For centuries, cloth has been spun from the wool of the sheep grazing on the Pennine uplands. The fascinating story of England’s industrial heritage can now be seen in the numerous craft centres and folk museums throughout West Yorkshire.
To enjoy the countryside, take a trip on the steam hauled Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Stop off at Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters and experience the rugged atmosphere of Wuthering Heights. Ashmount Country House , one of the friendliest Hotels in Yorkshire, in the same village is a good base. Not far from Haworth is Bingley, where the Leeds & Liverpool canal makes its famous uphill journey. In the past, coal barges came this way; nowadays holiday makers in gaily painted boats have taken their place. Leeds itself is a vibrant city with Victorian shopping arcades, the Royal Armories Museum, Corn Exchange and a lively arts scene.
For both business and leisure traveller Malmaison, Quebecs and 42 The Calls in the city all rank among the finest Hotels in Yorkshire.
Moving into the East Riding, the scenery changes again. From the dramatic 400ft high cliffs at Flamborough Head, there sweeps south a 40-mile stretch of perfect sandy beach. Along this coastline, you will find the boisterous entertainment centres of Cleethorpes and Bridlington or the quieter attractions of Hornsea and Withernsea.
The Wolds are near all these resorts and Beverley, with its magnificent 13th century Minster and lattice of medieval streets, is a jewel of architectural heritage. Tickton Grange here and Willerby Grange are about the best Hotels in Yorkshire in this area. Hull, home of the late Philip Larkin, is a modern city linked to Lincolnshire via the 1452 yd Humber Bridge – the world’s longest single span. ‘Though not strictly speaking an Hotel in Yorkshire, It’s worth venturing over the bridge to sample the cuisine at Winteringham Fields, a cottagey Restaurant with Rooms, now under new management.
The area around Sheffield – the steel city – in South Yorkshire is dominated by the iron and steel industries. Cooling towers and power stations still nudge the M1 motorway as it cleaves through this industrial heartland. The first city in England to pioneer free public transport, it now produces a steely brand of politician. The Industrial Museum and City Museum display a wide range of Sheffield cutlery and plate. Meadowhall shopping centre, with 270 stores under one roof, draws shoppers from a wide radius. Top Hotels in Yorkshire for visiting business travellers in this area include Sheffield Park, Whitley Hall or the intriguing Aston Hall, just South of the city.