York is one of England’s most historic cities and a wonderful destination for a city break or holiday in Yorkshire. Famous for its medieval city walls, magnificent York Minster, Viking heritage and beautifully preserved historic streets, York combines centuries of history with independent shops, excellent restaurants, museums, attractions and a lively city-centre atmosphere.
Many of York's main attractions are within easy walking distance of the city centre, making it particularly easy to explore on foot. Visit the atmospheric Shambles, walk along the ancient city walls, discover York’s Roman and Viking past, explore one of its many museums or enjoy afternoon tea at the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms. York is also a convenient base for exploring the wider Yorkshire countryside, with historic houses, picturesque villages and attractions within easy reach. Read more
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
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 collection of 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
Talbot House is a welcoming holiday home furnished with families in mind. The three-bedroom property sleeps six people, with a flexible layout that you can alter to suit your needs. It's barely a five-minute walk from the cottage to the beach, Filey Brigg Country Park, and the town centre with shops, cafes, pubs and other amenities. Excellent transport links make it possible to explore without a car, going to Scarborough and York by bus or train. Talbot House is available all year round for bookings.
Pear Tree House is perfectly located between York and the Howardian Hills AONB, with easy access to some of the North York Moors favourite footpaths, sights and attractions. It's a spacious holiday home dating back to the 1800s, which the owners have beautifully restored and updated to provide accommodation for six people in three bedrooms.
Dating back to 17th Century, our charming Yorkshire longhouse provides a spacious, comfortable getaway for family and friends to get together. You will find the Longhouse full of character and a welcoming, restful home, having plenty of communal space for guests to relax with a book, or enjoy time together. Pickering is a great location with plentiful opportunities for days out and activities, it is a bustling market town situated at the edge of the beautiful North York Moors, and is famous for it's heritage, steam railway. There is something for everyone, from walking and nature to sight seeings and culture. Pickering has cafes, shops, pubs, restaurants, all selling fresh, local produce and is in easy reach of many of the local attractions on our doorstep: the Yorkshire heritage coastline, the beautiful North York Moors and many charming towns and villages. The Longhouse provides a spacious, welcoming home for families and friends to meet up and explore North Yorkshire.
This elegant first-floor apartment is on a quiet residential street slightly outside the centre of Harrogate. Guests at Upper Swan View are within a short walk of boutiques, antique shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and the town's beautiful Valley Gardens. The location is perfect whether you're on holiday, in the area for work or wanting to explore the North Yorkshire Dales. The dog-friendly property has one bedroom with a versatile layout that can sleep one or two people. A comfortable double sofa-bed in the living room extends the apartment's capacity to four people. It's great for couples, friends, families and individuals.
The Yorkshire Wolds are a great destination at any time of the year as they are within easy reach of The Yorkshire Coast including the resort towns of Scarborough, Filey & Whitby. Also within easy reach are The North York Moors National Park, The Howardian Hills and the ancient City of York. This beautiful barn conversion enjoys a central location in the lovely village of West Lutton overlooking the church. The Market town of Malton, known as Yorkshire’s Food Capital is just 11 miles away, and Pickering is an easy 30mins drive. The self-catering cottage sleeps up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms, and the owner is happy to accept bookings for families needing only 2 or 3 bedrooms at a reduced rate in all but Peak Season.
Large Cumbrian Holiday Cottage sleeps 16 guests (or 20 using sofa beds), this 1794 grade 2 listed self-catering retreat is just perfect for large groups for milestone events, birthdays or anniversary celebrations & get togethers and is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and alongside the Lake District National Park with easy access to the attractions of both . Full of country charm, Fawcett Mill beautifully combines fabulous original features such as a old style range and log burner & open fires, wooden beams, & 4 poster beds with modern comforts including a sauna, seven bedrooms and internet access ensuring the whole party can relax in comfort. In a picturesque setting with water fall and a stream running through the grounds, this welcoming holiday rental for large groups is just perfect for celebrating milestone birthday, anniversaries, family events & for walking , cycling, relaxing and catching up with friends and family.
For refined elegance and relaxed luxury, Elm Lodge is the cream of the crop of Cumbrian country houses. The Victorian villa is in the traditional English village of Ravenstonedale, less than half a mile from three excellent pubs and a nine-hole golf course. As the perfect holiday home for your group holiday, it comfortably sleeps up to 26 guests in 11 gorgeous bedrooms and boasts 15 acres of private grounds. The rural location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as you're close to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines, and a wide variety of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes cover the area.
1 Teesdale Road is a comfortable and cosy holiday cottage with just a short walk over to the River Tees and into the market town of Barnard Castle and it's shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and traditional markets. We have been awarded 4 star Visit England Gold awards in 2023, 2024 and 2025 ! The accommodation is suitable for six people in three bedrooms - two on the ground floor - with an open-plan living area and a patio with lovely views. The location is perfect for a walking or cycling holiday, and the self-catering property has a lockable garage so you can store bikes, SUPs, kayaks and other equipment. Bookings are available all year round for families and friends.
Nightingale Cottage is ideal for families or friends, sleeping six people in three ensuite bedrooms, two of which can be set up with two single or one super-kingsized bed. The cottage is in Yorkshire's beautiful East Riding region, two miles from Stamford Bridge, ten miles from York, and within easy reach of the Howardian Hills and the breathtaking Yorkshire coast. The welcoming holiday home is on a family-run arable farm and has a private deck with an outdoor hot tub for luxurious star gazing. It's available for holiday bookings all year round.
A holiday in Yorkshire will be the highlight of your year, especially when you stay in the comfortable surroundings of Barn Owl Cottage. The welcoming holiday cottage sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms, one of which is on the ground floor and ideal for guests who'd prefer to avoid stairs. It's one of three cottages on a 400-acre family-run arable farm two miles from Stamford Bridge and ten miles from York. You're within easy reach of the scenic Yorkshire coast and the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Families and couples love the property and the location.
Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Partridge Cottage. The romantic barn conversion is on a family-run 400-acre arable farm near the historic village of Stamford Bridge, ten miles from York, and within easy reach of the Yorkshire Coast and the Howardian Hills AONB. It comfortably sleeps two people in one large bedroom, boasting a four-poster bed and a deep rolltop bath. There's a modern shower room downstairs and a private outdoor hot tub. What more could you want from a self-catering cottage in Yorkshire?
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 unique luxury holiday home just minutes from the Roman City of York on a working arable family-run farm providing a perfect mix of gracious country living with city life for groups of any number up to ten/twelve guests.
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
This luxury large holiday home sleeps up to eight guests as well as one dog. With two spacious living rooms, a games room, and a large kitchen, there is plenty of space for a group gathering in stunning North Yorkshire.
Feathered Nest is a bijou holiday cottage in North Yorkshire, perfect for two. It's on a private farmstead near Masham and Ripon, with gorgeous rural views, excellent self-catering facilities, and a standard of accommodation that leaves guests in raptures. It is ideal for a holiday in any season and convenient for anyone in Harrogate or the surrounding area on business who prefers the peace and comfort of a homely environment over the impersonal restrictions of a hotel. Extras include free bike hire plus the option to arrange a romantic flower delivery, buy locally reared meat for a barbecue, and book outdoor activities.
Luxurious rural barn conversion nestled at the foot of the fells in Cumbria, perfectly positioned at the edge of the Lake District. Impeccable styling, cosy retreat, log-burner, fabulous local walks from the door, dogs welcome, enclosed garden & two great pubs within walking distance. This fantastic holiday home sleeps 6 and is ideal for larger families or friends catching up. An additional single bed can be made up in the first floor super-king room for a child by arrangement. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
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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York is an excellent choice for a holiday if you enjoy history, architecture, museums, shopping, food and culture. The city has more than 2,000 years of history, with Roman, Viking and medieval influences still visible throughout its streets and landmarks.
Its compact historic centre makes York particularly easy to explore on foot. You can walk between many of the city's main attractions, stopping along the way at independent shops, cafés, traditional pubs and restaurants.
York also makes a good base for exploring other parts of Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are both within reach by car, while attractions such as Castle Howard provide an easy day out from the city.
There are plenty of things to do in York, whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying for longer. Some of the city's most popular attractions and experiences include:
York Minster is one of the city's most famous landmarks and one of the largest medieval cathedrals in Northern Europe. Its magnificent Gothic architecture, huge stained-glass windows and historic interior make it one of the highlights of any visit to York.
Walking the historic York City Walls is one of the best ways to explore York. The route follows around two miles of the medieval walls, with views across York and plenty of opportunities to see some of the city's historic buildings and landmarks from above.
The Shambles is York's most famous historic street. Its narrow, cobbled lane and overhanging timber-framed buildings create one of the city's most distinctive scenes. Today, the street is home to independent shops, cafés and places to eat.
York has strong Viking connections, and the Jorvik Viking Centre brings this history to life through interactive displays and reconstructed Viking-age York. It is one of the city's best-known attractions and a popular choice for families.
York has an impressive choice of museums. The National Railway Museum is a particular highlight for railway enthusiasts and families, while the York Castle Museum explores everyday life through different periods of history. York's Chocolate Story celebrates the city's long association with chocolate and its famous confectionery families.
A guided tour is a great way to discover more about York's history and legends. Visitors can choose from historical walking tours, ghost walks and theatrical tours, making it easy to find an experience to suit different interests.
York's compact historic centre is home to many of the city's best-known attractions, making it easy to explore several places in a single day.
York Minster, the Shambles, Clifford's Tower and the medieval city walls are among the city's most recognisable landmarks. The city is also home to several excellent museums, including the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle Museum and National Railway Museum.
Beyond its historic attractions, York is known for its independent shops, cafés, traditional pubs and restaurants. The Shambles and surrounding streets are particularly good for browsing, while afternoon tea at Bettys is a popular York experience.
York is also well placed for exploring the surrounding Yorkshire countryside and historic attractions.
Castle Howard is one of the most impressive places to visit near York, with a magnificent historic house, gardens and extensive grounds. The North York Moors National Park is also within easy reach, offering spectacular countryside, walking routes and picturesque villages.
For a wider Yorkshire adventure, York provides a convenient base for visiting destinations including the Yorkshire Dales and historic towns such as Harrogate, Helmsley and Malton.
Yes. York is a particularly good destination for families because many of its attractions combine history with interactive and entertaining experiences. The Jorvik Viking Centre, National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum and York's Chocolate Story are among the attractions that appeal to children as well as adults.
The compact city centre also means that many attractions can be reached on foot, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunities for family walks and days out.
Two or three nights is a popular length of stay for seeing York's main attractions and exploring the historic city centre without rushing. A longer stay allows you to visit more museums and attractions and take day trips into the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
York can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season offering something different.
Spring and summer are popular for exploring the city on foot, walking the city walls and taking day trips into the surrounding countryside. Autumn brings colourful woodland and countryside, while winter is particularly atmospheric in York's historic centre, with seasonal events and Christmas markets adding to the city's appeal.
If you prefer to avoid the busiest periods, consider visiting outside the school holidays or during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.
York offers a wide choice of accommodation. Staying in a holiday cottage in or near York gives you the flexibility of having your own space, with the option to explore the city during the day and return to a more relaxed base in the evening. For larger groups, families or longer stays, self-catering accommodation can also provide additional space and home comforts.
Browse our selection of York holiday cottages and find your ideal base for exploring York and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
