Month: August 2021

5 Different Ways to Explore the Outdoors of Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful counties in the United Kingdom. The best way to experience its beauty is to indulge in some outdoor adventures. All you have to do is get into a comfortable outfit and grab your camera. As you move away from your place of accommodation, you’ll have many things to see and do. 

You’ll be pleased to witness the cascading waterfalls, beautiful moors, rock formations, and magnificent cliffs. Here are some of the many ways to explore Yorkshire’s outdoors:

1. Hike the Hardcastle Crags

This Pennine valley is located to the north of Hebden Bridge. It has an abundance of rugged ravines, woodland areas, and flowing streams. Such beautiful sights would make hiking on the walking trails a memorable experience. 

All these areas are rich in wildlife. One of the attractions is the Gibson Mill, which dates back to the 19th century. It offers tours as well as regular exhibitions. Entry to Hardcastle Crags is free. You won’t have to pay a parking charge if you’re a member of the National Trust. 

2. Take the Three Peaks challenge

If you’re craving some adventure, get to the Yorkshire Dales. It is home to the three tallest peaks in the Dales, namely Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-Ghent. The entire landscape of Yorkshire Dales is dominated by the mountains. 

People travel from distant places to climb all the mountains and test their stamina. Whernside has the highest summit among the three peaks, followed by Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent.

3. Chill out on Whitby Beach

Whitby is a popular seaside town along the coast of Yorkshire. One of the biggest attractions of the town is its charming beach. It is lined with beach huts that have vibrant colours and are set against the backdrop of enormous cliffs. This beach holds the prestigious Blue Flag status. 

So, you can be assured that the water and sand are clean and safe. You can try surfing if you want to have some adventure in the waters touching the beach. If you just want to relax, hire a deckchair and enjoy the sun.

4. Go walking around Aysgarth Falls

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls in Yorkshire await you in Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre. They may not be the tallest, but they allow you to walk around the upper, middle, and lower falls. This is made possible with the presence of walking trails around all these three falls. 

While walking the trail, you can enjoy the sights of water cascading over the steps of limestone. These falls are merely a 10-minute walk from the village of Aysgarth. Also located in Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre is Coppice Cafe. It serves meals that are prepared using ingredients that are locally sourced.

5. Visit the Malham Cove

In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is located Malham Cove. During the last Ice Age, it was a waterfall carrying melted glacial water. Today, it is an impressive rock formation composed of limestone. The rock brings climbers from distant places looking for a challenging climb. 

It also attracts walkers who wish to have a pleasant hike to the top. Once you’ve reached the top of the rock, you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

5 Best Museums You Must Visit in Yorkshire

Yorkshire was a part of some of the biggest historical events of Great Britain. It, therefore, doesn’t come as a surprise that it is home to several museums. Some of them are among the country’s biggest and the best. Upon visiting these museums, you’ll get to know more about the British county’s interesting history. 

They cover all the key events from the invasion of Romans to voyages of discovery and the industrial revolution. Here are a few of the county’s best museums you must consider visiting:

1. National Railway Museum

Located in York, this is one of the popular museums visited by individuals as well as families. It showcases the locomotive history and the excellent achievements in engineering across the world. People of all ages can experience lots of fun and learning while exploring the National Railway Museum. 

With the help of Wang Fuchun’s photography, you can know more about life on China’s railways. You’ll also get the chance to step onboard real-life locomotives kept in the Great Hall.

2. York Castle Museum

This museum is set around a re-created Victorian street, which is complete with authentic shops and live characters. It was built on the site of York Castle, which was constructed in the 11th century. While exploring the museum, you’ll be instantly transported back to 19th century Britain. 

You’ll also find some interesting exhibits and many fun activities worth trying. If you wish to experience some thrills, enter the very prison cell that once housed Dick Turpin.

3. National Science and Media Museum

You’ll witness more than 3 million scientific exhibits in the National Science and Media Museum. It is located in Bradford city centre. The museum explores the impact of the technologies of sound and image on the lives of humans. 

It has eight floors of galleries and even houses the first IMAX cinema of the UK. The earliest known surviving photo negative in the world is also housed in this museum. Besides, it is also home to the earliest television footage and the camera that created Britain’s first moving pictures.

4. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Children learn the best through play and this is exactly what Eureka! offers. It has many interactive displays and role-playing activities for children. This museum is a favourite with kids across the UK over the years. If you have children less than 11 years of age accompanying you, they’ll have unlimited fun in this museum. 

Eureka! has 6 unique zones. Each of these zones is packed with interactive exhibits for the inquisitive minds and little hands. The fun activities include stroking a wild coyote and explore a child-sized town centre.

5. Royal Armouries Museum

Within a short distance from Leeds city centre is this museum showcasing the arms and armours of the world. It has five floors of magnificent displays that feature arms and armours used in history from the world’s different corners. Among them are the famous Horned Helmet and Henry III’s jousting lances. 

You’ll also come across authentic live displays featuring military and sporting skills at using arms. The European horse armour exhibited in this museum is among the oldest surviving of its kind in the world.

The Intriguing History of Yorkshire

Geological evidence suggests that Yorkshire was not a topographical or homogeneous natural area. Different areas of this British county developed over time according to the available natural resources and contrasting conditions. It manifested in the styles of architecture and the differences in economic developments. 

This region of the United Kingdom was occupied for the first time around the 8th millennium, BC. Many of the dialect words and pronunciation styles of Yorkshire come from old Norse. This is primarily owing to the influence that the Vikings had in this region. 

The pre-historic period

During the period up to the 1st century when the Romans arrived, this area had a different terrain. A land connection existed between what is now eastern England and Germany. This facilitated expeditions into the area by the groups of hunters. 

Animals found in the area included those belonging to the Paleolithic groups, such as woolly rhinoceroses and mammoths. Human activity revolved around a hunter-gatherer lifestyle during this period.  

The Roman era

Certain parts of the island of Great Britain was occupied by the Roman Empire during the 1st century. Yorkshire was a part of this empire between 71 AD and 410 AD. The advancing Romans built several roads and forts in the territories that they occupied. 

Some of the areas remained independent, such as the Brigantian territory. The last ruler of the Brigantes, Queen Cartimandua, depended on the support of the Romans. It was owing to this support that she withstood the forces of Venutius, her estranged husband.

The rule of the Vikings

In the 8th century, the Viking era began in the kingdom of Northumbria with an attack on a monastery. The Vikings plundered and raided the Northumbrian coast, Orkney, Ireland, and the Western Isles. Although some of the minister churches survived these attacks, most of the monastic estates were lost. 

Eventually, the Viking leaders converted to Christianity. Under the rule of the Danes, the ridings, wapentakes, and the Five Burghs were established. Most of the English population were permitted to retain their lands under the rule of the Scandinavian conquerors.

The Middle Ages

Following the death of King Eric I of Northumbria, the Anglo-Saxons and the English began ruling over the region. King Edward the Confessor was among the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England. After his death in 1066, Yorkshire witnessed major battles. 

The English declared Harold Godwinson as their king. He was defeated at killed in the Battle of Hastings and William Duke of Normandy became the King of England. The Normans gained control over the entire country in the following years. 

The Modern era

The dissolution of the monasteries happened between 1536 and 1540, under the rule of Henry VIII of England. It completely changed the Yorkshire landscape, as the properties were divided and sold mainly to the rich entrepreneurs. There was a steady increase in the population of Yorkshire under the rule of Queen Elizabeth. 

The emerging industries became a source of employment and wealth. Food shortages were overcome with the help of improved methods of farming. Yorkshire was rapidly industrialized and urbanized in the 19th century. In 1974, Yorkshire was divided between several metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties under the Local Government Act 1972.