Journal

The Most Beautiful Places in Yorkshire

With miles of picture-perfect coast and countryside, they don’t call it God’s own county for nothing.

The Most Beautiful Places in Yorkshire

The county of Yorkshire is home to some of the most stunning natural vistas you’ll ever lay eyes on, as well as manmade marvels that create wonderful memories.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a family, or simply somebody who wants to see something new, you’ll find it here. Head to the coast with your camera to capture the most scenic places in Yorkshire.

We’ve picked out some the most beautiful places in Yorkshire in this handy guide…

North York Moors National Park

Nothing says North Yorkshire beauty spots like the National Park itself. With an incredible 1,435km² of space to roam, the North York Moors National Park is a sight to behold. Here you can marvel at the ancient stone walls or take a cycle around the trails to gaze at local wildlife.

Love natural phenomena? Be sure to head to the North York Moors waterfalls, from Hayburn Wyke to Blow Gill. The beauty of the North York Moors National Park is that there are things to do all year. Go whale watching in autumn or pick heather in the summer.

Colourful meadows in the North York Moors

York Shambles

Think of York Shambles as the Oxford Street of the medieval times – or one of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire. This historic shopping street is based in the city of York, and holds its place firmly in popular culture.

It’s even said to have been the inspriation behind JK Rowling’s Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. You’ll even find Harry Potter-themed shops here!

The Shambles features sweet shops, souvenir shops and cafes, each decked out in authentic overhanging buildings with meat hooks dating back centuries. Wander down the cobbled street for a step back through time.

A view down York Shambles at night

The Cleveland Way

Feel like lacing up your walking boots? The Cleveland Way National Trail is an incredible 109-mile hike along the Yorkshire coast, taking up to 11 days to complete. It runs from Helmsley to Filey Brigg, stopping off at hundreds of scenic places in Yorkshire along the way.

Look out over the clifftops in Urra Moor and Round Hill, or wander through the quaint villages at Hambleton End. You’ll also find plenty of beaches along the way, including Upgang Beach, home to famous fish and chips.

A signpost for the Cleveland Way pointing in four directions

Cayton Bay Beach, Scarborough

This one crops up on the Cleveland Way and offers a quieter beach away from the hustle and bustle of main seaside towns like Whitby. Just a little way down from Scarborough, the bay is a vast expanse of sand with overhanging clifftops and awe-inspiring views.

Cayton Bay Beach is ideal if you’re into your water sports. It’s a known surfer’s spot with large white-water waves, or you can take your kayaks and paddle boards into flat water lagoons on the reef. Try your hand at the surf school for a different kind of day out.

A view of the cliffs and sea from the sand at Cayton Bay

Filey Sculpture Trail

While there are many natural Yorkshire beauty spots, there are plenty of manmade ones, too. The Filey Sculpture Trail is the perfect example of modern masterpieces, featuring works by artists such as Russ Coleman, Mark Powers and Saffron Waghorn.

You can catch the sculpture trail on the promenade at Filey. Take a few snaps of your favourites before you head out to the golden sands of Filey Beach.

Runswick Bay

Undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Yorkshire, Runswick Bay is a picturesque village with colourful housing and a rich fishing history. Head north from Whitby to find high cliffs, sandy beaches and flourishing gardens.

The village has seen its fair share of drama, having been rebuilt completely after a landslide in 1682 – but stands as resilient today as ever. Head down to the yacht club to view the bay in all its glory. And feel free to bring your four-legged friend along, as the beach is dog friendly.

Houses decorating the coast at Runswick Bay

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Based in the National Park, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway dates back to 1832, when it was known as the Whitby and Pickering Railway.

Today, we still see the age-old steam locomotive, taking passengers throughout the most beautiful places in Yorkshire. There’s even a bit of history thrown in for good measure.

There’s also afternoon tea available on board, or a three-course lunch if you’re feeling fancy. Look out for seasonal events too throughout the year, such as the Santa Special.

Vintage steam train in the North York Moors

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Here’s a fun fact about Yorkshire that you may not have known – RSPB Bempton Cliffs is home to the only albatross of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere. With a wingspan of 2.4m, ‘Albie’ is known for soaring across the cliffs of East Yorkshire’s Flamborough.

Overlooking the North Sea, the RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a stunning nature reserve with more than half a million seabirds flocking to catch a meal. Species depend on the time of year, so be sure to look out for gannets, puffin and barn owls.

A view of the sea from the top of Bempton Cliffs

Sewerby Hall

Close to the seaside town of Bridlington lies Sewerby Hall, a 17th Century stately home with gardens and an on-site zoo.

There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to take in the Edwardian architecture or discover the flora in the rose garden. You can even try your hand at being a servant for the day.

Come back year-round for seasonal events such as Winter Wonderlands, or visit in the summer for a putting green and FootGolf course. With 50 acres of parkland, it really is one of the best Yorkshire beauty spots.

Colourful shrubbery in the walled gardens at Sewerby Hall

Flamborough Head

The Flamborough Head promontory is an eye-opening rock formation with sheer white cliffs, dating back to 1669. Sitting atop the promontory is perhaps its most famous attraction, the Flamborough Lighthouse. Access to the lighthouse is charged at £5.00 for adults or £4.00 for children.

There’s also plenty to see for free with a stroll around the cliffs. Flamborough Head features a nature reserve with a huge range of seabird colonies, as well as butterflies and flowers. Bring your binoculars and indulge in a little birdwatching.

Do you need to see it to believe it? Feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire by staying at one of our Yorkshire holiday cottages.

For more inspiration on how to spend your time in our wonderful county, whatever the weather, give our guide on indoor activities in Yorkshire for a rainy day a read! 

And you wont be short on things to do with our blog on events in North Yorkshire!