Why North Yorkshire is the perfect summer staycation spot

Many of Britain's most popular staycation spots are on the south coast, with the Jurassic coastline, Devon and Cornwall regularly topping the charts.

Yet here in North Yorkshire, visitors will enjoy cosy, affordable holidays away from the crowds and the queues, packed with fun things to do, spectacular views, fascinating history and a warm, sunny Yorkshire welcome.

Thinking of taking a staycation this summer? Don't head south on autopilot. Here's why you should plot a course straight to North Yorkshire instead.

1. The Yorkshire Dales are here – and they're sure to win your heart

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a vast, bleak, beautiful landscape that blankets much of North Yorkshire. Here, you're never too far from a charming trail, a magnificent waterfall or a life-affirming view.

It's easy to while away a summer's afternoon exploring the Dales' picturesque villages and chocolate-box towns after a bite to eat in one of the area's excellent traditional pubs.

In case you prefer not to drive, the DalesBus service helpfully lays on regular tourist buses in the summer season to supplement the year-round local services, making sure you can enjoy the meandering country lanes in comfort.

2. We've got our very own TV stars

If you want to discover the Yorkshire of popular culture, where better to start than Grassington? This charming village doubled as James Herriot's famous Darrowby in the recent TV series based on his books, All Creatures Great and Small.

You could even enjoy a pint at The Devonshire Inn, which doubled as The Drover's Arms in the show, or join an all-day "All Creatures" tour.

Literature buffs might also want to head North to Thirsk, where The World of James Herriot delves deeper into his life and work.

3. Cute animals? We've got cute animals

Of course, farming is at the heart of Dales culture, so there's lots for animal lovers to do around here.

Birchfield Family Dairies offers an affordable family day out on a working farm nestled in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Children can pet guinea pigs, pick strawberries and even explore a Maize Maze during the summer months.

Still want more cuteness? You could pop along to meet the nearby Nidderdale Llamas too.

Meanwhile, Farm Adventure Yorkshire offers an altogether more grown-up experience with farm-themed stag and hen dos, as well as farming fun like tractor driving.

4. There are lots of traditional events to enjoy

You can catch an array of traditional events throughout the summer season, ranging from rural sheepdog trials to Sheep Day – a festival of family fun celebrating Skipton's sheep farming heritage.

Other special events include Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival, Settle Flowerpot Festival and the intriguingly named Burning of Old Bartle.

5. You can explore our fascinating mining heritage

Mining is an important part of Dales history. For one, Stump Cross's beautiful underground network of caverns was discovered by lead miners in the 19th century.

If you'd like to find out more about the industry's fascinating history, why not try the Grassington Moor lead mining trail? This 3.2-mile walk across the moors takes you past the extraordinary remains of this once-thriving industry, with lots of helpful information panels along the way. 

6. There are ruins, towers and castles aplenty

History buffs will find plenty to tickle their fancy in North Yorkshire.

There are the imposing ruins of Bolton Abbey and Barden Tower. There's the much better-preserved Skipton Castle. There's York's interactive Viking experience, the Yorvik Centre. And there's Nidderdale Museum, which explores the everyday lives of ordinary Dales folk in years gone by.

Several local villages also hold festivals of 1940s music, dance and costume.

7. Natural history fans will love it

If you prefer to delve deeper into history, check out some of North Yorkshire's stunning geological sites.

The area is full of rocky outcrops. Simon's Seat, for instance, on the Bolton Abbey Estate. And Brimham Rocks, whose weird and wonderful formations are especially astonishing.

The Dales is peppered with beautiful waterfalls too, with famous ones at Aysgarth and Bolton Abbey's Valley of Desolation.

Malham Cove, meanwhile, is a jaw-droppingly immense, curving limestone cliff with nearby limestone pavements. The cliff has appeared onscreen with both Steve Coogan and Harry Potter.

8. Things can get fantastical here

Talking of wizards and magic, The Forbidden Corner is a seriously strange treasure hunt populated by fairytale-style creatures. Older children are sure to love it.

It's just one of many brilliant family attractions in North Yorkshire. Others include Stockheld Park, which boasts an enchanted forest and a magical maze, and Lightwater Valley, an adventure park packed with rides and attractions for under-12s.

The latter features one of three (three!) treetop adventure activities in the area. Kids will also love trying out the rope swings at Otley Chevin – a nature reserve that promises a great woodland walk with the kids.

There are high-octane outdoor pursuits to try, too – from zorbing and axe-throwing at Live For Today to kayaking and high-ropes courses at Marrick Priory.

9. You can enjoy a slower pace of life

For a more sedate pastime, why not hire bikes from Nidderdale Cycles or Segways in nearby Pateley Bridge?

And what could be more perfect on a sunny day than a swim in the glorious surroundings of Ilkley's Grade-II listed 1930s lido?

As well as the stunning outdoor pool, the site boasts a 25-metre indoor pool, tennis courts and a grassy sunbathing area. 

10. It's a walker's paradise

The National Park is renowned for its walking routes, which weave their way through woodlands and moorlands, uphill and down dale.

There's something for every walker here, from short, gentle strolls that are perfect for families to proper hikes that open up to spectacular panoramas. That includes loads of waymarked, long-distance routes crisscrossing the countryside.

For a gentler stroll, why not visit the stunning landscaped gardens at RHS Harlow Carr? You could also meander around Fountains Abbey or the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, which showcases some fantastic art.

11. Railway enthusiasts can let off steam

York Railway Museum is a great day out for trainspotters of all ages. And for vintage train lovers, The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway has trains running up to seven days a week in summer.

Meanwhile, The Settle to Carlisle Railway offers luxury steam experiences taking in the world-famous Ribblehead Viaduct.

12. There's a magical underground world to discover

Deep underneath the Dales, there's a hidden subterranean world of cave networks and abandoned mining passages.

Most are off-limits to all but the most experienced cavers. But Stump Cross Caverns is a rare exception – a genuine prehistoric cave system that's safe for the whole family to explore.

There are dozens of treasures to discover down there, from The Organ – a huge sheet of flowstone that looks primed to play a Bach fugue – to Reindeer Cavern, a showstopping assemblage of rock columns and sweeping calcite curtains.

And the caves are just the start of the fun. Our visitor centre also boasts a cafe, a gift shop and a cinema, as well as a packed calendar of events and activities.

Then there's the gem sluice. A working, antique-style mining machine where kids can safely pan for gems and make their own historic discoveries.

Want to kick off your Yorkshire staycation with a day of adventure and learning? Book your tickets to Stump Cross Caverns today.