richie200948 Loc: Staffordshire Moorlands UK

I noticed reference to beer in the numerous responses. Apart from micro breweries, about which I know nothing for the Yorkshire area, I do know there are two excellent products of the barley, from Yorkshire, namely Masham. One is the Black Sheep brewery and the other is Theakston's

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I agree with the car rental. My late wife was from Southampton and we found having a car allowed us to explore the off the beaten paths. For London we parked at a station on the outskirts and took public transportation all around the city then back to our car for places like Stone Henge among others. We visited old book stores and many off the path places and I learned so much more than the standard tourist traps.

yorkslass Loc: Virginia

All the suggestions are great so far but no mention yet of how long your visit is. Where you go and how much you do will depend on your time limits. My sisters and I are planning a trip to Yorkshire in September and we will spend the whole 2 weeks in the County.

So far the best advice I see is that you hire a car. Make sure it is an automatic transmission as there are two many things to think about when driving, to on top of that, changing gears with your left hand instead of the right as you do here in the USA. Take your time getting used to driving on the " right" side of the road. I once followed a car, driving around the city of York, in the rain for 30 mins just to get the hang of it. If you are heading to Yorkshire first I suggest you take the train from Kings Cross to York and hire your car there. You will pick up signposts to Thirsk within minutes of leaving the station and it will take you to Herriot's hometown. Dr Whyte ( aka James Herriot) was my families vet for 30 years. It's an easy drive and should have you comfy with the driving by the time you cover the 50 miles or so.

Something to also think about. We have rented four " holiday cottages" each in different locations for four nights in each. Less $$$ than a hotel and good bases to explore the surrounding areas.

PM me if you would like more info on that.

Bob Smith Loc: Banjarmasin

If you can on your way up to Yorkshire. Pop into Lincoln cathedral its an impressive place and amazingly photographic, they have one of the few original copies of magna carta, the basis on which many of our freedoms are founded, including the constitution.

Rathyatra Loc: Southport, United Kingdom

If you are going in October - best advice - don't forget to pack your thermals!!

John Stanier Loc: Driffield UK

Welcome to our incredible country!

I live about 45 minutes from Heartbeat country. It is indeed a beautiful area. It is quite near the lovely coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough. Do look them up.

Also, if you have the time, York is only an hour or so away. It has the largest railway museum in the world. Brilliant! I was there a month ago. Entrance is free but the car park is expensive. The Castle Museum with its old street with carriages, horses and shops is excellent.
Be aware that York is VERY expensive.
Another hour to the west is Leeds with the National Royal Armouries collection.
Fabulous day out with presentations going on all day.

As to weather, it can be mixed. Warm or chilly, so bring some warm clothes with you.

Have a look at these on the internet.

Have a wonderful holiday, but keep within the speed limits!!

John Stanier Loc: Driffield UK

Ah Theakstons!

One of their beers is "Old Peculiar" which is a heavy dark beer. Lovely! It is known locally as "Loony broth"!!

cwhonda Loc: SLC, UT.

I was born and bred in Yorkshire, and you have already received lots of great advice on places to visit . I would just like to double down on that you spend time in York, there is a lot to see. From a Norman keep the city is still a medieval walled city, the museum is different as it has a cobble stone street with stores and fire station all dated about early eighteen hundreds, a 16th-17th century area of houses called The Shambles and much more. I see many comments on the weather all true it can be miserable, when we were occupied by the Romans they used to write home and bitch about it. If you want private mail me I would love to chat with and tell you what I can. Have a great trip.
Colin

richie200948 Loc: Staffordshire Moorlands UK

if you were thinking of visiting at the end of October, one venue worth a second thought would be Whitby, for the twice yearly Whitby Goth weekend. Certainly interesting camera fodder.

Appleknocker Loc: Calgary, AB The Stampede City

I've not been to England except a transfer at Hearth Row. However I bet you have watched Doc Martin. It is a favourite in the US & Canada. It is filmed in Port Isaac, Cornwall. I would love to go there, if only to meet some of the people.

My family came from England and Scotland in the mid 1800's. I'm 80 now and we can't take the long flights any more. I wish we had done so 20 years ago.

Bon Voyage!
John

norman1312 Loc: London, UK

Sorry, you're underestimating the English weather.
Try - four seasons in a single day!
The reason why we speak so much about the weather is because we have so much of it.
Apart from that you are going to some very beautiful places. In the old days we would say take plenty of film. These days its take plenty of SD/CF cards.
Enjoy! And tell us all what it was like when you get back.

cday Loc: North Carolina

Get to York if you can...and ride the London Eye...

lemontart Loc: uk

there is a big wheel in too worth a ride on a good day, not far from railway station and around the corner from the Railway Museum

daplight Loc: Kansas

Thanks for all the suggestions. There are so many, I wish I could spend a month. I am leaning towards renting a car, especially for outside London, but it will take getting used to driving on the 'right side.'

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Don't worry about driving on the left, everyone else will be doing it.
One tip though is, when you stop for a break for any reason be careful when you continue driving that you keep to the left again especially when the road is clear of traffic.
The other problem you may have is with "roundabouts" or "islands" there are 1000's of them everywhere you go. Some are absolutely huge with many entrances and exits, others can be minute just a few feet across.
The large ones are usually well signposted though you just have remember which exit you need to take.
Also as you approach them you have to give way to traffic from the right.