England’s largest county sprawls across terrain that ranges from the windswept heights of the Yorkshire Dales and the heather-clad expanse of the North York Moors to the dramatic coastline where Whitby Abbey’s Gothic ruins overlook the North Sea. This is a landscape shaped by Cistercian monks who built magnificent abbeys in remote valleys, by Victorian spa towns that transformed moorland springs into elegant resorts, and by a literary heritage that connects Captain Cook’s seafaring adventures with the Gothic romance of Dracula. From the cascading waters of Hardraw Force — England’s tallest single-drop waterfall — to the horticultural splendour of RHS Garden Harlow Carr near Harrogate, from the meticulously preserved ruins of Fountains Abbey to the veterinary nostalgia of The World of James Herriot in Thirsk, North Yorkshire rewards patient exploration rather than hurried sightseeing.
These North Yorkshire travel guides provide practical visitor information for attractions that span medieval religious architecture, natural wonders, historic market towns and cultural sites connected to figures who shaped British history and literature. You’ll find detailed guidance on visiting major monastic ruins including Fountains Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey, discover what makes Whitby essential beyond its Gothic associations, understand the logistics of accessing Hardraw Force and other natural attractions, and access essential details about opening hours, admission prices and parking arrangements. Whether you’re planning a comprehensive North Yorkshire exploration or selecting highlights to incorporate into a broader Yorkshire itinerary, these articles help you navigate a region where extraordinary beauty sits alongside logistical challenges that catch unprepared visitors off guard.
- What first time visitors need to know about visiting Whitby Abbey.
- A practical guide to visiting the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby.
- How to visit Hardraw Force, England’s tallest waterfall.
- What to see at the RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate.
- Guide to the World of James Herriot in Thirsk.
- What to expect at Ripon Cathedral.
- Guide to visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
- Practical visitor guide to Rievaulx Abbey near Helmsley.
- What to see and do at Helmsley Castle.
- The best bits of Byland Abbey.
- How to get to Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales.
- Where to get the best views of the Ribblehead Viaduct.
- Practical visitor guides to Aysgarth Falls and Linton Falls in the Yorkshire Dales.
