Places for the perfect Yorkshire weekend

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves spectacular scenery, cosy inns and long walks rewarded with a well-earned pint, the Yorkshire Dales is the place for you. The Dales is quintessential Yorkshire - all pretty villages, rushing rivers and winding footpaths. Tackle the Dales Way or meander along beside the River Swale, then settle into a country pub for a late lunch.

Malham Cove, Gordale Scar & Janet's Foss - Perhaps the most spectacular walk in the Dales. This 5 mile route takes you from the village of Malham, to the dramatic limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove, the waterfall at Janet's Foss and the towering gorge of Gordale Scar.

Grassington to Hebden - A circular route, easy underfoot and glorious landscape makes this one of the most pleasant walks in the Dales. Stop for lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Burnsall, with its lookout over the River Wharfe.

Yorkshire Three Peaks - One for the serious hikers, this is the most difficult route in the Dales. Around 24 miles, the three highest peaks and more than 1,500 metres of ascent - and the challenge is to complete it in 12 hours (or over a long weekend at a more sensible pace).

The ideal weekend doesn't have to be all about visiting famous landmarks or following an itinerary - sometimes all you want is peace and quiet, starry skies and the breeze in the trees. And Yorkshire is the perfect place for a secluded switch-off.

Yorkshire's remote cabins, shepherd's huts and countryside retreats offer privacy and an escape from the hubbub of everyday life, plus some indulgent hot tubs - and outdoor baths and saunas too. Bring a good book, stock up on treats from a nearby farm shop and make the most of a weekend dedicated entirely to relaxation. You deserve it.

Absolutely nothing - Feet up, kettle on

Where can you find some of the UK's most dramatic coastline and loveliest beaches? That's right. Yorkshire has miles of gorgeous sands, the classic bucket-and-spade coastline of Scarborough, the picturesque Robin Hood's Bay and the independent shops of Whitby.

Wherever you choose, it has to involve blustery walks along the beach and the rugged coastal path, maybe a coffee to warm up - and definitely a stop-off for fish and chips (best eaten from the box, on a seafront bench of course).

Robin Hood's Bay - The number one seaside spot in Yorkshire, this former fishing village serves rugged good looks, steep cobbled streets and wild coastal views.

Whitby - Yorkshire's most famous seaside town. The vibes are dark and interesting, with a ruined Gothic abbey, a location in Dracula and an annual Goth weekend - plus lots of cute little shops and cafes to stroll around.

Runswick Bay - One of our favourite beaches in the UK for its sheer beauty. A cove of golden sand, cliffs behind and the little red-roofed cottages of the village in front.

Yorkshire has a well-earned reputation as a foodie hotspot. The local produce is legendary - more Wensleydale, Grommit? There are some fabulous fine dining restaurants and top quality gastro pubs, plus some of the UK's best food markets flourishing in places like York and Malton. If you love your food, you'll be in heaven here.

Malton - Yorkshire's foodie capital. This busy little town is stocked to the rooftops with market stalls, independent shops and delicious local produce - a foodie's paradise.

York - There's a wonderful variety on offer in York, from best of modern British cuisine at Michelin-starred Roots, to the iconic Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms. And don't miss the Shambles Market with its delicious-smelling street food.

Sheffield - Sheffield was named the best foodie city in the UK in 2024, with four Michelin listed restaurants, a food festival and 71 different food markets taking place last year. Yum.