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…
Easingwold
A charming market town, perfectly situated with a rich history and a warm, welcoming feel. A charming market town, perfectly situated with a…
Boroughbridge
Explore the historic curiosities of this pretty town, from the open-air museum of agricultural… Explore the historic curiosities of this pretty…
Visiting Harrogate
Useful information if you are thinking of visiting Harrogate Useful information if you are thinking of…
Festivals in the Heart
Set in the beautiful grounds of Baldersby Park, Deer Shed Festival is… Set in the beautiful grounds of Baldersby Park, Deer Shed Festival is three days of family fun, great live music and a mix of entertainment and…
The highlight of Richmond's Here Comes Christmas Weekend! as Richmond's… The highlight of Richmond's Here Comes Christmas Weekend! as Richmond's Market Place transforms into a spectacular Christmas Fair. It all begins at…
Every year, over fifty different Christmas trees are decorated in… Every year, over fifty different Christmas trees are decorated in imaginative and varied ways by local groups and businesses, and displayed in the…
The St Wilfrid’s Procession is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest… The St Wilfrid’s Procession is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest regularly held events and dates back to 1108 when King Henry 1st granted a charter…
Featured Stories & Inspiration about the Heart
Local ghostly folklore in Harrogate, the tragic story of a woman called… Local ghostly folklore in Harrogate, the tragic story of a woman called Alice who will forever call Harrogate Theatre home...
From grand country houses and spectacular landscapes, discover the North… From grand country houses and spectacular landscapes, discover the North Yorkshire locations that have played a starring role in All Creatures Great and Small.
From Hogwarts to North Yorkshire, discover the real life locations where… From Hogwarts to North Yorkshire, discover the real life locations where the cast and crew filmed iconic scenes.
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…
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