English Tourism Week runs until the end of May and YHL Parks is supporting this fantastic initiative at a time when it’s more important than ever to recognise the industry’s contribution to both the regional and wider UK economy.
As providers of accommodation to people visiting North Yorkshire from other areas of the UK and, indeed, from across the world, we are proud to be part of such a diverse, exciting and vibrant sector.
Our four holiday parks, not to mention the Old Barn Coffee Shop, are all based in North Yorkshire, and we can’t think of a finer place to be! The county has so much to offer tourists that it’s hard to know where to start. It’s bursting with breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastlines, historic sites and major attractions; it has picturesque villages, bustling market towns and eclectic cities; it is a hub for a huge variety of superb independent businesses; it plays host to world-renowned cultural events; and it is home to the friendliest people you could meet.
Tourism businesses and destinations across England are slowly reopening and rebuilding, and it’s fantastic to see this happening at the places we love in North Yorkshire. From world-renowned attractions such as York Minster, Whitby Abbey and the North York Moors National Park right through to the thousands of small businesses providing refreshments, retail therapy and experiences to remember, all are returning to what they do best – providing visitors with a first class experience.
Attractions on our doorstep
Even within an hour’s drive of our holiday parks, our visitors are spoilt for choice of places to visit. They are too numerous to mention but some of our favourites are Sutton Bank, World of James Herriot, Fountains Abbey, Ripon Cathedral, Lightwater Valley and Brimham Rocks.
Small businesses nearby include award-winning pubs and restaurants The Carpenters Arms, The Durham Ox and The Black Swan at Oldstead; the lovely independent shops and eateries in Thirsk including White Rose Books & Coffee Bar, Upstairs Downstairs tea rooms and deli and Kristina’s gift shop; heritage venues such as Thirsk Museum; and family attractions such as the recently revamped Monk Park Farm.
Visitor’s Guides
We’ve been singing the praises of our local area for a number of years in our series of blogs about the best things to do and places to see near our North Yorkshire holiday parks.
We’ve published a range of Visitor’s Guides on our YHL Parks website, such as the Visitor’s Guide to Thirsk, while over on our Abbots Green website you can read a wealth of articles highlighting local businesses and attractions in the area, including 10 of the best places for Sunday lunch near Thirsk and The most stunning views in North Yorkshire.
As always, we would advise that you use our blogs as a guide only and, before travelling, check the website of your intended destination or call ahead to confirm opening times and Covid-safe procedures.
English Tourism Week
What’s it all about?
English Tourism Week is spearheaded by VisitEngland and takes place this year from May 22nd to 31st. It aims to highlight the importance and value of tourism in England in driving growth and supporting millions of jobs across local communities and the wider economy.
Did you know?
According to VisitEngland, in 2019 English tourism generated over £100bn a year and supported 2.6 million jobs.
The sector is a major employer of school leavers and young people, as well as an incubator for entrepreneurs and innovation.
After the 2008 financial crisis, inbound tourism revenue grew faster than both the economy and the service sector as a whole between 2010 and 2013. A third of all new jobs created in the UK between 2010 and 2012 were in tourism.
Little wonder that VisitEngland says tourism will be one of the main drivers of any economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis!