'Yorkshire's picture-perfect countryside reminds me of magical childhood holidays'

Holidaying in Rudston, where my great-uncle lived. I remember candlewick bedcovers, the poppy-laden back garden, and a park with see-saws that felt enormous as a child.

Long walks along the stream were magical, and simple adventures like these have stayed with me.

Trips to Hunmanby Gap are unforgettable too, especially when my dad found a four-leaf clover – pure childhood excitement. And milkshakes at the cliff-side Beach Cafe, sweet, creamy, and the perfect way to end a seaside day.

What’s your favourite part of the county?

Swaledale, particularly around Reeth, has always captured my heart. Rolling hills, open skies, and that ever-changing Yorkshire light are breathtaking.

It’s picture-perfect yet utterly authentic. The Yorkshire Dales offer calm, space, and a connection to history that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.

What’s your perfect day out in Yorkshire?

Mornings start with a walk on the Moors with my dog, Sausage. The fresh air, heather scent, and open landscape immediately clear the mind.

Breakfast follows, home-cooked with local produce – a reminder of Yorkshire’s culinary richness.

Afternoons are for a stroll into Wetherby and a pint at The Mews, catching up with friends. Evenings mean a live gig or theatre show in York or Leeds, whether house music (I’m a retired The Haçienda regular) or something tied to the Harrogate International Festival.

And on the drive home, I pause to watch the sunset – those long golden hours that make Yorkshire skies unforgettable.

Do you have a favourite walk or view?

The walk around Brimham Rocks near Nidderdale. Dramatic rock formations, wild moorland, and panoramic views feel otherworldly. It’s stepping into a place both ancient and alive, where nature’s artistry is on full display.

Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, who you like to take out for lunch?

Nicola Adams. The first female boxer to win Olympic gold at 2012 Summer Olympics and 2016 Summer Olympics, her journey is inspiring. I’d love to hear her stories firsthand and learn about her experiences in the sport.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star past or present would you like to take out for dinner

Brian Blessed – bold, warm, and endlessly entertaining. Dinner with him would be packed with stories, from acting to climbing Mount Everest, delivered with that unmistakable Yorkshire passion.

Name your Yorkshire hidden gem

Villages tucked away in Wharfedale, like Hebden, Skyreholme, and Appletreewick. Historic stone buildings, winding lanes, and rolling hills create a peaceful, timeless atmosphere, full of vibrant community spirit.

If you could own something from Yorkshire for a day what would it be?

The Middleham Jewel, a late 15th-century gold pendant with a sapphire. Discovered in 1985 and now in the Yorkshire Museum, it’s valued at £2.5 million.

What gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

Stunning landscapes, tight-knit communities, and unapologetic pride. Yorkshire folk rarely whisper they’re from here – it’s always declared with confidence. That pride shapes culture, traditions, humour, and daily life across the county.

Do you follow sport in the county?

Absolutely. Rugby league is a big part of life through York RLFC, competing in the Betfred Super League.

The Knights and Valkyrie are the only Super League teams in North Yorkshire, which makes supporting them even more special. Watching the teams isn’t just sport; it’s community spirit and shared pride in action.

What’s your favourite restaurant or pub?

FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park tops the list. I also love a Sunday bacon sandwich from Fodder Farm Shop’s Airstream, and the Artizan Café, a training and social enterprise for adults with learning disabilities – great food with a real community spirit.

What’s your favourite food shop?

Salt & Co alongside a Saturday stroll in Wetherby, visiting Tarbutts, Appleton’s Butchers, The Courtyard Dairy, Johnson & Sons Greengrocers, finishing at Sykes House Farm. In York, a hot chocolate from York Cocoa House is non-negotiable.

If you could change one thing about Yorkshire what would it be?

I would create a world-class Centre of Hospitality Excellence operating within a net-zero, eco-friendly trading resort and spa. This would combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, giving apprentices and the unemployed real-world skills in hospitality, wellness, tourism, and food and drink.

By championing regional producers and community initiatives, it would strengthen Yorkshire’s economy, generate sustainable commercial returns, and offer life-changing opportunities to underprivileged people.

Who is the Yorkshire person you most admire?

Betty Boothroyd – transformed the Speaker’s role with fairness, authority, and humour. Yorkshire grit with vision.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Absolutely. Resilience, community, and integrity shape how I lead. My approach is rooted in trust, collaboration, and empowering people to bring their best, connected to a shared purpose.

Do you have a favourite Yorkshire band?

The Human League – bold, unmistakably Yorkshire, and wonderfully offbeat.

If a stranger only had time to visit one place in Yorkshire where would that be? The Yorkshire Dales – hills, villages, history, and that uniquely Yorkshire sense of space. Mud on your boots is mandatory.