Activities in Yorkshire
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Dracula Trail
The famous story of Dracula, inspiration for a thousand lurid movies, was written by Bram Stoker while staying at a B&B in Whitby in 1897. Although most Hollywood versions of the tale concentrate on deepest, darkest Transylvania, much of the original book was set in Whitby, and many sites can still be seen today.
The tourist office sells an excellent Dracula Trail leaflet, but you shouldn't miss the stone jetty in the harbour, where the Russian boat chartered by Dracula was wrecked as it flew in ahead of the huge storm.
After the town sites, you can climb the same 199 stone steps that the heroine Mina ran up when trying to save her friend Lucy. At the top of the steps is…
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Walking
Haworth is surrounded by the moors of the South Pennines - immediately familiar to Brontë fans - and the tourist office has leaflets on local walks to endless Brontë features. A 6.5-mile favourite leads to Top Withins, a ruined farm thought to have inspired Wuthering Heights, even though a plaque clearly states that the farmhouse bore no resemblance to the one Emily wrote about. Other walks can be worked around the Brontë Way, a longer route linking Bradford and Colne via Haworth. Alternatively, the Pennine Way runs west of Haworth and can be followed south to Hebden Bridge. There's also a direct walking route between Haworth and Hebden Bridge, via the scenic valleys of…
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Harrogate Turkish Baths
Plunge into Harrogate's past as you splash into the fabulously tiled Turkish Baths in the Royal Baths Assembly Rooms. The mock Moorish facility is gloriously Victorian and offers a range of watery delights - relax in a steam room or sizzle in a sauna. A visit should linger on for at least two hours, but call first as the opening hours are complicated.
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Walking
Although it's hardly tranquil, a walk up the main road to the new bridge high above the Esk is worth it for great views. For something a bit longer, the 5.5-mile cliff-top walk south to Robin Hood's Bay is a real treat (allow three hours). Or head north for 11 miles to reach Staithes (five hours). A bus from Middlesborough will get you home again.
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Yorkwalk
Offers a series of two-hour themed walks on an ever-growing list of themes, from the classics – Roman York, the snickelways (alleys) and city walls – to specialised walks on chocolates and sweets, women in York, secret York and the inevitable graveyard, coffin and plague tour. Walks depart from Museum Gardens Gate on Museum St; no need to book.
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Coastal Cycle Trail
First choice for a bike ride is the excellent 20-mile Whitby to Scarborough Coastal Cycle Trail, which starts a few miles outside town, following the route of an old railway line. It's particularly good for reaching Robin Hood's Bay.
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YorkBoat
Runs one-hour cruises on the River Ouse departing from King's Staith (and Lendal Bridge 10 minutes later). Also special lunch, dinner and evening cruises.
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Secret Spot Surf Shop
There are some decent waves out in the North Sea. The friendly Secret Spot Surf Shop can advise on conditions, recommend places for lessons and rent all manner of gear. The best time for waves is September to May.
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Breadcrumbs Trail
Explore York by following the Hansel-and-Gretel-type trails laid out in the book - a novel and excellent way to keep the kids entertained. The book is available from bookshops and El Piano restaurant
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York City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
1 day (Departs York, United Kingdom)
by Viator
Discover York at your own leisure on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. Explore the once Roman capital of Northern England with a 24-hour ticket…Not LP reviewed
from USD$18.22 Advertisement
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York Citysightseeing
Hop-on/hop-off route with 16 stops, calling at all the main sights. Buses leave every 10 minutes from Exhibition Sq near York Minster.
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Skip the Line: The York Dungeon
Flexible (Departs York, United Kingdom)
by Viator
Be fast-track transported to the darkest moments in York's history with the help of live actors and special effects. Even better, by purchasing your ticket…Not LP reviewed
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Original Ghost Walk of York
An evening of ghouls, ghosts, mystery and history courtesy of a well-established group departing from the King's Arms pub by Ouse Bridge.
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Complete York Tour
A walk around the city and the minster that can be adapted to your preferences. Call for details.
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Association of Voluntary Guides
Two-hour walking tours of the city starting from Exhibition Sq in front of York City Art Gallery.
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Ghost Hunt of York
Award-winning and highly entertaining 75-minute tour laced with authentic ghost stories; the kids will just love this one. Begins at the Shambles, whatever the weather (they never cancel). No need to book, just turn up.
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Dr Crank's Bike Shack
Bikes can be hired from Dr Crank's Bike Shack.
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White Rose Way
A new long-distance trail that covers the 104 miles from Leeds city centre to Scarborough, taking in many remote and picturesque Yorkshire villages.
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Whitby Coastal Cruises
Offers trips around the harbour in the Esk Belle II (£2.50, 20 minutes, daily), as well as longer cruises along the coast to Staithes and back (£12, 3½ hours, twice a week). From August to October there are also whale-spotting cruises aboard the Specksioneer motor yacht.
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Larkin Trail
Hull's most famous son, the poet Philip Larkin, is commemorated in this self-guided walking tour that begins beside a bronze statue of the man in the train station. It leads past places mentioned in his poetry, and on to some of his favourite pubs. Pick up a free leaflet in the tourist office.
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Elizabeth the Steam Bus
Toot-toot! All aboard for a 20-minute spin around the town in this 1931 steam-powered bus.
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Dalby Forest
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Cycling City York
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Cook's Endeavour
Take a half-hour trip along the coast in a scaled down 2001 replica of Captain Cook's ship Endeavour, the star of numerous TV programmes. Cruise times are weather and tide-dependent – call ahead to check.
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Trailways
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