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21
Apr
Great getaways less than three hours' drive from Harrogate
(Above image: Derwentwater, The Lake District. Pixaby)
Popular escapes close to home in Yorkshire and beyond
With the cost of holidays abroad seeming to go up and up each year, more people are choosing to stay closer to home for weekends away and longer trips. After all, it can be a lot of hassle getting to and from the airport and going through security, whereas with staycations all you need to do is jump in the car or get on the train and you’re at your destination.
But where are some of the most popular places close to home?
The Lake District
(Image: Scafell Hills, Eskdale. Pixaby)
Distance from central Harrogate: it depends where in The Lake District you visit but it is approximately a two-hour drive to most locations.
The Lake District is known for its stunning landscape featuring lakes, coast and mountains – including the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike that is quite a feat to climb up – all of which make for beautiful backdrops for walks that the area is renowned for.
As well as walking, there are many other outdoor activities to make the most of this scenery including gorge scrambling, abseiling, rock climbing and paddleboarding.
Although Windermere is undoubtedly one of the most popular locations, be sure to check out other places in both the North and South Lakes including the town of Keswick and smaller quaint villages such as Grasmere and Buttermere. You can keep your energy up with some Kendal Mint Cake along the way.
There are also popular tourist sites to visit such as The World of Beatrix Potter, one of the most famous literary names the Lake District is associated with.
Did you know? There’s actually only one lake in The Lake District and that’s Bassenthwaite Lake. The others are ‘meres’ or ‘waters’.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
(Image: Saltburn-by-Sea. Wikipedia Commons)
Distance from central Harrogate: approximately an hour and a quarter drive.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is often the go-to destination for a day trip to the seaside thanks to its miles upon miles of sandy beaches.
Parking can often be found close to the front, and from there you can take a walk along the dramatic clifftops that comprise the Hunt Cliff reserve that are among the highest cliffs on the East Coast of England.
Some of the must-dos include eating fish and chips on the beach and riding the famous funicular Saltburn Cliff Lift, which provides access to Saltburn Pier and the seafront from the town.
(Image: Saltburn Pier. Pixaby)
Did you know? Saltburn pier is the only remaining pier in Yorkshire.
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Bamburgh, Northumberland
(Image: Bamburgh. Wikipedia Commons)
Distance from central Harrogate: approximately two and a half hours' drive.
Known for its pristine, stunning white beach, you almost feel as though you’re not in the UK when visiting Bamburgh, and its impressive castle stands proud atop a 180-foot crag so you can see it from pretty much wherever you are on the coastline.
There are sand dunes abound, rock pools to go crabbing in and cafés and pubs aplenty to grab a bit to eat in.
Other places to visit nearby include Seahouses and Holy Island, the former of which you can walk to from Bamburgh.
Did you know? Bamburgh Castle is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a working castle and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK.
The Peak District
(Image: the Peak District. Pixaby)
Distance from central Harrogate: approximately an hour and a quarter drive.
One of the top things to do in the Peak District is to go on a countryside walk taking in the arresting vistas with a pit-stop at a pub along the way.
Aside from this, the Peak District has many charming villages and towns to explore, including the spa town of Buxton, known for its Romanesque architecture.
Other must-visits sites include heading to Bakewell for a Bakewell tart (spoiler alert: it’s nothing like Mr Kipling’s), uncovering the area’s caves and caverns and seeing the fascinating rock formations, as well as visiting the many stately homes and castles that are in the area.
Did you know? The Peak District features Britain’s oldest long-distance national walking trail, the Pennine Way. It starts at Edale and stretches to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders and is 268 miles long.
(Image: Chatsworth House. Pixaby)
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