. The grandest Grand Départ

Harewood House (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

2014 will be a year that Yorkshire never forgets, thanks to its hosting of the opening to the Tour de France. Yorkshire’s Grand Départ was watched by millions at the roadside over two glorious days in July, with Tour director Christian Prudhomme declaring it the ‘grandest ever Grand Départ’.



You’ve also probably heard that Yorkshire – if it were a country – would have come eleventh at the 2012 Olympics, and that’s because a considerable number of world-class athletes are proud to call God’s Own County ‘home’.

2. History

Bolton Castle (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

Steeped in centuries of history, Yorkshire has been shaped by Celts, Romans, and Vikings to name a few – not to mention an industrial revolution – which means now we have plenty of lovely history to share with you. Stunning castles, breath-taking minsters and beautiful industrial architecture can be found in all four corners of this fine land.

3. Culture

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

It’s not all flat caps and whippets here, you know. Yorkshire is fast establishing itself as a serious capital of culture, with the fabulous Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle connecting the talents of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth at Wakefield, and Leeds Art Gallery. Then there’s the marvellous city of Hull, which is the UK City of Culture for 2017.

And dare I forget the literary talents of the Brontë sisters whose novels still sit proudly on the bookshelves of millions across the world.

4. Yorkshire Dales

Yorkshire Dales (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

The Dales are known for being wildly beautiful and wonderfully serene. Covering an area of nearly 1,800 square kilometres, the Yorkshire Dales National Park will always have a surprise or two up its metaphorical sleeve. Whether it’s exploring Bolton Castle, tackling one of Yorkshire’s three highest peaks, or taking a turn about the market towns of Hawes, Skipton or Richmond, there’s something for everyone.

5. The Yorkshire Coast

Staithes (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

From Bridlington all the way up to Whitby, Yorkshire’s beautiful coast has so much to offer. Rugged countryside, white sand beaches, delicately quaint fishing villages, and brilliant seaside resorts are all in abundance, plus how could you not sample some of the finest fish and chips around? You don’t even have to take my word for it. Quayside in Whitby won best independent fish and chip takeaway in the national awards, judged by people that know about these sorts of things.

6. The Yorkshire Wolds

Yorkshire Wolds (Picture: Getty)

Often overlooked, it is about time the Yorkshire Wolds were given the attention they deserve. A broad crescent of beautiful rolling chalk hills and valleys, the Wolds are home to some magnificent scenery. Beautiful ancient market towns, too, such as Beverley, Driffield and Pocklington.

7. North York Moors

Sutton Bank (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

The North York Moors are wild, windswept and wonderful. Home to heather moorland, rolling hills and mystical abbeys, this particular National Park really is enchanting. It’s also home to Roseberry Topping, a small-but-perfectly-formed hill, which was once named in the top ten romantic places to propose in the whole world.



I know I’d say yes.

8. Food

Black Swan at Oldstead (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

Believe it or not, Yorkshire boasts more Michelin Starred restaurants than any other county in England, outside of London. There’s The Box Tree in Ilkley, The Old Vicarage in Sheffield, The Yorke Arms near Harrogate, The Pipe and Glass Inn at South Dalton, and The Black Swan at Oldstead. All those in addition to hundreds of incredible pubs and restaurants strewn across the county serving the latest and greatest in pub grub and fine dining. Oh, and unbelievably good beer too.

9. Beer

(Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

From historic breweries to state-of-the-art microbreweries, Yorkshire has a proper pint of the good stuff to suit all palates. There are fascinating brewery tours too, such as the one at the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham. Not only do you get to sample the beer, you also get the skinny on the most talked about family feud in Yorkshire. If you ask the right questions…

10. Emley Moor

Emley Moor (Picture: Welcome to Yorkshire)

Pub quiz question alert. What is the tallest structure in the UK? The Shard in London, you say? Wrong. It’s Emley Moor transmitting station in Yorkshire, and it’s bloody marvellous. It’s a full 305 Yorkshire Puddings taller than the capital’s tallest building. Or 203 mugs of Yorkshire Tea, if that’s your bag.

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