Postcards from…
We’re back with the second instalment of our Postcards from series, where we share adventures from stays across our inns and the incredible places that surround them.
This month’s postcard comes from Lucy, part of our digital marketing team, who spent a few days exploring North Yorkshire with fellow colleagues from our reservations team. From the historic streets of York to the charm of Knaresborough and the cathedral city of Ripon, Lucy discovered just how much character, culture, and countryside are on the doorstep of our inns.
Her postcard is full of local gems, scenic strolls, and that unmistakable Inn Collection warmth in some of the best spots in the county.
Hello from North Yorkshire!
As autumn arrives, it’s the perfect season to explore North Yorkshire as the rolling scenery begins to gain its orange hues. From countryside views to charming market towns, the region has something special around every corner - and with our inns dotted across the best locations, it couldn’t be easier to make the most of it.
Day 1
Our adventure began in the historic city of York as our rendezvous point. The weather wasn’t exactly on our side, with steady rain quickly turning into heavy downpours, but it gave us a good reason to take things slowly and explore at our own pace (and an excuse to pop into a few extra shops!).
We spent the first part of the day wandering through the city’s cobbled streets, taking shelter in independent shops and cafés along the way.
The Shambles was as atmospheric as ever, its narrow lanes filled with timbered buildings and winding cobbled streets. Even on a rainy day, the soft light and glistening cobbles add to its charm, making it easy to see why it remains one of the city’s most-visited spots.
Peeking around the corner, York Minster was still a breathtaking sight even under grey skies. On a brighter day, the climb up the Minster tower offers incredible views across the city, but this time we were happy to admire it from below.
After a few hours of soggy sightseeing (and a few umbrellas purchased) we decided it was time to finish our time in York and head over to Knaresborough, where we were settling down for the night. Just a short 30-minute drive (or 20 minutes by train) from the city means it’s an easy journey that makes York a perfect day trip for anyone staying nearby.
By the time we reached The Knaresborough Inn, we were more than ready to dry off, unpack, and unwind. A hearty dinner and a few well-earned drinks in the inn’s welcoming bar were the perfect end to the day.
With a roaring fire to warm us up and characterful art on every wall meant it was the perfect place to cosy up and escape the rain for the evening. Our changing seasonal menus at our inns means there's always plenty of new flavours to tuck into.
Day 2
After a restful night’s sleep, we woke to the welcome sight of sunshine - a refreshing change from the rain the day before, and a chance to explore without the help of our umbrellas! With a hearty full English (and plenty of coffee) included with the room, we were well fuelled before heading out. Once packed up and wrapped for the autumn air, we set off on foot to discover the charming market town.
It only took a few minutes to reach the river, where the morning sun reflected the famous viaduct - peaceful, scenic, and full of character. The riverside walk is an easy one to enjoy, with plenty of spots and cafes relax and take in the view, surrounded by unique houses towering up the cliffs making them look like that in storybooks.
Knaresborough has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. From the mysterious Mother Shipton’s Cave (sadly closed on our visit due to flooding from the previous day’s rain, but highly recommended) to the historic castle and courthouse museum, the town is steeped in history and charm.
We made our way up to the castle grounds, which sit high above the river and offer spectacular views across the rooftops and viaduct below. It’s a bit of a climb, but there are benches dotted along the way - perfect for catching your breath and enjoying the scenery.
After a relaxing morning discovering Knaresborough, we decided to make the most of the sunshine and continue our journey across North Yorkshire. A short 20-minute drive brought us to Ripon, another of the region’s lovely market towns. It’s an easy trip and a great reminder of how close everything is in this part of the county – ideal for a day of leisurely exploring.
Our next stop, The Ripon Inn, stands proudly amongst its vast gardens, making it a welcoming sight. Right next door, the Ripon Spa Gardens offered the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll. The autumn colours were beginning to show, and we spent some time wandering the paths, admiring the sculptures and the small lake that reflects the changing leaves, and has its own garden café to warm yourselves up with a hot drink whilst walking around.
With the sun still glimpsing through the clouds, we decided to round off our day making the most of the nice weather and enjoying a drink on The Ripon Inn's outdoor terrace, taking in the stunning garden views. With a log burning fire and cosy nooks everywhere, there’s plenty of choice to settle in, rain or shine!
Day 3
Our final morning greeted us with the more familiar sight of soft grey skies, but thankfully, the rain stayed away, and we still had plenty of opportunity to take in the last of our last day. After another delicious breakfast we packed up our bags and checked out for the last time. Before setting off, we wanted to make the most of our final hours in Ripon and take in the calming atmosphere.
Every street seemed to offer something new, as we found ourselves discovering independent shops and hidden corners - our favourites were a charming bookshop filled with well-loved paperbacks, and a wonderfully cluttered antiques store.
Ripon Cathedral sits proudly at the centre of the city, its towers visible from almost every street. It’s well worth stepping inside to take a look around with free entry.
The intricate stonework, stained-glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere make it a lovely place to pause for a moment. It’s also a great spot to escape the winter chill and enjoy a bit of quiet before heading back out to explore.
For the final stop of our trip, we decided to take a detour and visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park - technically located in West Yorkshire - but just over an hour’s drive away meant it was definitely worth heading to for our final day out! Set within acres of rolling countryside, the park blends art and nature, for the perfect autumn walk.
We spent the afternoon following the trails, noticing sculptures tucked into the trees or placed on the hillsides with something different to see at every turn. The iconic 'Love' sculpture by Robert Indiana stands proudly at the entrance, with around 100 more sculptures just waiting to be found. With plenty of art, open space, and even livestock enjoying walking around the paths too, it made it a peaceful final stop to reflect on our North Yorkshire trip.
