For a holiday to remember, Yorkshire really does have it all

For many, that will mean sunny climes on foreign beaches, city breaks in far-flung countries, or snow-fuelled mayhem on Alpine slopes.

But for increasing numbers of Britons, a holiday in 2016 will involve leaving their passports tucked safely away in a drawer at home and venturing out for a break untroubled by the stresses and strains associated with airports and ferry terminals.

According to research by Visit England, the number of people who opted to holiday in England rose by 12 per cent in the five-year period, 2008-2013, and “staycations” are expected to become even more popular in 2016 than ever before.

A city break in York

Visitors to Yorkshire’s county town are spoiled for accommodation choices with hotels, guesthouses, hostels and campsites to suit every pocket. The most difficult aspect of a break in a city which dates back to Roman times is fitting it all in: little wonder that most people who visit York for the first time return again and again.

To book your hotel visit the excellent VisitYork website and to work out your itinerary take a look at our definitive A to Z guide to York.

Dry stone walling in the Yorkshire Dales

This may break the mantra ‘Leave only footsteps, take only memories’ but what better way to make your mark on the beautiful National Park than by laying your own dry stone wall? The Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild runs courses throughout the year, including a weekend course at Hall Farm, Gammersgill in Coverdale on May 14 and 15. The course costs £99 but does not include accommodation, which is available in nearby Kettlewell and Middleham.

Rent a barn in Calderdale

There’s more to Calderdale than flooding and visitors to the rugged east Pennines are guaranteed a holiday to remember. Hebden Bridge remains a surprisingly Bohemian beauty spot in an area once famous for its mills and art lovers will delight in the many shops and galleries. Nearby Todmorden is another great location to stay: one week in the four-star ShoeBroad Barn costs from £670 in low season and £980 in high season.

A guided cycling tour of Yorkshire

Fully supported and fully inclusive cycle tours in the spectacular countryside of the Yorkshire Dales are the perfect way to experience the roads that tested the world’s best cyclists in the 2014 Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire. Challenge yourself against the toughest climbs in the UK on a four-day, five-night tour based in luxury accommodation in Ilkley. The fully inclusive, fully supported tour costs £659, based on a shared twin/double room.

Escape the rat race in a tree house

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the North Yorkshire Moors national park, just four miles from the market town of Helmsley, these luxurious designer tree houses bring wilderness and indulgence hand in hand. Each lodge sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms and has an open plan living area with stylish revolving Italian woodburner, 60” smart TV, PlayStation4 with DVD and Blue-ray, Roberts digital sound system and ipod docking station.