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.
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.
From the interactive museums of West Yorkshire to the beautiful city of York, here is where we’ve been lately.
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.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire is a museum is unlike any other you’ve ever visited, because it’s all about learning through play! Rather than lots of glass cases and do-not-touch signs, it’s a vibrant and interactive space where children can explore, experiment and express themselves with hundreds of hands-on exhibits.
Yorkshire is huge, so we usually pick a 'base' and explore from there. Here are our tried and tested stays.
If you’re planning a York city break and searching for the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, The Grand, York is a hotel that consistently tops the list. It’s known for its history, its elegance, and its reputation as one of the best luxury hotels in York.
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.
York is famous for its snickelways, narrow winding passages that weave through the city’s history and transport you from one street to another. Along many, you'll find hidden gems and on the most famous snicket of them all, Finkle Street, you'll find Victor J's Bar.
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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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?
Follow our blogs around the UK, for the latest tips and reviews.
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