If you are looking to visit North Yorkshire for a short break or holiday, there are plenty of things to see and do. 

From the fashionable spa town of Harrogate to the rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and the stunning Yorkshire coastline, North Yorkshire has something for everyone. We’ve listed some of our favourite places in North Yorkshire and we are sure you’ll enjoy them as much as we do. 

Explore the towns and cities of North Yorkshire 

The stylish spa town of Harrogate is in the very heart of Yorkshire. The Stray, the vast open grassland that surrounds the town, gives it a green and spacious feel. You’ll find a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars, plus a host of independent shops. Well known for its famous healing spring water and delicious afternoon teas at Betty’s Tea Rooms, Harrogate is the perfect place for a relaxing and indulgent short break. 

Here at The Short Stay Company, we have four gorgeous properties located in Harrogate, the perfect base to explore all that Harrogate has to offer and beyond.

To soak up all that is Yorkshire, you must pay a visit to some of the attractive market towns. Knaresborough is a picturesque town that spills down alongside the River Nidd. You can visit the ruins of Knaresborough Castle or make a wish in the well at the famous Mother Shipton’s Cave. Yorkshire beer enthusiasts should visit the friendly market town of Masham, home to two family-run breweries; The Black Sheep Brewery and Theakston Brewery. Enjoy a brewery tour and some samples along the way! Pateley Bridge is a small market town in the heart of Nidderdale. If you want to discover the history of the area, then make a trip to the Nidderdale Museum based in the original Victorian workhouse to learn about the Yorkshire way of life. 

A visit to the historic city of York should also be on your list! From the ancient walls surrounding the city, to the magnificent York Minster and a whole host of attractions including the National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre, you will never get bored in York. 

Discover the incredible Yorkshire Coast  

With dramatic landscapes providing fabulous views, the Yorkshire Coast is a superb place for a short break. From the historic fishing villages of Staithes, Runswick Bay and Robin Hood’s Bay to the vibrant seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby you can enjoy a varied and relaxing seaside break. 

Our four bedroomed property in Staithes, Ravenscraig House offers you the perfect home from home to explore the cobbled streets of Staithes and the surrounding area. 

If you enjoy walking or are bringing your dog along on your break, then why not walk a section of the Cleveland Way. This 109 mile trail delivers breathtaking views of dramatic coastline and there are plenty of short circular walks you can follow.  

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a small seaside town with plenty of Victorian charm and an award-winning blue flag beach. Runswick Bay is perfect for families with its quiet and sheltered beach. Head to the bustling Whitby with its atmospheric Abbey plus all the seaside favourites, from enjoying freshly cooked fish and chips, to walking along the pier eating an ice cream after a trip to the amusement arcades! 

Scarbrough is Britain’s original seaside resort and has two beaches, lots of visitor attractions and plenty of history to be explored, alongside all the traditional seaside fun you’d expect. 

Enjoy the expansive countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors 

North Yorkshire is home to two national parks, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. North Yorkshire also has two designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, Nidderdale and Howardian Hills. 

The Yorkshire Dales is the perfect place to spend the day walking and offers a choice of lots of walking routes to follow. Routes include ones without stiles and shorter walks starting and ending near one of the many car parks, plus of course plenty of all-day options. Cycling and mountain biking through the Dales are also a great way to take in the scenery and spot plenty of wildlife. There are five visitor centres within the Yorkshire Dales, including one at the dramatic three stepped waterfall at Aysgarth Falls, which is well worth a visit. 

The North York Moors National Park offers expansive moorland, coastline and forests so it really is a special place to experience the great outdoors. You can follow one of the many walking routes, and again there is something for everyone – if you want a gentle afternoon ramble or an all day hike. If you are staying in our property in Staithes, Ravenscraig House, then we can recommend a lovely four mile circular walk starting there. You will follow the Cleveland Way National Trail for the first half of the walk, heading towards Port Mulgrave. The remaining section of the walk heads inland through woodland and across fields, on your way back to Staithes. 

If you are planning to stay in Harrogate, then Nidderdale is just a 30 minute drive away where you can do a whole range of outdoor activities from walking to fishing and horse riding to kayaking. Brimham Rocks, a National Trust site, is a remarkable collection of rock formations scattered over 50 acres. 

Book your perfect short break in North Yorkshire

Here at The Short Stay Company we are passionate about sharing our local knowledge of North Yorkshire and hospitality with you. All our properties meet our own high standards that we would expect when we go travelling ourselves. We own and manage all our properties and have overseen the high quality renovations. 

With four properties in Harrogate and a four bedroom house in Staithes, we would love to help you plan and book your perfect short break to North Yorkshire. Our aim is always to offer our guests a home from home experience.