The concept of Destination Yorkshire is brought to you by Ice Cubed Consulting and is a vehicle to promote the county of Yorkshire as one of the greatest destinations in the world.
Yorkshire
Diverse and beautiful, Yorkshire offers miles of countryside, including National Parks and award-winning gardens, set amid vibrant cities and market towns. There's great shopping opportunities, or explore the rugged heritage coast before journeying back in time at one of the region's many historical sites.
History
Yorkshire is an historic county of England, centred on the county town of York. The region was first occupied after the retreat of the ice age around 8000 BC. During the first millennium AD it was occupied by Romans, Angles and Vikings. Many Yorkshire dialect words and aspects of pronunciation derive from old Norse[1] due to the Viking influence in this region. The name, Yorkshire, first appeared in writing in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 1065. It was originally composed of three sections called Thrydings, subsequently referred to as Ridings.
Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Yorkshire was subject to the punitive harrying of the North, which caused great hardship. The area proved to be notable for uprisings and rebellions through to the Tudor period. During the industrial revolution, the West Riding became the second most important manufacturing area in the United Kingdom, while the predominant industries of the East and North Ridings remained fishing and agriculture. In modern times, the Yorkshire economy suffered from a decline in manufacturing which affected its traditional coal, steel, wool and shipping industries.
The Romans
Yorkshire was effectively part of the Roman Empire from 71 AD to about 410 AD. Initially, Roman advances in Britain stopped at the River Don, the southern boundary of the Brigantian territory. The Templeborough area of Rotherham, just south of the Don, takes its name from the remains of the Roman fort found here. This was first built in wood c AD 55, and was later rebuilt in stone. [19]. Queen Cartimandua, the last ruler of the Brigantes, depended on Roman support to withstand the forces of her estranged husband, Venutius. The territory remained independent until AD 69, when the Ninth Legion under Quintus Petillius Cerialis moved in to quell civil war between Cartimandua and Venutius, bringing to an end British rule in England.[5] A fort at Danum (Doncaster), at a crossing over the River Don, was built arould AD 71 [20]. The Romans advanced along the road that ran along the Wolds from Lindum Colonia (Lincoln) and then crossed the Humber to land at Petuaria, (Brough). This was the capital settlement of the Parisii tribe.
The advancing Romans built roads northwards through the northern terrain to Eboracum (York), Derventio (Malton) and Isurium Brigantum (Aldborough) then onwards to Cataractonium (Catterick). Piercebridge in the Tees lowlands is the site of the fortified river crossing where Dere Street crossed the River Tees. [5] York was founded in AD 71 as Eboracum, the Roman capital of Northern Britain and a fort was established there. There were still large areas of ill drained lowlands so the main routeways and settlements were built on higher ground on the Wolds and the edges of Holderness, the Vale of Pickering and the central Vales of Mowbray and York. The site of York and its access routes took advantage of the higher ground of the York moraine which crosses the vale from west to east.
DESTINATIONS WITHIN THE DESTINATION
York
Renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster, York is fast developing a flourishing, cutting-edge scene. Delve into the city's vibrant café culture, take time out to enjoy some of the country's most talented street entertainers or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river.
A city of contrasts and exciting discoveries, York is a place where the old encompasses the new and the commonplace meets with the unexpected. Broaden your mind with a visit to world class museums or a variety of festivals held throughout the year catering for all ages and interests.
Harrogate
Harrogate has fabulous shopping, cafe culture, fine cuisine, glorious gardens, graceful architecture and a glamorous heritage as a European spa town.
Whitby
Whitby's skyline is dominated by the ruins of St. Hilda's Abbey, high on Whitby's East Cliff. Spreading below Whitby, a maze of alleyways and narrow streets run down to the busy quayside. From the old town of Whitby, 199 steps lead up to the parish church of St. Mary, whose churchyard on Whitby's East Cliff gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write his world famous book, Dracula .
Whitby has produced its own famous sons. Among these are Captain James Cook, the 18th century explorer and voyager who sail in the Bark Endeavour from Whitby, the outstanding father and son whaling masters of the Scoresby family and pioneer photographer, Frank Meadow Sutcliffe.
Having a unique old world charm, for centuries Whitby has provided a safe haven for shipping and fishing fleets. Whitby was once the main whaling port for the North of England.
Leeds
Leeds is a thriving, passionate city that you are sure to fall in love with. Rich in culture and heritage, it's a vibrant city with lots to discover and something for everyone to enjoy.
By day, the prosperous business centre offers a diverse range of working opportunities. The fast-paced, buzzing city centre is complemented by stunning local countryside, including the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, which lie within easy reach. There are also an assortment of flourishing local communities - from hidden gems in the inner suburbs to tranquil country towns on the outskirts.
By night, Leeds really comes alive with its wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs and other entertainment. There is a broad range of cultural attractions, including renowned theatre, opera and ballet companies, with something to appeal to every palate.
Sport remains central to city life, especially with the successes of the Rhinos in Rugby League and Leeds Carnegie in Rugby Union. The rugby sides share their home at Headingley Carnegie Stadium with Michael Vaughan’s Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Football fans around the world will be familiar with Leeds United and Elland Road. Owner Ken Bates is currently building the team up from its position in Football League One.
Bradford
The city of Bradford, has a wealth of fascinating attractions, enjoy the many festivals and events and dine in some of the country's finest Asian restaurants. Nearby Saltaire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Salts Mill, which houses one of the largest collections of art by David Hockney.
Fans of the Brontës will be impressed with their original home, Haworth, and the Brontë Parsonage Museum. Alternatively visit, Ilkley, a town with fine dining, boutique shopping and some the best walking in Yorkshire.
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city you'll love, but you won't know until you visit.
Sheffield is honest and exciting, where strangers call you 'love' and you find beauty in the strangest of places. This is a place where you feel a buzz just walking round, that wears it's past on it's sleeve but is driving towards a bright future.
This year the Peace and Winter Gardens won Great Place 2008 by the Academy of Urbanism, the International Documentary Festival, Doc/Fest brought thousands of film-makers to the Cultural Industries Quarter and 2008 is set to be even better.
People who visit Sheffield will always come back. You can be in a cocktail bar in the city centre and only be 5 miles from the Peak District, watch a play in the biggest theatre complex outside London and eat out at award winning restaurants.
The Yorkshire Moors
The North York Moors National Park is one of the finest landscapes in Britain. Miles of stunning heather, towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches and grassy dales give it a character all of its own. Discover wildlife, historic buildings, archaeology, ancient woodlands and picturesque villages.
The Yorkshire Dales
Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage. It’s a special place – a fantastic outdoor arena for recreation and peaceful relaxation and a haven for wildlife.
Covering an area of 1,762 square kilometres (680 square miles), the National Park is located in the north of England, and straddles the central Pennines in the counties of North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Shopping in Yorkshire
Leeds
If boutique and designer shopping takes your fancy, then head for Leeds now dubbed as Knightsbridge of the north.'
Offering the unparalleled shopping experience, fashion is at the heart of the city. Shop for the latest fashion 'must-haves' or the new chic in bargain vintage, the city recently voted as the UK's most 'female friendly' is truly the UK's shopping capital of the north. While away your time at Europe's largest indoor market for those bargains or shop beneath the Victorian dome of the Corn Exchange for that one off design. For a taste of glamour, visit the stylish boutiques in the period arcades of the Victoria Quarter along side the exclusive lifestyle store Harvey Nichols.
Sheffield
Explore The Devonshire Quarter in Sheffield, where you'll find rows of designer stores and independent boutiques. Sheffield is an exciting city and has everything from malls to markets. Hop on the futuristic supertram to Meadowhall, one of Europe's largest shopping centres which houses more than 270 shops!
Harrogate
The cosmopolitan town of Harrogate is a shoppers dream. The bustling town centre from West Park, James Street and the Montpellier Quarter to the Westminster Arcade and Victoria Shopping Centre has designer shops, familiar names and arts & crafts.
The Montpellier Quarter is home to the 'Antiques and Art Centre of the North', with many quality antique shops and art galleries to be found in the Quarter, accompanied by new, modern and contemporary retailers. London fashion designer Caroline Charles and Farrah's famous toffee and food emporium can be found here.
York
York, famous for its distinctive shopping and cobbled streets, has a vast array of antique dealers, speciality craft shops, themed markets and elegant boutiques.
With over 2000 shops amongst its narrow cobbled streets within the ancient city walls, there's more than enough choice to suit all tastes.
For tax free shopping, head to York Designer Outlet, located on the outskirts of the city. Recently voted as the 'Best Shopping Venue in UK' by Group Leisure Industry Awards 2007. Over 115 top brand stores including Armani Collections, Hugo Boss, Jaeger and Bose all here under one roof offering all the labels you love reduced by up to 50 %.
For unusual chic design, pop into Selkie or if you're looking for a rare antique piece, try Braithwaites Gallery, or Red House Antiques.
Yorkshire Sport
- Leeds Rhinos
- Leeds Carnigie
- Bradford Bulls
- Leeds United
- Sheffield United
- Sheffield Wednesday
- York City
- York City Knights
- Harrogate Town FC
- Yorkshire County Cricket Club
- Bradford City
