Tell us your special place to visit and sum up in a sentence why in the comment box below. As you scroll down, you might be interested in what other readers have written.
It is really hard picking a favourite place in North Yorkshire. There's just so much to choose from. I was wrestling with Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby, and many places in the Moors and Dales.
Whernside is one of Yorkshire's three peaks, the other two being Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough. They're all wonderful hills with amazing views and an earthy ruggedness. Each one is climbable in a half-day and of course the three together make a challenging walk (or run if you're much fitter than me).
My preference for Whernside is based on the variety of scenery with the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, ancient aqua ducts and amazing views which can be taken in at leisure due to the fact that the main path at the summit is of considerable length. This allows a gentle stroll along the top with time to savour great views on both sides of the ridge.
This amazing part of Yorkshire is superb for blowing away the cobwebs and the clutter of busyness from life.
Enjoy. And if you need someone to show you the way, let me know and we'll make a date.
Where do you start? Two favourites of ours: Head east coast to Whitby and follow the cycle path along the cliff tops. Head west towards Clapham and just wander. We have discovered some brilliant walks and but if you don't like the unexpected then the tourist information office in Settle will always offer some some fantastic destinations.
Black Hambleton lies at the end of the Hambleton Hills on the Cleveland Way, I like to take my bike up there, park at Square Corner and ride up Black Hambleton which can be quite a struggle. A the top the rewards are some amazing views looking over the flatlands towards the Yorkshire Dales in the distance. Once at the top the going is nice and flat all the way to the White Horse and Sutton Bank, beautiful views all the way.
On the return, for the bikers at least, there is the reward of the descent back down to Square Corner. The descent is technical and fast and great fun, if you are a biker, watch out for walkers and other users as this is a bridleway for all to use, if you are a walker, watch out for the occasional mad capped adrenaline junkie!
On a good day, this is a beautiful place, on a bad day it's still beautiful, just hard to see and hard to stay upright, love it though!
For me, it has to be the Yorkshire Coast and primarily Whitby. I first discovered Whitby in 1973 on a short trip with my parents and fell in love with it. The moors were purple with heather as we approached from Pickering and the famous golf balls (nuclear early warning system, no longer in existence) was a facination on the landscape. It was August and the Regatta was on (we did not know this until we arrived and the place was booming with tourists, activities, fun fairs etc., it was so busy you could not move for people. The next morning however, my Dad and I got up early and went down to the harbourside and all the stalls and people had vanished - it was peaceful and serene, what a contrast.
Its still my favourite place today, and a year does not go by without our traditional visit to Whitby. This year we shall go in May as a close artist friend of mine is exhibiting in the Fylingdales Group of Artists exhibition in Pannet Art Gallery. I don't need an excuse to go - but I will go and see his paintings at the same time as enjoying my annual visit.
Rosedale - stunningly beautiful or hauntingly bleak depending on the weather but either way, it's a show stopper. I remember a quaint village and ancient abbeys but it was the splendid isolation that sucked me in.
So many places I could choose - including all of the above! However, my pick of the best place to really get away from it all and enjoy the splendour of the North Yorkshire Moors is Bransdale. You take the first left turn as you head out of Helmsley heading towards Kirkbymoorside, onto a road which narrows and eventually leads up into the classic moorland scenery of Bransdale. There are no tea-rooms or shops up here, just a couple of small hamlets. The road leads to no-where, it just loops round and heads back to Gillamoor and Kirbymoorside, so there's very little traffic. You can stop at any of the little dusty lay-bys and strike out across the moor. There are plenty of footpaths, some better defined than others - so take a map! - which lead onto the moorland tops, into woodlands and alongside babbling brooks. At the northern-most point of the Bransdale loop road is the little hamlet of Cockayne. From near here you can make a short climb up the escarpment to the east, which divides Bransdale from Farndale, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views in the company of grouse and the occasional hardy walker. If you're looking for spirit-lifting beauty and solitude, there's no finer place. But don't tell anyone else!
I love the North Yorkshire Moors Railway area - Whitby, Grosmont, Goathland and Pickering especially. I'd recommend a good walk from Grosmont to Goathland, which has the added advantage of being gently uphill on the way there but downhill on the way back (or you could catch a steam train back). There are at least a couple of good routes, depending on the kind of walk you enjoy - more rustic and secluded is the old Monks Trail, on which you can still see a lot of the original stepping stones, and more open and accessible for those with prams or wanting to take it more steadily is the route of the old railway/tram line which is now a well-maintained path. You can divert off the walk to see some interesting features such as Mallyan Spout(a waterfall)or stick to the main route and enjoy the scenery and the steam engines going past in the beautiful Esk valley.
Favourite places in this great Riding change with each new trip, but a quick vote of the Abeceder team delivered a clear winner: Robin Hoods Bay and the surrounding moors, it’s a place that lacks the commerciality of its more razzamatazz neighbours and as a result is perfect.
One of my many favourites would be Malham Cove. It gets a little crowded but is very beautiful especially if you are camping as their are some great real ale pubs with open fires.
Our two year old currently loves going to the 'beach' on the Wharfe at Burnsall - it's a lovely place to sit and be lulled by the water whispering over the rocks, and little men enjoy throwing stones in the river (avoiding all the ducks, obviously).
It has to be Sandsend for me, discovered 15 years ago on a leisurely drive 3 miles out of Whitby. Wonderful beach and spectacular views down to Whitby on a good day, a hidden gem. the Art Gallery is well worth a visit too
Having not really explored all of North Yorkshire, I am a little limited in what I can say about it. However, what I have seen is picturesque. One place that I particularly liked was Forbidden Corner, near Middleham. It's also great to visit with your children. Enjoy it
Whitby. Particularly if you go there by train - a lovely journey. The place has no pretensions and attracts a great mix of people. The seaside as it should be.
Was dreading another two day management offsite, until I arrived at overnight residence .. a barn, with the most wonderful views, converted for business/conference use nestled under Kilnsey Crag. The offsite was a huge success ..how could it not be with that backdrop to provide energy and to inspire!
I always feel reenergised and invigorated when running along the stunning beach barefoot at Filey and savouring the beautiful coastline. Every summer we train there for the Great North Run and You would have to travel far and wide to experience such magnificent scenery. Even my dog Mischief is laughing as he runs with vigour into clear water and crashing waves! The end of the beach is pure untouched tranquility. Sheer bliss - but don't tell too many people!
Fountains Abbey: it isn't a UNESCO World Heritage site for nothing! Kids love exploring the ruined abbey buildings; the adults make a beeline for the 18th century water gardens. A beautiful place for a walk and a picnic.
Richmond is Britain's best kept secret! I am a Richmond Lass and admit it's a fabulous place to visit, so much to do and visit in one small town. The gorgeous river Swale and the Castle being amongst the best things to do.
Check out www.richmond.org for lots of details about where to stay and visit.
I recommend the Royal Horticultural Society gardens called Harlow Carr for a brilliant morning or afternoon out.
The gardens have been established for some time - they are celebrating their 60th birthday this year. There are a variety of gardens, including kitchen gardens, meadows and forests as well as sculptures. I think there's also a small lake and wetland area.
There is always something of interest to see, even in winter, and the gardens offer consistent interest in all seasons.
There are activities organised for kids, and there are mazes and other follies throughout the gardens to help entertain and educate the younger ones.
Betty's run a tea room/restaurant plus an outside cafe at Harlow Carr which are both wonderful, and the RHS shop has indoor and outside plants, a nice bookshop, stocking fillers for kids as well as designer goods for the kitchen, such as joseph joseph goods.
See: http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Harlow-Carr for details and directions.
We particularly like Swaledale. There are wonderful walks offering fantastic views over Swaledale. You can start from Reeth, with the hustle and bustle of this popular village, and end up by yourself on the tops of the fells in wonderful isolation and quiet! A great place to reflect and get a way from it all!
I have many favourite places in North Yorkshire but one of them is Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs. They are breathtaking, quiet, away from the world and worthy of any walk. They are only 10 mins drive from Harrogate.
Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay. Both have their charms - one a typical seaside the other a trip to the past as a smuggler.
Would also recommend the old train track - the cinder track. Great for a walk or cycle. Take a walk or cycle up to Ravenscar. Some breathtaking views at the high point.
Lovely place to visit is Blubberhouses, they have Fewsten Resevoir just off the A59. Splendid walk, and just up the road on Hardisty Hill is a little row of shops.
We found Truly Scrumpious, it is a superb Bakery with fresh baked bread, preserves, cakes, sweets and Belgian Chocolates.
The staff were helpful and chatty, very friendly! It was also nice to see everything was made on site! I got a delicious flapjack to take on our walk...they had so many flavours i can't remember them all! Worth a look if you're passing by!
Scarborough - castle, beach, harbour, fish 'n' chips, mini golf, SJT theatre, cricket, Spa, views, coastal walks, amusements, gardens, museums, pubs, clubs, close to the moors... what's not to love?
The Inspired By ... Gallery, Danby (at the North York Moors National Park Centre, Danby). Beautiful oak framed building, lots of glass and light to show off the wonderful art of the region. A rolling exhibiton programme shows the work of local artists richly illustrating just how inspiring the area is. A treat whenever you go.
A must see is the Little Chocolate Shop in the industrial estate Leyburn. Saw chocolates being made and saw a film on the history of chocolate. -- plus lots of different chocolate to buy.
31 comments:
Whernside
It is really hard picking a favourite place in North Yorkshire. There's just so much to choose from. I was wrestling with Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby, and many places in the Moors and Dales.
Whernside is one of Yorkshire's three peaks, the other two being Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough. They're all wonderful hills with amazing views and an earthy ruggedness. Each one is climbable in a half-day and of course the three together make a challenging walk (or run if you're much fitter than me).
My preference for Whernside is based on the variety of scenery with the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, ancient aqua ducts and amazing views which can be taken in at leisure due to the fact that the main path at the summit is of considerable length. This allows a gentle stroll along the top with time to savour great views on both sides of the ridge.
This amazing part of Yorkshire is superb for blowing away the cobwebs and the clutter of busyness from life.
Enjoy. And if you need someone to show you the way, let me know and we'll make a date.
Where do you start? Two favourites of ours: Head east coast to Whitby and follow the cycle path along the cliff tops. Head west towards Clapham and just wander. We have discovered some brilliant walks and but if you don't like the unexpected then the tourist information office in Settle will always offer some some fantastic destinations.
Enjoy!
Black Hambleton, Osmotherley
Black Hambleton lies at the end of the Hambleton Hills on the Cleveland Way, I like to take my bike up there, park at Square Corner and ride up Black Hambleton which can be quite a struggle. A the top the rewards are some amazing views looking over the flatlands towards the Yorkshire Dales in the distance. Once at the top the going is nice and flat all the way to the White Horse and Sutton Bank, beautiful views all the way.
On the return, for the bikers at least, there is the reward of the descent back down to Square Corner. The descent is technical and fast and great fun, if you are a biker, watch out for walkers and other users as this is a bridleway for all to use, if you are a walker, watch out for the occasional mad capped adrenaline junkie!
On a good day, this is a beautiful place, on a bad day it's still beautiful, just hard to see and hard to stay upright, love it though!
For me, it has to be the Yorkshire Coast and primarily Whitby. I first discovered Whitby in 1973 on a short trip with my parents and fell in love with it. The moors were purple with heather as we approached from Pickering and the famous golf balls (nuclear early warning system, no longer in existence) was a facination on the landscape. It was August and the Regatta was on (we did not know this until we arrived and the place was booming with tourists, activities, fun fairs etc., it was so busy you could not move for people. The next morning however, my Dad and I got up early and went down to the harbourside and all the stalls and people had vanished - it was peaceful and serene, what a contrast.
Its still my favourite place today, and a year does not go by without our traditional visit to Whitby. This year we shall go in May as a close artist friend of mine is exhibiting in the Fylingdales Group of Artists exhibition in Pannet Art Gallery. I don't need an excuse to go - but I will go and see his paintings at the same time as enjoying my annual visit.
Reeth - cant beat it. Good to see it at the top of the page.
Tim S
Aysgarth Falls - summer & winter it is always good for walking. Enjoy it in winter mostly - less tourists.
Rosedale - stunningly beautiful or hauntingly bleak depending on the weather but either way, it's a show stopper. I remember a quaint village and ancient abbeys but it was the splendid isolation that sucked me in.
So many places I could choose - including all of the above! However, my pick of the best place to really get away from it all and enjoy the splendour of the North Yorkshire Moors is Bransdale. You take the first left turn as you head out of Helmsley heading towards Kirkbymoorside, onto a road which narrows and eventually leads up into the classic moorland scenery of Bransdale. There are no tea-rooms or shops up here, just a couple of small hamlets. The road leads to no-where, it just loops round and heads back to Gillamoor and Kirbymoorside, so there's very little traffic. You can stop at any of the little dusty lay-bys and strike out across the moor. There are plenty of footpaths, some better defined than others - so take a map! - which lead onto the moorland tops, into woodlands and alongside babbling brooks. At the northern-most point of the Bransdale loop road is the little hamlet of Cockayne. From near here you can make a short climb up the escarpment to the east, which divides Bransdale from Farndale, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views in the company of grouse and the occasional hardy walker. If you're looking for spirit-lifting beauty and solitude, there's no finer place. But don't tell anyone else!
I love the North Yorkshire Moors Railway area - Whitby, Grosmont, Goathland and Pickering especially. I'd recommend a good walk from Grosmont to Goathland, which has the added advantage of being gently uphill on the way there but downhill on the way back (or you could catch a steam train back). There are at least a couple of good routes, depending on the kind of walk you enjoy - more rustic and secluded is the old Monks Trail, on which you can still see a lot of the original stepping stones, and more open and accessible for those with prams or wanting to take it more steadily is the route of the old railway/tram line which is now a well-maintained path. You can divert off the walk to see some interesting features such as Mallyan Spout(a waterfall)or stick to the main route and enjoy the scenery and the steam engines going past in the beautiful Esk valley.
Favourite places in this great Riding change with each new trip, but a quick vote of the Abeceder team delivered a clear winner: Robin Hoods Bay and the surrounding moors, it’s a place that lacks the commerciality of its more razzamatazz neighbours and as a result is perfect.
One of my many favourites would be Malham Cove. It gets a little crowded but is very beautiful especially if you are camping as their are some great real ale pubs with open fires.
Our two year old currently loves going to the 'beach' on the Wharfe at Burnsall - it's a lovely place to sit and be lulled by the water whispering over the rocks, and little men enjoy throwing stones in the river (avoiding all the ducks, obviously).
It has to be Sandsend for me, discovered 15 years ago on a leisurely drive 3 miles out of Whitby. Wonderful beach and spectacular views down to Whitby on a good day, a hidden gem. the Art Gallery is well worth a visit too
Having not really explored all of North Yorkshire, I am a little limited in what I can say about it. However, what I have seen is picturesque. One place that I particularly liked was Forbidden Corner, near Middleham. It's also great to visit with your children. Enjoy it
Whitby. Particularly if you go there by train - a lovely journey. The place has no pretensions and attracts a great mix of people. The seaside as it should be.
Was dreading another two day management offsite, until I arrived at overnight residence .. a barn, with the most wonderful views, converted for business/conference use nestled under Kilnsey Crag. The offsite was a huge success ..how could it not be with that backdrop to provide energy and to inspire!
I always feel reenergised and invigorated when running along the stunning beach barefoot at Filey and savouring the beautiful coastline. Every summer we train there for the Great North Run and You would have to travel far and wide to experience such magnificent scenery. Even my dog Mischief is laughing as he runs with vigour into clear water and crashing waves! The end of the beach is pure untouched tranquility. Sheer bliss - but don't tell too many people!
Whitby Abbey
Haunting, historical and beautiful.
Well worth the hike up there and to visit the new centre too.
Fountains Abbey: it isn't a UNESCO World Heritage site for nothing! Kids love exploring the ruined abbey buildings; the adults make a beeline for the 18th century water gardens. A beautiful place for a walk and a picnic.
Wainstones on the Cleveland Way, near Chop Gate (Chop Yat), is a fantastic place for a walk or a climb with great views and a fantastic atmosphere.
Richmond is Britain's best kept secret! I am a Richmond Lass and admit it's a fabulous place to visit, so much to do and visit in one small town. The gorgeous river Swale and the Castle being amongst the best things to do.
Check out www.richmond.org for lots of details about where to stay and visit.
Caroline
www.carolineoneill.co.uk
I recommend the Royal Horticultural Society gardens called Harlow Carr for a brilliant morning or afternoon out.
The gardens have been established for some time - they are celebrating their 60th birthday this year. There are a variety of gardens, including kitchen gardens, meadows and forests as well as sculptures. I think there's also a small lake and wetland area.
There is always something of interest to see, even in winter, and the gardens offer consistent interest in all seasons.
There are activities organised for kids, and there are mazes and other follies throughout the gardens to help entertain and educate the younger ones.
Betty's run a tea room/restaurant plus an outside cafe at Harlow Carr which are both wonderful, and the RHS shop has indoor and outside plants, a nice bookshop, stocking fillers for kids as well as designer goods for the kitchen, such as joseph joseph goods.
See: http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Harlow-Carr for details and directions.
We particularly like Swaledale. There are wonderful walks offering fantastic views over Swaledale. You can start from Reeth, with the hustle and bustle of this popular village, and end up by yourself on the tops of the fells in wonderful isolation and quiet! A great place to reflect and get a way from it all!
I have many favourite places in North Yorkshire but one of them is Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs. They are breathtaking, quiet, away from the world and worthy of any walk. They are only 10 mins drive from Harrogate.
Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay. Both have their charms - one a typical seaside the other a trip to the past as a smuggler.
Would also recommend the old train track - the cinder track. Great for a walk or cycle. Take a walk or cycle up to Ravenscar. Some breathtaking views at the high point.
The King street workshops in Pateley Bridge were great to meet the arts and crafts people and see their products.
A nice day trip from harrogate, we stayed here and visited lots of lovely little towns.
Lovely place to visit is Blubberhouses, they have Fewsten Resevoir just off the A59. Splendid walk, and just up the road on Hardisty Hill is a little row of shops.
We found Truly Scrumpious, it is a superb Bakery with fresh baked bread, preserves, cakes, sweets and Belgian Chocolates.
The staff were helpful and chatty, very friendly! It was also nice to see everything was made on site! I got a delicious flapjack to take on our walk...they had so many flavours i can't remember them all! Worth a look if you're passing by!
Markenfield Hall near Ripon is a moated gem dating from around 1300 - in my opinion the most romantic place in North Yorks.
Scarborough - castle, beach, harbour, fish 'n' chips, mini golf, SJT theatre, cricket, Spa, views, coastal walks, amusements, gardens, museums, pubs, clubs, close to the moors... what's not to love?
The Inspired By ... Gallery, Danby (at the North York Moors National Park Centre, Danby). Beautiful oak framed building, lots of glass and light to show off the wonderful art of the region. A rolling exhibiton programme shows the work of local artists richly illustrating just how inspiring the area is. A treat whenever you go.
A must see is the Little Chocolate Shop in the industrial estate Leyburn. Saw chocolates being made and saw a film on the history of chocolate.
-- plus lots of different chocolate to buy.
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