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
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
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 ground floor accommodation 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.
An ideal holiday retreat for two guests in the East Yorkshire village of Garton on the Wolds. A perfect base from which to explore the Yorkshire Wolds, within easy reach of Driffield and Beverley as well as Yorkshire's glorious coastline and bustling City of York. A stunning landscape packed full of culture and attractions, walking trails and nature reserves just waiting to be discovered. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A collection of six award winning holiday cottages (rated Five star Gold) with views across the Yorkshire Wolds just two miles from the vibrant market town of Beverley. PRICES RELATE TO A 2 BEDROOM COTTAGE. Cosy cottages to sleep two or four and larger barn conversions that sleep up to twelve, all have a private garden and free WIFI. An ideal self-catering base for visiting the areas many attractions and wildlife reserves – there are walks from the door with pubs and restaurants close by. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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.
A charming holiday cottage close to the village of Swainby with glorious views across lovely open countryside, providing the ideal place for a relaxing holiday in North Yorkshire. Sitting on the edge of the North York Moors, Lyke Wake Cottage is perfect for walkers and cyclists with many superb walks locally including the Cleveland Way and National Cycle Route 65 easily accessible.
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.
A comfortable cosy holiday cottage in a lovely rural location within Cumbria & the Yorkshire Dales National Park near the unspoilt village of Ravenstonedale. Conveniently located for exploring the many attractions of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, ideal for walkers and bird watching. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
You can enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales from the moment you wake up until you drift off to sleep when you stay at Moorside Farm Cottage. Located on a family-run farm two miles from Grassington, the charming Yorkshire stone holiday cottage has spectacular views over the fells towards Simon's Seat and breathtakingly brilliant night skies. It is built from Yorkshire stone and sleeps eight people in four bedrooms, with a layout that suits families, extended families and friends. The cottage is child and dog-friendly, has good access to beautiful footpaths and cycling routes, and is within easy reach of Skipton, Ripon and Harrogate.
A cosy bolthole for two perfectly placed in a tranquil setting with amazing views up and down Dentdale within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sitting in the tiny hamlet of Gawthrop, Ellerbank Cottage offers all the right ingredients to relax and unwind, with fabulous walking and cycling, and is just a half mile walk along the river (or across the fields) to the pretty cobbled village of Dent with real ale pubs and cafes. Great self-catering base for exploring the Dales and Cumbria (including the nearby Lake District National Park).
Even if you only have a few days in the Yorkshire Dales, staying at Gemstone Cottage will help you enjoy every minute. This lovely stone cottage is within walking distance of the centre of Settle, and close to pubs, cafes and shops. The Yorkshire Moors open up just five minutes from the front door, making it especially popular with walkers and mountain bikers, and there is also golf and horseriding nearby. Climb aboard the Settle to Carlisle Railway and marvel at the Ribblehead Viaduct, or drive or cycle around country lanes discovering incredible views and friendly towns and villages. With space for up to four people in two rooms, it is ideal for couples, families or friends.
Knotts View is a superb new barn conversion in the Forest of Bowland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms with luxuries like underfloor heating, an outdoor hot tub, and a layout that suits families or friends. This region is perfect for a self-catering holiday in all seasons, especially if you enjoy walking or cycling. The number and diversity of trails are as impressive as the views of Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough from the holiday cottage and garden.
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
Welcome to Heart of Hawes, a premium quality holiday cottage set in a quiet / slightly elevated location in the centre of Hawes offering stunning views to countryside beyond. Sleeping five people (plus a baby) in three large bedrooms, we offer a large living room featuring a stunning inglenook fireplace / log burner, kitchen diner, south facing cottage garden with patio area, and an annex laundry / bike / equipment store. Perfect for exploring All Creatures Great & Small country and the wider Yorkshire Dales. We are proud to have a 100% record of 5 Star reviews (42 individual reviews) on the Airbnb platform, making Heart of Hawes Holiday Cottage the highest rated cottage in the Yorkshire Dales. Guests love the quietly set back but incredibly central location with every amenity in the town within a couple of minutes walk, and The Pennine Way passing the cottage leading out to some amazing countryside and walks. We also have amazing local housekeepers; Joanne and Chris who present a spotless cottage.
Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland, and within an hour's drive of Kendal and the Lake District National Park, Settle is a fantastic choice to visitors who want to experience the stunning natural beauty of the north of England first hand. Grade II listed, Louise Cottage is a short walk from shops, cafes, pubs and train station, and is perfect for individuals and couples who want to stay somewhere with character and comfort.
An ideal retreat for couples or small families (one child under ten welcome) nestling within the grounds of the owner's larger cottage in the pretty traditional Moorland village of Goathland with pub, village store, fabulous walks and access to the North York famous Steam Railway. Sitting in the heart of the National Park, the Heritage Coast, Dalby Forest and the City of York are all within driving distance.
This gorgeous 3 bedroom Detached Cottage is perfectly situated in a little village between Pickering's Steam Railway and the TV hit programms Bangers and Cash at Thornron-le-dale 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 where guests call it their home in Yorkshire. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Fold Yard is a charming period holiday cottage in rural North Yorkshire, close to Sheriff Hutton and within easy reach of York, Castle Howard, Thirsk, The North York Moors and the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms and has a flexible layout that suits couples, friends or families. Guests are able to enjoy gorgeous walks or bike rides in the local area, with the owner providing secure bicycle storage. The cottage is offered all year round for short breaks and longer stays, depending on availability.
Popular towns in and around The North York Moors:
AldbroughAppletreewickAskriggAskrigg and BainbridgeBeckermondsBedaleBeverleyBradfordBridlingtonBuckdenBurnsallCamertonCumbriaDarlingtonDeepdaleDentdaleDoncasterDriffieldEast YorkshireFileyFlamboroughGillamoorGoathlandGooleGrassingtonGrassington Nr SkiptonGuisboroughHalifaxHarrogateHawesHaworthHebden BridgeHelmsleyHolmfirthHornseaHorton in RibblesdaleHowardian HillsHuddersfieldHullHutton RudbyHutton-le-HoleIngletonKirbymoorsideKirkbyKirkby LonsdaleKirkby StephenKirkbymoorsideKnaresboroughLeyburnLocktonMalhamMalhamdaleMaltonMarsdenMashamMiddlehamMiddlesbroughMiddlesmoorNidderdaleNormanbyNorth CaveNorthallertonOsmotherleyPateley BridgePenistonePickeringPocklingtonReethRichmondRiponRobin Hoods BayRosedale AbbeyRunswick BayRydaleSaltburnSaltburn-by-the-SeaSanctonSandsendScarboroughSedberghSelbySettleSheffieldShipleySigglesthorneSkiptonStaithesStocksbridgeSwainbySwaledaleThirskThreshfieldTown2Upper WensleydaleWensleydaleWest AytonWest BurtonWest StonesdaleWetherbyWharfedaleWhitbyYorkYork City CentreYorkshire DalesSearch within North East England
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 North 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.
