The historic county of Yorkshire is home to acres of stunning natural landscape, rich in rural culture. At ABI we are proud of our Yorkshire heritage – after all, it has been our humble home for over 45 years and counting. In honor of Yorkshire day, we are celebrating some of the most iconic landmarks that are right on our doorstep.
Kirkstall Abbey
In the heart of a bustling suburb of Leeds, you’ll find a tranquil architectural masterpiece. Kirkstall Abbey has firmly established itself as one of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country; the now picturesque ruins were founded over 800 years ago after being disestablished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII.
Fast forward to modern day, the ruins are now preserved by The Leeds Museums and Galleries group having been gifted by Leeds born Businessman John Thomas North in the late 19th Century. The drama of the ruins are juxtaposed with the serenity of the leafy picnic area that flanks the Abbey, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.
White Scar Cave
Needless to say, the Yorkshire Dales is famous for some of the most idyllic landscapes in the heart of the North of England, yet below the moorlands the beauty only intensifies.
Nestled 70 metres below the sleepy parish village of Ingleton, North Yorkshire, lies the longest show cave in Britain, White Scar Cave. The natural wonder was discovered in 1923 by Christopher Long making it the perfect day out for any budding explorer. The Cave has been naturally created from Carboniferous limestone and now contains thousands of stalagmites and stalactites, gigantic caverns and spectacular waterfalls. Yorkshire’s very own ‘eighth’ wonder of the world.
Brimham Rocks
Brimham Rocks stands ominously in the midst of the hillside among fields of heather moorland. It’s locations like this that make it easy to understand why many call Yorkshire ‘God’s own Country’.The Rocks are so unique they have set the perfect backdrop for many blockbuster films.
Since the 18th Century, myths and legends have captivated millions of people who visit the Yorkshire landmark. Today, those same legends still attract people to come and visit, but it’s the captivating viewpoints of surrounding moorland and the endless scenic walking routes that make people stay.
Bempton Cliffs
Beautiful landscapes and serene settings not only make Yorkshire a superb staycation retreat, but an array of rare wildlife reside in the area making sight seeing just that little bit more special.
Bempton cliffs are home to a number of rare seabird colonies including puffins and guillemots, who rely on the tranquil pace of the area. Bempton Cliffs border Bridlington beach making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, taking in Yorkshire’s natural beauty and the wildlife that bring life to the area.
Skipton Castle
This historic landmark has stood at the heart of Yorkshire culture for 900 years. The entire Castle is open for the public to explore, from the depths of the gloomy dungeons to the peak of the watchtower.
Visitors embarking on the castle will receive a comprehensive guide sheet to explore all four corners in its entirety. Complete with a gift shop, refurbished tea rooms and an outside picnic area, Skipton Castle ticks all the boxes for a Yorkshire day out.
At the very core of our ABI ethos, we value the importance of rural adventures and endless exploring whilst reaping the benefits of the great outdoors.The Yorkshire Dales delivers on just that. With timeless landmarks set in beautiful locations all over the county, taking a break from our busy schedules has never been easier
How many of these bucket list items have you already ticked off, and which are you planning to accomplish this summer whilst visiting your ABI? Make sure to share your summer staycation plans with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
