Beverley - Last Visit March 2017
We have visited Beverley several times now and the best day to visit is Saturday when the market is on, there’s many stalls at the northern end of the high street in the square, with a few more stalls also at the south end. The best place we’ve found to park is in the large carpark down school lane, where when we last visited was £5.40 all day in long stay, however be careful, as it’s also £5.40 in medium stay, but if you park in medium it has a maximum stay of 4 hours, the postcode for the car park is HU17 9LS.
When we stayed at the Village hotel in Hull, March 2017, we went to Beverley for the day to not only have walk around the town, but also to explore further than the high street and had mapped out a walking route from what I’d found online. Details of our walk can be found on our walks page here, it meant we got closer to St Mary’s Church at the north end and Beverley Minster at the south end of the town, both very impressive, picturesque buildings.
We have visited Beverley several times now and the best day to visit is Saturday when the market is on, there’s many stalls at the northern end of the high street in the square, with a few more stalls also at the south end. The best place we’ve found to park is in the large carpark down school lane, where when we last visited was £5.40 all day in long stay, however be careful, as it’s also £5.40 in medium stay, but if you park in medium it has a maximum stay of 4 hours, the postcode for the car park is HU17 9LS.
When we stayed at the Village hotel in Hull, March 2017, we went to Beverley for the day to not only have walk around the town, but also to explore further than the high street and had mapped out a walking route from what I’d found online. Details of our walk can be found on our walks page here, it meant we got closer to St Mary’s Church at the north end and Beverley Minster at the south end of the town, both very impressive, picturesque buildings.
Saltburn-by-the-sea - February 2017
We'd been planning on going to do the Holey Molies indoor crazy golf course at Skelton-in-Cleveland for a while and with us being already half way in Northallerton, it seemed like a good opportunity time to go, especially as it was a wet, cold day, but my wife suggested a stop at Saltburn-by-the-sea first. We drove in from the south and could see how rough the sea was, but despite that we still parked up in the smaller of the two car parks near the cliff tramway to go for a walk along the seafront.
We got out of the car into what felt like gale force wind and headed for a walk north along the front, before walking to the end of the pier. The sea was very rough (see below video) from the wind and being on the coast, it was a lot windier and colder than what it had been in Northallerton, so we didn't stay out for long.
There's not much on the seafront, a small amusement arcade, large fish and chip restaurant, crazy golf course and a few kiosks that were closed, along with the cliff tramway. There's the car park we parked in and a much larger one and on a nice summers day it would be a much nicer place to stop, even if it's just for a walk along the seafront.
We'd been planning on going to do the Holey Molies indoor crazy golf course at Skelton-in-Cleveland for a while and with us being already half way in Northallerton, it seemed like a good opportunity time to go, especially as it was a wet, cold day, but my wife suggested a stop at Saltburn-by-the-sea first. We drove in from the south and could see how rough the sea was, but despite that we still parked up in the smaller of the two car parks near the cliff tramway to go for a walk along the seafront.
We got out of the car into what felt like gale force wind and headed for a walk north along the front, before walking to the end of the pier. The sea was very rough (see below video) from the wind and being on the coast, it was a lot windier and colder than what it had been in Northallerton, so we didn't stay out for long.
There's not much on the seafront, a small amusement arcade, large fish and chip restaurant, crazy golf course and a few kiosks that were closed, along with the cliff tramway. There's the car park we parked in and a much larger one and on a nice summers day it would be a much nicer place to stop, even if it's just for a walk along the seafront.
Helmsley – Last Visit April 2019
We first visited Hemsley back in January 2017, we didn’t spend a lot of time there then, but liked it enough to know we would go back, so in April 2019 we did. I had previously read about a walk to Rievaulx Abbey, so I had already made a note we would like to go back and do the walk, however on this visit we didn’t want such a long walk, so I did some more research for a shorter walk.
Initially we were going to park in the market square, but as it was a maximum stay of 2 hours, we moved on to the long stay car park and started our roughly circular walk from there. You can see the route we walked and pictures on our walks, cycles and boat routes page here.
We stopped off at the walled gardens, which were only a short walk from the car park, we didn’t go in to look around the gardens, but decided to stop off for a cuppa at the café there, which had plenty of seating outside next to the gardens.
Leaving here we headed off on our walking part up the Cleveland way, but only a short distance through one field, before heading back down to the high street and into market square. It’s a lovely little village to walk around, with several small, but interesting shops and has a nice peaceful pace about it. Entry to the castle is near the long stay car park, it’s part of the English heritage and you can find out more details here.
We first visited Hemsley back in January 2017, we didn’t spend a lot of time there then, but liked it enough to know we would go back, so in April 2019 we did. I had previously read about a walk to Rievaulx Abbey, so I had already made a note we would like to go back and do the walk, however on this visit we didn’t want such a long walk, so I did some more research for a shorter walk.
Initially we were going to park in the market square, but as it was a maximum stay of 2 hours, we moved on to the long stay car park and started our roughly circular walk from there. You can see the route we walked and pictures on our walks, cycles and boat routes page here.
We stopped off at the walled gardens, which were only a short walk from the car park, we didn’t go in to look around the gardens, but decided to stop off for a cuppa at the café there, which had plenty of seating outside next to the gardens.
Leaving here we headed off on our walking part up the Cleveland way, but only a short distance through one field, before heading back down to the high street and into market square. It’s a lovely little village to walk around, with several small, but interesting shops and has a nice peaceful pace about it. Entry to the castle is near the long stay car park, it’s part of the English heritage and you can find out more details here.
Selby - February 2017
We parked at the train station and headed through Selby park towards the main street and the first thing you see is the beautiful abbey. Continuing to the left we then headed along the main high street and around the shops, before heading back towards the abbey. I couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed and looking at the abbey it sorted looked like it was in the wrong town. Sadly I'd be in no rush to visit Selby again, the town is not interesting enough.
We parked at the train station and headed through Selby park towards the main street and the first thing you see is the beautiful abbey. Continuing to the left we then headed along the main high street and around the shops, before heading back towards the abbey. I couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed and looking at the abbey it sorted looked like it was in the wrong town. Sadly I'd be in no rush to visit Selby again, the town is not interesting enough.
Pocklington – Last Visit January 2017
One morning we got up and looked at the map to see where we’d not visited and decided that Pocklington would the first stop on a route we planned. It’s only a small village, but was nice to walk around, we headed over to Burnby Hall Gardens whilst we were there, but sadly it wasn’t open, however we will probably look to visit again and go see the hall and gardens next time.
One morning we got up and looked at the map to see where we’d not visited and decided that Pocklington would the first stop on a route we planned. It’s only a small village, but was nice to walk around, we headed over to Burnby Hall Gardens whilst we were there, but sadly it wasn’t open, however we will probably look to visit again and go see the hall and gardens next time.
Masham - January 2016
Situated south of Leyburn and Middleham, this is another one of the small Yorkshire dales villages, there’s a surprisingly large car park in the centre, it’s nice to walk around, there’s a lovely old church, sadly it was a dull grey day when we visited and it would be nicer to visit on market day.
Situated south of Leyburn and Middleham, this is another one of the small Yorkshire dales villages, there’s a surprisingly large car park in the centre, it’s nice to walk around, there’s a lovely old church, sadly it was a dull grey day when we visited and it would be nicer to visit on market day.
Middleham - January 2016
The Yorkshire dales are beautiful and peppered with loads of pretty little villages, we have visited many of these before, but Middleham is one we don't normally stop at, however on a grey winters day in January 2016 on a drive through the Yorkshire dales, we decided to stop for a look. Being a small village, there isn't a lot there to see as far as shops are concerned, but Middleham castle is definitely worth a walk up to and if you want to can have a look inside, you can see the route we walked around the village on the map on our Walks, Cycle and Boat routes page here.
The Yorkshire dales are beautiful and peppered with loads of pretty little villages, we have visited many of these before, but Middleham is one we don't normally stop at, however on a grey winters day in January 2016 on a drive through the Yorkshire dales, we decided to stop for a look. Being a small village, there isn't a lot there to see as far as shops are concerned, but Middleham castle is definitely worth a walk up to and if you want to can have a look inside, you can see the route we walked around the village on the map on our Walks, Cycle and Boat routes page here.
Hessle Foreshore - February 2015
This is a beautiful place, looking out over the humber and the bridge towering above, with parking along cliff road, however if you fancy a longer walk, you could park at the humber bridge country park and walk through and down to the foreshore (we haven’t done this yet, so not sure on route, but we plan to return and start at the country park) and then along Jean’s Walk past the fields on your left, maybe stop on a bench and watch the world go by, before walking back ‘round along the roadside and back up through the country park to the car.
This is a beautiful place, looking out over the humber and the bridge towering above, with parking along cliff road, however if you fancy a longer walk, you could park at the humber bridge country park and walk through and down to the foreshore (we haven’t done this yet, so not sure on route, but we plan to return and start at the country park) and then along Jean’s Walk past the fields on your left, maybe stop on a bench and watch the world go by, before walking back ‘round along the roadside and back up through the country park to the car.
Market Weighton - February 2015
It’s only a small high street, but still a pretty little village.
It’s only a small high street, but still a pretty little village.
Skipton - Visited Many Times
This is a very popular place, it's a great place to visit, with many shops, we have visited on many occasions. There is a large car park with toilets near M&S, just off the main street. There is a regular market, with stalls down the main road and you can also walk down to the canal and go on a boat trip.
We took my parents to Skipton in March 2013 and decided to go on the 30min Pennine Cruisers boat trip, which takes you a short distance along the canal, behind the castle and below are some our pictures and videos. You can also hire boats for the day from Skipton.
This is a very popular place, it's a great place to visit, with many shops, we have visited on many occasions. There is a large car park with toilets near M&S, just off the main street. There is a regular market, with stalls down the main road and you can also walk down to the canal and go on a boat trip.
We took my parents to Skipton in March 2013 and decided to go on the 30min Pennine Cruisers boat trip, which takes you a short distance along the canal, behind the castle and below are some our pictures and videos. You can also hire boats for the day from Skipton.
Settle – March 2015
We have visited Settle a few times, but not as often as some of the other places close by, like Skipton, however it is a lovely place to visit, not as big as Skipton, but still worth visiting. There’s a car park next to the petrol station, just after the centre, which also has some public toilets. We stopped at The Olde Naked Man Cafe for lunch, (I had Cumberland sausage, with stuffing and apple sauce, which was really nice), the cafe is quite big, having a take away counter at the opposite end of the cafe, where you can buy some lovely buns to take home and the village even offers free WiFi!
We have visited Settle a few times, but not as often as some of the other places close by, like Skipton, however it is a lovely place to visit, not as big as Skipton, but still worth visiting. There’s a car park next to the petrol station, just after the centre, which also has some public toilets. We stopped at The Olde Naked Man Cafe for lunch, (I had Cumberland sausage, with stuffing and apple sauce, which was really nice), the cafe is quite big, having a take away counter at the opposite end of the cafe, where you can buy some lovely buns to take home and the village even offers free WiFi!
ILKLEY
We've driven through Ilkley many times, but not stopped for a look, however we have now. There is a large carpark in the centre, which has a good selection of shops, including M&Co, Dorothy Perkins/Burton, Bettys, Clinton Cards, Boots and many more independents and I also noticed there is quite a few charity shops as well.
We've driven through Ilkley many times, but not stopped for a look, however we have now. There is a large carpark in the centre, which has a good selection of shops, including M&Co, Dorothy Perkins/Burton, Bettys, Clinton Cards, Boots and many more independents and I also noticed there is quite a few charity shops as well.
Craven Heifer Inn
The Craven Heifer Inn is about 4 miles outside of Skipton, which is a great stop for lunch, either coming down from Yorkshire Dales villages like Kettlewell and Grassington or heading out up through the dales. We've been here a few times now and we recommend the carvery, booking is required. Click here to go to their website to find out more information.
Wakefield - Last Visit January 2014
The original Ridings shopping centre hasn't been modernised, instead they decided to build a new shopping centre, Trinity Walk, which is a very modern shopping area, covered with a glass canopy, letting loads of light in, while still keeping shoppers dry and includes shops like La Senza, USC, Debenhams, MenKind, Next and The Body Shop. Personally, I feel these new shopping centres don't necessarily help improve the town centres, but just make the old areas and indoor shopping centres look worse, but it's nice to see the town centres aren't totally being forgotten.
Knaresborough - Last Visit January 2017
We really like to visit Knaresborough, it’s a lovely place to walk around, with great views from the castle looking down on the river below and if your happy to walk down the steps from the castle to the river below, there’s Marigolds and The Black Mulberry you can stop off for a cuppa and cake. We’ve also taken a walk from Knaresborough centre and out along the river and back around again, you can check out the route details and photos on our Walks, Cycleand Boat Routes page here, in the slideshow of pictures below, there’s a map showing the route we took, with a red line showing a slight alteration of the route we’d recommend you follow.
We really like to visit Knaresborough, it’s a lovely place to walk around, with great views from the castle looking down on the river below and if your happy to walk down the steps from the castle to the river below, there’s Marigolds and The Black Mulberry you can stop off for a cuppa and cake. We’ve also taken a walk from Knaresborough centre and out along the river and back around again, you can check out the route details and photos on our Walks, Cycleand Boat Routes page here, in the slideshow of pictures below, there’s a map showing the route we took, with a red line showing a slight alteration of the route we’d recommend you follow.
Filey – March 2017
We’d visited Filey back in 2013, but hadn’t spent much time their and in March 2017 when looking for places to go for a walk we revisited. We parked in the West Avenue car park and walk through Glen Gardens, which has quite a few things for the kids to do, including a mini golf course, boating lake and large park. Walking along the front it was peaceful and nice, the town is small, but it’s nice to walk around. Our original plan was to walk from Filey to Scarborough, however we changed our mind and took a walk along Filey Brigg instead and then back to the town to stop for a cuppa and some cake.
You can check out my details from our walk on our walks page here.
We’d visited Filey back in 2013, but hadn’t spent much time their and in March 2017 when looking for places to go for a walk we revisited. We parked in the West Avenue car park and walk through Glen Gardens, which has quite a few things for the kids to do, including a mini golf course, boating lake and large park. Walking along the front it was peaceful and nice, the town is small, but it’s nice to walk around. Our original plan was to walk from Filey to Scarborough, however we changed our mind and took a walk along Filey Brigg instead and then back to the town to stop for a cuppa and some cake.
You can check out my details from our walk on our walks page here.
York – Visited Many Times
This is a very popular, charming city to visit, with it's many streets full of shops, Street entertainers and the fantastic York Minster, you will be happy to visit again and again.
This is a very popular, charming city to visit, with it's many streets full of shops, Street entertainers and the fantastic York Minster, you will be happy to visit again and again.
York Golf Range Crazy Golf Course - Visited June 2013
You can check out our pictures from the York the York Golf Range Crazy Golf course on our crazy golf page here.
You can check out our pictures from the York the York Golf Range Crazy Golf course on our crazy golf page here.
Darley Mill Centre
The Darley Mill is a 3 storey shop and restaurant and is an ideal place to stop for some food, while on route to/from Brimham Rocks (depending on which direction you take).
_
Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Before we went boating on the Norfolk Broads, we went on a couple of short (weekend) breaks, on a canal boat, one of which was along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Canal boating is ideal, especially if you don’t live near the Norfolk Broads or wanted to try boating, before going on a longer boating holiday. There are many canals in the UK that you may wish to consider and there are many places you can visit and take a day trip or hire a boat. Boating holiday are not for everyone, so if you are considering taking a boat for a week or short break, do the research of the many canals you can travel along, as some have lots and lots of locks and you may find yourself off the boat more than you realise, but also call in at one of the boat hire companies and get their advice and ask to have a look in one of their boats, if they have one available.
Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Before we went boating on the Norfolk Broads, we went on a couple of short (weekend) breaks, on a canal boat, one of which was along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Canal boating is ideal, especially if you don’t live near the Norfolk Broads or wanted to try boating, before going on a longer boating holiday. There are many canals in the UK that you may wish to consider and there are many places you can visit and take a day trip or hire a boat. Boating holiday are not for everyone, so if you are considering taking a boat for a week or short break, do the research of the many canals you can travel along, as some have lots and lots of locks and you may find yourself off the boat more than you realise, but also call in at one of the boat hire companies and get their advice and ask to have a look in one of their boats, if they have one available.
Scarborough is a typical seaside resort, attracting visitors all year round. At the heart of Scarborough is the main sea front, full of shops, amusements, ice cream stalls and many restaurants and cafes. This part of Scarborough gets very busy, so getting around the streets can be a challenge, especially in the summer months, but it stretches for quite a few miles.
North Bay is my favourite part of Scarborough; it has a different feel about it, with its more relaxed atmosphere and tranquil surroundings. There’s a big enough beach to take the kids, without having a long walk to the sea, making it a safe place to keep an eye on them. You can take a leisurely walk down to the sea life centre, where you will also find Pirates Adventure Mini Golf, which is a really good course, the only issue we had was the course is on quite a small site, meaning the holes are really close with not much space for waiting in busy times. Just around the corner from the sea life centre is a car park and a pub on the right and in front of the pub is a bridge, which takes you to some steps, climbing the steps (it's a little steep) takes you to the top of the cliffs, where there's wonderful; views looking back and follow the coastline along marine drive. Walking back from the sea life centre there is another mini golf on your right, however we didn't play this one, so I can’t comment on it, but it has been rated as the best by BBC Cbeebies.
You can cut across from the mini golf near the café up and over, which brings you down to the recently refurbished Scarborough Open Air Theatre, (click here for more information on upcoming events), after the theatre you can see the log flume to the right, not your typical log flume, it's an older version where the flume is on a rope and pulled back up. On the right is the station, where you can get the train down to the sea life centre or a return journey as we did. Behind the station there's a newly added high wire style frame (2015), where those not afraid of heights can be harnessed high above the the people below and walk along rope bridges and narrow beams. Also recently added to the this great area is the Military Adventure Park, click here for more details, we didn't go in, but we could see people on the climbing wall and driving around in the tanks, so definitely worth a look!
We then crossed over to Peasholm Park, which contains the boating lake and we highly recommend taking a pedalo out, however if you are tall, then be aware that the pedals are really close, so you are pushing your back against the seat as you pedal, which is a shame, as it’s quite a nice thing to do, but could be quite uncomfortable for long periods, however it’s 30mins and that was enough for us to do 2 laps around the lake.
_ Thornton-Le-Dale
Whitby – Visited Many Times
Another popular coastal resort and one of my favourites, Whitby is a lovely fishing harbour village at the mouth of the river esk. There are a few large car parks near the front along the road where the tourist information is, follow the town centre signs and turn right at the roundabout when you arrive at the bottom.
The main part of the town is the west sides, which contains several shops, cafes and restaurants and amusements (including a crazy golf course, check out our crazy golf page here to view more). Heading up from the high street you can walk up to the whalebone arch and along towards the pavilion and we plan to return to Whitby and do a circular walk up around the western cliff of Whitby.
Crossing over the bridge to the east side, you follow the narrow cobbled streets, lined with quant old fashioned shops, including the shambles market place and when you reach the end you are at the foot of the 199 steps, which takes you up to the cliff top, where you will find the church of saint mary and the ruins of Whitby Abbey, with fantastic views looking down over Whitby. In January 2017 we did a circular walk which took us up the 199 steps and along the cliff top path, you can visit our walks page here to read more and see the route on a map.
Another popular coastal resort and one of my favourites, Whitby is a lovely fishing harbour village at the mouth of the river esk. There are a few large car parks near the front along the road where the tourist information is, follow the town centre signs and turn right at the roundabout when you arrive at the bottom.
The main part of the town is the west sides, which contains several shops, cafes and restaurants and amusements (including a crazy golf course, check out our crazy golf page here to view more). Heading up from the high street you can walk up to the whalebone arch and along towards the pavilion and we plan to return to Whitby and do a circular walk up around the western cliff of Whitby.
Crossing over the bridge to the east side, you follow the narrow cobbled streets, lined with quant old fashioned shops, including the shambles market place and when you reach the end you are at the foot of the 199 steps, which takes you up to the cliff top, where you will find the church of saint mary and the ruins of Whitby Abbey, with fantastic views looking down over Whitby. In January 2017 we did a circular walk which took us up the 199 steps and along the cliff top path, you can visit our walks page here to read more and see the route on a map.
Hole of Horcum
Holme Moss
Burnsall
This is a lovely little village beside the river, attracting picnickers all the time. You can pay to park further away from the village over the bridge and down to the riverside or park in the village, either on the roadside if you can get in or in the small car park for £3. You can go under the bridge walk along the river or if you don’t want to walk, just get your picnic out on the grass next to the river and watch the world go by.
This is a lovely little village beside the river, attracting picnickers all the time. You can pay to park further away from the village over the bridge and down to the riverside or park in the village, either on the roadside if you can get in or in the small car park for £3. You can go under the bridge walk along the river or if you don’t want to walk, just get your picnic out on the grass next to the river and watch the world go by.
Northallerton
This is a very popular place for shopping, literally one long street of shops, making it easy for shoppers to walk up one side of the street and back down the other side.
This is a very popular place for shopping, literally one long street of shops, making it easy for shoppers to walk up one side of the street and back down the other side.
Leeds
|
View Leeds Weir in a larger map |
Runswick Bay
Situated North of Whitby, this is a beautiful little spot, with a cafe and car park.
Situated North of Whitby, this is a beautiful little spot, with a cafe and car park.
_ Ripon
A small town, with a car park behind sainsburys & some more parking in the main square. There are quite a few shops surrounding the square, with many of the usual shops you find throughout the northern towns.
A small town, with a car park behind sainsburys & some more parking in the main square. There are quite a few shops surrounding the square, with many of the usual shops you find throughout the northern towns.
Winscar Reservoir
Dovestones Reservoir
Goathland - Revisited Oct 2012
This is more known for it's use in the drama series of the Nineties, Heartbeat, However it is a beautiful place in it's own right and a great beautiful place to stay at one of the hotels or guest houses and travel on the steam railway to Whitby. There is not a lot here, a few shops, pub and a train station, however the picturesque setting and location on the North Yorkshire Moors is Perfect and I love visiting.
This is more known for it's use in the drama series of the Nineties, Heartbeat, However it is a beautiful place in it's own right and a great beautiful place to stay at one of the hotels or guest houses and travel on the steam railway to Whitby. There is not a lot here, a few shops, pub and a train station, however the picturesque setting and location on the North Yorkshire Moors is Perfect and I love visiting.
Hawes
This is a lovely little rural village to visit, very pretty, with a large café to get a meal from. The drive to Hawes is beautiful and a very pretty area to visit.
This is a lovely little rural village to visit, very pretty, with a large café to get a meal from. The drive to Hawes is beautiful and a very pretty area to visit.
Kingston-upon-Hull
_
Kingston-upon-Hull
We revisited in August 2011 and parked near the marina for a walk around, it’s a nice marina, but there are much prettier marinas in nicer locations. We didn’t go into Hull town, but we did go over the road from the marina to a shopping centre, which was undergoing a refurbishment.
Kingston-upon-Hull
We revisited in August 2011 and parked near the marina for a walk around, it’s a nice marina, but there are much prettier marinas in nicer locations. We didn’t go into Hull town, but we did go over the road from the marina to a shopping centre, which was undergoing a refurbishment.