7 must-see attractions for your Yorkshire road trip adventure!
THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN YORKSHIRE…
When it comes to a road trip adventure, Yorkshire has no shortage of gems! Think beautiful rolling countryside, scenic beaches and picture-perfect waterfalls – it’s got everything you could ever dream of. It’s also a wonderful place for history buffs, with its atmospheric abbeys, castles and cathedrals. In today’s blog, we’ll be focusing on just seven of the best places to visit in Yorkshire. There are many, many more gems – but these few should bring a dash of inspiration for your next travel adventure. Read on to discover some of the best places to visit in Yorkshire!
CONISBROUGH CASTLE
Here’s one of South Yorkshire’s most striking landmarks! Conisbrough Castle dates back to the 11th century following the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The magnificent keep is thought to have been built in the 1170s or 1180s. The castle was abandoned some time in the late 15th century, eventually becoming a picturesque ruin. It formed the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Ivanhoe, published in 1819! Today, you can step inside the castle and explore the private chambers and steep curving staircases thanks to its reinstated floors. Why not climb to the top of the keep for panoramic views over the surrounding countryside? There’s also a visitor centre with an exhibition and a model of the grounds. A great day out for history lovers!
KIRKSTALL ABBEY
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Leeds, look no further than Kirkstall Abbey! This picturesque ruin is just a short drive away from the city but it couldn’t feel more rural here. Founded in 1152, the once Cistercian monastery is set in seven acres of parkland, making it the perfect spot for a stroll and a picnic if the weather is on side. This impressive ruin is very well preserved and has been painted by legendary artists including J.M.W. Turner!
MALHAM COVE, GORDALE SCAR & JANET’S FOSS
Heading over to the Yorkshire Dales, we now have three for the price of one! This is a fabulous 4.5-mile circular walk where you can visit these three must-see attractions, one after the other! The walk begins just a short distance from the village of Malham and is one of the best trails in Yorkshire. The route takes you past the beautiful Janet’s Foss waterfall before leading you to the dramatic 100-metre-high cliffs and jaw-dropping waterfalls of Gordale Scar, a picturesque gorge. However, all this natural beauty and wonder will be surpassed when you reach the iconic limestone pavement atop Malham Cove. At over 80 metres high and 300 metres wide, it offers views that will take your breath away! Standing on the rocks, you’ll feel as though the whole of the Yorkshire Dales is in the palm of your hand. Harry Potter fans will also recognise Malham Cove as the filming location for The Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
INGLETON WATERFALLS TRAIL
The Yorkshire Dales really is the place to be if you’re looking for some of England’s most exquisite waterfalls. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is home to a series of spectacular waterfalls along the River Twiss and River Doe. The 4.3-mile trail will lead you to the very best falls in around two to four hours, although it can be a little challenging with high steps, slates and slippery rocks. You’ll also be walking through farmland, so keep dogs on leads!
WHITBY
Now it’s time for a coastal gem. Did you really visit Yorkshire if you didn’t go to Whitby and taste the amazing fish and chips? As well as the perfect location for a day at the seaside, this picturesque town is also a must for lovers of literature and Gothic horror! It’s home to the imposing Whitby Abbey, perched high on the cliffs. The 7th century Christian monastery now stands as a striking ruin surrounded by stunning sea views. It’s a dramatic sight and inspired Bram Stoker’s legendary horror novel Dracula! If you’re able, you can climb the iconic ‘199 steps’ to reach the abbey. Whitby is also considered to be one of the most haunted places in England. There have been a number of sightings, from ghostly monks to mysterious shipwrecks! Meanwhile, the cliffs around Whitby are a paradise for fossil hunters.
FLAMBOROUGH HEAD
Next on the list of the best places to visit in Yorkshire is the scenic Flamborough Head. This place is a must-see! With a scenic nature reserve and two ancient lighthouses nearby, it’s a haven for anyone looking to explore the Yorkshire coast in all its rugged beauty. Known for its white cliffs, which rise dramatically from the North Sea, the clifftop walk from the car park down to the iconic ‘drinking dinosaur’ is breathtaking. Keep your eyes peeled for the local seal colony, which you may find soaking up the sun on the main beach located under the cliffs. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to see puffins in the late spring and early summer months!
YORK
York is one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire, without a doubt! Its compact layout makes it a delight to explore – you could easily spend a couple of days here. However long you stay, you simply must visit York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral of epic proportions. The central towers feature 275 steps offering panoramic views of the city. York is also a great place for foodies, and you won’t want to miss out on a trip to the iconic Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms for some afternoon delights! If you fancy a stroll while soaking up some history, take the path along York’s City Walls. These walls are a scheduled ancient monument. Stretching for 3.4km around the city, they are the longest medieval town walls in England!
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO YORKSHIRE…
Are you ready to discover more of the best places to visit in Yorkshire? Well, why not order a copy of the ultimate guide to this wonderful corner of England? My guidebook Road Trip Yorkshire covers the whole of the county, including the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and coast! The book includes route maps, suggested itineraries, must-see locations, cafes, restaurants, places to stay, and general travel tips and hacks. What’s more, there are QR Codes and what3words references to make planning your trip to Yorkshire a piece of cake.
Finally, for even more Yorkshire road trip inspiration, check out my full-length video below! Wherever you choose to explore in Yorkshire, I hope you have an adventure you’ll remember for years to come.
