2023 was a fantastic year for travel in Yorkshire. With so many beautiful places to explore – we were lucky enough to be zipping all over God’s Own County’s fantastic beauty spots. Yorkshire has been named one of the best spots to visit in 2024 by The Express and with local travel all the rage these days, it looks like Yorkshire is in for a fantastic year for tourism for both visitors and locals alike. This is The Yorkshireman’s guide – our annual list of the very best places to visit in Yorkshire that are held in high regard for us here at The Yorkshireman HQ
We’ve travelled high and low, from the northern most parts of the Yorkshire Dales to the edges of the Peak District to discover all that this beautiful county has to offer. We’ve picked some idyllic villages, great up and coming spots and some old favourites for you to sink your teeth into this year – because you don’t need to travel far to enjoy a bit of culture. So, pop the kettle on and enjoy The Yorkshireman’s guide to the best spots to visit in Yorkshire in 2024.
1. Reeth, Yorkshire Dales – places to visit Yorkshire 2024
The Yorkshire Dales spot was voted the most peaceful places to visit in the two years in a row, Reeth is located in the Swaledale region in the north of the Dales – and is one of the most idyllic spots due in to small part to being surrounded by hills on all sides. It is also known for its iconic farming landscape of field barns and drystone walls as well as beautiful hay meadows.
Be sure to visit the Two Dales Bakery for great coffee and fanastic baked goods. And, for pub grub and beautiful ales the Bull Inn and The Buck Hotel are the perfect old-fasioned inns to visit.
2. Goathland, North York Moors
Known for being the backdrop for Heartbeat and Harry Potter this idyllic village in the North York Moors, Goathland is the most wholesome place to visit with some fantastic waterfall walks such as Mallyan Spout the beautiful 70ft waterfall, on its doorstep. It has plenty of quaint tearooms and pubs for refreshments a tough walk – and you may even spot a few sheep wandering the streets at certain times of year.
The old-fashioned railway is ever popular and is well worth a visit. It is an untouched pleasure, and some nice to explore as it is so well kept. Make sure you give it a visit if you’re planing on heading to Goathland this 2024.
3. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Another one of our favourite spots to visit along the Yorkshire Coast, Whitby is one of the most busiest places to visit in Yorkshire al year round. And, it’s easy to see why. Take a walk up the 199 steps to the beautiful Whitby Abbey where you can explore the old monastery, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel. After you’ve explore head for a pint at Whitby Brewery that sits next to the historic monument and offers brilliant views of the abbey.
Head back down into town to visit one of its many cosy pubs, before heading for some fish & chips at the famous Magpie Cafe, which we visited earlier this year.
4. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Just down from Whitby is the beautiful fishing village of Robin Hood’s bay with its red topped roofs – it’s Yorkshire answer to the Amalfi Coast. Villages like this are dotted along this part of the coast - and are all worth a visit. We have a soft spot for Robin Hood’s Bay due to the views, but also the cosy pubs such as the Laurel Inn, which is so well kept it’s like stepping back in time with its roaring fire blazing in the winter months – it’s a fantastic place to put the world to rights.
There are a range of wonderful independent shops to explore including Berties of Bay, a wonderful clothes shop that is inspired by the heritage of the area with its knits and hats that are a nob to the work clothes fisherman would wear out at sea.
5. Hull Old Town, East Yorkshire
Yes, Hull. If you’ve been watching Netflix on a night chances are you’ve seen this beautiful old town in Hull that has become quite the hot spot for film productions. It has some great old fashioned boozers and the cobbles streets are a job to walk down. The area has fantastic food options with the likes of Hearth restuarant and bakery that was recently added to the Michelin guide – as well as the Trinity Food Market, which is home to a range of food offerings.
Hull is more than The Deep and the Old Town highlights the potential that the rest of the town has. Wander down Hepworth Arcade for the countries oldest joke shop and the fabulous Beasley’s vintage shop to shop a bargain.
Read More: 14 Of The Best Places To Visit In Yorkshire For 2024, According To You
6. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
With an impressive piers, which is the last of its kind in Yorkshire the seaside restort is a little hit of nostalgia. From the trip down the Victorian cliff lift, to fish & chips on the pier, finished with a go on the 2p machines. But, it’s not all history in Saltburn, it has some fantastic restaurants on the front including Tomahawk Steakhouse Saltburn and the Seaview Restaurant, which serves up some tasty fish & chips.
Up at the top on Milton Street, you’ll find some absolute gems including No. 23 a great neaoplitan style pizza restaurant which serves up tasty craft ales as well. Also, 19 Saltburn is a fine dining spot serving amazing an taster menu. Saltburn-by-the-Sea will be one to watch in the future and is Yorkshire’s answer to Brighton.
7. Marsden, West Yorkshire – places to visit Yorkshire
This little village is a foodie haven surrounding by fantastic Pennine reservoirs that make for fantastic walks. One of our favourite spots we visited this year was the amazing brunch spot Peel St Social, which offers up great brunch options from a full english to a shakshuka and everything in between (we highly recommend the hash browns on the side). The Riverhead Brewery Tap that has 10 real ale hand pumps several of which are permanently dedicated to the popular Riverhead beers brewed on-site.
8. Burnsall, Yorkshire Dales – places to visit Yorkshire
Situated on the bend on the River Wharfe, Burnsall is one of the most idyllic villages in the Wharfedale region of the Yorkshire Dales. With stunning views from the bridge as you cross over into the tiny village, it is a great location to explore it and the surrounding area on foot. The Red Lion pub is an classic pub from the front and inside is like a never ending labyrinth.
The Dales Way heads through the village so you can hop on to that walk towards Grassignton and via Loup Scar, or head towards Appletreewick and the Strid Wood, which is part of the Bolton Abbey estate.
9. Hutton-le-Hole, North York Moors
The North York Moors National Park is one of the real wonders of Yorkshire. Its rugged moors, coastline and idyllic villages make it one of the most incredible places to explore. And, speaking of villages, Hutton-le-Hole, North York Moors is one of the unique places to explore where moorland sheep roam freely along the wide green.
The popular beauty spot is known for its village green that takes centre stage with the picturesque view of the footbridges across the stream that runs through the village. Although the village is tiny it has around 29 listed buildings all of which are Grade II and most date back to the 18th century.
10. Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire
Wentworth Woodhouse is a spectacular Grade-I listed building in the idyllic village of Wentworth, Rotherham – providing escapism in the form of both beautiful architecture and stunning gardens, where you’ll find statues, blooming florals and perfectly sculptured landscapes. The lovely little village is well worth the stroll, too, thanks to its charming cottages and pretty streets.
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