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
Old Bald Peg is a cottage with a pedigree as impressive as its Thoroughbred namesake. The Victorian terraced former estate cottage has been refurbished to provide a charming holiday home sleeping four guests in two bedrooms, with two well-behaved dogs welcome by prior arrangement. Situated in the quiet village of Wass, in the North York Moors National Park, within an easy stroll of two great gastropubs and the ancient ruins of Byland Abbey and close to the market towns of Helmsley, Thirsk and the historic city of York. Other local attractions include Rievaulx Abbey, Castle Howard, Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse. Explore the Cleveland Way, the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast and the wild beauty of the moors.
In an idyllic position on a quiet lane sandwiched between a river and mill pond, this comfy holiday cottage provides the perfect self-catering base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales and is within easy reach of the Southern Lakes and the Forest of Bowland. Superb walking from the front door including a pleasant mile walk to the market town of Settle with a great choice of eateries and shops. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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
Just outside the village of Commondale in the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors, this welcoming holiday cottage provides exceptionally comfortable self-catering and an ideal base for exploring the areas many attractions including Whitby and the lovely bays of Runswick bay, Sleights with in a 20min drive and the beautiful city of York within easy driving distance.
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.
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.
Old Carthouse is a dog friendly holiday cottage nestled within the Yorkshire Dales National Park providing a perfect romantic retreat. Enjoy walks from the front door, explore local market towns and villages like nearby Wensleydale, Hawes and Leyburn or simply lie back and relax in the bubbling hot tub. Perfect for a self-catering holiday at any time of the year, this cosy barn conversion is located in the little village of Aysgarth and is an ideal base to explore this magical part of North Yorkshire.
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.
This characterful 18th Century, Grade II listed fisherman's cottage is perfectly situated at the end of a cobbled street overlooking Staithes beach and harbour, within walking distance of shops, cafes and pubs. Accommodation is spread over three floors with space for up to six guests to sleep in four charming bedrooms, and the living room has a log burner and window seats. It's perfect for families and friends who want direct access to the beaches and footpaths of the Yorkshire Coast, as well as the wider North York Moors National Park.
Swale View is a very comfortable detached stone cottage in Low Row near Reeth overlooking Swaledale Valley. Suitable for families, couples, friends and above all dogs. Sleeping five people in three bedrooms, king, queen and single, we love to have dogs visit with up to 4 staying. We have 2 log burners, Fibre Broadband, Secure Garden & storage and great views! A great pub with wonderful food & beer is only a few minutes walk away.
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.
Tucked away on a peaceful lane a short walk from the centre of High Casterton (with pub) and just 1.5 miles (20 minute walk) from cosmopolitan Kirkby Lonsdale with a great choice of pubs and shops, Norwood Cottage is a fantastic holiday home for couples or families who love spectacular scenery, great food and plenty of variety. There is good access to both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, with fantastic sights like Cragg Hill, Dentdale and Levens Hall all nearby. The flexible layout accommodates four people in two bedrooms, with the second bedroom being able to be configured as either a double or a twin, depending on your needs.
A delightful holiday cottage in the pretty village of Thornton-le-Dale near Pickering within the North York Moors National Park. With Dalby Forest on the doorstep, Lumley Cottage is a superb self-catering base for exploring the areas many attractions and enjoying a host of outdoor pursuits.
A superb holiday home that is perfect for large groups. Just one mile from Ingleton village, Warth House sits on the Lancashire/Yorkshire borders on the fringe of the Yorkshire Dales with a wealth of attractions within easy reach. A great place to get together with friends or family. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Stay in luxury at The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg. Awarded 5 Gold Stars for its consistently high standards, the stone cottage near Pickering in the North York Moors National Park sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is popular with couples and families visiting the area. You can see Cropton Forest from the cottage and garden, and with Dalby Forest also nearby there are an excellent variety of footpaths and cycling trails to enjoy. The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg is also within easy reach of the Yorkshire Coast, including Whitby and Sandsend. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Guest rave about The Healthy Home Retreat and you'll understand why when you stay in this stunning house a few miles from Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. As a whole, up to 17 people can be accommodated in six bedrooms with loads of space indoors and outside, incredible views, and fantastic walks and bike rides from the front door. The house started life as three former buildings and is now one beautiful large property with lots of spaces for lounging and personal space, relaxing, celebrating special occasions and enjoying time together. 2 kitchens, one with a woodburning stove. Large, private gardens and terraces, stunning views, BBQ, Firepit and outside dining areas. *Please enquire directly with the owner regarding Monday mid-week stays as there is always huge discounts available!*
River Bank Cottage sits in a peaceful location outside Whitby, with excellent access to the North York Moors and coast. It's next to the Esk with beautiful views of the river and the Larpool viaduct. The one-bedroom self-catering cottage is excellent for couples and individuals, with a sofa-bed increasing accommodation to four people for small families to stay. Guests love the quiet spot close to Whitby's famous sights and attractions. This property is an excellent base for a walking, cycling and sightseeing holiday in all seasons. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Hilltop is an idyllic cottage in a picturesque location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park with fantastic views. The owners have sympathetically updated the period cottage to make it comfortable for modern visitors while still retaining original features and character. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms, both with king size beds. There are lots of lovely walks and cycle rides in the area, both mountain biking and road. The cottage is within walking distance of the friendly village pub and just a few miles from Kirkby Lonsdale. The Lake District National Park and Bowland Forest are also easy to reach.
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.
