North Yorkshire
With beautiful sandy shores, quaint villages, rugged coastlines and long stretching moorland, North Yorkshire is fast becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. Explore picturesque beaches, hidden coves, winding cobbled streets, charming market towns, the North York Moors National Park and much more.
North Yorkshire – Area History Guide
North Yorkshire is a fantastic place to call home and a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking to explore the beauty of the UK. You can find it all in this region, from stunning landscapes and seaside views in places like Whitby and Saltburn, to historic sites, woods, towns, cities, and quintessentially British villages.
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North Yorkshire – Key Events & Activities
From Vikings to Romans, coastline views to forests, market towns, villages, cities, and more, we’ve covered a lot in our North Yorkshire guides so far.
In this offering, we’ll explore some of the most popular events that take place in North Yorkshire, and look at the many things you can do as a solo traveller, a couple, or with the family.
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North Yorkshire – Key Sights to See
North Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful areas in the country for a host of reasons. From luscious landscapes and wildlife to bustling town centres and cities, not to mention forests, seaside views, wilderness trails and more, there’s something for everyone in the rich historical lands of North Yorkshire.
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Nestled on the North Yorkshire coast, you’ll find Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Historic architecture weaves its way through the Victorian Spa town which has been peppered with independent shops, cocktail bars, pubs and restaurants over recent years.
Ranked in the top 40 British beaches by The Sunday Times, Saltburn-by-the-Sea has long stretching sandy shores. Colorful boutique beach huts overlook the promenade and high cliffs tower above the golden sands in the distance. Take a stroll along the striking pier which stretches 208 metres into the sea. Ideal for surfing, good beginner waves can be found either side of the pier and professional surfers can enjoy 10ft waves on some days!
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is also home to the oldest operating water balanced cliff lift in the UK which connects the town to the beach below. There are plenty of beautiful walks too. The Valley Gardens are a maze of paths and tracks which wind through the flowers and woodland. If you want to explore further, join the Cleveland Way and head up to Boulby Cliff, which is the highest cliff on the eastern coast of England. From there, you’ll drop down to the local fishing village of Staithes.
Staithes is the quaint coastal hamlet which was recently named one of Britain’s most beautiful seaside villages by The Telegraph. It has high cliffs, winding streets and mismatched cottages bursting with charm. The small village was once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East and local fishermen still fish for cod, lobsters and crabs today.
The village is also known for its abundance of fossils which can be found along the small beach and in the cluster of rockpools. This area is nicknamed the ‘Dinosaur Coast’ as it’s packed with history.
Staithes is a magnet for art and artists alike. Throughout the village you’ll find amazing painted illusions known as the ‘Painted Illusions Trail’ created by the famous artist Paul Czainski. It is also the home to the impressionist art society, known as Staithes Group, and their work can always be seen dotted around. Visit Staithes Gallery and browse the wonderful exhibits inspired by the village.
Further along the coast, you’ll find the popular tourist hotspot of Whitby. Divided in two by the busy harbour and the River Esk, you’ll find the older side of town on the East bank. Explore narrow medieval streets and discover the famous ruined Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s gothic novel ‘Dracula’.
A swing bridge spans the River Esk, connecting the East and West sides of the town. The West side boasts outstanding fish restaurants, cosy pubs and fun arcades complete with bowling alleys and mini golf. The nostalgic charm continues as you stumble upon the gorgeous West Cliff Beach which is lined with idyllic beach huts. It is so beautiful it has the coveted blue flag award and remains the only beach in Yorkshire to have the status.
Whitby forms part of the North York Moors National Park, which is a haven of woodland and moorland making up small villages like Goathland and Grosmont.