Yorkshire is my adopted home county, it’s got the dales, the moors, and surprisingly plenty of culture too. So, where best to start than my top 5 trips around Yorkshire.
- Bolton Abbey
Nestled alongside the River Wharfe sits the ruins of Bolton Abbey Priory in North Yorkshire. It holds some beautiful walks along the river and into the adjoining forest, for a bit of adventuring you can head off the path. Perfect on a sunny day for a picnic, it reminds me of childhood paddles in the river with an ice cream in hand. The stepping stones are there for the adventurous, as long as the river’s not too full.
2. Salts Mill
Home to the largest collection of David Hockney’s work, Salts Mill is a hidden cultural gem to be found in Saltaire, West Yorkshire. Free entry to the galleries and an incredible bookshop means you could easily spend an afternoon here. Saltaire is a World Heritage Site, so Sir Titus’ village is not to be missed.
3. York
York, the capital of Yorkshire. The old Viking town is full of ruins and history, with some great places to grab a drink along the river. Take a walk along the walls, giving you a view across the city and the river, before going to the olde sweet shop in the shambles. Certainly take part in the greatest British pastime with afternoon tea at Bettys.
4. Grassington
I only discovered this small village last summer, with a river walk and traditional village feel this picturesque Yorkshire village is a perfect summer destination. Take along a picnic to enjoy by the river, before finishing up in a pub for a drink.
5. Ilkley Moor
On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at – You can’t explore Yorkshire without a trip on the moors to blow you away. Occasionally bleak and wuthering weather (thank you Brontes), you do get some incredible views up on the moors.
Somewhere else perhaps?
I initially started this as a top three, now it’s a top five and I could go on… alas I shall just give a flavour of what else can be explored. For Bronte country, check out Howarth. There’s also the spa town of Harrogate to enjoy. In addition to venturing down off Ilkley Moor to Ilkley itself. There’s many a market town dotted about too. Not forgetting the seaside towns of Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough.
Just don’t forget your book on your travels, for Yorkshire it has to be the Brontes, but perhaps Dracula is also appropriate.
Exploring with a book 