Campsites in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is the UK's largest county and has a huge variety of places to see and things to do. From the fantastic North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, to charming coastal towns and beaches, there is something for everyone.

Of course, there's also a rich cultural heritage to explore, as well as some of the UK's most vibrant cities. Leeds, York and Sheffield are all fantastic places to visit - and Hull is the UK City of Culture 2017.

But will you head North, South, East or West?

Our favourite things to do in Yorkshire

• North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks
• York
• Filey

The great outdoors

Yorkshire is home to two stunning national parks - the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. The former has pretty pine forests, beautiful rolling hills, wild heather moorland and plenty of wildlife, not to mention the enchanting villages and hamlets scattered throughout. It's a treat for outdoor enthusiasts and walking, hiking, fell running, cycling, rock sports and mountain biking are all popular pursuits here.

A great way to see the moors is via the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It's an absurdly scenic steam railway journey and justifiably very popular.

For serious walkers, the Pennine Way takes in some of the Yorkshire Dales' most spectacular sights, including Malham Cove and the Three Peaks. The Coldstones Cut is a massive public artwork overlooking a huge quarry, offering breath-taking views over the Yorkshire Dales.

York itself

York is the medieval jewel in northern England's crown, with much to see and do. York Minster lies at the heart of the city and is one of the world's most impressive Gothic cathedrals. There's no excuse for missing the York City Walls either - a free 1-2 hours well spent. The Shambles are another must-see. The cobbled streets here once housed no less than 26 butcher shops, but are now an atmospheric distraction and pleasant stroll.

Clifford's Tower, set on a tall mound in the heart of old York, offers breath-taking panoramic views of the city, while set in over 1000 acres of land, Castle Howard is a stunning historic stately home - part of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Further historical high jinks can be had exploring York Cold War Bunker, Jorvik Viking Centre and the excellent York Castle Museum.

York Dungeon is a spectacular 70 minutes of laughter, screaming, history and some awesome special effects. The actors in full character costumes make the experience both scary and funny at the same time, taking you through a number of spooky, dark rooms while teaching you historical facts along the way.

York Maze is an excitingly complex maize maze planted with a new design each year, open for an 8 week period every summer.

Castles and stately homes

As well as the sights in York, medieval Skipton Castle in Ripon is a delightful place to look around, with interesting guided tours to explain its fascinating history. Scarborough Castle and Skipton Castle too. Beverley Minster is a spectacular church, while Whitby Abbey's dramatic setting high on the headland inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula.

Fountain's Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a National Trust site with a huge ruined abbey set in fantastic scenery. There are also plenty of old manor houses and estates to explore such as Swinton Park, Brodsworth Hall and Middlethorpe Hall.

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds offers history buffs a chance to look at the UK's national collection of arms and armour.

Beautiful coastline

Yorkshire's coast is full of rocky coves and glorious sandy beaches. There are no shortage of options for traditional seaside towns where you can chill out on the beach and swim in the sea. Try Scarborough, Hornsea, Whitby, Bridlington, Robin Hood's Bay, or Filey.

The cliff tops also offer some beautiful sights to explore - with Flamborough Head a big favourite.

The fantastic coastline and many rivers, lakes and reservoirs also offer a great number of watersports opportunities. The rivers cater up to grade 3 whitewater and are great for canoeing and kayaking. You can surf, sail and paddle around most of the coast. 

The stretch of sand at Spurn might be more remote, but it's also one of the UK's best renowned spots for watching migrating birds. The 4x4 safaris here offer a more adventurous sort of day out too!

Days out

Yorkshire has plenty to entertain wildlife lovers, from red kites and red squirrels in the moors to minke whales off the coast. A real highlight is Bempton Cliffs, a stunning cliff top nature reserve run by the RSPB. The reserve is known for its seabirds - you can see gannets, puffins and kittiwakes.

Flamingo Land in Malton, North Yorkshire is a great day out for the kids. Here you can see a huge variety of animals including lemurs, meerkats, penguins and, of course, the famous pink bird itself.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park in Ripon is a real thrill and will be loved by both older children and adults alike, while in Leeds, kids will love visiting Roundhay Park and Tropical World to see snakes, butterflies, crocodiles and many other creatures.

In Hull, The Deep is an incredible aquarium home to over 3,500 fish including Europe's only pair of green-eyed swordfish. The attraction is perfect for kids wanting to learn all about the amazing life under the sea via fun activities, presentations and audio-visual interactive experiences.

Don't miss The Forbidden Corner in Leyburn - a labyrinth of secret doors and pathways where puzzles need to be solved and tricks and traps avoided. It is a magical, fantasy world that children and adults alike will find utterly delightful.

The interactive exhibits at Eureka! The National Children's Museum in Halifax are good fun - and Diggerland Yorkshire in Castleford offers hours of amusement.

For a bit of culture, head to the West Yorkshire Playhouse which offers everything from Shakespeare, various comedy shows, and ballets to suit your tastes. Or for a bit of peace and quiet after all of the action above, try RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate or Mothershipton's Cave at Knaresborough - a petrifying well and England's oldest charging tourist attraction.

Standedge Tunnel is Britain's highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel - with a fun underground boat trip.