Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Yorkshire. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Yorkshire’s most popular rural destinations including Grosmont, Filey, Thirsk, Richmond, and Stokesley, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Often referred to as God’s Own Country, Yorkshire is blessed with some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in the British Isles, much of it protected within two national parks. The Yorkshire Dales are characterised by dramatic limestone formations, rolling hills, and deep valleys, with rugged grassland criss-crossed by the county’s iconic dry-stone walls. By contrast, the North York Moors has vast expanses of open heather moorland, peat bogs, and ancient woodland. Both parks boast an extensive network of trails and footpaths, making them ideal for walking, cycling, and horse riding.
Yorkshire also has a magnificent coastline of towering cliffs, hidden coves, and diverse beaches. For a classic seaside experience, Scarborough offers two sandy bays perfect for building sandcastles and splashing in the waves, along with all the traditional attractions such as donkey rides, amusement arcades, ice-cream parlours ,and a Victorian promenade. Further north lies Whitby, famously associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Climb the 199 steps to the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey, take a boat trip from the charming fishing harbour, or wander the narrow cobbled streets lined with quirky shops, cafés, and pubs. Whitby is renowned for having some of the best fish and chips in the world, with no shortage of long-standing family-run restaurants and modern takeaways to choose from. A little further north, Runswick Bay is widely regarded as one of the prettiest spots on the Yorkshire coast, with rock pools exposed at low tide and fossil-rich cliffs. It is also popular for watersports such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as sea angling, and seals can often be spotted throughout the year.
Nature lovers should head to Flamborough Headland, where the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs is home to vast colonies of seabirds, including gannets, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, shearwaters, and puffins. The area is also a hotspot for migratory birds in spring and autumn, when rare species can appear after being blown off course by strong easterly winds. Wildflower meadows on top of the chalk cliffs support notable species such as sea thrift, kidney vetch and marsh orchids, while roe deer and brown hares are sometimes seen.
Yorkshire has a wealth of attractions for memorable family days out. Highlights include Nostell, a Georgian house renowned for its outstanding Chippendale furniture set within 300 acres of parkland with landscaped gardens, orchards, and a stables courtyard; Beningbrough Hall, with historic rooms, fine and contemporary art galleries, and elegant formal gardens; and Castle Howard, a magnificent Baroque stately home with a spectacular Great Hall beneath a painted and gilded dome, surrounded by elegant grounds with fountains, lakes, and walking trails. Another must-visit is the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives and fascinating exhibitions celebrating Britain’s engineering heritage.
No visit to Yorkshire would be complete without exploring the historic city of York. Stroll along the Shambles, a beautifully preserved medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings; admire York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals and a masterpiece of stone and stained glass; and travel back to AD 960 at the Jorvik Viking Centre, where an immersive ride brings Viking-age York to life, complemented by state-of-the-art galleries displaying a unique collection of 1,000-year-old artefacts.
For a relaxing escape, with opportunities for cycling, walking, wildlife watching, climbing, photography, and watersports, choose a farm holiday in Yorkshire for your next break.
