Yorkshire North Riding ~ England

Traditionally Yorkshire was divided into Ridings and had been since 1888. This historic method of identifying areas was changed in 1974 for the purpose of administration. Whatever changes are made now or in the future this cannot in any way detract from the natural beauty and ancient history loved by all who live there or visit.

The main towns are still included such as Northallerton, Scarborough and Whitby; Middlesborough is now part of Cleveland except for any events which are ceremonial.

The land in North Yorkshire has always been renowned for farming where the economy has been centred on agriculture. Above all else North Yorkshire is an area of farms and farmland, of real people working a real landscape - an environment for rural enterprise. Northalleton is a great place to be if you need to go to Darlington and Middlesborough. It is also near to the delightful City of York. The town of Northallerton is a bustling market area and home to the County Council for North Yorkshire and the centre for the administration and Northallerton is the County town. The growth and origins are related to the town's position being on the communications route between north and south in the middle of the Vale of York. It is believed that the Romans had a signal station situated here on their Imperial Postal System and there was a minor road between Hadrian's Wall and York The Romans were by no means the first to arrive here in fact the town has origins dating back to the Saxons. Later on Danish insurgents came and settled in the 10th century.

Northalleton had several coaching inns nestling in the high street in the golden age of travelling by coach and horses and with the introduction of the railway in 1841 the town continued to be an important communications centre.

Scarborough attracts holidaymakers of all ages looking for the perfect traditional British seaside resort. The safe beaches, hotels and boarding houses plus places to eat and be entertained make this a very attractive town to take a well earned break. Scarborough is divided into North and South Bays by Castle Headland. North has the chalets, fun parks, Sea Life Centre, Atlantis Water Park and the ever popular Indoor and Outdoor swimming pools. South is where the Harbour, restaurants and cafes are found and the place to spend your holiday money in the shops and arcades. There are beautiful parks and gardens to sit and relax or enjoy a gentle walk along the cliff tops or a little more energetic boating on the lakes or sea.

Whitby is a small fishing town and is part of the North East England Heritage Coast. This is a thriving town and a popular holiday destination. With the arrival of the replica of 'HM Bark Endeavour' the ship used by Captain Cook this attracts sightseers from all over the world. The skyline is dominated by St. Hilda's Abbey ruins high up on the East Cliff. Below there is a network of alleys and narrow streets which lead to the busy quayside. St. Mary's is one of the finest Anglo Saxon Churches in the country and the churchyard inspired Bram Stoker to write the famous book called Dracula. For centuries Whitby has provided a safe haven for fishing fleets and general shipping. Once it was the prime whaling port for the North of England and even now still has a romantic old world charm.

Cities, towns and villages within Yorkshire North Riding