When to Go

To see the heather at its lushest, visit in summer (but despite the season, be prepared for some chilly days). It's also the best time for the coast, when colorful regattas and arts festivals are under way. York Minster makes a splendid focal point for the prestigious York Early Music Festival in early July. Spring and fall bring their own rewards: far fewer crowds and crisp, clear days, although there's an increased risk of rain and fog. The harsh winter is hard to call: with snow and bright days, the coast, moors, and dales are beautiful, but storms and blizzards set in quickly. The moorland roads become impassable, and villages can be cut off entirely. In winter, stick to York and the main towns.