The region has a fascinating mix of architectural beauty. The York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. The Conisborough Castle was constructed in 1180 AD and has six buttresses which have survived the test of time. The Ripley Castle, the Richmond Castle (in Yorkshire Dales) and the Middleham Castle (the childhood home of King Richard III) are other beautiful places worth visiting. The Shambles is a historical cobbled street in York that still teems with enthusiastic shoppers, while the Fountains Abbey ruins and the Village of Saltaire have been declared as World Heritage Sites.

The Early Music Festival basks in the glory of the architectural heritage of Beverly, while the Ilkley Literature Festival has made a name for itself as the North’s most prestigious literary festival. Other popular events include the Leeds International Film Festival and the Leeds International Concert Season.