Yorkshire as a county needs little introduction and boasts some of the best views, landscapes and sights in the whole of England. The river valleys that run through the Yorkshire provide a peaceful beauty to an area that is rarely matched anywhere else in the UK. Enjoying everything from enviable positions on the limestone cliffs in Malham to picturesque views of ancient stone walls and miles of untouched and unblemished countryside, Yorkshire cottages welcome thousands of visitors every year.
Yorkshire is located in north-central England and is the country's largest historic county. This fantastic place sits between the Pennines and the North Sea and is made up of cities, towns, villages, countryside, seaside, Dales, and more, making it the perfect destination for those seeking plenty to explore. Read more
Harbour Watch is a lovely holiday apartment in Whitby overlooking the marina and River Esk, with free parking and easy access to the town centre, beach and harbour. Sleeping four guests in two bedrooms with two bathrooms, this self-catering holiday apartment in Whitby suits couples, friends and families looking for a comfortable base on the Yorkshire Coast. The waterfront location provides ever-changing views of boats and harbour life, while Whitby Beach, Whitby Abbey, the famous 199 Steps and the North York Moors National Park are all within easy reach. Restaurants, pubs and attractions are close by, yet the setting remains peaceful and relaxing.
Located in a peaceful position just outside of the village of Snainton close to the edge of the North York Moors with Thornton Le Dale village & Mathewsons "Bangers & Cash" 10 mins away.The Stables Cottage offers a luxurious place to stay while discovering the many delights of the Moors. There is space for four guests plus a travel cot to sleep in two bedrooms (both with en-suite bathrooms), so the cottage is a favourite with couples as well as families who enjoy being close to beautiful countryside and friendly towns including Pickering, Helmsley, Scarborough and Whitby. More information is available on the owner’s website.
This welcoming holiday cottage sits in the ground of a 100-year old granary, offering a high standard of accommodation for up to four guests in two bedrooms. Granary Cottage offers all ground floor accomodation and sits on the edge of the North York Moors within easy reach of popular destinations including Malton, Scarborough ,Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering, Whitby and York. Picture yourself in the summer, enjoying an evening glass of wine as you gaze across countryside views towards the North York Moors, or in winter, relaxing in a cosy sitting room with a proper open fire. Just outside of the village of Snainton and within walking distance of a pub, Granary Cottage is a favourite all year round.
Moss View Cottage is a 17th-century holiday cottage in Oughtershaw, deep in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, sleeping 4 guests in 2 bedrooms. This dog-friendly holiday rental sits directly on the Dales Way walking route and features a private hot tub and large enclosed garden. It offers welcoming self-catering accommodation in a peaceful rural setting beside a flowing beck and is bursting with original character. Close to Hawes and surrounded by moorland and walking trails, Moss View Cottage is a great choice for those looking to switch off and enjoy the quieter side of the Dales.
A welcoming retreat ideal for families, friends and couples, nicely placed in a quiet backwater in the pretty Cumbrian village of Dent within the Yorkshire Dales. Pubs, cafes and shops on the doorstep along with superb walking - ideal for exploring both the Dales and Cumbria (including the nearby Lakes) with their many attractions.
www.sunrise-cottage.co.uk Special Offer 10% discount for stays of 5 nights or more. Delightful, escape from it all cottage in a beautiful location. One bedroom for two people, with a sumptuous superking-sized bed and stunning views in the North York Moors National Park. Hartoft is close to Rosedale Abbey and Pickering, within easy reach of Helmsley, York and Whitby and close to the coast. The cottage is ideal for couples or individuals who love walking, cycling, the coast, museums, country houses, sightseeing and eating well!
Sunnyside Cottage is a welcoming holiday cottage in Grassington in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sleeping up to six guests across three bedrooms, this comfortable barn conversion combines traditional character with modern convenience, including a spacious sitting room with a gas fire, a country-style kitchen, secure bike storage and a partially enclosed garden. Located just a short walk from Grassington’s lively square with its pubs, cafés and independent shops, the cottage offers easy access to walking, cycling and sightseeing across the Dales. This self-catering accommodation provides a relaxed base for exploring one of England’s most iconic landscapes and is ideal for families, friends, or couples who appreciate the extra space of a larger cottage..off road parking and lovely south facing garden . Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A holiday in the North York Moors should be on everyone's bucket list. The pure expanse of the unspoiled landscape will take your breath away. Cote Ghyll Cottage is ideal for large families as it can sleep up to eight people in four bedrooms, offering not only a sitting room with a log burner but also a games room that will keep the kids happily amused for hours. The cottage is on the edge of the pretty village of Osmotherley and within walking distance of cafes and pubs. Guests also have access to the excellent facilities of the owner's award-winning holiday park such as the sauna & Mill Kitchen.
Station Master's Cottage is a dog-friendly holiday cottage in Pickering sleeping four guests in two bedrooms. Opposite the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and a short walk from Pickering Castle, the cottage combines Victorian character with a location that puts much of North Yorkshire within easy reach. Step aboard a steam train to Whitby, explore the North York Moors National Park, wander through Dalby Forest or spend the day on the Yorkshire coast. With a wood-burning stove, enclosed outdoor space, free parking and railway heritage woven throughout, it's a memorable choice for couples, friends and small families at any time of year.
Westholme is a cosy holiday cottage in Thwaite, Swaledale, sleeping 4 guests in 2 bedrooms in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This dog-friendly holiday rental in North Yorkshire sits just yards from the Pennine Way, making it a fantastic base for walkers and outdoor lovers. With an open fire, character features and access to miles of scenic trails, it offers welcoming self-catering accommodation in a peaceful village setting. Close to Muker, Keld and Hawes, Westholme is well placed for exploring waterfalls, meadows and classic Dales landscapes.
Croft House is a charming holiday cottage in Redmire, Wensleydale, sleeping 4 guests in 2 bedrooms in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This dog-friendly holiday rental combines traditional features with modern comfort and sits just a short walk from a welcoming village pub. With a south-facing garden and views towards Penhill, it offers relaxed self-catering accommodation in a well-placed Dales village. Close to Bolton Castle, Aysgarth Falls and Leyburn, Croft House is a great base for exploring Wensleydale and enjoying walks, historic sites and classic Yorkshire scenery.
Ashfield Cottage Three sleeps two adults, this North York Moors holiday cottage near Pickering, situated in the traditional village of Lockton is a perfect place to stay for exploring the National Park and the nearby coastline of Whitby and Scarborough. Perfect for couples who want to holiday in the North York Moors. Great walking and with an abundance of different attractions in the local area, with Ryedale and the Moors on the doorstep you will be spoilt for choice. The village Tea Rooms can provide a tasty treat and there are two pubs within a mile of the village.
This pretty holiday cottage is steps from independent shops, cafes and pubs, yet still feels wonderfully peaceful. Priory Cottage is in the lovely market town of Guisborough at the top end of the North York Moors, with excellent access to fantastic walking and mountain biking. It sleeps up to five people in two bedrooms and is well suited to couples or families. Staithes and the beautiful North Yorkshire Coast is less than half an hour's drive, and there is a lot to see and do no matter what time of the year you stay.
Ashfield Cottage Two sleeps two adults in this North York Moors holiday cottage near Pickering, situated in the traditional village of Lockton making it a perfect place for a weekly stay or a short break to explore the National Park and the nearby coastline of Whitby and Scarborough. This ground floor spacious holiday cottage offers you comfortable accommodation and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The village Tea Rooms can provide a tasty treat and there are two pubs within a mile of the village.
One of two self-catering cottages full of character ideally placed in the very heart of Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales with extensive views. A great location for walking and cycling, the cottages are cosy all year round with a log burner and biomass heating system. Both cottages offer metered electric vehicle charging sockets (type 2). Together the cottages can sleep groups of eight.
One of two self-catering cottages full of character ideally placed in the very heart of Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales with extensive views. A great location for walking and cycling, the cottages are cosy all year round with a log burner and biomass heating system. Both cottages offer metered electric vehicle charging sockets (type 2). Together the cottages can sleep groups of eight.
This gorgeous 3 bedroom Detached Cottage is ideally situated in a little village between Pickering's Steam Railway and the TV hit programms Bangers and Cash at Thornton-le-dale and the Yorkshire Vet and Yorkshire Auction House at Kirkbymoorside. Malton is nearby with Castle Howard, Flamingoland and Dalby Forest on the doorstep too. There are uninterrupted views to the Moors from the secluded sunny courtyard and horses grazing in the field next door. You'll love Argil Cottage, so book now for a perfect stay in Yorkshire. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Overdale Cottage is a spacious stone-built holiday home in the Yorkshire Dales village of Dent, with stunning views across Dentdale. Close to pubs, coffee shops and scenic walking routes, this three-bedroom cottage sleeps five and is within easy reach of Sedbergh, the Howgills and the Settle–Carlisle Railway. Windermere and the Lake District are under 25 miles away, offering great day trip options. Features include a wood-burning stove, well-equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, gardens front & back with great views. A brilliant choice for walkers, cyclists and families looking to explore both the Dales and the Lakes from a peaceful village base.
Dale Cottage dates from around 1750's and nestles beside St Oswalds' Church in the lovely old village of Askrigg. It has accomodation for three/four guests in two bedrooms. Full of old world charm and character, the cottage has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable break. A cosy living room, inglenook fireplace, well fitted kitchen, and modern bathroom and is an ideal base for exploring the 'Dales National Park with it's great walks, waterfalls, villages and scenery. Askrigg has three good pubs, brewery, deli, village store and cafe and craft shops and childrens play park.
Badgers Cottage is an attractive holiday rental situated in Ribblesdale, the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Ribblesdale is the best known walking area in the National Park and features Yorkshire's famous Three Peaks - Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent - offering challenging walks and amazing views. A series of long distance routespass through this area; the Pennine Way, Pennine Bridleway, Ribble Way, Pennine Journey and Dales High Way. This stone cottage sits with its attractive garden alongside the Ribble beck with a signed public footpath only 35 metres from its front door. It also has under cover bike storage and provides the perfect self-catering base to explore this wonderful area with so much to see and do.
Popular towns in and around The North York Moors:
AldbroughAppletreewickAskriggAskrigg and BainbridgeBeckermondsBedaleBeverleyBradfordBridlingtonBuckdenBurnsallCamertonCumbriaDarlingtonDeepdaleDentdaleDoncasterDriffieldEast YorkshireFileyFlamboroughGillamoorGoathlandGooleGrassingtonGrassington Nr SkiptonGuisboroughHalifaxHarrogateHawesHaworthHebden BridgeHelmsleyHolmfirthHornseaHorton in RibblesdaleHowardian HillsHuddersfieldHullHutton RudbyHutton-le-HoleIlkleyIngletonKettlewellKirbymoorsideKirkbyKirkby LonsdaleKirkby StephenKirkbymoorsideKnaresboroughLeyburnLocktonMalhamMalhamdaleMaltonMarsdenMashamMiddlehamMiddlesbroughMiddlesmoorMukerNidderdaleNormanbyNorth CaveNorthallertonOsmotherleyPateley BridgePenistonePickeringPocklingtonReethRichmondRiponRobin Hoods BayRosedale AbbeyRunswick BayRydaleSaltburnSaltburn-by-the-SeaSanctonSandsendScarboroughSedberghSelbySettleSheffieldShipleySigglesthorneSkiptonStaithesStocksbridgeSwainbySwaledaleThirskThreshfieldTodmordenTown2Upper WensleydaleWensleydaleWest AytonWest BurtonWest StonesdaleWetherbyWharfedaleWhitbyYorkYork City CentreYorkshire DalesSome local suggestions:
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Historically, Yorkshire is one of the most significant places in the whole of England. The walled city of York still retains many of its old age features and is an example of living history with charming cobbled streets, an elaborate cathedral and all-round traditional feel.
The area has played a major role in English history and visitors can view almighty reenactments of famous battles at the Royal Armouries Museum or see for themselves the battlefields where some of the most important conflicts raged during the War of the Roses.
For city lovers, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford provide an altogether different atmosphere to the restful Yorkshire Dales. Modern shopping complexes, an active nightlife scene and plenty of entertainment options day and night make them among the most visited cities in England.
The sheer size of the county means that everyone can enjoy native wildlife in the roaming countryside, exotic animals in the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, sandy beaches on the east coast and outdoor pursuits like rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, surfing, trekking and canoeing within its natural parks and striking coastline.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Yorkshire, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete North East England Guide.
Yorkshire’s vast area means that it really does provide something for everyone. Like many English counties, it includes untouched countryside and natural beauty but it combines this with active cities, an extensive coastline and centuries of history. With countless outdoor and indoor activities available, combined with its family-friendly appeal, Yorkshire is a county that is definitely hard to miss.
Summer holidays in Yorkshire often present mild to warm weather with the occasional hotter day. The days are longer providing visitors with more time to explore the great outdoors. Generally, the climate is overcast and humid with average temperatures of around 20°C. If you aim to visit Yorkshire when the weather is at its best, July or August typically have warmer days and more sunshine.
Yorkshire in spring offers a mix of sunny days and cooler, wet weather. This is a great time to visit for those who plan on getting active as the milder temperatures create the perfect environment for hiking, biking or other activities. Between March and May, the temperatures average around 8°C to 15°C, with the occasional spring rain shower.
Winter in Yorkshire tends to bring inconsistency in the weather. There is often a mix of rain, snow and wild, windy days. Temperatures average around highs of 9°C, making it a much cooler time to visit. However, if you want to see the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors dusted in white, winter is a great time to visit. It is also an excellent time to wander around the many quaint villages and towns, all whilst being bundled up in warm winter clothes.
If one National Park is not enough, Yorkshire is also blessed with the North York Moors. With its heather-clad moorland stretching as far as the eye can see, this rugged vast expanse of space offers a real sense of solitude and a superb playground for those with a passion for outdoor pursuits.
Wildlife is diverse in the county. The RSPB-protected cliffs at Bempton are one of the best spots in all of England for sea birds with over 200,000 swarming around the shores. Furthermore, the various nature walks and trails provide ample opportunity to witness some of the rarer animals in the county such as red squirrels in the Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve or deer near the tranquil 16th-century Rievaulx Abbey.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to Yorkshire, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit your Yorkshire cottage by car.
London: 218 miles
Birmingham: 133 miles
Glasgow: 212 miles
Liverpool: 103 miles
Bristol: 222 miles
Manchester: 72 miles
Leeds: 28 miles
Edinburgh: 201 miles
Newcastle: 85 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Yorkshire. Its excellent public transport links mean you can journey by train or bus from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Yorkshire. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park offer a gorgeous mix of gardens and architecture in varying styles, having been built over 800 years ago. Saltaire, the other site, was designated by UNESCO in 2001 due to the superb manner in which this Victorian industrial village has been preserved, the influence of which has impacted other villages around the UK.
The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors attract visitors from far and wide, but don’t overlook the beauty of East Yorkshire and the very pleasing surprises of West and South Yorkshire. There are also some beautiful cities and towns in West Yorkshire such as Leeds and Hebden Bridge, perfect for those seeking somewhere with plenty of shops and great cafes and restaurants.
From the waterfalls at West Burton to the sandy shores at Robin Hoods Bay, there are many pretty towns scattered around Yorkshire. Whether you seek historic market towns like Skipton or the limestone dry walls of Malham, there is an abundance of beauty here, which makes picking the prettiest place a tricky task. You will just have to find and decide for yourself!
Due to its sheer size, Yorkshire holidays can be as expensive or inexpensive as you choose. If you want to visit the bustling cities of Leeds or York, expect to pay a bit more for your visit. For those who would rather see the North York Moors and wander through the smaller villages of Hutton-le-Hole or Thornton-le-Dale, then your trip will be slightly cheaper.
There is no wrong and right time. During the warmer months, Yorkshire’s stunning coast and national parks attract walkers and those seeking sea air and relaxation. Whereas, the pull of a cosy Yorkshire cottage with a roaring log fire, or a day or two exploring the cities of York and Hull make winter equally as appealing.
