Yorkshire
God's own county. North Yorkshire is the biggest county in the United Kingdom and is stocked full of beauty. With the Yorkshire Dales National Park AND the North Moors National Park, the countryside is truely mesmorizing. It has everything; great food, great people, the seaside, elegant towns, culture, history. The countryside is on the doorstep of Harrogate and York and below are just some local places well worth a visit.
A jewel in the crown of Yorkshire, a very special place which has inspired many an artistic soul, Turner and Wordsworth among them. A awe inspiring mixture of the River Wharfe, an old Priory and the Devonshire estate, it holds many a happy memory for those at Yorkshire Appetite.
Eight miles north west of Harrogate, this is over 18 acres of special scientifc interest and geological conservation. These wierd and wonderful rock formations are magnificent set in the beautiful countryside.
This is the largest and best preserved cistercian ruined monastery in England. Built in 1132 and combining with the Studley Royal Deer and Water Park it provides a special day out.
Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheatre shaped cliff formation of limestone rock, 260 feet high, looking out over the Village of Malham and has been attracting visitors for centuries, rightly so.
York
A city bang in the middle of the country, on high ground by two flowing rivers, York was attractive to settlers from the start. Home at various times over the years to Romans, Vikings and Normans, it was a perfect place for trade and quickly became the home to merchants and craftsmen. It has a sweet history too, full of chocolate for the sweet toothed and now a welcoming destination for those seeking a weekend away. There are many delights to see in York, see our selection below.
See for yourself how the vikings lived on a daily basis. You will get a real insight into their everyday life.
Mackenzie takes you on a ghostly walking tour of York's grim history and ghostly past. Not for the faint hearted.
Two miles long, York has the most intact city walls in the whole of Britain. You can walk almost all the way around the city.
Located just south of York with a regular bus into town, this charming colonial style B&B is the perfect place to stay while visiting the city. Tasteful accommodation and homely hospitality.
If you want to get to know more of Yorkshire with your very own driver guide, then look no further than Nick Smith of Yortours, an entertaining and engaging blue badge guide with a comfortable 6 seater Mercedes Benz
A community of small independent businesses including street food, bars, retail, co-working and entertainment. Perfect for a summer's day.
A winner of many museum awards and easy to see why. You can spend all day here learning about York's past with it's replica streets and fascinating exhibits.
If you want to stay somewhere georgeous for your stay in God's own county, then these luxurious cottages are for you.

Harrogate
A beautiful spa town famous for its health giving water and elegant victorian architecture, no wonder it has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK for several years. A place full of culture and with festivals and events galore throughout the year, you will never want for entertainment. It was THE place to be seen in victorian society and with its grand hotels and thriving food and drink scene, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, it makes a perfect weekend destination.
A glorious relaxing treat in elegant victorian baths. Treat yourself to a treatment or just glory in the lounging around. You WILL feel fantatic afterwards.
Valley Gardens has something for everyone. Gentle strolling, a Japanese garden, a New Zealand garden, refreshments, fantastic adventure playpark and skate park.
Specially designed gardens reflecting the Yorkshire landscape with trails, a log maze and tea rooms.
A fantastic evening walk full of interesting spooky tales and surprises from Paul. The walk takes place on the first and last Friday of every month. They meet at 8:15pm at Harrogate Royal Pump Room and the walk starts at 8:30pm promptly. Definitely value for money.
If you have a group of friends or family who need a home from home, this fantastic house sleeps 13 and has everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Close to the centre and all for your group!
A delightfully relaxing place to stay. Open plan with oak beams, you have your own home from home. Next to the cricket pitch near the village of Markington, close to Harrogate, perfect for a base to explore Yorkshire.
Right in the heart of Harrogate, it epitomises the elegance and luxury of Harrogate life. Close to the restaurants, shops and sites, a perfect location in the centre of the action.
A range of serviced apartments to fit all tastes, all fully furnished with everything you would need for your stay in Harrogate. All individually designed and beautifully maintained.
Ripon
One of England’s oldest cities, it has a lot of stories to tell. With a grand cathedral and three fantastic museums to help bring this history to life, there is something for everyone. With plenty of independent shops around its ancient market place it may be small but it is a delight. Visitors come from far and wide to see the hornblower blow his horn at 9 pm every night as has been done for the last 800 years. For what to see in Ripon and surrounds, see our selection below
The Hornblower
Every night at 9 pm from the four corners of the Obelisk in Ripon's market square, the Hornblower sets the watch. The Wakeman in the middle ages was responsible for keeping the town safe during the night time.
Ripon Cathedral
Dating from the 7th century, it has a glorious blend of architectural style. It has the oldest structure of any cathedral in England still in use today. Some of its treasures were said to have inspired Alice in Wonderland.
Ripon Museums
There are 3 great museums to choose from. Find out what life was like in a workhouse and what life was like in a prison. The courtroom is great to learn about how justice was delivered in past times. Those who come on our food tour get 15% off entry price.
Ripon Races
Known as the Garden Racecourse, Ripon races have been going for over 300 years. Regular race meets take place from April to September all against the most outstanding background.
Fountains Abbey
You can visit the largest monastic ruins in England. Founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks, they are a wonder to wander through. Also here you can visit the inspiring water gardens at Studley Royal.
Grantley Hall
One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, this is a privately owned hotel lovingly restored by Valeria Sykes after having been built as a home and used over the years as a mill and training centre. If you have a (very) large budget, there is a michellin starred restaurant.
Ripon Canal
Built by canal engineer William Jessop. The canal was there to collect Ripon with the River Ure and opened in 1773. Restored in 1996 and there are some lovely trips to take to enjoy its tranquil waters.
Newby Hall
This is a beautiful house originating from the 1690s and then decorated in the 18th century with a stylish interior. Its gardens are award winning and there is a miniature railway to enjoy.
Leeds
This vibrant and dynamic city is a powerhouse of the North. With two universities and the country’s centre for digital technologies and financial and professional services, there is a lot going on. A most cultural city with its own opera and ballet company, it has plenty to recommend it. A popular shopping destination and a great and innovative food scene, it is worth a visit. Check out our suggestions of things to do in Leeds below.
Kirkgate Market
The largest covered market in Europe this grade 1 listed building dates from 1857. IT has over 800 stalls and 100, 000 visitors a year. It hosts an Asian bazaar on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.
Royal Armouries
The national museum of arms and armour, a great free place to while away the hours. Full of amazing objects like Henry 8th's armour and an Indian War elephant, there are some great live events.
Leeds Art Gallery
A great place to visit full of modern and contemporary art. Permanent and varied temporary exhibitions show great innovation. It also has a fantastic tiled hall cafe to enjoy and the gallery is free!
The Grand Theatre
Opened in 1878 this theatre has a variety of shows and spectaculars for you to choose from. A listed building made in the High Victorian style with red brick and slate roof, its interior is pretty impressive too.
Kirkstall Abbey
One of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, this was founded over 800 years ago. You can enjoy the historic ruins, the visitor centre and woodlands by the River Aire. Founded in 1152
Harewood House
Between Harrogate and Leeds this vast estate was built for Edwin Lascelles, a wealthy planation and slave owner, between 1759 and 1771. The setting for many a period drama and with landscaped gardens by Capability Brown, it is still home to the Lascelles family.
Roundhay Park
The biggest urban park in Europe with over 700 acres. In the north east of the city, it gets a million visitors a year. It has lovely gardens AND Tropical World which has the biggest collection of tropical plants in the UK outside Kew Gardens.
Thackray Medicine Museum
Not for the faint hearted this one but fascinating. The story of medicine where you can wander the grimy Victorian streets of Leeds and watch how they did operations in the 19th century. Discover medical innovations that have changed the world.
