Yorkshire is the UK’s largest county covering just less than 12,000 km2. It is also one of the greenest counties in England thanks to its 3 National Parks; the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. The county’s coastal resorts, which include a number of wildlife sanctuaries, are also plentiful in their natural charms and birdlife.
Yorkshire is divided into North, West and East Yorkshire; each of which is geographically and demographically diverse, and subdivided into its own local government districts. Those looking for things to do in Yorkshire have one of Britain’s most naturally beautiful counties to explore plus a host of cosmopolitan and vibrant cities and towns.
From a historical perspective Yorkshire is an interesting county, with York (originally called Eboracum) being a former capital of Roman Britain, and for a time the entire Roman Empire was ruled from the city. Later in 886 AD the area was occupied by a section of Danish Vikings who renamed the city Jorvik. From the 12th century onwards new towns such as Leeds, Doncaster and Sheffield were established through the desire of Norman landowners to increase their incomes.
The Wars of the Roses were fought over many years as the culmination of rivalries between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Finally the Tudor Rose emerged as the amalgamation of the two and enmities were laid to rest.
During the 19th century Yorkshire's expansion increased with help from the Industrial Revolution. Sheffield’s population grew tenfold during this time and the city’s steel making industry was at the forefront of the world’s production. In addition to steel, coal mining and textile production were central to the county’s economy. However, the increase of international competition and mechanical advances saw employment figures reduce drastically, at the same time as the decline of the coal industry.
Sport is an important part of Yorkshire's culture and it is home to several first class teams. Rugby League originated in Huddersfield in 1895. West Yorkshire’s teams include Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants. North Yorkshire lays claim to Middlesbrough FC who play in football’s Premier League, and South Yorkshire’s top teams are Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, and Leeds United in West Yorkshire. Sheffield FC was established in 1857 and is the world’s oldest football club, and thus Yorkshire was the birthplace of football.
The county's transport links are first class with the A1 (the Great North Road) linking London to Edinburgh, the M42 motorway linking the east and west of the county, and the East Coast Main Line rail network linking London with Scotland. Leeds Bradford Airport All of Yorkshire's cities are easily accessible to the visitor and locals alike and your choice of things to do in the county is limited only by your imagination.
Yorkshire Restaurants : Whether you feel like dining in a city centre restaurant or in an idyllic country retreat, Yorkshire can cater for all your desires. The county is home to several Michelin starred restaurants and conversely many excellent establishments catering for those conscious of budget.
Yorkshire Theatres : The county is a valuable cultural centre with cities such as Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster hosting touring theatre companies and musical productions alike. The theatres vary in size from small and intimate to large and imposing.
Kids Activities : Yorkshire has countless ways to entertain your children from outdoor pursuits through to museums, restaurants and soft play centres. As the greenest county in England, Yorkshire’s open spaces and National Park Land provide the perfect setting for kids’ events.
Yorkshire Pubs : Yorkshire's pubs have the added advantage of world renowned breweries on their doorstep, and in many of the county’s bars and pubs the local beer is second to none. Whatever ambience and setting you are looking for, Yorkshire’s pubs will cater for your tastes.
Yorkshire Attractions : Yorkshire has an almost limitless number of attractions to offer the visitor. For example, Lightwater Valley and Flamingo Land are popular theme parks in North Yorkshire offering a family friendly day out. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors provide stunning landscapes and natural attractions for those wishing to pursue more outdoor activities and the towns and cities have many sights and venues to entice the visitor.
Yorkshire Tours : With such magnificent surroundings and scenery the Yorkshire countryside is a haven for locals and visitors alike. Whether you choose a tour through James Herriot’s Yorkshire Dales, or a city tour through Leeds or York to learn about their historic beginnings, there is a tour to suit every inquisitive and adventurous visitor.
Yorkshire Stately Homes & Gardens : Yorkshire is a county brimming with majestic stately homes and beautiful gardens, from Castle Howard in North Yorkshire to Wentworth Castle in South Yorkshire there is no shortage of heritage and history in the county.
