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
Festivals in the Heart
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns in July 2025!… The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns in July 2025! With the announcement of this years Special Guests, curated by Festival…
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…
Featured Stories & Inspiration about the Heart
Now is the perfect time of year to wrap up warm and head out into the… Now is the perfect time of year to wrap up warm and head out into the countryside for some fresh air and exercise on an invigorating winter walk.
28 Years Later brings post-apocalyptic drama to the haunting ruins of… 28 Years Later brings post-apocalyptic drama to the haunting ruins of Fountains Abbey. Find out why this iconic North Yorkshire site is a favourite for filmmakers and well worth a visit.
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…
May half-term is around the corner and with warmer weather and longer… May half-term is around the corner and with warmer weather and longer days, it's the perfect time to head to North Yorkshire with your family. Start your holiday planning and see where you can go.
Featured Heart Experiences
Choose from our diverse selection of 15 classic cars, spanning from the… Choose from our diverse selection of 15 classic cars, spanning from the ever-charming classic mini, the timeless elegance of the Jaguar E Type or…
Afternoon Tea at the Crown Hotel
A quintessential Afternoon Tea at the Crown Hotel consisting of a… A quintessential Afternoon Tea at the Crown Hotel consisting of a mouth-watering array of delicate pastries, homemade cakes, and scones with clotted…
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