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
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 charming cottage in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is close to the famous Dales Way footpath and within a short walk of the village shop and pub. The two-bedroom cottage can sleep up to four people and is ideal for couples, friends and family, including those with dogs. It is in the quiet village of Buckden in the Upper Wharfdale Valley, about half an hour's drive from Skipton and within easy reach of the Forest of Bowland and Nidderdale, both designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as Grassington and Aysgarth Falls.
Arriving at Bilsdale Cottage is a heart-warming experience. The pretty stone cottage, which is one of four at Sproxton Hall, is set back from a private road in a quiet hamlet, only two miles south of the friendly market town of Helmsley. Guests can wake up to beautiful views of the Howardian Hills AONB and the North York Moors National Park, knowing that their day is full of spectacular scenery and memorable experiences which could even include walking around the ancient city walls of York or strolling by the seaside at Whitby or Scarborough. With space to sleep four people in two bedrooms, Bilsdale Cottage is ideal for families and couples.
Enjoy the beauty of the North York Moors National Park from the comfort of Ryedale Cottage. The pretty stone cottage is one of four at Sproxton Hall Cottages in Sproxton, just two miles from Helmsley. There is space for four guests to sleep in two bedrooms, making it perfect for couples and families who want a peaceful location that is close to some of the region's favourite attractions such as Helmsley Castle, Pickering, Castle Howard, York, Whitby and Scarborough.
Why choose between the coast and the countryside when you can enjoy both from the comfort of Easton View? This modern holiday cottage is three miles from Bridlington and the Yorkshire Heritage Coast and within easy reach of the Yorkshire Wolds and Howardian Hills AONB. Days out can be spent at the beach, admiring the splendour of Castle Howard, shopping and sightseeing in York, or admiring breathtaking views from the coastal footpath. The three-bedroom self-catering cottage sleeps four people in two double bedrooms and a single bedroom. It's ideal for couples or families.
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.
You won't be surprised that Pump Hill Barn is a place visitors return to year after year. The charming period holiday cottage is in the quiet Yorkshire village of Aberford, within walking distance of the local pub, village green and playground. It comfortably accommodates four people with a layout that works well for couples, families or friends. Leeds, York and Harrogate are all within half an hour's drive, with other attractions including Castle Howard, Harewood House, and Fountains Abbey. Great road links make Pump Hill Barn ideal for exploring York, North Yorkshire, and West Riding.
Located in a peaceful position just outside of the village of Snainton close to the edge of the North York Moors we have 2 cottages, this one and Granary Cottage. The Stables Cottage offers a luxurious place to stay while discovering the many delights of the Moors. There is space for five guests 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.
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, 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.
A delightful dog friendly holiday cottage with wonderful views perfectly placed near to the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale where the stunning Lake District meets the rolling Yorkshire Dales. Ideal for walkers or anyone wanting to discover the many attractions of Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Stay in the desirable Pottergate area of Richmond in this gorgeous Yorkshire self-catering holiday home. The first-floor, two-bedroom apartment sleeps four people and is furnished to a very high standard. A comfortable sofa bed can sleep one or two more people, making the apartment well-suited to couples or families. Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are all within a five-minute walk. Stroll beside the river to Easby Abbey or tackle the footpaths and mountain bike trails of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales, which are on the doorstep. Garden View has allocated off-street parking and is available for bookings all year round.
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
With six or seven bedrooms, multiple living rooms, and large gardens with lawns and a hot tub, it's no wonder that The Long View Yorkshire is such a favourite. This huge self-catering holiday home is consistently booked all year round, accommodating extended families and groups of friends who love not only its space but also its fantastic location near Heptonstall in the Upper Calder Valley. Hebden Bridge is three miles away, and Skipton and Halifax are also within easy reach. Offering wonderful privacy and seclusion, the house and the gardens have superb views that stretch for miles, and there are wonderful footpaths and cycling routes accessible from the door. The owners can provide contacts for catering, yoga, and nearby sauna and cold plunge.
Welcome to our multi award winning, beautifully presented, Eco and pet friendly cottage. Situated just a short stroll from the lovely artisan village bars, restaurants, pubs and amenities in Ingleton. With a bespoke hand carved 4 poster bed in the master bedroom, and twin beds in the second bedroom, you will enjoy a perfect balance of high end quality features, and historical charm and character. There are two sun trap garden areas; with a choice of the raised mezzanine deck and views to the hills over Backgate, or a lower private barbecue garden. An abundance of local walks for every ability lead from the doorstep, including the famous waterfalls trail. Easy access to the wider Yorkshire Dales National Park, and local market towns, together with attractions such as the Settle to Carlisle railway and show caves mean you will never be at a loss for what to do. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A newly-refurbished two-bedroom, single-storey, luxury cottage with vaulted ceilings, wood burner, underfloor heating and spectacular views of Farndale in the middle of the North York Moors National Park. Tourist Board Rating: 5 Star
Stay in this purpose-built holiday lodge in the Howardian Hills. Comfortably furnished to a high standard and well-equipped for cooking, holiday bookings are available all year round. Victory Greenland is on the 15-acre Malton Grange Lodge Park with a leafy outlook, spacious living accommodation and a large deck with an outdoor hot tub. It's ideal for couples or families planning a self-catering holiday full of walking, cycling, sightseeing and eating. Castle Howard and Flamingo Land are less than 10 minutes away, and you're within easy reach of York, Whitby and the Yorkshire Heritage Coast.
Located in Dent village within the Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria, Penny Bank Cottage is an excellent choice for couples and welcomes dogs. With pubs, cafes and shops on the doorstep, this is an ideal holiday home to use as a base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria (inc the nearby Lake District), a walking holiday or simply relaxing.
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 pubs and cafes. Great self-catering base for exploring the Dales and Cumbria (including the nearby Lake District National Park).
A cosy welcoming cottage in the pretty village of Sancton in the Yorkshire Wolds within easy reach of the vibrant market town of Beverley. Beautiful countryside surrounds with excellent opportunities for those who enjoy wildlife, walking, exploring Yorkshire or simply relaxing! Within easy reach of the cities of Hull and York.
Popular towns in and around Yorkshire:
AppletreewickAskriggBeckermondsBeverleyBridlingtonBurnsallDentdaleDriffieldFileyFlamboroughGoathlandGrassingtonGrassington Nr SkiptonGuisboroughHalifaxHarrogateHawesHaworthHebden BridgeHelmsleyHolmfirthHorton in RibblesdaleHutton-le-HoleIngletonKirkby LonsdaleKirkbymoorsideLeyburnMaltonMashamMiddlesmoorNorth CaveOsmotherleyPenistonePickeringPocklingtonReethRichmondRiponRobin Hoods BayRosedale AbbeyRydaleSaltburn-by-the-SeaSanctonScarboroughSedberghSettleSkiptonStaithesSwainbySwaledaleThirskWetherbyWhitbyYorkSearch 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.
