Ee bah gum – Yorkshire named third best region

Photo: Yorkshire Dales

They may be rainy, rugged and occasionally denigrated by those living further south.

But Scotland and Yorkshire have been given a huge boost by the Lonely Planet, which has put them both on the go-to list for travellers across the world.

The 2014 Lonely Planet guide referenced Yorkshire’s “rugged moorlands, heritage homes and cosy pubs” as just some of the reasons why England’s north east region is worth a visit, and called it the “rough-around-the-edges, gentleman of the north”.

Its sporting prowess was also mentioned: “If the good people of Yorkshire were proud of their heritage before, the 2012 London Olympics only served to cement what they have always thought: that their county is better than – and really the best of – all the English counties.”

Yorkshire came third in the list of top 10 world regions to visit in 2014, after Sikkim, India and the Kimberley in Australia.

Scotland also came in third place in its category of best country to visit, beaten only by Brazil first, and Antarctica second.

Of Yorkshire, the guide said: “In 2014, this welcoming region of rugged moorlands, heritage homes and cosy pubs will be able to hold its head even higher when the Tour de France begins its grand depart from Leeds.”

Photo: Loch Faskally, Pitlochry, Scotland

Goths and walks

When it comes to Scotland, it has, according to Lonely Planet, “never looked so good” ahead of its hosting next summer’s Commonweath Games and golf’s Ryder Cup.

Edinburgh is described in the Lonely Planet guide as “the most gothic city outside Transylvania” and said that the independence debate next year would also put Scotland centre stage.

It advised travellers to visit Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and Cairngorms National Park, to “fall in love with the landscape that inspired poet Robert Burns”.

Lonely Planet contributor Tom Hall said: “Next year Scotland will be well-deservedly taking the spotlight on the world stage.

“The country’s buzzing cities and stunning scenery have plenty to offer visitors, combined with an incredible calendar of events, and Scotland looks set for a year-long celebration.”