The Best Weekend Breaks in Yorkshire

Within its city walls, York has everything you could want from a weekend away. The historic city is brimming with heritage, museums, ruins and exhibitions to explore. It’s also one of the county’s cultural hotspots, with a glut of fantastic restaurants and independent shops to spend time in. Be sure to visit the Shambles, a world-famous cobbled street that hasn’t changed all that much in its 600-year history.

If you are looking to escape the busy city, why not hide away for a weekend in a secluded shepherds hut? Once a common occurrence across the Yorkshire landscape, the Shepherds Hut Bilsdale is housed on a working sheep farm and gives guests an authentic taste of rural life. If it’s outdoor pursuits you’re after, the hut is set amid the North York Moors National Park, making it the ideal base camp for exploring the local area.

The birthplace of legendary explorer James Cook and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the small seaside town of Whitby is the perfect spot for a weekend away. Set on the picturesque Yorkshire coast, this pretty town, comprising former fishing cottages and houses, has plenty to see and do, from the Gothic Whitby Abbey to the James Cook Museum or even a gentle stroll along the pristine beach.

In the heart of Brontë country, the charming village of Haworth is the quintessence of Yorkshire. Its quaint streets are filled with family-run shops, cafes and restaurants, ideal for a gentle stroll on a Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the nearby Pennine Moors inspired the seminal novel Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë, which is set in the sweeping Yorkshire landscape.

Nothing shouts class more than staying in your very own castle. With a wealth of stately homes dotted around the county, there is no shortage of options on offer. Swinton Park, a Grade II-listed building with more than 500 years of history, is set in 200 acres (80ha) of gardens and lakes. It neighbours the Yorkshire Dales, so you’re never too far from beautiful local countryside at this luxury hotel.

Live out your woodland fantasies with a stay at the North Star Club. Inspired by North American camps, this retreat is the perfect place to relax in the wilderness. Don’t expect to rough it, though – the camp has luxury cabins for a comfy night’s sleep and offers pampering packages for the perfect weekend of rest and relaxation. Ideal for couples or groups, the club is open throughout the year.