North Yorkshire Travel Guide

England

Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach featuring street scenes and a coastal town as well as a large group of people
Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach showing a coastal town, rugged coastline and general coastal views
North Bay Beach showing a beach, landscape views and night scenes
Whitby showing general coastal views, boating and a small town or village
Scarborough which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town

North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. It’s comprised of four distinct regions; the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, Vale of York and the coastal region, each with its own unique beauty and charm.

There is a variety of accommodation types to choose from when visiting North Yorkshire, from elegant city hotels to the more rural country bed & breakfasts.

Explore the Famous City of York

North Yorkshires biggest attraction is the city of York. Sure, the region has the lush spa town of Harrogate and the seaside resort of Scarborough is popular, but nothing compares to the unrivalled brilliance of York, England’s most visited city outside of London.

When in York visiting The Shambles is a must an area of York with a maze of twisting, narrow streets contributing to the overall charm of the city. In some sections of The Shambles it is possible to touch both sides of the street with your arms outstretched. Learn more of the history of this now famous street when you visit.

Take a Step Back in Time

The National Railway Museum in York is a great place to visit. It has a wonderful collection of trains, carriages and railway memorabilia on display. To make the most of your visit to the museum you will need at least half a day to explore it fully.

If you enjoy a day out at the races then you’re in luck York has a fantastic racecourse, ranked second in England only behind the famous Ascot. Look ahead before visiting as it has large race meetings on at various times during the racing calender.

Learn About Vikings

Take the whole family and explore the world famous Jorvik Viking Centre in York, one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s one of the most famous and astounding discoveries in recent archaeological times, and a truly ground breaking visitor experience where you will not only learn first-hand about Viking life in York, but also the chance to meet a ‘Viking’.

Take a trip outside of York and visit Rievaulx Abbey, a real place of serenity, and spend an afternoon wondering around the site. It is very easy to imagine what life may have been like when the Abbey was up and running.

Explore the North Yorkshire coast with a day trip to Scarborough, often referred to as the original seaside resort. A really popular seaside resort with miles of golden beaches and sea for the whole family to enjoy, for some it may be a trip down memory lane.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a real national treasure. Spend a day here and allow yourself to be blown away by the scale, beauty and splendour of this magical ruin. There are plenty of places to have a picnic and a variety of walking trails to choose from, including one along the river.

Popular cities in North Yorkshire

York Minster featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a square or plaza
York
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Historical
Venture into medieval times along the labyrinthian streets of this historic city, home to one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Reasons to visit

  • York Minster
  • Shambles
  • York Racecourse
Whitby
Whitby
Known for Friendly people, Ports and Historical
Whitby is a small seaside town located on the North Yorkshire coast, between Scarborough and Redcar in the North East of England.

Reasons to visit

  • Whitby Harbour
  • Whitby Beach
  • Robin Hood's Bay Beach
Scarborough
Scarborough
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Beaches
Gaze up at the iconic limestone cliffs rising from the North Sea in this lively town with a history of explorers.

Reasons to visit

  • Scarborough Open Air Theatre
  • South Bay Beach
  • North Bay Beach
Skipton
Skipton
Known for Friendly people, Relaxing and Spas
Upscale Skipton is calling! Discover its spas, castle, churches and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Malham Cove
  • Skipton Castle
  • Pen-y-Ghent
Harrogate
Harrogate
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Business
A gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, this spa town has modern entertainment venues and restaurants to complement the traditional tea rooms and Edwardian architecture.

Reasons to visit

  • Harrogate Convention Centre
  • Turkish Baths and Health Spa
Filey
Filey
Known for Friendly people, Beaches and Bars
Escape to quaint Filey! Enjoy its beaches, bars and golf.

Reasons to visit

  • Reighton Sands