North Yorkshire: Our Favourite Days Out in the County
Friday 19th November, 2021 by hs-admin
From the grand sweeping hills and rich valleys of the world-famous North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, when you visit North Yorkshire, you’ll embrace the great outdoors. Whether it’s walking you’re into, or you prefer to warm up in a tearoom, there’s something for everyone.
Not sure what you want to do? We have put together some of our favourite activities you must take during your UK staycation…
Shopping in Diagon Alley (The Shambles)
Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you…
The Shambles is often called Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets, but it is also thought to be one of the inspirations for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. As such, it’s referred to as the Harry Potter street in York! Today, the beautiful historic buildings have been restored and are now home to cheerful cafés, quirky boutiques and even a coin & stamp dealer. The smells are rather pleasant with aromas from the chocolate, fudge and sweet shops, clothes and accessories and gift shops.
Visit the Seaside Town which Inspired Dracula
The seaside town of Whitby was rated the UK’s most popular holiday destination in 2019 and it’s no surprise why, with the ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s character ‘Dracula’. Nearby is the Church of St. Mary, reached by 199 steps, as well as the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, in the house where Cook once lived, which displays paintings and maps.
If you have children, they may want to have a go at the traditional ‘crabbing’ where you challenge friends and family to see who can catch the biggest crab and release back into the sea when done.
Fancy a picturesque walk? Head to Whitby Sands, a stretch of caramel sand unfolding from the West Pier for two miles along the coast to the sweet little fishing village of Sandsend. Lined by mesmerising cliffs and multi-coloured beach huts, it’s the perfect spot for an ice-cream break, and there’s plenty of sandcastle potential. We recommend arriving shore-side in style with a trip down the cliff lift.
Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and most well-preserved ruined monasteries in England. It is located approximately 3 miles South-West of Ripon in North Yorkshire, near to the village of Aldfield. From there, follow the riverside path to Studley Royal, a playful water garden designed by visionaries John and William Aislabie in the 18th century.
You can spend a day amongst statues, follies and cascades before venturing beyond the lake to Studley Royal deer park, with ancient lime tree avenues and red, fallow and sika deer. The entry cost will be free to visit the deer park and the seven bridges walk, however Fountains Abbey is priced at £17 per adult and £8.50 per child, or other family deals/discounts. The good news is, if you’re a National Trust member then entry is free!
National Rail Museum
Are trains your thing? The National Rail Museum based in York city centre is a great free day out for all of the family. It’s the home of iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance, and is the largest railway museum in the world, attracting almost 1 million visitors per year.
Another bonus, it’s free to enter for everyone, but donations are welcome to help contribute to more facilities in the future.
Visit Betty’s Tea Room in Harrogate
Jam or cream first? You’ll have to find out when you visit Betty’s Tea Room in Harrogate. Opened in 1919, over 100 years ago, Betty’s opened its doors in the aftermath of the World War One and has been serving tea and cakes ever since. Open all week it offers a truly unforgettable experience of an afternoon tea.