A Day in the Dales: 4 of the Best Places to Visit in Yorkshire

Known to inhabitants as God’s Own Country, Yorkshire is the largest county in the United Kingdom, and within its vast and sprawling remit lie some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces found anywhere in England.

Those who are lucky enough to pay it a visit will find great swathes of unspoiled countryside, major cities including Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield to explore, a host of cultural treasures, and an array of entertainments, with fun to be had for those of all ages.

So, planning a trip and wondering where to add to your itinerary? Then here are four of the best places to visit.

Ingleton Waterfalls

Do you have a love of beauty and an appreciation for the wonders of the great outdoors? If so, Ingleton Waterfalls is the first place you’ll want to go. Walking boots are a must, as the best way to appreciate the falls is by trekking along a five-mile circular trail. This route takes hikers through a sun-dappled wooded glen that looks like it’s been taken straight from a painting by Turner, and that’s only the start. Once you get where you’re headed, you’ll find one of the most impressive collections of waterfalls in the country, with the pièce de résistance being the towering Thornton Force, which rises 14 metres up into the sky. We advise packing a picnic to take with you, so you can sate the appetite you’ll undoubtedly have worked up whilst sat in this most picturesque of places. Be sure to snap some photos while you’re there, as the views are not something you’ll want to forget.

Ilkley Moor

Ilkley may only be a small place, but it’s famed throughout England for its breathtaking beauty. Filled with fantastic spots to eat and a host of impressive Victorian buildings, the former spa town is a popular tourist destination, providing plenty to do for those who take a day trip. Its crowning glory, however, are the moors that surround the centre. Barren but nonetheless beautiful during the winter months, they explode with a riot of colour at other times of the year, from their purple-hued coat of heather in late summer to the dozens of brightly coloured species of wildflower that adorn the grassland in spring. Be sure to take up a trip up to the Cow and Calf rocks while you’re in the area, to enjoy stunning vistas stretching for miles around.

Harrogate Turkish Baths

If indoor pursuits are more up your street, then it’s another spa town you might want to visit. Harrogate was once the destination of choice for wealthy Georgians in need of some rest and relaxation and its popularity endured all the way through to the early 20th century, when it continued to draw both the English elite and rich nobles from across mainland Europe. The Royal Baths hark back to this time and provide the most luxurious of pampering experiences to visitors. Widely believed to be the best preserved baths in the entire country, they date all the way back to 1897, which means they’re perfect for providing a culture fix too. While you’re soaking up the waters, make an effort to appreciate the many beautiful original features that remain, from the fabulous tiles to the painted ceilings and mosaic floors.

York Racecourse

Are you someone who enjoys a flutter? If you’ve ever marvelled at the beauty of a string of Thoroughbreds thundering down the home stretch, or have thought with longing of the glitz, glamour and excitement of race day, then perhaps a trip to York Racecourse is in order. While you can place bets onsite, it might be more economical to head online ahead of time. Sites like Oddschecker share a selection of free bets and sign-up offers to make your money go further. The course is the third biggest in Britain in terms of prize pots, so you can expect to see some pretty exciting on-track action. With lots of events scheduled for 2019, a quick glance at a betting review site like the above should help you to work out when would be best to visit. Don’t forget to use the opportunity to get dressed up to the nines and remember that drinking champagne and letting your hair down is fully expected of you.

Tell us, if you’re planning a trip to Yorkshire this year, which of these places will you be adding to your itinerary?