Everyone thinks that hygge (pronounced Hoo-ga) is a Danish concept. Granted, they might have come up with the word, but cosy is in Yorkshire’s DNA.
Nowhere else does snug, warm and luxurious comfort quite like we do. The Yorkshire version (Yugga obvs) is all about creating feelings of happiness and wellbeing from the simple things. There’s nothing quite like coming back from a bracing walk in the Dales to a hot chocolate by a roaring fire, or paddling in a bracing sea then rewarding yourself with piping hot Whitby fish and chips. But Yugga’s not just for winter, summer Yugga is about sunny picnics, warm evenings round a firepit and BBQs on the beach. Sound appealing? We’ve put together seven ways you can do Yugga in and around Yorkshire. Enjoy.
1 . SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
We know having a good time with the people we love makes us happy. But when was the last time you sat around a big table with your nearest and dearest for no reason? Surround yourself with your loved ones and eat, drink and be merry. You don’t need an excuse. For real Yugga luxury, why not hire Middleton Lodge in Richmond, North Yorkshire? Dinner will be waiting for you, along with a roaring log fire and glowing candles. After supper, wrap up in cosy blankets and watch a film or take a step outside to make s’mores (marshmallows melted on cookies) on roaring fire pits.
2 . MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE
Milk is packed with vitamins and cocoa has antioxidants. Even cream and marshmallows have health benefits. For amazing hot chocolate potions, try York Cocoa House. Visit the café for luxurious creamy hot chocolate indulgence or buy online and create your own at home.
3 . GO AWAY FOR A MINI-BREAK
Two days of real relaxation can feel like a week abroad. The North Star Club is a luxury woodland camp retreat that has four poster beds and roll-top baths in safari style vintage tents. It doesn’t get more Yugga than this. Fancy a Georgian country hotel surrounded by 17 acres of stunning parkland with lush bedrooms and stylish cosy spaces to curl up in? Saltmarshe Hall is what you need.
4 . GET OUTSIDE
Yorkshire’s made for hiking, walking, strolling and wandering so you’re spoilt for choice. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, The North York Moors National Park, the Pennines, the Peak District; take your pick.
5 . INDULGE YOURSELF
Be kind and don’t deny yourself anything. Be mindful and you won’t overdo it. Have that slice of cake with your coffee – you deserve it. Nothing says Yugga like a delicious cream tea or a Fat Rascal and a milky latte at Bettys Café Tea Rooms. YO Bakehouse artisan bakery and coffee house on Market Street, Malton serves roast coffee and lovely tea alongside a selection of freshly baked delicacies.
6 . SIT BY THE FIRE
A proper Yugga fire should, of course, use real wood. The Horseshoe Inn, Levisham, Crab and Lobster in Asenby and Craven Arms in Appletreewick are great places to stop for a warm by the roaring grate.
7. TURN YOUR MOBILE OFF
Yugga is about embracing life and living in the moment. Put down all screens and enjoy the here and now. Smell the crisp air, listen to birdsong, read a book, enjoy the crackle of a fire and the taste of something delicious.
This article was taken from This is Y 2018