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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Comfy and welcoming, Fountain Cottage sits at the very heart of Dent village within the Yorkshire Dales with pubs, cafes and a shop on the doorstep. Located in the county of Cumbria, the cottage is well placed for enjoying all the Dales (and also the Lakes) has to offer as well as providing superb walking opportunities.
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
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.
Swallows Nest is a traditional, cosy stone built Cottage nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Hebden, set within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It sleeps five and is suitable for couples, families, and groups. Dog friendly, with amazing walks direct from the doorstep, Swallows Nest has the luxury of being walking distance to the Clarendon Pub and The Old School Tearooms, both renowned for their excellent food and welcoming atmosphere. It’s situated close to the popular villages of Grassington and Burnsall, with Hebden suspension bridge and the river Wharfe only a 15 minute walk away. Swallows Nest is the perfect base from which to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Miller Cottage is a tranquil, riverside haven nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Located via a private driveway on a shared private estate, Millers sits on the banks of the River Aire and is the perfect spot to switch off and relax in nature. The Cottage sleeps five guests and welcomes up to two well behaved doggies.
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.
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.
A beautifully restored white washed terraced holiday cottage on the High Street in the pretty village of Dent in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Croft Cottage is just a two-minute walk to two fantastic pubs, the village shop and a choice of cafes, whilst the surrounding countryside is a haven for walkers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sleeping five guests in three bedrooms, and with a log burner for cosy nights in, this is the perfect self-catering retreat for families and friends at any time of the year. The master bedroom has a king size 5' wide double bed, bedroom 2 has two single beds, bedroom 3 has a single bed.
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.
Group self-catering by the sea has never looked so good! Bourne End House is between Filey and Hunmanby Gap in the quiet village of Primrose Valley on the Yorkshire Coast. The spacious holiday home sleeps 18 people in seven bedrooms with six bathrooms, two reception rooms, a private pub, and an extensive landscaped garden with an outdoor hot tub. There is plenty in the vicinity to keep everyone happy, from gorgeous beaches to family-friendly attractions, beautiful footpaths and cycling routes, and opportunities for golf and fishing.
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.
