Everyone knows York, Whitby and Harrogate, but some of Yorkshire’s best places are quieter and less well known. Here are some hidden gems near our holiday homes, and tips for enjoying them without the crowds.
Natural wonders off the beaten track
- Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale: huge, weathered rock formations on the moor with views across the dale.
- How Stean Gorge, upper Nidderdale: a limestone gorge for outdoor adventures.
- The Nidd Gorge, Knaresborough: woodland and riverside walks a short stroll from town.
- Sutton Bank, near Thirsk: one of the best viewpoints in the North York Moors.
- Dalby Forest, near Pickering: trails through the forest for walkers and cyclists.
Quieter historic places
- Ripon’s Workhouse Museum: a fascinating look at Victorian life.
- Middleham and Bolton castles in Wensleydale.
- Rievaulx Abbey, in a wooded valley near Helmsley.
- The Hornblower in Ripon, who sets the watch in the Market Square every evening at 9pm.
Villages worth a detour
- West Tanfield, a peaceful riverside village on the River Ure.
- Glasshouses and Pateley Bridge, in the heart of Nidderdale.
- Robin Hood’s Bay, steep cobbled lanes running down to the sea.
Visit out of season
Autumn, winter and early spring are the best times to enjoy Yorkshire’s quieter side. Roads are emptier, attractions are calmer and a cosy cottage is even more welcome after a day out. Check opening times first, as some places close or open less often in winter.
Secluded places to stay
- The Little Chantry, a 14th-century cottage on the riverbank in West Tanfield.
- Loft 11, a converted mill apartment near Pateley Bridge.
- The Chapel, a detached former chapel in its own gardens at Sands Farm, near Pickering.
- The Morndyke Shepherds’ Huts, beside a fishing lake near Thirsk.
See all our rural properties.
