I can’t quite believe that I’ve lived in Yorkshire for almost a decade now. My time on this side of the Pennines was only supposed to last 3 years, but I fell in love with the place and the people so much that I now proudly call it my home. There are so many gorgeous places to visit in this county, and one of my big aims for this year is to tick as many of them off my list as possible. I want to finally get to Malham Cove and I’m dying to explore more of the Yorkshire coast.

But there are also many beautiful places in this county that I have already fallen in love with. And so today I thought I'd share some of them with you - here are 8 places to visit in Yorkshire...

1) Saltaire Village

I had to start with Saltaire because it’s one of my favourite places in all of Yorkshire! It’s a Victorian model village that was originally built when Sir Titus Salt moved his textile mill to the area. He built neat stone houses for his workers that still stand today, and the village has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nowadays, the mill houses a gallery (featuring some of David Hockney’s most recognised works) and multiple shops and restaurants. The village is also home to the beautiful Robert’s Park and is set on the Leeds Liverpool canal, making it the perfect starting point for a walk.

Top tip: If you’re in the market for beautiful gifts or homewares, be sure to check out RADSTUDIO! which is just opposite the mill.

2) Ilkley Moor

One of my favourite things about living in Leeds is that within a 20 minute drive you can be surrounded by beautiful countryside. Sam and I love to get in the car and head out somewhere where we can enjoy a nice long walk, and one of our favourite places to do that is at Ilkley Moor.

Be sure to check out the famous Cow and Calf rocks, and prepare to be in total awe of the view from the top of the moors!

Top tip: If all that walking works up an appetite, take a little drive to nearby Ben Rhydding for some lunch at The Wheatley Arms. I can vouch that the sausage and mash there is next level!

3) Whitby

There are so many great destinations along the Yorkshire coast, but Whitby is one of the most famous for a reason! As well as enjoying the beautiful beach, you can also visit the Gothic Whitby Abbey (which was the inspiration for Dracula!) and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

I also love to potter around all of the quirky shops, and of course, no visit to the seaside is complete without some fish and chips - The Magpie Cafe is my favourite place to indulge in some!

Top tip: If you’re looking for somewhere cosy to stay, I can thoroughly recommend the beautiful Lavender Cottage - Sam and I stayed here a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it.

4) Fountains Abbey

I only visited Fountains Abbey for the first time last year, but I loved it so much that I ended up buying a National Trust Membership on the spot! The ancient abbey ruins here are some of the oldest and best preserved in the UK, and walking around them is really awe inspiring.

There is also a very beautiful water garden here too and some great walking routes, making it the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors.

Top tip: Fountains Abbey is a National Trust site, which of course means that you have to have a scone at one of the cafes!

5) York

York is not only one of my favourite places in Yorkshire, but one of my favourite place ever! I’m a big fan of anywhere steeped in history, and York certainly fits that bill. From the city walls to the castle to the beautiful Minster, everywhere you turn there's another relic of times gone by.

The city also boasts a vast array of brilliant eateries, cosy pubs and plenty of pretty little shops, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene. I would recommend to everyone that they should spend a weekend here!

Top tip: If you’re a Harry Potter fan, head to the Shambles for a glimpse of the street that supposedly inspired Diagon Alley.

6) Haworth

Haworth was a recent discovery for me (as you’ll know if you’re a regular reader!) but I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful little village. Renowned for being the former home of the Brontë sisters, and the inspiration for many of their famous works, Haworth is a must visit for any literary lover.

And even if you’ve never read a single Brontë novel, it’s still worth a visit for the beautiful moors views, the pretty shops and the rolling countryside walks.

Top tip: Be sure to call into The Cabinet of Curiosities - not only is this shop beautifully styled, but they also sell some gorgeous bath and beauty products.

7) Harrogate

If beautiful gardens, independent shops and world renowned afternoon teas are your thing, then Harrogate is the Yorkshire destination for you! From RHS Garden Harlow Carr to tea and cake at Betty’s, this little town is the perfect location for a family day out.

If you fancy adding a little bit of pampering to your day, you can also book a trip to the Turkish baths - indulgence at its finest!

Top tip: If you’re looking for a hotel near to Harrogate, look no further than Rudding Park Hotel & Spa - we stayed just before Christmas and we enjoyed every minute.

8) Scarborough

Last but by certainly no means least on my list of Yorkshire hotspots you need to visit is Scarborough. Scarborough is a traditional seaside town on the Yorkshire coast - it can sometimes get a bit of a bad rap for being a little bit tacky, but I love it!

It’s nostalgic and fun and there’s something about the smell of the sugared doughnuts and the sound of the arcade games that just makes me feel like a kid again.

Top tip: Head to the North Bay beach to admire Scarborough’s pretty coloured beach huts - they make the perfect Instagram photo backdrop!

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So there you have it - 8 Yorkshire hotspots you nee to visit! Have you been to any of them before? Would you recommend any other places to visit in Yorkshire?

8 Yorkshire Hotspots You Need To Visit