Whether you live in Yorkshire or just nearby, this diverse county offers a trove of hidden gem locations to visit during your retirement. From the breath-taking Yorkshire Coast to the charming natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, we’ll run through our top picks for fun-packed day trips and refreshing overnight stays. These attractions are ideal to visit from your residential park home in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Dales
If you’re looking for outstanding scenery, you must take a trip to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. With a strikingly peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for quiet, picturesque walks. It has two protected areas: Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Both are ideal for nature lovers.
While the South Dales are less remote, the North Dales offer wild heather moorland — the choice is yours. Visit for the day and tuck into a hearty pub lunch (you’ll find plenty of pubs in the Dales) or seize the opportunity to have a restorative overnight stay in a local cottage.
One of our favourite places to visit is the small town of Leyburn in the heart of Wensleydale. You can walk from its hub of shops along the ‘shawl’ — you’ll be amazed by the gorgeous, sweeping views.
North York Moors
Another great walking spot is the North York Moors — over 1,400 miles of enchanting natural beauty. Think Wuthering Heights! You’ll find pine forests, heather moorland, rolling hills, and a beautiful coastline all within the region. Spot roe deer and hawks as you stroll or go looking for some castles, historic abbeys, and the area’s best traditional pubs. We suggest stopping by Dalby Forest, Malton, and Kirkbymoorside.
Yorkshire Coast
You don’t have to leave the country to find golden sands and quaint fishing villages, you just have to visit the Yorkshire Coast. Whether you want to jump on your bikes for a coastal cycle ride, put on your hiking boots and walk amongst stunning seaside views, or just enjoy some award-winning fish and chips, take a look at Staithes, Hornsea, Ravenscar, Saltburn, and Redcar.
We think that Staithes is particularly lovely. Though once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East, it’s now full of cobbled streets, 18th-century cottages, and rock pools.
Whitby is another stunning location. Home to an impressive gothic abbey, it provided Bram Stoker with inspiration for Dracula.
West Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a city trip, then West Yorkshire is the location for you. Visit thriving cultural hubs such as Leeds and Bradford and stop by some fabulous museums, galleries, and eateries. While Leeds is the ‘foodie capital of the North’ and is a particularly renowned spot for street food, markets, and independent bars and breweries, it’s also home to attractions such as Thwaite Watermill, Thackray Museum of Medicine, and Harewood House.
Bradford, on the other hand, holds some wonderful events like Bradford Dance Festival, Ilkley Literature Festival, and Saltaire Festival. It’s also the world’s first UNESCO City of Film! We recommend a trip to the National Science and Media Museum in the city centre.
Don’t forget to take a trip to West Yorkshire’s most characterful towns like the artistic Hebden Bridge and the charming village of Saltaire.
Gateforth Park
Whether you’re looking for a base in the North or researching residential park homes in Yorkshire, consider Gateforth Park in the Vale of York near Selby.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and flexible lifestyle and lots of opportunities to make the most of your spare time, it could be the ideal place for you. Arrange a site visit or contact us today.