God's Own County

Yorkshire folk are not shy and retiring when it comes to extolling the virtues of ‘God’s Own County’ and we encourage visitors to share some of our passion. But there is more to a stay in Yorkshire for your holidays than a quick drive around ‘The Dales’. Here are 3 different ideas to consider.

Industrial Heritage
South Yorkshire has a heritage based on steel and coal and whilst the sites and sights are rapidly disappearing there is still a lot of recent history to investigate. Kelham Island Museum and Abbeydale hamlet are worth a visit (not to mention the great camera pub The Kelham Island Tavern). There is also Wortley Top Forge with Working Water Wheels, Stationary Steam Engines, Large Mill Engine & Free Guided Tours. You do not have to stay in a small cottage there are good bed and breakfasts and former mill owners mansions to consider as well.

Cottages by The Sea
Well not quite by the sea because I would recommend the cliffs on the East Coast at locations such as Staithes, Flamborough Head, Robin Hoods Bay or inland at Hinderwell. These are great bases to explore the walking on moor or coastal paths. You could try the Lyke Wake Walk or better still settle for learning the Lyke Wake Dirge

‘THIS yah neet, this yah neet,
Ivvery neet an’ all,
Fire an’ fleet an’ cannle leet,
An’ Christ tak up thy saul.’

more verses from Lyke Wake org.

TV Nostalgia Holidays
What is your TV programme of choice? Do you want to stay in Darrowby with the vet or Emmerdale with the need for a vet. Is it Aidensfield that gets your heart beating or a trip to the Royal to get your heart restarted? I would suggest you base yourself in a Market Town and experience the local hospitality and hostelries. Richmond, Thirsk, Pickering, Malton or Otley are all places I would consider as a base. Perhaps it is Last of the Summer Wine and Holmfirth that will float your boat but whatever you fancy give Yorkshire a break this year.

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Walk or cycle amongst the 8000 of God’s Own Acres of woodland in Dalby Forest just north of Pickering A169 or on the A170 Thornton Le Dale road towards Whitby. There are 55 miles of cycle trails starting from the cycle hire facility in Dalby Courtyard or bring your own, it will be cheaper. Look out for the cycle skills area at Dixon’s Hollow.

The forest is divided by a number of valleys creating a ‘Rigg and Dale’ landscape whilst to the north the forest sits on the upland plateau. This can be seen from the 9 mile Dalby drive but walking lets you see far more. Although comprising mostly pines and spruces there are many broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, ash, alder and hazel both in the valleys and on the ‘Riggs’. It is a working forest for the Forestry Commission so watch out for ‘heavy plant crossing’. For wild life the forest is home for birds such as ‘the Crossbill and that elusive summer visitor the Nightjar. Roe deer abound and badgers, the symbol of the forest, are a very common but nocturnal resident.’

Evidence of early settlers is to be found in earthworks and burial mounds. These must be amongst the first Yorkshire men and women to work the land as there is evidence of rabbit breeding. If this isn’t enough for the children there is an activity centre and adventure play areas at Sneverton and Adderstone Field.

The Friends of Dalby Forest issue the following warning but do not let it put you off visiting a great forest in North Yorkshire
‘Biters, Stingers & Poisoners

Adders are the only common snakes on the North York Moors. They are unlikely to be encountered on any of our guided events this year. They have a nasty bite if provoked but form an important part of our environment and should be respected rather than feared.

Midges and mosquitoes – Many people find midges and mosquitoes annoying. They can be a nuisance, especially on still, summer evenings. If they bother you use a proprietary insect repellent.

Ticks – These are small relatives of the spider family. They live by sucking the blood of other animals including man. In some areas they carry a nasty infection known as Lyme disease. Ticks are not a problem on most of our walks, however if you are walking amongst vegetation especially off paths and wish to avoid any chance of being bitten wear long trousers tucked into socks.

Plants and Fungi – Some plants and fungi are harmful if swallowed and some people react to skin contact with certain plants. Our plant and fungus experts do not encourage picking and eating. Simply cleaning the hands after handling these things should be enough to keep both adults and children safe.’

If it is too cold to garden visit the forest in February.