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
Green Farm Cottage is a cosy holiday home full of character with beams and wood-burning stove situated in the pretty little Dales village of Arncliffe close to Grassington and Skipton - an ideal location for relaxing, enjoying outdoor pursuits or touring the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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
2 Hollies Cottages is a stone, mid-terraced cottage in Stainforth, a couple of miles from the market town of Settle. With an occupancy of 4 people, the cottage offers a cosy, home-from-home base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales and for further afield visits to the Lake District. The accommodation comprises a lounge with a log burning stove, a kitchen/dining room with new fitted kitchen, downstairs WC, 1 kingsize bedroom,1 twin bedroom, bathroom with boost shower over bath, and a 2nd floor loft conversion which offers an additional lounge area and a sofabed if required. The loft conversion has a separate staircase accessed through the front bedroom. To the rear of the cottage is a paved, secure garden area with plants, shrubs and wooden seating. There is a very high stone wall to the rear and high panelling to the sides, so the garden is secure for children and dogs. There is parking for one car outside the cottage, with further spaces usually free along the road.
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
Patna Cottage is a traditional cosy Dales holiday cottage with log burner in the pretty tranquil village of Keld within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With a hotel and pubs within walking distance, this is a great self-catering base for exploring the many attractions of the Dales.There is a small seating area at the front of the cottage with a bench which catches the morning sun [when there is sun]. Across the road is the communal orchard which has picnic benches that are available for guest to use, great in the evening with a glass of wine.
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.
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.
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
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
Pet friendly cottage (max 2 dogs, no dogs upstairs). Cosy living room, comfortable double bedroom, spacious bathroom with shower, and fully equipped modern kitchen. Just 5 minutes’ walk to Skipton town centre, shops/market, cafes, pubs, and Skipton Castle. Secure bike storage for two bikes. Fast full fibre Wi-Fi and 42” Smart TV with streaming services. Early check-in available on request. Note: Steep staircase with 13 steps upstairs. Ample street parking nearby, plus short-stay parking for unloading/loading.
A delightful holiday cottage providing a peaceful rural retreat for couples. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the beautiful Howgills Fells, Bluebell Cottage is close to Sedbergh in the Yorkshire Dales but also close to the Lake District National Park so plenty of attractions within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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.
