Sunny holidays abroad might be off the table for many this year, but luckily going on a UK staycation is the next best thing, allowing you to see your own country in a whole new way.
But when it comes to choosing a great UK staycation destination, it can be tough narrowing down where exactly to stay.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or friends, ideally you want somewhere with beautiful landscapes, friendly locals and of course plenty of different things to do. Enter, Yorkshire.
By choosing a stay in Yorkshire you get a bit of everything: miles of rolling countryside, cosmopolitan cities, dramatic ruins, stunning coastlines, hidden beauty spots and exciting attractions.
Here are five of the very best Yorkshire towns to add to your staycation wishlist.
1. Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Peak District National Park, the West Yorkshire market town of Holmfirth is one of the best places to go for an action-packed UK staycation.
Enjoy a show in the Picturedrome, cycle up part of the 2014 Tour de France’s Yorkshire Grand Départ route or immerse yourself in the town’s lively events programme, with highlights including a popular food and drink festival and regular agricultural shows.
If you have a ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ fan in your party, Holmfirth is a must-visit destination. Tour the BBC sitcom’s iconic filming locations, including Sid’s Café and Nora Batty’s cottage’s steps, or pay a visit to the dedicated exhibition in Compo’s former home.
Whatever you want to do during your stay in Holmfirth, booking a stay at The Old Bridge Inn will ensure you’re close to all the major attractions.
2. Thirsk, North Yorkshire
If you fancy a traditional Yorkshire market town that’s a bit further north, look no further than Thirsk.
Ideally positioned between the North York Moors National Park and the idyllic Yorkshire Dales, Thirsk is perfect for those hoping for an active staycation.
If you’re more of a city-dweller, don’t worry, because the busy, vibrant town of Thirsk is also a great base to explore other exciting market towns and cities, including the county town of Northallerton and the medieval city of York.
That’s not to say you’ll have to leave the town to have a good time. With a rich history, a range of flat walking routes through the town and along the river, a variety of shops and a popular racecourse, Thirsk is an attraction in itself.
Book a stay at The Golden Fleece in Thirsk here.
3. Richmond, North Yorkshire
Set against the fast-flowing River Swale, Richmond is a beautiful Yorkshire Dales market town complete with a large cobbled marketplace, Georgian architecture, Norman castle and a range of museums, monuments and sites of historic interest.
The things to do in Richmond don’t stop there, with the town also benefiting from a variety of shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities, including a popular market and the historic Georgian Theatre Royal, the most complete working Georgian playhouse in Britain.
Richmond is widely believed to be one of the country’s most beautiful staycation destinations, and with routes like the Easby Abbey Drummer Boy walk and the iconic Coast to Coast walk, you’ll soon see why.
Located right in the centre of Richmond, The King’s Head Hotel is just a stone’s throw from the town’s major attractions – find out more and book your stay here.
4. Helmsley, North Yorkshire
If you had to describe the perfect English market town, it would probably end up sounding a lot like Helmsley.
Expect a bustling market square full of quality independent shops and charming tea rooms and plenty of exciting tourist attractions including Helmsley Castle, the walled gardens, a bird of prey centre and the Helmsley Arts Centre.
Helmsley marks the start of the Cleveland Way and is a great base to explore the spectacular North York Moors National Park, and any keen walker or cyclist is sure to be delighted by the wide range of routes on offer.
Find out more and book your stay at The Feathers Hotel in Helmsley here.
5. Malton, North Yorkshire
Finally, as one of Yorkshire’s most renowned foodie destinations, a trip to Malton should be a must for any lover of good food and drink.
Labelled ‘the splendidly Georgian gourmet capital of Yorkshire’ by the Sunday Times, the Yorkshire food capital is home to a large monthly food market and a wide array of traditional food shops. There’s also a cookery school, the Rare Bird Gin School and a popular guided tasting tour of Malton.
Not only that, but the town is also famed for its local produce and specialities (Malton-made Groovy Moo Gelato anyone?) and its two big food festivals – May’s Food Lovers Festival and the Malton Game and Seafood Fest in September. Interested in booking your next UK staycation in Malton? Book your stay at The Talbot today.
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