The largest chunk of the already massive county of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire is sandwiched by two areas of outstanding natural beauty to the east and west: the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Traditionally an agricultural area, this region is rife with breathtaking landscapes, beautiful moorland, and dramatic coastal spots. In amongst all of this rural terrain are cities such as York, teeming with history and charm; Harrogate, a delightfully quaint spa town; and the bustling urban centre of Middlesborough to the north.

Adventurous types can surf off the North Sea coast or cycle along trails that crisscross the entire region. History buffs will discover a plethora of ancient ruins and museums scattered throughout the area, including the National Rail Museum, York Castle Museum, and Ripley Castle. Fans of taking it slightly easier can bask on the beaches of Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay or spend some time in the vineyards near Ryedale. And everywhere you travel you’ll witness an ever-evolving vista of remarkable views and wondrous countryside.

The region is served by a number of airports. Manchester (MAN), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Teesside International (MME), and Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) all ring the region. If you’re driving, then the M6 skirts the west, there’s the A66 to the north, the A1 to the east, and the A65 to the south. North Yorkshire is well served by rail lines, with trains from London taking less than two hours; LNER, CrossCountry, and Grand Central are the main operators. There are a variety of bus lines across the county, with the DalesBus connecting towns in the Dales with stations in the region, while MoorsBus serves the North York Moors. The entire area is a walkers’ and cyclists’ paradise, with a number of renowned trails and routes.

Picking a time to book one of North Yorkshire’s holiday cottages depends entirely on the region you’re visiting and the type of experience you’re seeking. The seaside towns of Filey and Whitby are fun to visit in the height of summer (though the annual Whitby Goth Festival takes place in October). Places such as York and Harrogate are magical at Christmastime. During the spring and autumn you’ll see the heather on the North York Moors at its best, while visiting the Dales in June and September will allow for glorious landscapes with slightly less crowding. Both the Dales and the North York Moors have a Dark Skies Festival in February, to enjoy the heavens without light pollution. For fans of all things floral, the Harrogate Flower Show, one of the largest in the United Kingdom, takes place every April.

York Minster

This astonishing building, one of the largest and most impressive cathedrals on the planet, has been a vital religious centre in the north of England since the 7th century. With towering stone and immense stained-glass windows, the breathtaking structure is crammed full of artefacts reflecting 2,000 years of history, from the area’s Roman roots to the famous Viking influence on the region. There’s a dedicated legion of volunteers on hand to provide expert commentary.

Skipton Castle

Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton is a lovely market town and the perfect place to base yourself if you intend to explore the area. Once here, a visit to Skipton Castle is a must. For 900 years, this imposing giant has been the scene of many a bloody battle and periods of aristocratic opulence. One of the country’s best preserved castles, it’s crammed full of fascinating historical artefacts and stories of its renowned inhabitants.

Swinton Druid Temple

This quirky, bizarre set of standing stones near Ripon look like they were constructed in the mists of time, but are in fact a folly put together in the 19th century by a local eccentric landowner attempting to find work for unemployed men in the area. This hasn’t stopped strange legends and tales of mysticism and sorcery from being associated with the site. The temple does provide the perfect, if slightly eerie, backdrop for a hike or a picnic.