Yorkshire Holiday Guide

Thinking of taking a self-catering break in Yorkshire and want ideas and inspiration on what this beautiful area of North England has to offer?  Read Country Cottages Online’s guide and discover some of the best of Yorkshire for cottage holidays.
 

Why Holiday in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire is a beautiful part of Northern England with so very much to offer for holidays and short breaks, with scenic countryside, a stunning coastline, a rich history and fascinating literary connections.

Enjoy walking or hiking in one of the national parks; there are two of them to choose from! The Yorkshire Dales National Park lies to the north, a magnet for hikers all year round, whereas the North Yorkshire Moors and Dales covers coast as well as countryside.  Enjoy days out by the beach, seaside towns such as Whitby, Bridlington and Scarborough welcome numerous summer visitors.  The beaches and seaside town on the east coast of Yorkshire are tailor-made for fun filled days and evenings. Or, soak up some history in the historic city of York, or one of the elegant spa towns such as Harrogate, Skipton or Ilkley.  If you’re a literary buff, you will want to discover the magic and mystery of Bronte country or Whitby with its associations with Bram Stoker.  Whether you are planning a romantic break, a family holiday or a getaway with friends, Yorkshire has something for you!

Should you require good quality cottages in Yorkshire or a comfortable self catering apartment, take a look at our selection of holiday homes in Yorkshire. 
 

What Exactly does Yorkshire offer for Cottage Breaks?

•    Stunning countryside in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park

•    Yorkshire’s rugged and beautiful coastline and seaside resorts

•    Yorkshire’s Historic cities and historical spa towns

•    Yorkshire’s literary highlights

 

 

Yorkshire’s Stunning Countryside includes the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park

Described by some as ‘God’s Own Country’ Yorkshire’s countryside is truly gorgeous.  The Yorkshire Dales and Moors are beautiful sections of English countryside with hills, moorlands, spectacular waterfalls and rocky crags; perfect for walks, rambles, and picnics.

 

Yorkshire Dales National Park 

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is renowned for its farmlands, green valleys, pretty villages and limestone cliffs.  Yorkshire can be an excellent place to visit even in the depths of winter. The Dales covered with a sparkling frost are immensely lonely and beautiful.  It is usual to meet pheasants zigzagging across country roads and to see lonely birds of prey soaring silently across the sky.

One reason people holiday in cottages in the Yorkshire Dales is because they can take their dogs along with them and walk the Dales together. There are plenty of pet-friendly cottages in the Yorkshire Dales for this purpose.

 

Malham Cove & the Majestic Limestone Pavement 

One of the most stunning places to visit within the Yorkshire Dales is Malham Cove close to the village of Malham.  Malham Cove is truly a marvel.  The amazing geological phenomena that is the limestone pavement at Malham Cove has got to be seen to be believed, and is one of Yorkshire’s most photographed attractions.  Top tip: Hike to the top, or take the easy option, with a drive up the road and easier access near the top!

North York Moors National Park 

The great rural expanses of the North York Moors is home to numerous paths and trails to explore where walkers can enjoy exploring rolling hills, heather topped moors and valleys.  One of the most iconic landmarks in the North York Moors is amazing Roseberry Topping where you can soak up stunning views of the surrounding landscape.  What’s more, if you love both coast and countryside, the North York Moors is for you as it covers the coast too!  Iconic Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby both lie within the North York Moors landscape!

This is fabulous country for holidaymakers with dogs. Wide open spaces in the countryside await, also dog friendly pubs with a welcome for lunch and convivial evenings. Do take a look at pet-friendly cottages in the Yorkshire Dales for lovely places to rent for a self-catering break amidst splendid scenery.

Yorkshire’s rugged and beautiful coastline and seaside resorts 

Whether you want to escape for a family bucket-and-spade holiday or want to enjoy a romantic break, or a getaway with friends, Yorkshire’s coast has something for everyone.

The east coast is home to popular Yorkshire seaside resorts like Bridlington, Scarborough, and Filey, many with clean blue flag award winning beaches for fantastic coastal breaks.  Bridlington is home to two sandy beaches, Scarborough is renowned for its good beaches and family entertainment, and Filey is home to a long sandy beach with typical seaside amusements like arcades, and mini golf.   Yorkshire is a superb location for a walking or seaside holiday.

Another popular coastal town well worth a visit is Whitby with its stunning abbey perched above the North Sea, and its Dracula trail; Bram Stocker is said to have been inspired by his trip to dramatic Whitby!

Yorkshire’s Historic cities and historical spa towns 

The walled medieval city of York  is a 'must see' on any tourists map and definitely a place to visit for a day trip if you're in Yorkshire.  Walk around the historic city walls, visit York Minster and explore the Shambles with its iconic narrow streets.  Visit at the right time of year and you may just catch the York Food Festival too!

Yorkshire is also home to many beautiful spa towns where the Victorians used to go to recuperate and unwind.  Harrogate is probably the largest and most beautiful of Yorkshire’s spa towns and with its Turkish baths, Royal Pump Room Museum and Betty’s Tea Rooms is quite a delight!  Yorkshire’s villages too can be very beautiful, with their numerous stone-built houses and cottages are as solid and enduring as their inhabitants. Villages such as Grassington still retain centre of the village complete with cobbled streets and a historic character.  Stay in such a village and step back in time and into a traditional way of northern life. A self-catering cottage break in Yorkshire is an experience and not merely a holiday.

Yorkshire’s Literary Highlights

Yorkshire is renowned for Whitby with its associations with Bram Stoker, and its role in inspiring the novel Dracula.  Whitby is definitely on the map for Dracula fans, who should also look up Cruden Bay in Scotland which has lesser known but equally fascinating links with Bram Stoker!

Also in Yorkshire is Bronte Country; an area associated with the Bronte sister authors and their famous works such as Wuthering Heights.  Bronte country centres around Haworth where the Brontes lived and the surrounding dramatic moorlands and villages.  This is where the Bronte sisters lived in a parsonage in the 19th century and began their famous novels such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre which brought the Yorkshire moors and countryside to life for readers, hardships and all.  There are many avid fans of the Bronte sisters' literature who make the visit to Haworth and The Brontë Parsonage Museum.

Have the Best of Holidays in Yorkshire

We hope we’ve inspired you with our guide to Yorkshire.  When it comes to holiday accommodation, there are plenty of holiday homes in every category in Yorkshire.   Holiday cottages are set up for holiday living with the comforts and amenities of home. It is very nice to be able to step out of one’s own cottage to go for a walk around the village, dine in the local pub and use it as a base for days out and sightseeing. The big advantage of self-catering accommodation is being able to enjoy drinks and snacks as one would at home and the freedom of enjoying them whenever inclined without additional costs as would be incurred in a hotel.  Dine at home with champagne and fine wines without paying for corkage.

Search Cottage Breaks in Yorkshire

We feature a great selection of cottages across Yorkshire, including North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, pick the option that best suits you.

There is a range of self-catering accommodation in Yorkshire, from simple clean cottages and apartments to luxurious five-star properties.  Wherever you choose to discover, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Yorkshire.