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Browse the latest posts from the Yorkshire’s Best Guides Blog.
North York Moors Railway
What better way to enjoy the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire than by taking a ride on the North York Moors Railway, one of Britain’s most iconic heritage railways. First opened in 1836, the line runs from the pretty market town of Pickering to the...
#Bradford2025: UK City of Culture
Introduced in 2009, the UK City of Culture scheme is designed to promote cultural regeneration and economic growth in cities across the UK. Every four years, one city is chosen to hold the title, with the aim of boosting tourism, investment, and community engagement....
A Tale of Two Georges
During the mid 1800s the railways developed exponentially in Britain and nowhere more so than York. Two men were hugely influential in this arena and are honoured in the city today, one by blue plaques and the second by a statue close to the railway station. United by...
A Very British Christmas – the iconic view of Knaresborough
This breathtaking view is of the river Nidd, taken from Knaresborough Castle. The name ‘Nidd’ dates back from Celtic times meaning ‘sparkling,’ and the reflection of the viaduct and neighbouring bankside buildings, enhances the beauty of this iconic scene. The eye is...
Celebrating 250 year of JMW Turner
JMW Turner’s Yorkshire in 10 special places St George’s Day next 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Mallord William Turner, the son of a Covent Garden barber, who was described by art critic John Ruskin as ‘the greatest of the age’ and left a...
The Mystery of the Water Pump with No Handle
One of the pleasures of exploring York is the often unexpected and intriguing discovery of something interesting and decidedly unusual. One such object can found in North Street Gardens by the banks of the River Ouse. On first sight there appears to be a...
Saltaire – The Village with (nearly) Everything
Imagine living in a place where you could walk to work and your kids could walk to school. Good housing, hospital on site, churches and recreational facilities all to hand. And all set in the delightful Yorkshire countryside away from the smoke and grime of the...
The Intriguing Medieval Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Tucked away in cave by the River Nidd in Knaresborough’s is unique 'Marian' shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built by a man known as 'John the Mason' in 1408. John the Mason probably worked to obtain stone for Knaresborough Castle from the nearby...
Tempest Anderson – the Yorkshire Volcanologist
Tempest Anderson was born in Stonegate, York in 1846. After being educated at St. Peters School he studied medicine at London University. On returning to York Tempest became a consultant at the County Hospital following in his fathers’ footsteps. His work at the...
York National Bookfair 13-14th September 2024
Taking place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th September this year, at the York Racecourse,the York National Bookfair is a regular fixture in the city’s cultural calendar attracting visitorsand sellers from across the UK and beyond. This year’s event is set to impress...
The Marmian Tower in West Tanfield
When you travel on the road between Ripon and Masham, you come to the town of West Tanfield. After crossing the bridge over the River Ure you see the old Church of St. Nicholas but right next to it a strange fortified tower rises up by the name of The Marmion Tower. I...
A Feast for Richard III (1452 – 1485)
A hunchbacked murderous tyrant or a much-maligned monarch? Whatever you may think about King Richard III, there is no doubt that he was greatly loved by the people of the North, and by the citizens of York in particular. As Duke of Gloucester and as King he was...
Why Hull is Not Dull
Hull, often underestimated and overlooked, has earned the unfair reputation of being dull. However, beneath its unassuming facade lies a city with a rich history, a thriving cultural scene, and a unique charm that sets it apart. Hull is not dull but, in fact, a...
‘Bradford Live’ – opening 2024
Time was when everyone flocked to Bradford for entertainment, including the people of Leeds - however unbelievable to imagine now! After a long hiatus, Bradford is set to regain some of that former glory, thanks to the sterling efforts of Bradfordians and those...
From Hospital to Hotel – Middleton’s York
Almshouses are places of charitable support for the poor, the sick, widows and strangers. Nationwide, in the 21st century, there are 2,600 functioning Almshouses in the UK, supporting around 36,000 elderly people on low incomes. Here in York, we have the first purpose...
Yorkshire’s other literary village
We all know of Haworth and the famous Bronte Sister’s, with their tales of love and hardship in the 19th century, but there is another place in Yorkshire associated with three literary giants who put North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales on the map...Ampleforth. A...
York on a Plate
York is an ancient city dating back to AD 71 when the Romans landed, so we are surrounded by history and thankfully our visitors to York can get a good sense of its past when strolling around the streets. Join me as we discover a city where we can walk through history...
Castle Hill near Huddersfield – a scheduled monument with over 4000 years history
Just to the South of Huddersfield on a raised area of land near Almondsbury lies Castle Hill. Perched on top of the hill is Victoria Tower, a Victorian monument which has become perhaps Huddersfield’s most recognisable monument and can be seen from miles around. I had...