North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and the perfect place for a staycation or a longer holiday. From stunning countryside and beautiful coastline to historic attractions, market towns and family-friendly days out, there is something for everyone.
The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the county’s biggest events, celebrating the very best of Yorkshire’s farming and the countryside. It’s a fantastic day out for all ages and a great reason to explore everything the region has to offer.
If you’re planning a visit, Meridian Parks provides the perfect base. As a family-run business with beautiful holiday parks across the UK, including North Yorkshire, we offer a range of lodges and accommodation to suit every type of getaway. You can also enjoy a range of on-site amenities from wildlife areas to fishing lakes making it easy to relax and make the most of your stay.
Come and see for yourself! There’s so much to discover in North Yorkshire which we’re covering in more detail below.
Reasons to Visit North Yorkshire
There are lots of reasons to visit North Yorkshire outside of the Great Yorkshire Show. From beautiful scenery, to quaint market towns and villages, there’s a reason this county is so popular.
Scenery
From rolling hills to rugged coastline and peaceful countryside, there are breathtaking views around every corner. The countryside has some stunning locations such as the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks which both offer miles of walking routes.
Popular walks include:
- The Malham Cove circular route
- The Cleveland Way
- Aysgarth Falls
- Ingleton Waterfalls Walk
- Rosebury Topping
- Brimham Rocks
There’s also walking routes around Helmsley and Hutton-le-Hole which are home to independent shops and traditional Yorkshire charm.
If you prefer a coastal break, explore Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes with their picturesque harbours, cliff-top paths and stunning views across the North Sea.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a peaceful countryside walk or simply somewhere to relax and take in the views, North Yorkshire offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in England.
Attractions
One thing you’ll not be short of when visiting North Yorkshire is rich history. From iconic landmarks and historic abbeys to castles, museums and heritage railways, there are lots of things to see and do.
This includes:
- Whitby Abbey – Originally a 7th-century monastery which later became a Benedictine abbey, this is one of the sources of inspiration for Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’.
- North Yorkshire Moor Steam Railway – First opened in 1836, this heritage railway runs through the North Yorkshire Moors to encourage trade to Whitby. You can now visit and explore 24 miles of beautiful Yorkshire scenery that is steeped in history.
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – As a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ripon, you’ll find dramatic ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery surrounded in beautiful gardens and parkland. It’s a great place to take photos and a popular attraction in Yorkshire.
Market towns / villages
North Yorkshire is home to many charming market towns and picturesque villages, each offering its own unique character and history.
Thornton-le-Dale is one of the county’s most beautiful villages, known for its quaint cottages, village stream and a selection of independent cafés and shops. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy what the countryside has to offer.
If you enjoy browsing local businesses, market towns such as Guisborough, Helmsley and Richmond should be on your list as it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Here you’ll find independent shops and traditional pubs where you can relax with a drink and some real pub grub! Most are dog friendly pubs too, so none of the family needs to miss out.
Whether you’re looking for local produce or just fancy a day out, North Yorkshire’s towns and villages are a great addition to any visit.
Food
No visit to North Yorkshire would be the same without trying some Yorkshire favourites, such as the famous Whitby fish and chips.
The county is renowned for its local produce including artisan cheeses made in the Yorkshire Dales and locally reared meats and farm-fresh ingredients.
Market towns such as Helmsley and Richmond also have lots of independent cafés and bakeries to choose from where you can indulge in homemade cakes and chutney.
Of course, if you’re visiting during the Great Yorkshire Show, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample some of the county’s finest food and drink producers all in one place! The event celebrates Yorkshire’s agricultural heritage and the quality produce that makes the region so well known.
You’ll also find professional chefs at the event, who will be located in both the Great Yorkshire Food Theatre (in the Food Hall) and the Game Cookery Theatre (Eighth Avenue) throughout the Show. You can find a timetable for both cookery theatres in the Souvenir Programme which is available to order in advance here and also to purchase at the Show.
Great Yorkshire Show
There’s no better way to see what North Yorkshire has to offer than The Great Yorkshire Show. It’s always a key event in the calendar and takes place from the 14th-17th June in Harrogate. By bringing together independent retailers, suppliers, and traders, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the very best of Yorkshire in one place.
Here visitors can enjoy livestock competitions, equestrian events, live demonstrations, and a selection of food. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the day.
One of the highlights of the show is the food hall where you can try a mix of local produce, from artisan cheeses, to locally produced meats and sweet treats.
The Great Yorkshire Show is a true celebration of everything that makes Yorkshire special and attracts around 140,000 people each year. Whether you’re interested in farming, food, or shopping, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
To find out more about the Great Yorkshire Show as well as answers to some frequently asked questions, you can find it all on the Great Yorkshire Show website.
