Yorkshire, known as “God’s Own Country” is historically the largest county in the UK. So there’s a lot to explore here, including the Yorkshire Dales, North Moors and parts of the Peak District. I’ve only scratched the surface of all it has to have offer.

From Yorkshire Puddings to Yorkshire Tea, Emmerdale to Sean Bean, Football and Rugby and the War of the Roses, Yorkshire has a distinct and celebrated culture.

One of my favourite areas to visit are the towns of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. These quaint and trendy towns are less than an hour away from Manchester by train or car and are a great hiking base with trails suiting everybody.

Hebden Bridge itself has a beautiful center with great bars and restaurants and the gorgeous Rochdale Canal. It’s also known for being super LGBT+ friendly! Wander around the town and check out the cool alternative shops and enjoy the canalside views or do one of these great hikes nearby. https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/hebden-bridge-walks-6386892

When I visited I took a trip up to Lumb Hole Falls and Hardcastle Crags, through beautiful woodlands and over the moors. We even took a dip in the cool river waters.

Todmorden is another trendy town nearby. While there I hiked up to see the impressive Bridestones, spectacular wind carved sandstone blocks perched along a cliff. We used these instructions for the hike which was definitely ok for beginners. http://www.happyhiker.co.uk/MyWalks/WestYorkshire/TodmordentoBrideStones/Hiking%20Pages%20-Todmorden%20to%20Bride%20Stones.htm

For one of my favourite hikes over in Malham and Gordale Scar check out my previous blog here! https://alwaysanoviceblog.wordpress.com/2020/12/28/top-5-hikes-around-manchester/

When talking about Yorkshire we have to mention the historic capital York. Founded by the Romans in 71AD as Eboracum, it’s a small City with a lot of charm.

Based at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, it’s impressive 13th century gothic cathedral, old city walls and the shambles make it a must visit destination in the UK.

Unfortunately when I visited indoor spaces weren’t open, but York is so impressive architecturally that it didn’t matter too much. Although it would have been fun to do a ghost tour or see inside York Minster Cathedral!

Because of the side of York it’s easy to walk around and see most of the sights. It boasts the most miles of intact ancient walls of any City in the UK! It’s fun to walk along them and see a different side of the City along with some interesting gateways along the way.

The Cathedral dates back to the 7th century and is huge! I was definitely impressed by the grandeur and all the little details on the external building like gargoyles and the apostles. There’s also a nice little park to wander around next to it.

The shambles is a series of alleyways with amazing old buildings lining them. Here you can find some great independent shops and it’s almost like being transported back in time.

There are also plenty of great eating options such as SPARK, a cool ship container area with lots of independent food and drink sellers to choose from. It was definitely great for a hangover cure. There’s also some excellent looking food stalls in the shambles market.

For dinner we opted for the Star Inn the City, serving proper Yorkshire food right next to the river. It was a great venue and the food was delicious with plenty of nice veggie options for me, and a great cocktail list.

Yorkshire also boasts some stunning coastline, and one area of outstanding beauty with a lot of history is Robin Hood’s Bay. Robin Hood didn’t visit here but instead it’s name comes from the amount of smuggling that happened in this area!

The town itself is a lovely little seaside area selling fish and chips, ice cream and serving stunning views over the bay. You can do a good coastal path walk up to Whitby and take in tales of Dracula from here or head down to Scarborough, the original seaside town.

My favourite destination in Yorkshire so far has to be Knaresborough. This bustling little town is located just a few miles from Harrogate and would make a great day trip from there. The most impressive sight has to be the 1851 viaduct, still in use today, that crosses the river Nidd.

That’s not where the charm ends however, as you can walk along the river, finding little antique shops and country pubs along the way. Make sure you get a look at Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, a small chapel cut into the sandstone rock.

There are a few other sights such as a Mother Shiptons cave and Knaresborough castle ruins. Make sure you head here for the best views of the viaduct. while in Knaresborough you can also get some amazing lunch from one of the many bakeries around the town, and wander around the market square for some local produce.

Published by Tom

Wanderluster, forever day dreaming of my next destination. Nurse by day, gay, geek, love sports and marvel comics. Determined to visit every country in the world! View all posts by Tom