Home to rugged moorland, dramatic coastlines, and idyllic countryside, Yorkshire is full to the brim with beautiful scenes. Amongst the rolling hills and wooded valleys, you’ll find some well-kept secrets, from incredible castles that tell stories through stone to waterfalls full of magic and wonder. You’ll also find a mouth-watering array of Michelin star eateries and cosy pubs, inviting you to feast on local fare as you plan your next memorable day out.
Oh yes, Yorkshire is certainly not short of things to do or eat, with historians, literary lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts all well and truly covered when it comes to unmissable sites and sights. To help get your holiday itinerary going, we’ve rounded up some of the best landmarks this great county has to offer.
From historic marvels to natural wonders, these are the best landmarks to visit in Yorkshire during your stay…
Castle Howard
Nestled in the tranquil Howardian Hills National Landscape, Castle Howard is one of Yorkshire’s most beloved stately homes. Open to the public between April and October (and boasting festive Christmas displays in November and December), Castle Howard’s grand interiors are a sight to behold. Dome ceilings covered in incredible paintings and a gorgeous 18th-century chapel combine to create a house of utter splendour, inviting you to step back in time and marvel at the jaw-dropping architecture.
Outside, the gardens continue the decadent stylings with walled gardens and perfectly pruned landscape gardens offering an exceptionally pretty spot for a stroll. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and the sprawling parkland and woodlands allow you to extend your walk for as long as you like. See glorious fountains, shimmering lakes (where boat trips can be arranged), and historic temples that add a touch of drama to the grounds.
York Minster
There are many historic treasures within the ancient city walls of York, from streets that have appeared in beloved films to historic pubs that have served up roasted fare and cask ale for centuries. Towering above the city’s skyline, York Minster cathedral has been the city’s crowning achievement since the 7th century. Featuring intricate stained glass windows, chiselled sculptures, and ancient artefacts that help tell a story written over millennia, historians and art lovers alike will delight in the creativity on display here.
At Christmas, the cathedral is lit up for all to enjoy, while a rolling schedule of displays and exhibitions shed light on the fascinating past that’s made this incredible structure what it is today, from Roman emperors to medieval artists. Book onto a guided tour to see the minster and central tower in all their carved glory or simply sit and marvel at the centuries of craftsmanship that have gone into creating one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world.
Malham Cove
From a landmark carved by many hands to a landmark carved by time, Malham Cove invites you to enter a world of dramatic landscapes and jaw-dropping geology in the rolling scenes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Hewed from limestone rock over millions of years, this distinctive geological masterpiece features multiple points of interest when visiting. From the base of the 230ft cliffs, you’ll see a sheer rock face that invites climbers from all over the world to tackle its challenge, while the top of the landmark boasts a rugged patchwork of limestone pavements that never fails to amaze.
For those wanting to really fill up the camera roll, a simple 4.5-mile walk will take you past Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Janet’s Foss waterfall, offering you three of Yorkshire’s most famous landmarks in one easy stroll. There’s also a wonderfully simple (and wheel-friendly) walk to Malham Cove from the nearby car park in Malham), making it a great destination for families – Potterheads may recognise the site as a scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
Fountains Abbey
Boasting one of – if not the – greatest collections of abbeys in the country, you’d be mad to visit Yorkshire without making a stop at one of these fascinating ruins. Surrounded by lush woodland (that’s best enjoyed in the autumn when a riot of colour sweeps over the landscape), Fountains Abbey has drawn the gaze for centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find one of the biggest and best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in England, with looming columns, vaulted ceilings, and enough weathered grandeur to fill a dramatic novel.
In contrast to the large, stone structure, the surrounding water gardens offer tranquil beauty, with ornamental lakes, temples, and canals creating a serene space to explore. There’s also a wonderful deer park, home to over 300 red, sika, and fallow deer, where you can well and truly stretch your legs.
Whitby Abbey
Not only a historical but literary legend, Whitby Abbey is well-deserving of its far-reaching acclaim. The grand ruins sit perched on the cliffs above North Yorkshire’s sprawling coast, creating a spectacular backdrop to an already spellbinding landmark. Renowned as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby Abbey certainly holds a certain amount of Gothic appeal, from the ominous towers to the time-worn windows that look across the sea.
The museum, which sits close to the abbey, provides a fascinating insight into the area’s history, from Viking raids to literary masterminds. To this day, Whitby is one of the vampire capitals of the world, with annual festivals celebrating the abbey’s haunting history and Gothic ties. The beach below makes for a lovely addition to your day out, while Whitby’s famous fish and chips provide the perfect end to a day spent exploring this famous coastal town.
Aysgarth Falls
Although home to many wonderful waterfalls, Aysgarth Falls remains a firm favourite, whether because of its iconic appearance in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves or the surrounding woodlands that turn coppery gold in the autumn months. Looking their best after heavy rainfall, the stepped waterfalls are truly incredible and run for almost a whole mile.
The falls can be accessed by a few different paths, one of which is wheel-friendly (you can also hire a tramper from the Aysgarth National Park Visitor Centre), making it a great spot for a woodland walk. When visiting the falls, make sure to pop into nearby hidden gem Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden, which is home to, well, a garden of rocks! A unique mix of limestone rocks and Alpine plants creates an otherworldly display that’s so charming it’s been awarded listed building status so that the hodgepodge rocks aren’t torn down or changed.
Bolton Abbey
We told you Yorkshire was famous for its abbeys! Another spectacular remnant of England’s past to enjoy a stunning setting, Bolton Abbey invites you to discover a world of dramatic ruins and peaceful landscapes. One of the more iconic sights here is the impressive Augustinian Priory, which sits at the heart of the ruins, while the stepping stones that reach across the river add a touch of playful wonder. There are plenty of seats and picnic spots around the ruins, as well as some lovely eateries where you can enjoy coffee, cake, and light lunches.
With such incredible surroundings, we definitely recommend wearing your walking boots and making the most of the surrounding trails. Despite bearing the name ‘Valley of Desolation’, this dappled woodland is the epitome of tranquillity, with tangled trees and magical waterfalls adding to the enchanting setting (it’s worth noting dogs are not permitted in the valley and nearby Barden moor). You can also explore the wonderful Strid Wood, which features fabulous nature trails and a variety of colour-coded walks.
Skipton Castle
One of the most well-preserved medieval castles in the country, Skipton Castle is an incredible day out that’s fun for the whole family. Found at the top of Skipton’s bustling high street, the castle cuts an impressive figure, which would doubtless have put off many would-be attackers. Not without its drama though, Skipton Castle withstood a three-year-long siege in the 17th century. Inside the unbreakable walls, a series of rooms provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, including the banqueting hall, bedchamber, and dungeons.
Outside, lots of lovely picnic areas invite you to pause and take in the view, while the tearoom promises coffee and cakes. When you arrive, you’ll be given a free information sheet with lots of drawings and facts about the castle and its expansive history. Marvel at the fairytale tree in the courtyard, trace the initials of the stonemasons that laid the stones in the Conduit Court, and climb to the top of the watch tower for reaching views across the town.
Ribblehead Viaduct
Set within the glorious walking destination of the Yorkshire Dales, Ribblehead Viaduct is a sight to behold. An astonishing feat of Victorian engineering, the far-reaching viaduct boasts 24 massive arches, which tower over the moors that lie 104ft below.
Located in the heart of the famous Three Peaks, there are many reasons to visit this wild and windswept corner of the Dales, and due to the striking nature of the viaduct, you can usually see it from a good distance away when the air is clear. As such, you have your choice of walks when visiting Ribblehead Viaduct. You can walk straight there from Ribblehead, or you can extend your adventure and climb Whernside, the highest point in Yorkshire and home to simply awe-inspiring views.
Excited to explore Yorkshire’s fantastic landmarks? Browse our lovely holiday cottages and start planning a memorable trip full of the very best this gorgeous county has to offer.
