Yorkshire is celebrated for its textiles and the wealth of the Victorian era can still be seen in the superb architecture of towns such as Halifax and Huddersfield, fine bases for exploring the beautiful Pennine Hill country.
West Yorkshire's country towns include Otley (birthplace of Thomas Chippendale), Ilkley and Wetherby, and little Pennine towns such as Hebden Bridge and Marsden. Here are the landscapes which inspired the Brontes and their home, Haworth, remains little changed. 'Last of the Summer Wine' viewers will recognise Holmfirth, whose moors climb on up into the Peak District National Park.
There is a vibrant city feel to modern centres such as Leeds, Hull, Bradford, Sheffield and Doncaster, with Leeds now firmly established as the UK's second commercial centre after London. All have their attractions, such as the Royal Armouries in Leeds, National Museum of Film, Photography, and Television and Salts Mill in Bradford, the new Earth Centre in Rotherham, superb sporting facilities in Sheffield, and Doncaster's Magna Centre and racecourse. Pontefract, where Richard II was done to death, Wakefield, and Barnsley (home of the 'Barnsley Chop') remain proud of their coal mining heritage.
In a county where the 'great outdoors' really is great - climbing, caving, canoeing, angling, sailing are just some of the outdoor activities available, with matchless walking country. Footpaths include the long distance Pennine Way, the Dales Way and dozens of waymarked local routes.
