cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

A walk through the valleys of Hardcastle Crags, near Halifax, could be an ideal way to spend a day of your holiday in Yorkshire.

Sara Parsons, learning and access officer for the National Trust, told the Daily Telegraph the two-mile Crags Walk and the three-mile Railway Walk through the area offer plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

"This is a unique trail through a secluded wooded valley, rich in plant, bird and animal life, with hints of the area's industrial past," she said.

Ramblers should look out for various species of fungi, as well as birds such as sippers, herons, woodpeckers and jays, Ms Parsons continued.

She confessed her favourite part of the route is near Hell Hole quarry, where you can truly picture the industrial activity that took place there in the past.

Britons might also like to spend a day in Hull during their Yorkshire holiday, as last month tourism directory iknow-yorkshire.co.uk reported a surge in visitors looking for things to do in the city.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

Those of you heading to a holiday cottage in Yorkshire this autumn could have an enjoyable day out in Leeds.

And people might find the best way to see the city is on a sightseeing bus or boat, as the tours have been so popular with tourists over the summer they have been extended until the end of October.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said the services give excellent value for money as people can use the tickets on both modes of transport and get on and off as many times as they like in a 24-hour period.

"We would encourage everyone to try a trip on both the bus and the boat and enjoy our fine city from a different angle this autumn," he added.

Richmond could also be a great place to visit during a Yorkshire break, as Mr Verity recently noted the town has become very popular with holidaymakers due to its rich history and natural beauty.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

Those of you thinking about having a break at a cottage in Yorkshire might like to visit Richmond, which has recently become a "magnet" for holidaymakers, according to a tourism expert.

Chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Gary Verity said the market town's appeal lies in its "rich history and natural beauty".

It has a lot to offer, he continued, "from breathtaking scenery and cobbled market places to Georgian architecture and a Norman castle".

People coming to the area might also like to see the "stunning" Yorkshire Dales nearby, which are the focus of an upcoming TV series, Mr Verity suggested.

He added he hopes to see more visitors coming to the region soon, especially with the Richmond Walking and Book Festival approaching.

The event is taking place between September 24th and October 4th and includes a range of guided hikes and strolls, as well as music and talks by writers and performers.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you
 

A holiday in Yorkshire could make the ideal break, after it was suggested the region has a lot to offer visitors.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said the filming of new fly-on-the-wall series The Dales – which will be aired on ITV early next year – inspired people in the county.

"When we announced plans to support The Dales, we were met with an overwhelming response from local people who are truly proud of what Yorkshire has to offer," he remarked.

The programme represents a great opportunity to showcase the Yorkshire Dales, which is the "jewel" of the region, he continued.

Mr Verity added he is certain viewers of the show will be impressed by Yorkshire and hopefully choose to visit the area.

Earlier this month, minister for tourism and heritage John Penrose commented the county has much to teach the rest of Britain during a visit to the region.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

Those staying in a Yorkshire cottage this weekend can find out all about the heather moorland of the North York Moors.

Visitors are invited to join the National Park Authority for talks, displays and walking events to celebrate the rare habitat.

On August 20th, nature lovers can see birds of prey and learn about bee keeping, mountain rescue and some of the rare species that live on the moors.

There will also be plenty of events to keep the children entertained, such as a birds of prey trail and a craft session, while guided walks will be held over the weekend.

Sally Ann Smith, events and exhibitions coordinator at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: "At this time of year, the moorland in the North York Moors can literally stop people in their tracks as they cast their eye over this seemingly never-ending sea of purple heather."

And those yet to book their holiday in Yorkshire might like to coincide their visit with the York Food and Drink Festival taking place on September 17th-26th.
 

Those staying in a holiday cottage in Yorkshire next month might have an extra reason to look forward to their break – the York Food and Drink Festival is being held on September 17th-26th.

Each year, Yorkshire food and drink are showcased in a programme of events across the city.

The theme for 2010 is Meet Yorkshire Food Heroes and organisers have added extra activities for the early evening, such as extended demonstrations and markets in Parliament Street that will kick off from 17:00 BST.

Wine enthusiasts might be especially keen to join in the festivities as there is a host of events for both beginners and experts.

The Festival Wine Fair will be held on September 25th, where visitors can taste over 80 different wines, while at the Introduction to Food and Wine Matching on the 18th, critic Charles Metcalfe will talk you through pairings of sherry and tapas.

Holidaymakers heading to Yorkshire may also be interested to know the Scarborough Jazz Festival is taking place on September 24th-26th.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
 

Walkers who want to keep active during their holiday in Yorkshire may well have considered taking a hike in part of the region’s stunning countryside.

But the Three Peaks Challenge may seem like a bit too much of a mission for many of you, as the gruelling hike is said to test even the most experienced walkers.

Those of you who are up for the undertaking, however, might take inspiration from the case of a ten-year-old schoolgirl who has recently completed the route.

Lorna Shepherd finished the course – which comprises Whernside, Pen-y-ghent and Ingelborough – in just 11 hours.

Alan Hulme, ranger services manager for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, says: "Lorna is one of the youngest that we have heard about to complete the Three Peaks Challenge and we thought it was a real achievement that shouldn’t go unrewarded."

She has now been made an honorary Friend of the Three Peaks – an organisation that aims to protect the beautiful landscape.

If you want to take to the hills on your Yorkshire holiday, take a look at the website and find out more about what it entails.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

Families heading on holidays in Yorkshire may consider visiting the well-known Futurist Theatre in Scarborough for an insight into the region’s heritage.

The BBC has revealed the building is considered "at risk" by the Theatres Trust, which says options for the site’s future are being considered.

Until the end of 2010 the building is guaranteed, but a task group is looking at what can be done after this date.

It certainly has an interesting history and those of you with a taste for popular culture heading on Yorkshire holidays should find it an exciting attraction.

The BBC explains it was "a popular venue for pop concerts" in the 1960s, with the likes of Shirley Bassey and the Beatles performing there in the past.

Just some of the upcoming events at the theatre this summer include The Chuckle Brothers Show, Ken Dodd Happiness Show and Jane McDonald in Concert, so you should find something to suit the whole family on your Yorkshire holiday.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you

Guests planning a trip to this year’s 2010 Great Yorkshire Show as part of a holiday in Yorkshire may wish to act fast, as tickets for the event are selling fast.

According to organisers, around 125,000 visitors are expected to congregate at the Great Yorkshire Showground between July 13th and July 15th.

The advance ticket line has now closed, but a limited number are available from the showground itself, as well as tourist information centres and a selection of Morrisons supermarkets.

Show director Bill Cowling said a record 700 tickets were sold over the phone on July 6th, while the number of competitors being entered has also reached the unprecedented high of 12,020.

"We have records in eight sections – cattle, sheep, pigs, angora goats, poultry, pigeons, horse shoeing and cheese. We’re absolutely delighted," he remarked.

The show first started in October 1937 with the 2010 event the 152nd in its history.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Holidays in Yorkshire should be all about getting back to basics and learning about the fascinating heritage this region has to offer.

Sampling local produce is a great way to do this – here at cottages4you we’re always looking for an excuse to eat!

Yorkshire-grown rhubarb is one of the tastiest treats of the summer, so why not get it at its source on your next holiday?

Garden lovers will have no doubt tuned into the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, where the Welcome to Yorkshire ‘rhubarb crumble and custard’ garden won a silver medal and the people’s choice award.

If you want to see the inspiring creation, it’ll be on display at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Gary Verity says: "[The garden's] a real slice of what Yorkshire has to offer visitors. It has quality and iconic craftsmanship, world-renowned food and stunning scenery."

The show’s being held this year from July 13th-15th in Harrogate, but if you miss out you can always try some rhubarb elsewhere in Yorkshire.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you