Yorkshire – land of moors, mills, and mugs of tea… or in our case, cracking coffee. But behind the iconic views and proper hearty meals, there’s a few things even the locals don’t always shout about.
Here are just a few fun and fascinating facts about God’s Own County:
Scarborough – The World’s First Seaside Resort!
You read that right — Scarborough, our very own Yorkshire gem, is officially recognised as the world’s first seaside resort.
Back in the 1600s (long before beach towels and 99 flakes), folk were flocking to Scarborough to bathe in the town’s natural spa waters. Word got out that the mineral-rich spring flowing from the cliffs had healing powers, and before long, people were travelling from miles around to "take the waters" and enjoy a bracing sea breeze. 🛁🌊
By the 18th century, Scarborough had gone full resort mode — think elegant promenade walks, sea bathing (in full woolly outfits, mind), and even donkey rides for the posh set. It was basically Love Island meets Bridgerton, Yorkshire-style.
Fast forward to today and Scarborough’s still got that old-school charm. You’ve got fish and chips on the front, seagulls eyeing up your sandwich, and the North Sea doing its chilly best. But behind all that is a slice of real history — the birthplace of seaside holidays as we know them.
The Highest Pub in the UK – Tan Hill Inn
Perched at 1,732ft above sea level, the Tan Hill Inn is the highest boozer in the land, sat in splendid isolation in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s been pulling pints since the 17th century and has seen everything from blizzards to weddings to folk gigs. During one snowstorm in 2021, 60 punters were snowed in for three days — and no one seemed in much of a rush to leave!
If you like your pint with a view and your coffee with a side of misty moorland magic, this place should be on your bucket list.
UNESCO Status x2
That’s right — Yorkshire boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
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Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – a blend of medieval ruin and Georgian water garden bliss.
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Saltaire – a Victorian model village that proves industry and beauty can go hand in hand.
Talkin’ Yorkshire
We don’t just speak English — we speak Yorkshire. Here’s a crash course:
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“Ey up!” – Hello there!
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“Nowt” – Nothing.
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“Ginnel” – A narrow alleyway.
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“Reet good” – Really good.
It’s more than words. It’s heritage, humour, and heart. And if someone calls you a "reet daft 'apeth", take it as affectionate as a cuddle.
Star-Studded Suppers
Aye, Yorkshire’s not all pie and peas (although ours are class). We’re home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants, from rustic farm-to-fork experiences to high-end culinary wizardry. Chefs like Tommy Banks (The Black Swan at Oldstead) Michael O’Hare (The Man Behind the Curtain), Shaun Rankin (Grantley Hall) put Yorkshire firmly on the foodie map.
And if you’ve got a good memory (and taste in reading), you might recall Shaun Rankin once recommended Baytown Coffee in Yorkshire Life — Yes we are still over the moon about that one.
Saltburn’s Cliff Lift – Short and Sweet
Down on the coast in Saltburn, you’ll find a charming piece of Victorian engineering — the Saltburn Cliff Lift, which shuttles folks from the town down to the pier and back again. It’s short but steep, and powered by water weight. It’s like Willy Wonka meets seaside nostalgia.
The Birth place of Wensleydale Cheese
Made famous by Wallace & Gromit but rooted in Yorkshire soil (and milk), Wensleydale Cheese has been made in the Dales since 1150. Originally crafted by monks, it’s creamy, crumbly, and a perfect mate for fruitcake — trust us.
Goths, Dracula, and Whitby
Bram Stoker set part of Dracula in Whitby, and the town embraced it. Today, it’s home to twice-yearly Whitby Goth Weekends, where dark capes and bright seaside chips go hand in hand.
The UK’s Largest Maze – York Maze
Built from over a million maize plants each summer, York Maze is a giant leafy labyrinth full of fun (and the occasional wrong turn). It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who fancies getting mildly lost in the most entertaining way possible.
Final Sip
Whether you're scaling hills, wandering ruins, or just enjoying a quiet brew, Yorkshire always brings something unexpected.
So next time you're sipping your Baytown Coffee, think of it as a taste of the county — strong, rich, and proudly northern.