If you go for a cottage in North Yorkshire you will have a splendid family holiday. The county is rich in both history and stunning countryside. It has two National Parks, one of which is the Yorkshire Dales. This park covers an area of 1762 square kilometres and is a sanctuary for wildlife and out-of-doors enthusiasts. There are hundreds of miles of footpaths and vast areas of open access land which might be explored on foot, cycle or horseback. The park also has some of the best climbing opportunities available in the country.
There are loads of pretty little villages in the district which provide lovely settings for an afternoon tea or a pub meal. Scenic, unspoilt villages worth visiting are Aysgarth, Clapham, Kettlewell and Malham. Aysgarth is best known for its waterfalls which have attracted visitors for many years. The charming village of Malham is bordered by scenery including Malham Cove, the spectacular limestone pavement which dominates the area. All of the villages could be beginning points for gentle strolls and leisurely walks.
For those of you who are more daring the area offers particular good walking country. If you are feeling particularly energetic you might wish to climb one or all of the Three Peaks - Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Each of these is around 700 metres high and they all bestow some of the best hill walking in the United Kingdom. Around 120 000 people climb Ingleborough every year. Ribblehead is at the centre of the Three Peaks quarter and is itself recognised for the well known Ribblehead Viaduct where the Settle to Carlisle railway crosses the moor.
The Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes tells the story of the people and environment of the Yorkshire Dales giving us a interesting insight in to the area. It includes displays from prehistoric times to the present day.
The town of Skipton lies simply outside the park boundary and prides itself on being the ?Gateway to the Dales?. It is a flourishing market town and was settled by sheep farmers hundreds of years ago. Skipton castle dates from the 11th century and was involved in the Wars of the Roses. It was also a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. It is one of the best preserved castles in England and is a must see on any holiday to the region.
Also of significant interest is Bolton Castle where Mary Queen of Scots spent part of her captivity.
White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in Britain. There are thousands of stalactites and underground waterfalls and streams. Guides lead visitors via well lit paths explaining the geological features as they go.
The district has a huge selection of somewhere to stay from hotels and bed and breakfasts to delightful country cottages if you wish to self cater. Stay in a North Yorkshire holiday cottage and you won?t be disappointed.
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