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It would be a cheap shot to say Yorkshire is England’s best county simply because it’s the largest. The latter is obviously true but what makes it such a cracking place to spend a weekend (preferably longer) is the variety. Take the scenery; not one but two National Parks: the sheep-and-dry-stone-wall-dotted Dales and the wild and horizon-stretching North York Moors.

Plus, a swathe of beaches, breezy clifftop walks, thrilling waterfalls (including England’s highest single-drop waterfall) and weirdly wonderful rock formations that pop up out of nowhere. It’s not all for the hearty action-seeker though. There are sumptuous stately homes, romantically ruined abbeys, steam railways and world-class art from Salts Mill’s collection of David Hockney to the 500-acre Yorkshire Sculpture Park.



Market towns still hold markets, there’s the occasional slice of posh (Harrogate, for example), and you'd be hard-pushed to find a village without a pub. But, of course, it’s the people that make a place. Direct, maybe, but always big-hearted, keen to crack a joke and proud to share their beautiful county with others.

For further inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels , pubs , beaches , restaurants and things to do in Yorkshire. If you're planning a city break, see our guide to the perfect weekend in York here . How to spend your weekend Insider tips When should I visit Yorkshire? Where to stay in Yorkshire What to bring home Essential information: what to know before you go.

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