All of this, right on your doorstep
Things to do
Perhaps the most iconic experience in North Yorkshire is afternoon tea at Betty’s in Harrogate. Bettys’ famous Grand Cru Chocolate Torte is a must-try, but there’s also 300 other cakes, chocolates and breads on offer including Yorkshire Fat Rascal scones. There are also 50 different refreshments to choose from, including varieties from Bettys’ sister company, Yorkshire Tea.
If legend is to be believed, all loved-up twosomes that kiss under the 'Heart of Yorkshire’ window at York Minster, will stay together forever. Majestic and imposing, York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps. The Duke of Kent married Miss Katherine Worsley here on June 1961. This was the first Royal wedding in York Minster since King Edward III married Philippa of Hainault there in 1328.
The ancient fortifications that surround York’s historic centre are the longest and most complete city walls in England. Walk along the amazingly preserved structure and imagine yourself as a patrolling Roman guard, medieval archer or a soldier dodging cannonballs during the Civil War. First built in Roman times around 71 AD, then mostly replaced by medieval stonework, the walls stretch for over two miles. It takes about two hours to walk the full circuit. Expect incredible views of the cathedral, weaving medieval streets and stunning gardens of the city of York.
Dramatic views soon are the order of the day at Sutton Bank National Park, from the lush vale of York and Mowbray, to the Pennine mountain range and hills brooding in the distance. Soaring above you, you’ll see the gliders of the Yorkshire Gliding Club and below, Kilburn White Horse, the largest turf-cut hill figure in England. On a clear day this is a breathtaking vista and on a clear night countless stars glitter at this Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Newham Grange Farm is home to different animals from goats and llamas to pigs and sheep, all which you can meet and help feed. With adventure playgrounds, a cafe, and a woodland walk, this is the perfect place for a day out with the family.
Shopping
Time travel to days gone by along one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets, with sweet cafés and quirky shops. Once voted ‘Britain’s most picturesque street', The Shambles is a totally unique experience dating back to the 15th century. The street was once home to many butchers’ shops and was made narrow by design to keep the meat fresh and out of direct sunlight.
For a more modern retail experience, there are an array of shopping centre across the region, offering all the high street favourites, designer outlet stores and large supermarkets, so that’s the weekly shop sorted!
