YorkshireYorkshire is ahistoric countyofNorthern Englandand the largest in theUnited Kingdom.Due to its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject toperiodic reform. Throughout these changes, Yorkshire has continued to be recognised as a geographical territory andcultural region.

Within the borders of the historic county of Yorkshire are areas which are widely considered to be among the greenest in England, due to the vast stretches of unspoiled countryside in theYorkshire DalesandNorth York Moorsand to the open aspect of some of the major cities.Yorkshire has sometimes been nicknamed "God's Own County".

North Yorkshire was formed on 1 April 1974 as a result of theLocal Government Act 1972, and covers most of the lands of thehistoricNorth Riding, as well as the northern half of theWest Riding, the northern and eastern fringes of theEast RidingofYorkshireand the formercounty boroughofYork.York became aunitary authorityindependent of North Yorkshire on 1 April 1996,and at the same timeMiddlesbrough,Redcar and Clevelandand areas of Stockton-on-Tees south of the river became part of NorthYorkshirefor ceremonial purposes, having been part ofClevelandfrom 1974 to 1996.

Main attractions and activitesBolton AbbeyBolton Abbey is on the banks of the River Wharfe in acres of beautiful countryside. Explore the ruins of the Priory, wander along the woodland nature trails, stroll beside the river, visit the tea rooms and cafes, look around the village shops, or just relax in this romantic location. Captain Cook Memorial Museum(Whitby, North Yorkshire)Winner of the Gold Award 2013 for the best small visitor attraction in Visit England's Awards, this 17th Century house belonged to Cook's master, John Walker, and is where the young Cook and his fellow apprentices lodged. The house is now a museum celebrating Cook's years in Whitby and later career.

Castle Howard(Malton, North Yorkshire)Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th-century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape.

National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum(York, North Yorkshire)

The National Railway Museum in York and Shildon is home to the UK's national rail collection. Includes museum visitor info, events, exhibitions and collections.

Royal armouries museum (Leeds)The Royal Armouries is home to the United Kingdom?s national collection of arms and armour, including artillery. As a museum we have a duty of care for these objects, to keep them, study them and increase our knowledge of them, so that this can be passed to future generations along with the objects themselves.

The deep(Hull, East Yorkshire)The Deep, one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world is located in Hull, East Yorkshire. This award-winning visitor attraction is home to over 3,500 fish including spectacular sharks and rays ? making it the perfect family day out.

Must See Entertainment in YorkDiscover a rich tapestry of entertainment in York and beyond. York has an incredible wealth of things to see and do, with the ancient walled centre offering more attractions per square mile than any other destination in the UK. As one of Europe's largest pedestrian zones, youre never more than a short walk from one of York's awe inspiring sights or attractions.

York is in the heart of a food producing region, famous for its amazing tastes! So if this is your first time in York, get ready to experience local real ales. Relax and enjoy a drink in one of therustic pubs around townand see how it is being brewed at theYork Brewery, the only traditional brewery within the city walls.If you think you've tasted the bestafternoon tea, think again and savour afternoon tea decadence atBettys.Choose the famous Fat Rascal or one of the 300 other cakes, chocolates and breads on offer.If love music or opera,be sureto book tickets to a show at the Grade II listedGrand Opera Housein York or check out the year-round programme at theNational Centre for Early Music.Feel the love atYork Minster. Legend has it, that all loved up coupleswho kiss under the 'Heart of Yorkshire' window, will stay together forever.

Accommodation in YorkshireHOTELSCedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa-York

Online reservation:www. Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa.co.uk

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Centre

Online reservation:www. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Centre.co.uk

The Queens-Leeds

Online reservation:www. TheQueens.co.uk

Hotel 53

Online reservation:www.Hotel53.com

MotelsNew Victorian Inn & Suites-York

Online reservation:www. NewVictorianInnAndSuites.co.uk

Hampton Inn -York

Online reservation:www.HamptonInn.co.ukDays Inn -York

Online reservation:www.Daysinn.co.uk

Motel 6 York

Online reservation:www.motel6.co.uk

Did you know ...that the production process for Swaledale cheese includes soaking the cheese wheel in 85% brine for 24 hours?... thatSt Mary's Church,Whitbywas the setting for a scene fromBram Stoker'sDracula?...thatSir Winston Churchillcompeted in theTall Ships Racewith an all-female crew?... that theKisdon Force(pictured)is not an elite military unit, but rather awaterfallinNorth Yorkshire

...thatDenton Hallonce the home ofGeneral Fairfax, theEnglish Civil Warcommander-in-chief, was later sold for less than the value of thetimberon the estate?...thatJimmy Speirs won theMilitary Medalwhile serving with theQueen's Own Cameron Highlanders, six years after his goal helpedBradford Citywin the1911 FA Cup Final?...that the 364-metrepierinWithernsea,Englandwas struck by ships four times, finally leaving it only 15 metres long?