Explore Yorkshire

Welcome to our Yorkshire travel blog.  Yorkshire is a vast playground of rugged moors, historic walled cities, and a coastline that will take your breath away.

At Explore with the Cookes, we don’t just list places,  we share our real family days out, honest reviews, and the best ways to see this incredible county without breaking the bank.  Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day museum in Leeds, a hidden-gem bistro in the Dales, or a budget-friendly hotel for a weekend in York, you’ve come to the right place.

How to Save Money on Hotels in York

York is one of the UK’s most enchanting cities, with its cobbled streets, Viking history, and iconic York Minster, the city is a dream for both couples and families.  If you're planning a weekend break in York, hotel prices can quickly climb, especially during peak seasons however it doesn't have to break the bank.  With a few clever tricks, you can enjoy a fantastic weekend in York without overspending.

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Recent Days Out and Reviews

From the interactive museums of West Yorkshire to the beautiful city of York, here is where we’ve been lately.

Why York Is One of the Best Rugby League Away Days

Following Warrington Wolves on the road is always an adventure, but our latest away day to York had a little extra sparkle.  Not only were we heading to cheer on the Wire against York City Knights, but the fixture also fell on our 12th wedding anniversary, so we turned it into a mini getaway without the boys and it was one of our favourite away trips yet.

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Hotel Stays & Mini Breaks in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is huge, so we usually pick a 'base' and explore from there.  Here are our tried and tested stays.

Yorkshire Restaurant and Food Reviews

We know a bad meal can ruin a great day out.  We look at portion sizes, child-friendliness, and whether that "Instagrammable" spot actually tastes good.

Zest Brunch Bar York Review: Our Favourite Brunch Spot in the City

If there’s one thing we love when exploring a new city, it’s finding a spot that blends great food, relaxed vibes, and that little spark of something special.  On our latest trip to York, we discovered exactly that at Zest Brunch Bar.  It's a bright, modern, and seriously tasty addition to the city’s buzzing food scene.  

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Special Offers, Deals and Discounts

Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting offers

Join the Adventure 

We are constantly adding new blogs about the amazing places that we visit across Wales along with our top tips, hidden gems and photos from our travels.  Is there a specific spot you’d like us to review next?

Want more live updates? Follow Explore with the Cookes on Instagram and TikTok for daily videos of our adventures.

Explore More of the UK

Follow our blogs around the UK, for the latest tips and reviews. 

Travel News and Top Tips

If you're a parent who loves to explore the world with your kids without breaking the bank or losing your sanity, you're in the right place.  Planning a family holiday can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be.   We're a family of 4 who love to travel and explore, and we've learned a thing or two about making our adventures as smooth and budget-friendly as possible.  From packing hacks to finding the best deals, we're here to share our top tips so you can spend less time stressing and more time making memories.

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Long-Haul Travel with Kids

Getting ready to go on a long-haul flight with children can feel like a military operation, but with the right preparation, it can be a manageable, and even an enjoyable part of your family adventure.  Whether you are flying with a curious toddler or an energetic school-aged child, a little strategic planning goes a long way.

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Twice the Fun: How to Get a Free Family Day Out with Merlin in 2026

If you’re looking to squeeze every drop of excitement out of your spring, Merlin Entertainments has just dropped a deal that’s hard to ignore. The Twice the Fun offer is back for 2026, essentially giving you a 2-for-1 pass to some of the UK’s most iconic theme parks.  Whether you're a family of four or a group of dedicated thrill-seekers, here is the full breakdown of how to snag this deal, where you can go, and the fine print you need to know.

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Stay for a Night, Play for a Year: The Ultimate Merlin 2026 Deal

If you are a fan of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, Lego builds, or historic castle walls, Merlin Entertainments has just launched what might be the best value travel deal of 2026.  Their Stay for a Night, Play for a Year promotion is back, offering a free Merlin Essential Annual Pass for every guest included in a short break booking.  Essentially, by booking one night at a Merlin hotel, you unlock entry to over 20 of the UK’s top attractions for the whole family for the next 12 months.

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Need Help Planning your Perfect Trip?

Planning holidays is our speciality, without proper planning you risk missing out on visiting incredible places or just not spending your time and money wisely.  Whether you work full time, have children that take up your time or just don't know where to look, we can help!  Our personal travel planner services are designed to turn your average holiday into the trip of a lifetime.  Click the link below to find out more.