Holiday rentals and lettings in North Yorkshire

• Plenty of choice: From converted Yorkshire-stone barns in the Dales to stylish flats in York, you'll find self-catering cottages, holiday homes and pet-friendly lets to suit every group.
• Best areas to stay: Base yourself near the coast at Scarborough and Whitby, among Dales market towns like Skipton, or in historic York for culture and easy transport links.
• What guests say: Our top-rated North Yorkshire are beloved by guests, who rave about the cosy interiors, well-kept gardens and welcoming hosts.
• Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn brings heather on the Moors and warm coastal days, whilst the quieter winter months offer lower rates and atmospheric market towns.
• Top things to do: Climb Brimham Rocks, ride the steam trains at the National Railway Museum, hunt for Whitby jet and wander round Ripley Castle and its gardens.

North Yorkshire's holiday lets range from traditional Yorkshire-stone cottages and converted barns in the Dales to stylish flats in the heart of York. Families and groups love spacious holiday homes with gardens; for a countryside escape, rustic log cabins sit tucked among the Dales and Moors. Plenty of dog-friendly cottages welcome pets too. Popular amenities include:

• Private gardens and patios with Dales or moorland views
• Wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces
• Fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Off-street parking and easy access to the A1(M)

From cosy farmhouses to smart coastal apartments, there's a North Yorkshire holiday let to match every kind of break.

What are the best areas to stay in North Yorkshire?

The best area depends on your plans: York suits culture-seekers, whilst the coast and the Dales reward those after scenery and slower days. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

North Yorkshire holiday homes earn consistently high marks thanks to warm welcomes from hosts, spotless interiors and charming gardens. Reviewers regularly mention how well placed they are for exploring the Dales, the Moors and the coast.

Here are our top-rated holiday rentals from the past year:

1. York Standard Caravan - 10.0: A spotless caravan for four, praised for its easy parking and handy base for visiting York and the surrounding countryside.
2. Brig End - 10.0: A cosy four-person cottage with a private yard, loved for its homely feel and peaceful setting close to the Dales.
3. The Bothy - 10.0: A snug two-person cottage with its own yard, ideal for couples wanting a quiet weekend away among the hills.

North Yorkshire is England's largest county, stretching from the Yorkshire Dales in the west, across the wild North York Moors, to a rugged coastline on the North Sea.

✈️What is the best way to get to North Yorkshire?

Getting to North Yorkshire is straightforward, with good options by car, rail and air. Here are the most common ways to get to the county:

• Train: Direct East Coast Main Line services link London King's Cross with York in under two hours, with onward connections to Harrogate, Scarborough and Northallerton. York station makes a handy hub for reaching the Dales and the coast, and the scenic Esk Valley Line carries you out towards Whitby through the heart of the Moors.
• Car: The A1(M) runs north to south through the county, linking it with the rest of the motorway network. From York, the A64 heads to Scarborough and the coast, whilst A and B roads wind into the Dales. There's plenty of parking in the market towns, though country lanes can be narrow.
• Plane: Leeds Bradford Airport sits just to the south-west, with Teesside and Manchester airports also within easy reach. From any of them, a hire car or train connection brings you into North Yorkshire in around an hour.

🥗Where to eat in North Yorkshire?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Star Inn at Harome is the best-rated restaurant in North Yorkshire. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Lucy and Mark recommend Drake & Macefield in Skipton: a relaxed deli-café where they stopped for coffee and cake after a morning in the Dales, and happily stayed on for lunch.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit North Yorkshire is from late spring to early autumn, when the Dales are at their greenest, the coast is at its warmest and the North York Moors turn purple with flowering heather in August and September. That said, the county rewards visitors year-round, with cosy pubs and quiet market towns right through the winter.

Spring

• Best for: Lambing season, daffodils and quieter walking trails.
• Weather: Mild and fresh, with bright days and the odd shower.
• Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded, with markets coming back to life.

Summer

• Best for: Beach days on the coast and long light evenings in the Dales.
• Weather: Warm and largely dry, the county's sunniest spell.
• Atmosphere: Lively and busy, especially around York and the seaside towns.

Autumn

• Best for: Heather on the Moors, woodland colour and food festivals.
• Weather: Crisp and changeable, with misty mornings.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and golden, with lower rates after the summer peak.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our North Yorkshire local expert, Charlotte of North Sea Views, recommends spending a morning at Brimham Rocks before driving over to Pateley Bridge for lunch and a wander along the River Nidd. You can read more about local tips on Charlotte's page.

1. Climb Brimham Rocks
2. Ride the steam trains at the National Railway Museum
3. Hunt for jet on Whitby's beaches
4. Explore Ripley Castle and Gardens
5. Go wild at Go Ape in Dalby Forest

1. Climb Brimham Rocks

   These weird and wonderful rock formations near Harrogate have been sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Run by the National Trust, the site is free to explore on foot, with easy paths winding between balancing boulders and natural arches. Children love clambering over the lower rocks, whilst the surrounding moorland offers wide views across Nidderdale.

2. Ride the steam trains at the National Railway Museum

   Set in York, the largest railway museum in the world is free to enter and a treat for all ages. Highlights include Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive ever built, a Japanese bullet train and a replica of the Flying Scotsman. Interactive galleries explain how the railways shaped Britain, and there's a turntable demonstration on selected days.

3. Hunt for jet on Whitby's beaches

   The black semi-precious stone known as Whitby jet washes up along the beaches around this historic coastal town. Beachcombing after a storm gives the best chance of a find, though it takes a practised eye. If you come away empty-handed, the town's many shops sell jet jewellery and keepsakes. Whilst you're there, climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey and tuck into fish and chips above the harbour.

4. Explore Ripley Castle and Gardens

   Lived in by the same family for around 700 years, Ripley Castle sits beside a tranquil lake just outside Harrogate. Guided tours reveal centuries of history; follow yours with a walk through the walled gardens, hothouses and woodlands. The estate's springtime flower displays are a real highlight.

5. Go wild at Go Ape in Dalby Forest

   For an active day out, head to the Go Ape course at Dalby Forest in the North York Moors. Swing through the treetops, cross rope bridges and whizz down zip wires high above the woodland floor. There are gentler trails for younger adventurers, plus miles of cycling and walking routes through the surrounding forest.