One for the History Lovers

If you love English heritage then Yorkshire is a great place to visit. The UK’s biggest county has such a rich history, with grand castles and ancient ruins, old fishing villages and remnants of an industrial past across the landscape. And without looking too hard you can find plenty of prehistoric heritage too, such as Rudston Monolith, the tallest standing stone in Britain.

Aspall know a thing or two about heritage, having produced world-class cyder since 1728. We’ve teamed up with them to give you a chance to enjoy a heritage break in Yorkshire. You could win a week’s break for four in historic Whitby, plus a case of award winning Aspall Premier Cru.

You’ll stay in the four star Secret Garden, a cottage on the east side of Whitby. It’s a holiday home close to where the River Esk meets the North Sea, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, but with the cobbles of the famous Church Street just a few metres away. The Secret Garden has a modern feel throughout its three floors, a well-furnished kitchen is on the ground floor along with a bathroom, and on the middle floor is a comfy lounge plus the first bedroom. At the top of the house is the second bedroom which has a double bed and built in wardrobes. Outside, there is an enclosed garden with a patio area, excellent for enjoying a summer evening after exploring the local area.

And what a place to explore! Step out of your cottage and you can’t help but be drawn to the splendour of the gothic abbey standing proudly on the headland overlooking the town. It has a starring role in Dracula, and you can climb the same 199 steps that the Count did, up to this 13th century ruin (although you can always go by road!). When you reach the top you’re treated to some amazing views both of the abbey and out to sea.

Whitby is a place full of heritage itself. It’s on the North Yorkshire & Cleveland Heritage Coast, and down at the harbour fishing boats head out to sea at first light as they have done for centuries. It’s also one end of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a steam train service that still puffs its way from Pickering to Whitby. In the village of Ravenscar a few miles away you’ll be able to see the remains of a Roman signal station that once formed part of a chain that ran along the Yorkshire coast. Fans of industrial heritage should try and see the alum works. Now owned by the National Trust, it was once a key part of England’s fabric dyeing industry.

You can enter our competition to win this great heritage holiday here, but don’t forget to have a look at our other holiday cottages in Yorkshire or those centred around the UKs history – there are some very special holidays to enjoy.