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England’s largest county offers something for everyone

10th February 2010 Print
Yorkshire

The romantic county of Yorkshire, referred to by those lucky enough to live there as God’s Own Country,  is a region of extreme contrasts, with its dramatic land and seascapes, National Parks, beautiful castles, grand country houses and fine food and produce. In other words, it offers something for everybody.

As the UK’s largest county, Yorkshire is home to a plethora of fascinating attractions such as the medieval city of York, the elegant spa town of Harrogate, vibrant Leeds, a dramatic coastline with pretty tourist destinations – not to mention the rugged, sometimes wild beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.  Its rich 2,000 year history gives it a distinct personality that is unlike any other destination in Great Britain.

Located roughly mid way between London and Scotland, Yorkshire is easily accessible from national and international locations, has three international airports, road and rails links countrywide and ferry ports, making it the ideal choice for overseas and domestic tourists alike who wish to experience all it has to offer.

Those looking for a piece of history will enjoy romantic locations such as the turreted Ripley Castle near Harrogate. Its beautiful grounds include walled gardens, lakes and a deer park.  It is also one of Yorkshire’s most sought after wedding destinations, as is  Sewerby Hall  which has a dramatic cliff top setting surrounded by 50 stunning acres of parkland dating back to the 19th century. Castle Howard stately home has featured in countless television dramas and historical programmes, while Harewood House has an open air theatre that stages Shakespeare and other plays. Similarly, musical evenings are held in summer at the (some say haunted!) ruins of Fountains Abbey, where monks resided in the 12th century.

The spectacular Yorkshire Dales, which features some of England’s most picturesque villages and landscapes,  has long attracted walkers and countryside lovers from all over the world who enjoy the amazing hiking trails (for all ages and levels), not to mention the welcoming  country inns and gastro pubs that offer a warm respite at the end of a long day! 

Food lovers can indulge themselves with many different types of Yorkshire fare, from traditional Yorkshire pudding, traditionally always served with roast beef, to fresh fish from the North Sea and a huge variety of other fresh produce. Beer lovers will enjoy many indigenous ales that are brewed in the county – maybe whilst sitting the in garden of the local pub.

One culinary treat not to be missed is Betty’s tea rooms (there are several branches) where it is usual to wait for up to an hour for a seat, such is its reputation and popularity. Its cooking classes are equally sought after.

Art and culture play an important role in Yorkshire life. Internationally renowned artist David Hockney displays his work at Salt Mills in Bradford and there are various rail museums and media museums that are ideal for soaking up some Yorkshire culture. Year round music festivals, film festivals and art festivals that celebrate local, national and international arts attract thousands of visitors.

Sport and shopping also feature highly in Yorkshire, with two Yorkshire locations – Leeds and York being named “Best City Break” by leading leisure authority, Condé Nast Traveller. Both cities offer a shopping experience, with exclusive boutiques, unmatched high street shopping and on trend fashion.

Those wishing for more sporty pursuits can enjoy cricket and horse racing in summer, football and rugby in winter – and golf all year round.

Yorkshire is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary with old and new which makes it a unique and wonderful county – made even more appealing by the Yorkshire people who are renowned for being friendly and inviting and will offer a warm welcome.

With its colourful array of things to do, not to mention its award winning hotels and spas, Yorkshire is big, beautiful, diverse, vibrant and dynamic and showcases the best of what England has to offer.

Transportation

Airports:

Leeds-Bradford International Airport - Many flights from destinations within the UK and Europe, with good onward bus connections to Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate.

Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood Airport - Good bus connections to Doncaster rail station.

Train services

National Express East Coast - The major long-distance train operators in the area are National Express East Coast from December 2007 (trains depart from London Kings Cross) which has regular through services to Wakefield Westgate and Leeds, and additional services which travel to Doncaster and York (and beyond) nationalexpress.com.

Virgin Trains - Virgin Trains offers connections from the South West, the Midlands, North East and Scotland, with many services passing through Sheffield, Wakefield, Leeds and York.   East Midlands Trains also runs services between London (St Pancras International) and Sheffield, with occasional through services to/from Wakefield and Leeds, usually at peak commuter times, virgintrains.co.uk.

Bus services

Major operators include Arriva, First Group, Keighley & District and Yorkshire Traction.  For timetables and up-to-date travel information, West Yorkshire Metro and SYPTE are the best sources, with details of all operators and routes within West and South Yorkshire.

In North Yorkshire, Harrogate & District are one of the largest operators, and Yorkshire Coastliner run services between Leeds, York and Malton.
 

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Yorkshire