Discover the charm, an unforgettable journey through North Yorkshire

One place where we feel peace, tranquillity and I would personally say, "this place feels like home". My name is Mark Buckingham and I was born and raised in Cumbria. Known for its rich history, stunning coastal scenery, family friendly attractions and don’t forget Cumbrian sausages, which always makes my mouth water when they sizzle on the hot pan. Local Cumbrians have a stark resemblance to the inhabitants of North Yorkshire and one thing I can say they both have in common is hospitality. This is why I believe both places are family friendly and fascinating places to visit. For this blog post, I am going to explore 10 reasons why I think you should visit North Yorkshire and how this local destination is good for your wellbeing journey. 

North Yorkshire, a picturesque county in the north of England, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and charming villages. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, North Yorkshire has something for everyone. Here are the top ten reasons why you should visit North Yorkshire this summer: 

One- Breathtaking Landscapes 

North Yorkshire is home to two stunning national parks: the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. The rolling hills, lush valleys, and dramatic moorlands offer breathtaking scenery perfect for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. Whether you're exploring Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, or the iconic Sutton Bank, the landscapes will leave you in awe. 

Two- Rich History and Heritage 

Step back in time and explore North Yorkshire's rich history. Visit the ancient city of York, known for its well-preserved medieval streets, the magnificent York Minster, and the historic York Castle Museum. The county is also dotted with grand castles, like the imposing Skipton Castle and the romantic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. 

Three- Charming Villages and Market Towns 

Discover the charm of North Yorkshire's villages and market towns. Places like Knaresborough, with its picturesque riverside setting and stunning castle views, or Helmsley, known for its vibrant market square and historic Helmsley Castle, offer a quintessentially English experience. Wander through cobbled streets, explore quaint shops, and enjoy a traditional pub lunch. 

Four- Stunning Coastal Scenery 

North Yorkshire's coastline is nothing short of spectacular. The dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages like Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay provide the perfect backdrop for a summer escape. Don't miss a visit to Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula," or take a leisurely stroll along the Cleveland Way National Trail. 

Five- Outdoor Adventures 

For adventure seekers, North Yorkshire offers a wide range of outdoor activities. From rock climbing and caving in the Yorkshire Dales to surfing and paddle boarding along the coast, there's something for every adrenaline junkie. The county's diverse landscapes provide the perfect playground for both beginners and experienced adventurers. 

Six- Delicious Local Cuisine 

North Yorkshire is a foodie paradise. Savour the taste of traditional Yorkshire pudding, sample local cheeses at the Wensleydale Creamery, and indulge in freshly caught seafood along the coast. Many of the region's pubs and restaurants emphasize locally sourced ingredients, offering a farm-to-table dining experience that's hard to beat. 

Seven- Festivals and Events 

Summer in North Yorkshire is buzzing with festivals and events. From the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, showcasing the best of agriculture and rural life, to the Whitby Goth Weekend, a unique celebration of gothic culture, there's always something happening. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and have a great time. 

Eight- Family-Friendly Attractions 

North Yorkshire is perfect for a family holiday. Visit Flamingo Land, a theme park and zoo offering thrilling rides and animal encounters, or explore the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, home to a variety of exotic animals. The National Railway Museum in York and the Forbidden Corner, a unique labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, are also great for kids and adults alike. 

Nine- Tranquil Gardens and Stately Homes 

The county boasts several beautiful gardens and stately homes. Stroll through the perfectly manicured grounds of Castle Howard, a magnificent 18th-century residence, or enjoy the serene beauty of RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate. These tranquil spots are perfect for a leisurely afternoon, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. 

Ten- Warm Hospitality 

Finally, the people of North Yorkshire are known for their warm hospitality. Whether you're staying in a cosy bed and breakfast, a luxury hotel, or a quaint cottage, you'll be welcomed with open arms. The friendly locals are always happy to share tips and recommendations, ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as possible. 

With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, North Yorkshire is the perfect destination for a summer getaway. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this beautiful county has it all. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the magic of North Yorkshire this summer! 

So, why is North Yorkshire good for your wellbeing? Well, other than the ten factors we have looked at, I think one key aspect that puts North Yorkshire on my top ten, are the people. They are the sweetest people in UK and are always there to offer help and guidance if you need it and the architecture, mixed with friendly vibes, makes this a beautiful place to visit if you suffer from any form of mental illness.  As an example, you have a lot to choose from, if you seek peace and solitude, you can always go for a quiet walk down Port Mulgrave or if you are the complete opposite and really like some hustle and bustle, why not visit Whitby Whale Bone Arch. There is a good mix of locations within North Yorkshire that really pushes the button for both introverts and extroverts alike. 

Other factors making this destination your ideal holiday destination this summer is the picturesque beaches, in my opinion, one of the most stunning beaches here in UK. I really love Whitby Beach, the sand is crystal clear, no signs of any waste and superb facilities, including a lift that goes down Whitby Beach so it is perfect for anyone who struggles walking. The beach huts also add a lot of character and colour to this stunning backdrop. You can rent one for the day and enjoy the coastal views. All these factors add to the wellbeing element of North Yorkshire and these amenities make your visit a beautiful trip that you will enjoy and cherish memories for years to come. In fact, I bet, once you have visited this stunning beach, you will visit North Yorkshire every year. 

I have carefully selected North Yorkshire as a wellbeing destination, as it ticks all the boxes. Just as well, it’s not too expensive, you can have lunch at Fisherman’s Wife Whitby for around £15 or if you just want a quick takeaway, why not try Mister Chips Whitby, just a two-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wife. You can have a large fish and chips for around £12 or a small portion of chips for around £3.50.  

You can also try a rooftop bus tour for around £8 and take a tour of this picturesque town. The tour is so good for your wellbeing, very peaceful, informative and you will get a nice tour of all the local attractions, including the famous Whitby Abbey. 

As you walk down the road, you find an array of shops, all local shops, where you will find a selection of gifts, souvenirs and lots of yummy food! 

If you would like more activities for the kids, why not take them to the funfair down the pier, next to Mister Chips. 

To summarise why North Yorkshire is a good destination to visit this summer: 

• Beautiful and picturesque backdrop 

• Kind, lovely and helpful people, we like places like this at Kinder Voyage 

• Reasonable on your pocket 

• High on our wellbeing chart, from 1 to 10, I would comfortably rate North Yorkshire a 9 

• Lots of activities for children at North Yorkshire 

• Accessibility; lots of amenities for the public, including toilets and public lifts 

I can go on with hundreds of reasons to visit North Yorkshire, but why not look for yourself? In the coming weeks, I will provide a list of highly recommended hotels and family activities so watch this space! 

Thank you for reading my blog post, stick around for the next instalment on North Yorkshire (1st July 2024), where we will look at places to visit, at a more granular level. 

#NorthYorkshireCottages, #NorthYorkshire, #WhitbyBeach, #Wellbeing