Heart
- Areas
- Heart
Tucked between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, the Heart of Yorkshire is an area brimming with charm. Here, spa towns, historic cathedral cities, picturesque market towns, and riverside retreats come together to create an unforgettable experience in this special core of North Yorkshire.
There’s so much to love, whether you’re delving into Harrogate’s rich spa heritage, indulging in traditional tea rooms, browsing independent shops, or soaking up the vibrant cultural scene. You can uncover the stories of Ripon, one of the UK’s smallest yet most captivating cathedral cities or enjoy the family-friendly attractions right on its doorstep. Alternatively, step into the postcard-perfect town of Knaresborough, where you can visit its historic castle, marvel at the impressive viaduct, row along the river, or simply relax in one of its delightful cafés.
With Nidderdale National Landscape and the Yorkshire Dales National Park on the doorstep, the opportunities for adventure are endless, from mountain biking to rock climbing and abseiling, or just a bracing walk across some of the UK’s most stunning countryside.
Richmond is the perfect pit stop for outdoor adventures or a charming addition to any North Yorkshire itinerary. The town is a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, boasting gorgeous Georgian architecture at every corner, an awe-inspiring Norman Castle, a traditional Georgian theatre, and one of the largest cobbled marketplaces in England.
There’s more heritage to explore in Thirsk, with its medieval cobbled square, historic shops, beautiful gardens and Herriot Country on the doorstep. In Northallerton, discover independent shopping and traditional tea rooms, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene. The Selby area is equally enthralling with its charming market towns, picturesque villages and stunning medieval architecture, along with the brewery town of Tadcaster which is home to historic breweries and excellent pubs.
Whenever you visit, there is always something happening in the Heart of Yorkshire, from theatre and live music to famous and traditional agricultural shows to unique events and world-class music and literature events.
It’s time to fall in love with the Heart of Yorkshire.
Discover the Heart on our map
Places in the Heart
Knaresborough
Knaresborough is full of surprises, a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases that weave… Knaresborough is full of surprises, a warren of…
Selby
The historic market town of Selby is home to the stunning Abbey and so much more. The historic market town of Selby is home to the…
Bedale
A small market town in the heart of North Yorkshire and is where Bedale Beck flows from the eastern… A small market town in the heart of North…
Ripon
Ripon is a cathedral city steeped in history and home to magnificent historical buildings and… Ripon is a cathedral city steeped in history and…
Festivals in the Heart
FEVA returns to Knaresborough, as the town files withstreet entertainment… FEVA returns to Knaresborough, as the town files withstreet entertainment and performers. We also have a number of great events coming up including…
The annual Live music and creativity festival between Ripon and Thirsk… The annual Live music and creativity festival between Ripon and Thirsk returns for another year. Set in the beautiful grounds of Baldersby Park near…
Featured Stories & Inspiration about the Heart
Make memories that will last a lifetime in beautiful gardens and outdoor… Make memories that will last a lifetime in beautiful gardens and outdoor playgrounds in the heart of North Yorkshire this summer.
North Yorkshire’s dramatic landscapes take centre stage in the 28 Years… North Yorkshire’s dramatic landscapes take centre stage in the 28 Years Later films. From eerie abbey ruins to atmospheric moorland, explore how the region helped shape the franchise’s haunting…
We love Afternoon Tea here in North Yorkshire and (in our opinion) there… We love Afternoon Tea here in North Yorkshire and (in our opinion) there is nowhere better to enjoy this time old British custom than right here. We are spilling the tea on the best places to go…
A few frequently asked questions for your visit to Boroughbridge. A few frequently asked questions for your visit to Boroughbridge.