Harrogate is a wealthy elegant Victorian spa town with an array of up-market shops; a museum which lets you sample the “medicinal” spa waters; the Turkish baths; the International Centre for conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as entertainment. There are restaurants for all tastes in and around the town, and numerous nightclubs and bars. vrharrogate.co.uk
Grassington is one of the best loved of the many delightful small towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales. Centered around its bustling cobbled square is a selection of family owned shops offering quality foods, clothing, gifts, arts and crafts alongside cafes, restaurants and hotels. grassington.uk.com
Haworth & Bronte Country, an area which straddles the West Yorkshire and East Lancashire Pennines in the North of England. A windswept land of heather and wild moors, the region became the inspiration for the works of the Brontes: Charlotte, Emily, Anne and their brother Branwell. Visit the parsonage where they lived and wrote. haworth-village.co.uk
Ripley Castle. The Ingilby family are one of the oldest families in the country still in the same residence and celebrated 700 years of history in the castle in 2009. Because it has belonged to the same family for 26 generations, Ripley’s colourful and sometimes gruesome history is well documented. ripleycastle.co.uk
RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a garden dominated by water, stone and woodland and is very much part of the surrounding Yorkshire landscape. It was winner of the 2009 BBC Gardeners’ World readers’ choice for favourite garden in northern England. Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 9.30am-6pm Last admission: 5pmrhs.org.uk/whatson/gardens/harlowcarr/index.asp
Harewood House, home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood, provides a great day out for all the family. The mid-18th century House, with its outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating 'Below Stairs' exhibition, is set in spectacular landscaped grounds: formal gardens and gentle woodland walks, a Bhutanese Stupa, waterfall and Himalayan Garden. harewood.org
Nidderdale is rightly proud of its place within the Dales, and is for many their favourite dale. It truly deserves its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its stunning moorland scenery and tapestry of lush green meadows. The attractive market town of Pateley Bridge, with its colourful floral displays and friendly people, is the self-styled capital of the dale. nidderdale.co.uk/main.htm
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Yorkshire’s first World Heritage Site is a huge estate of beauty, contrasts and surprises including the largest abbey ruins in the country and one of England’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens. Explore over 800 acres of naturally beautiful countryside and ten historic buildings, spanning 800 years of history. fountainsabbey.org.uk
Bolton Abbey, on the banks of the River Wharfe. With just under 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside, 80 miles of footpaths and ample space to run around and enjoy the fresh air, there is something for all ages. Explore the ruins of the Priory and discover a landscape full of history and legend. Enjoy the excellent restaurants, tea rooms and cafes, gift shops and the food shop. boltonabbey.com