7 Great Places to Visit in Yorkshire

Yorkshire covers a huge expanse in the North and Northeast of England and happens to be home to three of the country’s most iconic cities in Leeds, York and Hull. Both are vibrant with large student populations and plenty of places to spend your money on food and drink. There’s also a softer side to Yorkshire which can be found in the wild landscapes of the North York Moors National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park both famed for their woodlands, heathlands, lakes and river valleys. For those who prefer the sounds of crashing waves and hungry gulls, Yorkshire has lots of seaside towns waiting to be explored. Plum Guide takes you on a trip across the county, showing you some great places to visit in Yorkshire along with some beautiful luxury homestays to boot.

Leeds loves a show so there’s no shortage of theatres, music venues and cinemas to indulge in some escapism. Given the current circumstances, it’s best to check which places are open before booking your trip. Luckily, there are lots of things to do while social distancing, including Hazelwood Castle where guests can quadbike, axe-throw and get lost in its sprawling grounds and Kirkgate Market the largest of its kind in Europe and a veritable bazaar of goods. Art lovers won’t want to miss The Henry Moore Institute, named after one of the UK’s most prodigious sculptors and with three gallery spaces hosting an ever-changing programme of exhibitions. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire for culture vultures.

Combine your trip to Leeds with a visit to the nearby Yorkshire Dales, and book a stay in West of Eden just southwest of the Dales. This hand-picked home was chosen by our experts because of its countryside surroundings, cosy outdoor fire pit and big high-ceilinged kitchen.

One of our favourite places to visit in England, York is a microcosm of British history with remnants of Roman, Viking and Norman rule scattered across its picturesque skyline. Take a walk along the walls which encircle the city centre that should take you around two hours. Not quite the Wall of China but something unique to the British isles nonetheless. Stroll along the River Ouse for a sight of the Millennium Bridge and Clifford’s Tower. Climb the aforementioned tower, Norman fortifications with a gruesome past, for stunning 360-degree views over York. On a clear day, you can even see as far as North York Moors. No visit to York would be complete without meandering down The Shambles, the oldest street in York which also inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. It’s home to cafes, chocolatiers and gift shops and plenty of other curiosities.

The East Yorkshire city of Hull was lauded as Britain’s capital of culture as recently as 2017, the impact of which can still be felt today. Hull’s old town is a standing testament to Stuart and Georgian architecture. It’s now considered one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods with hipster cafes, galleries and independent fashion stores. A charming blend of creative industry and affordability has made Hull a popular destination for young urbanites across the North. Which has benefits for tourists too. Head to Artlink Hull for community arts project exhibitions and Gate No 5 for music with a skyline view. As always remember to check these venues are open before booking your visit.

You might be wondering whether there’s an interesting story behind such an intriguing name as Robin Hood’s Bay? Well, you’re right. Robin Hood’s Bay is named so because this stretch of coastline was once an infamous (depending on how you look at things) landing point for smugglers who could slip in and out unnoticed between the steep cliffs. Today, it’s a charming fishing village that’s perfect for an urban escape from it all. Visiting this quaint part of the county is one of our favourite things to do in Yorkshire, and we think it'll be yours, too. Learn more about the town’s storied past at the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, head for a swim at the beach or enjoy an English tradition at the Falling Foss Tea Garden set in the grounds of Midge Hall, a tiny cottage at the top of the Falling Foss waterfall. Visit the Faryside Riding Centre and take a trip along the beach astride a four-legged friend.

Looking for a characterful home near Robin Hood’s Bay? Look no further than Daisy Chain in nearby Whitby. We love it for its exposed beams and brickwork and cosy wood burner, both of which make this a perfect romantic hideaway.

Helmsley has pretty much everything you could want from a country getaway, which makes it one of our favourite places to visit in Yorkshire. The town itself is located within the North York Moors National Park which is home to heathlands, hills, winding rivers and valleys stretching all the way to the North East coast. So, not only does it make the perfect base for getting back to nature but there are plenty of reasons to spend some time getting to know your surroundings. Foodies will want to check out Helmsley’s food market and Helmsley Castle.

Beverley is best known for two things: its thirteenth-century minster and 300-year-old horse racing course both of which are still in use today. Beverley will win you over with its charming mix of cobbled streets and traditional buildings instantly transporting you into the past. To really see this town come alive book your visit to coincide with race day or with one of Beverley’s annual music festivals such as Beverley Folk Festival or the Early Music Festival. Don’t leave without paying a visit to Beverley Minster. Not only is it one of the largest parish churches in the UK but also widely regarded as a Gothic masterpiece.

Wensleydale, Wensleydale. Where have we heard that name before? Most people know the iconic British cheese but not the place from which it comes from. Pay a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes where one of Britain’s most famous exports gets made. Lactose intolerant? No matter there are other reasons to visit Hawes, not least of all its charming tea room and bistro pub. History buffs will enjoy the 8th Century water-powered cotton spinning Gayle Mill while avid cyclists and athletes-in-training won’t find a more scenic setting than the brilliantly named Buttertubs and Fleet Moss hills.

Looking for an English escape? Plum Guide's fastidious home critics have tried and tested the country's very best lodgings, so whether you're after a Cotswold cottage or a pocket-sized pad in London, you know you're in for a great night's sleep in a Plum Guide home.

Explore our apartments in Yorkshire.