10 top Yorkshire must dos
York Minster, York
Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral. A treasure house of 800 years of stained glass. Explore the history beneath your feet in the Undercroft and enjoy magnificent views from the tower top.
Victoria Quarter / Harvey Nichols, Leeds
Breathtaking architecture and a continental atmosphere. Housed in elegant Grade 11 listed buildings and home to 75 of the world's leading fashion and lifestyle brands the Victoria Quarter has been dubbed 'The Knightsbridge of the North'.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon
Yorkshire's first UNESCO World Heritage Site is a huge estate of beauty, contrasts and surprises. The dramatic Abbey ruins at Fountains are the largest monastic ruins in the country, and the Studley Royal Water Garden is a Georgian masterpiece. It's the perfect place to escape from it all.
Yorkshire East Coast
Beach huts, Edwardian promenades, fossils, and dinosaur remains. Golden sandy beaches and nature reserves. The East Coast is made for exploring, and what better way than by sea? Take a speedboat or relax and take your time on a Puffin Cruise from Bridlington Harbour and see some of the finest seabird habitats in the UK.
Saltaire, Nr Bradford
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its preservation as a Victorian industrial village. Philanthropist mill owner Sir Titus Salt built the village for his workers. The great mill complex is the centrepiece of Saltaire; here you'll find one of the largest collections of David Hockney's art and fascinating shops too. Opposite the mill is the Saltaire United Reformed Church a Grade 1 listed building and one of Britain's most precious Victorian architectural treasures.
Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate, York, Northallerton and Ilkley
If you want to enjoy the mouth-watering cakes, refreshing teas and friendly smiles that have made Bettys world famous, you'll have to come to Yorkshire! They've steadfastly refused to open any branches outside the county because they believe in keeping a watchful eye on every detail.
And it's not just scrumptious cakes - Bettys menus range from hearty breakfasts to three-course meals with wine. There are Bettys in Harrogate, York, Northallerton and Ilkley.
The Shambles, York
One of Europe's best-preserved medieval streets, cobbled, incredibly narrow and lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings. The bustling jewel in York's crown, the Shambles is the place to head for bars, restaurants, historic tours, and quirky and unusual independent shops.
Grand Theatre, Leeds
Fresh from a £32 million renovation, this beautiful Victorian theatre is home to world class opera company Opera North. Acclaimed Northern Ballet is resident here too. There's a programme for all tastes, including the full range of comedy, music and drama.
Castle Howard, Nr York
A breathtaking location for both a film and TV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, this magnificent 18th Century house is situated in stunning parkland, dotted with temples, lakes, statues and fountains; plus formal gardens, woodland garden and ornamental vegetable garden. Take a boat trip on the Great Lake or let the children try out the new high energy adventure playground.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Nr Wakefield
Set in a 500-acre, 18th Century country estate, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is one of the world's leading open-air galleries, presenting a changing programme of international sculpture exhibitions. Artists represented at YSP include: Henry Moore, Anthony Caro, Antony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth, James Turrell and Andy Goldsworthy. YSP also runs an exciting programme of workshops, courses and lectures and can provide personalised guided tours.