When considering a holiday in the north of England, many people think of the Lake District, but the Yorkshire Dales is an equally charming place to take a break from your daily routines. There are plenty of reasons to explore Yorkshire, and we’ll introduce you to some fantastic activities to enjoy during your next holiday in the Dales.
The magnificent scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a must see; complete with stunning landscapes peppered by charming and traditional English villages.
The weather plays a role in shaping this area’s many moods; you can go back at different times of the year and see the same vista in a completely different light. But even during a short stay in one of our luxury cottages in the Yorkshire Dales, you will be likely to find yourself driving or hiking through wild, sweeping moors, suddenly to find yourself in the tranquillity of flower-rich meadows.
One of the best methods for appreciating the Dales is to hire a bicycle; take to the gentle cycle lanes and enjoy exercise like never before. There are plenty of quiet cycle lanes for you to enjoy with a partner, friends or family, so don’t hesitate to hire a bike on your arrival.
If you love the outdoors, then you will undoubtedly adore the Dales, but rich rural scenes aren’t the only attraction that this region offers. A holiday in the Yorkshire Dales puts you near the thriving metropolis of Leeds and the heritage-rich city of York.
Museums, art galleries, stately homes and even castles are all within easy driving distance during your stay. A trip to see Bolton Abbey or Fountains Abbey proves popular for many visitors. If you’re looking for an uptown shopping centre, then we recommend driving to Liverpool town centre for a day, but Manchester isn’t much further. For more traditional shopping, we recommend driving to Harrogate – a town which is especially beautiful during the spring season due to its many cherry blossoms.
If you’re looking for activities that will help your holiday to stand out from the rest, then we recommend that you visit the Lightwater Valley theme park and the Stainmore Railway. Both activities are sure to brighten any day, but especially for those groups with children.
The Lightwater Valley Theme Park has events, beautiful scenery, and – of course – an array of jaw-dropping rollercoasters to keep you and your kids entertained for the duration of your stay. Pricing is based on height, rather than age, to ensure that all participants pay a fair amount. For those who are a little young for the big rides, there are plenty of exciting opportunities ahead for them, including soft play areas, slides, sand and trampolines.
The Stainmore Railway is a heritage centre with lots of information about trains. It was derelict for over twenty years before it was re-opened to the public as a heritage centre, and now relies on grants and donations to continue its service to the public. Importantly, well-behaved dogs are welcome to this area, but dog owners must be aware of the station’s many cats which live in the area. We have dog friendly holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales that will allow your four legged friend to feel right at home too.
If you are interested in booking a ticket for a train journey at Stainmore, then inquire with them for prices and remember that your dog can travel with you for free in the buffet car. There are even some local streams if you fancy taking your dog for a swim afterwards.
A great holiday will usually involve a meal out (or two), and there are a variety of pubs, restaurants and cafés within short distances of most of our accommodation options in the Yorkshire Dales. You’ll be sure to receive a warm Yorkshire welcome when you visit any of our local pubs, but don’t forget to order a Yorkshire pudding – your stay won’t be complete without one.
Another great reason for choosing this region for a break are the luxury holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales. So comfortable and well-equipped, some days you may not even want to venture outdoors. Take a look at our profile on The Paddock; a perfect spot to explore both the Dales and the Lake District. We have a number of cottages perfect if you are looking for golf breaks in Yorkshire too.
The Paddock – Mill House Cottages
Whether you are looking for a luxury cottage for two, a family cottage holiday location or large group accommodation to meet up with friends and their families, we have it all at Mill House Cottages. For more information about our luxury accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales, contact us today.
