Myths, Legends & Moorlands... The story of Yorkshire is one of mythical moorlands and windswept wildness, combined with rural industries and immense beauty. The phrase ‘God’s Own Country’ is most famously used to describe England’s largest county which includes the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales. With so much to experience and enjoy, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve created a captivating collection of popular and lesser-known landmarks in Yorkshire which are all made for adventure.
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Navigating Yorkshire
Join us as we explore the places in Yorkshire which are Made for Adventure. From gothic ruins to dramatic waterfalls, there’s something for everyone.
Ruins of Whitby Abbey
Set on the headland high above the popular seaside town of Whitby is the ruins of a 7th Century abbey which has delighted and intrigued people for over 1500 years. Pillaged by Danish invades, Henry VIII and German battle ships in WWI, the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey have inspired many writers and artists; most notably Bram Stoker who used Whitby as the location that the infamous Dracula first lands in England. The history, gothic architecture and dramatic scenery has established the ruins of Whitby Abbey as a day tripper and photographer’s paradise. Explore the ghostly tales and beauty of these gloomy ruins before popping into Whitby town for a spot of lunch or ice cream. Just keep your eye out for the Count!.
Brontë Waterfall
The Brontë sisters often used the wild moorland of the South Pennine Hills and the area around Haworth where they lived in West Yorkshire as inspiration for their literary classics. The area has come to be known as Brontë Country and features some beautifully scenery including Brontë waterfall. This small natural fall located in the moors near the village of Haworth can be easily reached on foot following the trail that leads over the moorland. At the falls is a plaque to commemorate the Brontë bridge which was destroyed by flash floods, and the Brontë chair, a seat-shaped stone which gives walkers a perfect perch to rest and take in the scenery.
Hole of Horcum
Viewpoints don’t come much better than Levisham Moor and the Hole of Horcum. Located within the Tabular Hills of the North York Moors National Park, the area provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Hole of Horcum is a huge natural amphitheatre approx. 400 feet deep and more than half a mile across. Legends tell of how the place known as the ‘Devil’s Punchbowl’ was formed when Wade the Giant scooped up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument. The real reason behind the formation is that it was created by a process called spring-sapping, where water welling up from the hillside has widened and deepened the narrow valley into a large bowl. The area has great walking routes and some fantastic viewpoints including Skelton Tower. Why not check out our Ordnance Survey Recommended Route for Hole of Horcum?
Shibden Hall
Shibden Hall is a hidden gem located in a public park at Shibden in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Better known as the home of Anne Lister, (seen in the BBC drama series ‘Gentlemen Jack’, written by Sally Wainwright), Shibden hall is a architecturally intriguing Grade II listed historic house. Dating back the 1420, the hall represents a mix of styles including a Tudor frontage and a neo-gothic Norman tower, and has been extensively modified over the period. The story of Shibden Hall and its most famous owner Anne Lister is a fascinating one, with much to see and learn about the family business, Anne’s relationships with women, and the area's wider industry.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Located 7 miles outside of Wakefield in West Yorkshire is the UK’s first sculpture park. This gallery without walls offers an open-air artistic adventure, showing work by British and international artists including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Occupying the 500-acre parkland of Bretton Hall, exhibition has one of the largest open-air displays of Moore’s bronzes in Europe. A great day out for all the family (including the dog), the Sculpture Park has unique and impressive sculptures, a new visitor centre, restaurant and shop. So if you’re looking for a fix of culture and the arts wrapped up in a great family day out, we’d highly recommend the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
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Yorkshire is made for adventure. So where will you explore first? Share your snaps and tag us in your adventures using #mymillets.
