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Yorkshire

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Derelict farmhouse at Top Withers.

Andrew Montgomery

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Overview

With a population as big as Scotland's and an area half the size of Belgium, Yorkshire is almost a country in itself. It has its own flag, its own dialect and its own celebration, Yorkshire Day (1 August).

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Exterior of Whitby Abbey during sunset.

    Whitby Abbey

    Whitby

    There are ruined abbeys, and there are picturesque ruined abbeys. And then there's Whitby Abbey, dominating the skyline above the East Cliff like a great…

  • UK, England, North Yorkshire, York, York Minster, ceiling of chapter house

    York Minster

    York

    York Minster is the largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe, and one of the world's most beautiful Gothic buildings. Seat of the archbishop of York,…

  • The National Railway Museum in York.

    National Railway Museum

    York

    York's National Railway Museum – the biggest in the world, with more than 100 locomotives – is well presented and crammed with fascinating stuff. It is…

  • A family watch on as a woman in traditional dress demonstrating stitching at the Jorvik Viking Centre in York.

    Jorvik Viking Centre

    York

    Interactive multimedia exhibits aimed at bringing history to life often achieve exactly the opposite, but the much-hyped Jorvik manages to pull it off…

  • Rievaulx Abbey

    Rievaulx Abbey

    North York Moors National Park

    In the secluded valley of the River Rye about 3 miles west of Helmsley, amid fields and woods loud with birdsong, stand the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx…

  • Royal Armouries exterior, Leeds Dock

    Royal Armouries

    Leeds

    Leeds' most interesting museum was originally built in 1996 to house armour and weapons from the Tower of London, but subsequently expanded to cover 3000…

  • AB07AK The Captain Cook Memorial Museum at Whitby North Yorkshire England. Image shot 2007. Exact date unknown.

    Captain Cook Memorial Museum

    Whitby

    This fascinating museum occupies the house of the ship owner with whom Cook began his seafaring career. Highlights include the attic where Cook lodged as…

  • Skipton Castle

    Skipton Castle

    Yorkshire Dales National Park

    What makes Skipton Castle so fascinating is its splendid state of preservation, providing a striking contrast to the ruins you'll see elsewhere. Although…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Yorkshire is awash with scenic landscapes, historic architecture and agreeable country pubs. Here are the top things to do in God’s Own County.

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