Lonely, heather-covered moors, dramatic high cliffs and golden beaches, ghostly ruined abbeys, cities and old market towns with a storied past, tranquil waterways, and some of England’s most magnificent, untouched, varied scenery characterize the county of Yorkshire. As one of Europe’s romantic treasures it is an absolute delight for lovers with a sense of adventure.
However, adventure goes hand-in-hand with comfort here. Accommodation outside cities includes a wealth of cozy, hospitable bed-and-breakfasts and ancient inns now refurbished with modern conveniences, and the grandest of hotels offer rest in the cities themselves. The wholesome and satisfying Yorkshire food is part of the appeal; baked tarts, biscuits, and puddings for those with a sweet tooth, and cheeses and ham for a savory taste, make mealtimes delicious intervals in days filled with glorious sights and experiences.
Soaking in the atmosphere
At the center of Yorkshire lies the city of York, with its multi-layered history dating from Roman times to the present. You can spend an entire day marveling at the majesty of York Minster, the huge cathedral dominating the city of York, and examining its medieval carvings and stained glass. Out in the sunshine pavement cafés offer a variety of meals you can share while enjoying the atmosphere of the cobbled streets in the old town and if it does start to rain, quaint old tea shops are refuges from the damp and chill. An evening walk in the setting sun along the old city walls will give you excellent views of the town itself. This is an apt romantic end to a day in one of England’s most picturesque cities, before a night out on the town in its many exciting pubs and clubs.
An even more private getaway is possible at Malham Cove, where an incredible limestone cliff hangs over the head of a valley. The valley itself is a perfect place for quiet walks, taking pleasure in the beauty of the ancient stone and the solitude. Accommodation is available at nearby Malham for a memorably private trip in the heart of serene Yorkshire. Similar isolation can be found at Bolton Abbey, one of the many historic ruins dotting the Yorkshire countryside. Set outside a peaceful village, the ruins and their surroundings are a lovely setting for a summer picnic, while the Yorkshire sun plays through the clouds on the grassy knolls around and paints them in varying shades of green and gold.
Memorable journeys
From Bolton Abbey runs one of Yorkshire’s steam railways lines, giving anyone, not just railway enthusiasts, opportunity for a nostalgic journey by an antique mode of transport in the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy the views of the meadows, rivers, and hills from adjoining seats by a train window, as well as the old-fashioned stations en route. For those who delight in such unique journeys, the canals of Yorkshire can be the sites of a wonderful vacation. Renting a narrowboat, and taking it down one of these waterways affords golden evenings floating or drifting along besides the trees by the banks, away from the traffic of more urban places. The narrowboats themselves come furnished with every convenience for living, with the added joy of as much privacy as you choose alongside the one you love.
Literary Delights
Readers of James Herriot, the Brontes and Ted Hughes will have already had a taste of Yorkshire’s rural pleasures in their writing, and Haworth, the village that was home to the Brontes, is a place that combines wildness and romance with an old-world feeling. You can visit the parsonage at which the Brontes lived and walk along in the bleak moorland to the ruined manor of Top Withens, where Emily Bronte set her famous story of tragic love, “Wuthering Heights.” The old lanes of Haworth reward the explorer with the exquisiteness of the Yorkshire countryside.
The Yorkshire Coastline
Further east, the Yorkshire coastline is home to fishing villages and resorts like Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough. The landscape and seascape here is ever-varying and interesting, from wild, rocky cliffs to wide, placid bays. Seabird colonies and fossil trails are the main draws for nature lovers, while the large resorts offer a vibrant cultural scene and nightlife.
With most of its attractions off the beaten tourist trail, all the comforts of the English country life and no dearth of fascinating activities for two, Yorkshire is that secret, romantic spot you’ve always wanted to escape to with a loved one for a holiday to remember.
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