York Travel Forum

I am gonna travel round Yorkshire area at the end of the year and I am thinking about exploring the Yorkshire D.N.Park. Never been to that area (moreover in the winter)...is it a good idea to explore it in December/January? Taking into account the weather etc. Thank you. Or what places do u advise to see in that area? Towns, nature etc. Love it.

The time you have chosen is often just about the bleakest of times.

For all the information you need see:-

http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/index.htm

Yeah, I know but I am going to celebrate the New Years Eve in Manchester and going to spend a week there. So I am thinking of visiting other spot, too. I am definitely going to see the city of York and thought it would be nice to explore some other places when being there. Hm....

There is a wonderful walk at Bolton Abbey - you park at the Abbey and then walk up the River Wharf to the Strid (be careful not to get to close if it is in full flow!)
http://www.boltonabbey.com/whattodo/walking.htm
You can cross further up and walk back down the other side. There are stepping-stones but they may well be covered in fast-flowing water at this time of year!

As you will be close by anyway it makes sense to see somehwere else while you are there - and you could be very lucky with the weather - I hope so. You will enjoy York even if the weather is not too great.

Make sure you have appropriate clothes and footwear, and you'll be fine. Footwear is particularly important: a good tread on boots/shoes is essential, as muddy ground is very slippery (and a sprained ankle will ruin your holiday).

Don't consider long hikes across moorland: that can be dangerous at this time of year, unless you know what you are doing. But visiting various places and taking gentle wanders will be fine (if chilly/wet).

If you don't have a car you'll find getting around much more difficult.

It's worth having a look at the North Yorkshire Moors as well (or instead). Pickering is a nice little town, Fountains Abbey is simply stunning, Whitby for the Abbey and the town, beautiful scenery in all of it. Same advice about high-level long walks though.

http://www.visitnorthyorkshiremoors.co.uk/content.php?nID=1

The Yorkshire Dales are my favourite place in the world. I agree with all the previous suggestions (Bolton, Fountains Abbey, etc.). The Carlisle Railway is quite spectacular. All the waterfalls...
I've visited several times late autumn as well as in spring. And thought it beautiful whatever the weather. But the mist can be hideous, so if you're unlucky you won't see a thing!
Askrigg, Ingleton, Hawes were the area where I was most.

You'll need some inside activity as well.
Visit the Black Sheep Brewery: http://www.blacksheepbrewery.co.uk/

Thank you all for the tips, they look great. I have checked the links and will make some trips for sure.

If you do not have a car the following towns can all be reached by train and are all worth a visit - Harrogate, Knaresborough, Northallerton, Thirsk, Ilkley, Skipton. If you want a ride on a train through the dakles take a Leeds - Skipton - Carlisle train but only travel as far as Appleby (which is also worth an hour or so). VT has pages on all of these places.

Thank you! The tips are great, I've googled some info and pics about the towns and I think they look amazing, especially Harrogate and Knaresborough. I will travel by train, don't know if I am brave enough to rent a car and drive on the left there as I am used to driving on the right....:)

Have a look at the VT pages about all these places too. They are all written by locals or visitors, and have a wealth of photos, info and tips.

Use the searchbox top right of this page to find them.

Yes use the trains - they are very frequent on all routes. You need to look at the Northern Rail and Transpennine Express websites - just Google them. They will have up to date offers on and any revised timings for the holiday period.

www.nationalrail.co.uk (the official UK rail site) also carries revised timings etc for all train companies. The only additional thing you'll find on the individual company's websites are their occasional special offers.

National Express Coaches are offering special low fares on some routes before the end of the year and coaches will be running on Boxing Day - 26 December.

Finding the exact route that would be useful to you may take a bit of navigating but worth a look.

http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/christmasemail.cfm?utm_source=Solus&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Functional&utm_content=£5fares&utm_campaign=Christmas3

Thank you guys! I have also checked a few tips given by VT members regarding some pubs in York...is there any place u'd advise not to miss? A traditional English pub.

Try the Royal Oak - there is a piece about it on my York page.

Hm, seems good, thank you! Just checked it in your profile, great, they serve vegetarian meals, that's what I need for myself. Good tip.