Yorkshire is my favorite place in the world, and I’m lucky enough to call it my forever home. After spending so many years exploring this incredible destination, there are some spots that simply make my heart sing. They’re so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes. They ground me, and remind me just why exactly I love Yorkshire so much. There are far too many spectacular views to count, but I did my best to narrow it down to a short list. Here are the best views in all of Yorkshire!
Sutton Bank (Sunset)
While Sutton Bank offers sweeping views over the North York Moors, I recommend coming here for sunset. It’s actually one of my favorite sunset spots in Yorkshire! I try to catch a sunset here at least once every summer, when there’s long daylight hours and I can drive here after work. Watching the sun drop down over the countryside is an experience you can’t miss in Yorkshire.
Read More: 21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors
Malham Cove
I’m not sure what can top the view from the top of Malham Cove on a sunny day. It’s simply beautiful. The unique limestone pavement stretches out and then gives way to that classic Yorkshire Dales scenery: rolling green hills, dotted with sheep, and gray drystone walls running through the countryside. When I picture the Yorkshire of my dreams, this is what I think of. It’s well worth the walk to get to the top of the cove.
Read More: What to See in Malham in the Yorkshire Dales
Crackpot Hall in Swaledale
I’ve made no secret of the fact that Swaledale is my favorite part of the Yorkshire Dales. And the ruins of Crackpot Hall, near Keld, offer some of the best views around. Lush green countryside, dotted with classic Swaledale barns and sheep. I love the hike between Muker and Keld – you can follow the River Swale both there and back. Or, hike up to Crackpot Hall and then head over Ivelet Moor and drop down to Ivelet Bridge.
Read More: Exploring Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales: Hiking Around Muker, Keld, and More
Ribblehead Viaduct
Ribblehead Viaduct is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Yorkshire. Located deep in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this railway viaduct was opened in 1875. Time your visit right to see a train crossing the viaduct – there are regular train services between Skipton and Carlisle that pass on this route! If you’re wanting to hike Whernside, the highest peak in Yorkshire, this is the starting point for one of the most popular routes up the hill.
Read More: The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales
York Minster (Golden Hour)
The city of York is like a fairytale – supremely beautiful, quaint, and like stepping back into time. York Minster is the city’s crowning jewel; it’s the most popular attraction and an icon of the city. The best time to see the Minster is at golden hour. The lighting changes and suddenly the historic walls of the Minster glow with that perfect golden light. One of my favorite parts of living in York is being able to walk into town and see the Minster for golden hour.
Read More: Where to Take the Best Photos of York Minster in York
Whitby
There are so many photogenic spots around Whitby, a beautiful town on the Yorkshire Coast. But the view looking out over the buildings (towards Whitby Abbey and St. Mary’s Church) from the Whalebone Arch is tough to beat. It’s quintessential English seaside, mixed with the historic beauty of Yorkshire. This is usually my first stop on a visit to Whitby.
Read More: A Perfect Day in Whitby
The Hole of Horcum (Heather)
My favorite hike in all of Yorkshire is the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors. The landscape was formed over thousands of years by spring-sapping – the walk around this beautiful area is about 5 miles. I always start from the village of Levisham, where there’s free parking and an excellent pub to finish at. But visit the Hole of Horcum at the end of August, when the heather is in bloom, and you’ll be in for a real treat: the purple flowers blanket the countryside, as far as the eye can see. I visit the Hole of Horcum at the end of summer every year to see the heather in bloom here.
Read More: Hiking the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors
Staithes
If you’re looking for that classic seaside view of the Yorkshire Coast, head to Staithes. This pretty little fishing village is fairly quiet (two pubs and a few shops), but it’s a great destination for exploring the coast. Head across the water and up the street to Cowbar Nab – this is absolutely one of the classic Yorkshire views you need to see once in your life.
Read More: The Yorkshire Coast: Staithes and Runswick Bay
Flamborough Head
The chalky white cliffs around Flamborough Head contrast with the blue sea and green landscapes surrounding the coast. The Drinking Dinosaur, a natural rock formation, is one view you can’t miss in Yorkshire. Thornwick Bay on a sunny day can look like the Mediterranean! Head up the coast to Bempton Cliffs for the chance to spot seabirds (including puffins!!) between April and July/August.
Read More: Flamborough Head: Hiking Along the Yorkshire Coast
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Grassington
Is this the most popular footpath view in Yorkshire? It might just be! Leaving the picturesque town of Grassington (where the show All Creatures Great and Small was filmed), walk down this narrow path, lined with drystone walls on either side. You’ll come to the River Wharfe and Linton Falls – head along the river towards Hebden (or Burnsall), or cross the river and visit the pretty village of Linton.
Read More: Exploring Wharfedale: Hiking From Grassington to Hebden in the Yorkshire Dales
Roseberry Topping
This is another top sunset spot in Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Yorkshire Matterhorn due to its unique appearance, Roseberry Topping is 320 meters high and one of the best places to visit in the North York Moors. Hike up in the evening to watch the sun set over the surrounding countryside. If you’re wanting to photograph a view of Roseberry Topping itself, I recommend heading up from Gribdale Gate (towards the Captain Cook Monument) to Cockshaw Hill.
Read More: Hiking Roseberry Topping and Newton Moor
Honorable Mentions
There are too many beautiful places in Yorkshire to list in one blog post. And I have so many favorite places around Yorkshire that fill me with joy – so I thought I’d list some of the honorable mentions.
Driving down Garrowby Hill on the A166, with a view all the way down towards York Minster. The stunning arcades around Leeds city center. The unique drop down Gaping Gill cave. Any of the Yorkshire Three Peaks – remember, we do it for the views! Looking down Starbotton Road toward Kettlewell, after ascending Great Whernside. The Shambles in York on a quiet morning or late evening, when it’s empty of tourists. Puffins at Bempton Cliffs. Driving the A169 over the spectacular Moors to Whitby. Castle Howard and the Atlas Fountain. The daffodils in bloom around the City Walls in York. The A59 as you leave Harrogate and hug the cliff edge near Black Dike, and come out to incredible views down into the Dales. The cherry blossoms along the Stray in Harrogate in spring. That beautiful white cottage down a little side street in Robin Hood’s Bay. The magnificent ruins of Fountain’s Abbey, as seen from Anne Boleyn’s Seat. There are so many more that I could go through, but I’ll keep it short at that.
Planning Your Trip to Yorkshire
I visited all of these places as a daytrip from where I live in York. If you’re visiting Yorkshire, the city of York makes a fantastic base for exploring more of the area – you can see lots of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and the Yorkshire Coast from here.
Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:
- Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
- Luxury: The Grand
You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!
The most convenient airport in Yorkshire is Leeds Bradford, although Manchester Airport has a much wider range of international flights. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. It’ll be easiest to visit these places if you have your own vehicle, although some places (like York, Whitby, and the Hole of Horcum) are accessible with public transportation. There are plenty of car-free walks from York, too! If you’d rather join a tour in Yorkshire, check out the options below.
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Yorkshire is a truly incredible region, full of stunning landscapes and unbelievable natural beauty. There are so many classic Yorkshire views, it’s hard to narrow it down. But if you’re wanting to experience quintessential Yorkshire, these places are the best of the best. I hope this post inspires you to visit Yorkshire, and helps in planning your trip!
What’s your favorite view in Yorkshire? Let me know in the comments below!
You might also like my posts:
The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 99 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire
21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors
The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales
The Best Places to Visit on the Yorkshire Coast
The Best Abbeys in Yorkshire, England
The Best Places to See the Heather in Bloom in Yorkshire
All of my York posts and Yorkshire posts!
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Just found your website brilliant, I’ve got 2 days wild camping planned next week I live in york but nowhere planned yet
Thanks for reading! York is the best 🙂
Great site and yes, having just returned from York, I feel it’s truly the best place in the world. As a Canadian, it’s similar in culture yet different. Look forward to visiting again. Best wishes!
Thank you so much! Obviously I’m biased but I do think York is just the best! <3