Generally, there are two types of people in the world, those that believe that Yorkshire is the best county in the UK, and those that are wrong. At least, that’s according to people hailing from Yorkshire.
Now, I’m impartial and unbiased in my writing, so let me say that the UK is home to some of the most stunning counties you could ever wish for. Whether you’re a fan of cities, market towns, woodland, farmland, coastline, or countryside, the UK has counties that tick all of those boxes. Yorkshire is a prime example of this.
Yorkshire is known as God’s own county, and after having visited several times in the past, I can see why.
Here’s a look at se7en reasons why Yorkshire natives believe that their county is the best county in all of the United Kingdom.
The dialect
Yorkshire dialect is both entertaining and fascinating.
To a southerner, Yorkshire dialect and slang may as well be a foreign language, but to those who hail from the north, it makes perfect sense and is as clear as day.
Now, my Yorkshire dialect is a bit rusty, but I do know a few of the basics. For example. When walking down the street and encountering a fellow Yorkshireman or woman, rather than saying hello, the correct greeting is ‘ey up’ or ‘Alreyt’.
When telling somebody to stop, rather than politely asking that they cease their annoying activity, the correct Yorkshire term is to ‘Gi Ore’.
It’s huge
They say that bigger is better (again, no childish comments) and when it comes to Yorkshire, they may very well be right, or should that be ‘reyt’?
Out of the 48 counties in England, Yorkshire is the largest. To be specific, North Yorkshire is the biggest, though when you consider that there is also the East Riding of Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, you can see why it’s so vast.
The food
Yorkshire food really is something special.
From ‘Sheffield Ash’ to ‘Yorkshire Parkin’ there really are some truly delicious delicacies that originate in Yorkshire.
If you’re a keen foodie, you’ll want to make sure you visit Yorkshire as it is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants.
That’s not all, though, because it’s also renowned for its Wensleydale cheese, Henderson’s Relish, Yorkshire Parkin, the Rhubarb Triangle, and of course, the cornerstone of any successful Sunday roast – the Yorkshire Pudding.
Though not exclusive to Yorkshire, many, including celebrity chefs like the Hairy Bikers and James Martin, also consider the Fish and Chips by the North Yorkshire coast to be the best in the country.
If you really do like your food, be sure to visit York Food Market every September, where you can sample some of the finest Yorkshire delicacies that you could ever wish for.
By the way, I am reliably informed that a Yorkshire pudding wrap in York is well worth a visit, so make of that info what you will.
The drink
There’s nowt that Yorkshire folk like more than a good brew, in both senses of the word.
Ask any Yorkshire native what the best tea in the world is, and they will, of course, tell you that it’s ‘Yorkshire Tea’.
As well as tea, though, the other brews famous in Yorkshire are those used to make some of the most popular ales in the country. Yorkshire is home to more than 20 breweries, each one producing some very special brews. Perhaps the most famous, however, is Black Sheep Ale, which you’ll find in virtually every Yorkshire pub imaginable.
If beer or tea isn’t your tipples, Yorkshire also produces some very fine gins, including Rhubarb gin, which is amazing with lemonade on a hot summer’s day.
The countryside
There’s no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than going for a bracing walk through the countryside and if you enjoy the great outdoors, Yorkshire is the county for you.
Yorkshire is home to some of the finest countryside you could ever wish for.
From the dramatic North York Moors to the rolling hills and dry stone walls found in the Yorkshire Dales, there are so many natural beauty spots in Yorkshire that I couldn’t possibly list them all if I tried.
If you like your forests, North Yorkshire’s Dalby Forest is just begging to be explored, as if the Forest of Bowland, though Yorkshire natives are sometimes a bit wary of that particular forest, as they share it with Lancashire.
Either way, if you’re looking to escape the grey concrete jungles of towns and cities and get some fresh air, Yorkshire has plenty to offer you.
The coast
If you read my posts, you may have noticed that I keep harping on about the North Yorkshire coast, but honestly, there’s a reason for that and that reason is that it is simply breathtaking.
The North Yorkshire coast may look nice in pictures and on YouTube videos, but in reality, you can’t appreciate the natural beauty of the coastline here, until you experience it in person.
From Bridlington and Filey to Whitby and Scarborough, North Yorkshire is home to some very special beaches and stretches of coastline.
Not only that but as mentioned before, you’ll find some of the country’s best fish and chips here, I can guarantee you that.
What I can’t guarantee, however, is that the sun will be shining because you know how temperamental the UK weather can be, and by temperamental, I mean wet and windy.
It is a county steeped in culture
Contrary to what the media would have you believe, Yorkshire isn’t a just a county full of flat caps, whippets, and farmers. Oh no. Yorkshire is so much more than that.
Yorkshire is a county steeped in a diverse culture, making it hugely popular not only amongst the natives but also with creatives as well.
Yorkshire has produced some truly talented actors, philanthropists, poets, artists, writers, and sculptors, who are all celebrated in the county in various ways. For example, there are countless galleries and visitor sites in the county, including the hugely popular Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and Leeds Art Gallery to name just a couple.
Just to solidify this claim, a few years back in 2017, Hull was named as the UK City of Culture.
Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire is another hotspot for creatives, especially those with an interest in creative writing and live music. In fact, American poet Sylvia Plath is buried there.
Now you can see why Yorkshire is truly the best! Would you visit?
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
Photo reference: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
