Boasting serene snowy fields, quiet beaches, and awe-inspiring castles that stand tall against the frosty skies, Yorkshire is the epitome of a winter wonderland during the colder months. We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 reasons to visit North Yorkshire this winter – so, pull on your woolly hats and head to our beautiful county for a wonderful winter retreat like no other…
Top 5 Reasons to Visit North Yorkshire in Winter
1) Wonderful Winter Walks
With snow-capped hills and frost-laden dales, the North Yorkshire Moors are transformed into a beautifully enchanted hideaway during the winter months. A seasonal walk is the best way to discover the beauty of North Yorkshire and its many miles of moorland footpaths and winding trails.
Our favourite destinations for a wonderful winter walk include:
- The Cleveland Way – especially the beautiful sections that wind through the coastal towns of Whitby, Flamborough, and Staithes
- Aysgarth Falls – best enjoyed after a heavy rainfall to see the falls in full flow
- River Swale – there are some stunning circular trails around Richmond that offer fantastic views of the mighty Richmond Castle and magical woodlands
- Hutton-le-Hole & Lastingham – a duo of idyllic villages that boast quiet fields, pretty country lands and wild moorland tracks
- The Yorkshire Matterhorn – explore the village of Great Ayton, Roseberry Topping, and Captain Cook’s Monument
2) Coastal Delights
A wintery break in our fabulous county wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the spectacular Yorkshire coast! With stunningly serene beaches, picturesque coastal towns, and wonderful wildlife to spot, there’s plenty to see and do on the North-East coast this winter.
Our recommended places to visit along the Yorkshire Coast include:
- Whitby – a picture-perfect seaside town, overlooked by the dramatic Whitby Abbey
- Scarborough – boasting a lovely long promenade and quiet beach, as well as a Christmas market and ice rink in the winter months
- Filey – home to 5 miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, Filey is arguably the best spot for a wintery visit to the beach
- Robin Hood’s Bay – an Instagrammable coastal location which is perfect for a winter walk
3) Cosy Pubs with Roaring Fires
After a brisk winter walk, there’s nothing better than cosying up by the fire in a traditional Yorkshire inn and sipping a refreshing pint (or two!). We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cosy pubs with roaring fires here in North Yorkshire!
Our favourite cosy pubs with fires include:
- Fauconberg Arms, Coxwold – with flagstone flooring, wooden beams, cosy log fires, and honest wholesome pub food
- The Feathers, Helmsley – offering warm fires and seasonal menus that showcase the very best of North Yorkshire
- The White Swan, Ampleforth – offering a warm welcome, roaring fire, hearty food, and a great selection of drinks
- The White Horse, Ampleforth – boasting crackling log fires, candlelit tables, flagstone floors and beamed ceilings
- The Carpenters Arms, Felixkirk – a cosy pub with log burners for an authentic Yorkshire dining experience
- The Fairfax Arms, Gilling East – a traditional country inn with an open fire that is jam-packed full of character and charm
4) Seasonal Days Out in York
As one of the most festive cities in the whole of the UK, York boasts some amazing opportunities for a Christmassy day out. With an eclectic mix of boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, and cosy tearooms, there are plenty of spots to stop for a delicious hot chocolate after some much-needed Christmas shopping.
Our winter highlights in York include:
- Christmas Market – a must-visit for festive food, drink, and artisan gifts
- Yorkshire Winter Wonderland – boasting an outdoor ice rink, vintage funfair, Santa’s Grotto & The Chalet alpine café
- The Shambles market – home to a wide range of local traders selling gifts, arts, crafts, and much more
- York Minster – for singing Christmas carols and watching amazing festive concerts
- York Museum Gardens – kids can post their letters to Santa in the sparkling post box
- York’s Chocolate Story – watch festive demonstrations and discover the history of chocolate
- York City Cruises – join Santa and friends aboard a festive boat ride on the river Ouse
5) Fantastic Festive Events
Looking for something festive to do with your friends and family this Christmas? North Yorkshire is jam-packed full of fun festive events in 2022; from sparkling light installations to quirky Christmas markets, and everything in between.
Our recommended festive events include:
- Christmas at Mother Shipton’s (ends 24th December) – enjoy a personal family visit with Santa in his cosy Christmas grotto
- Magical Sleigh Rides at Piglet’s Adventure Farm (ends 24th December) – enjoy an enchanted ride through snow-laden trees and meet Santa in his Woodland Village
- Santa Specials at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (ends 24th December) – join Santa and his team of elves for an enchanted adventure on the Santa Express
- RHS Glow at Harlow Carrv (ends 30th December) – admire the amazing after-dark spectacle of twinkling lights on this spectacular glow trail
- Lotherton Christmas Experience (ends 31st December) – embark upon an enchanted twelve days of Christmas walk and visit Santa in the North Pole
- Long Live the Christmas Tree at Harewood House (ends 2nd January) – Yorkshire’s celebrated country house will be honouring the Christmas tree in a unique way
- A Fairytale Christmas at Castle Howard (ends 2nd January) – discover a winter wonderland full of happily ever afters and magical fairy tales
- Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park (ends 4th January) – Yorkshire’s finest Christmas adventure and award-winning festive light display
Celebrate Christmas in our Cosy Cottages
Seeking a cosy cottage break in North Yorkshire this Christmas? Look no further than Valley View Farm Cottages! We still have availability in Form (sleeps 2), Drey (sleeps 4), Granary (sleeps 6) and Holt (sleeps 6) for Christmas week, although we expect to sell out very soon – click here to book your festive family staycation at Valley View Farm today!
