*This post was created in collaboration with Titanic Spa but as always all words are my own.

As a Lancashire lass (originally), it still feels a bit weird to be living ‘with the enemy’, across the Pennines in South Yorkshire.

But I’ve been here now for over 17 years and it is definitely my home. And so, as much as Lancashire and Greater Manchester will always be in my heart, even I have to admit (not even begrudgingly!) that Yorkshire is a very lovely place.

It’s a beautiful county! Huge in size and incredibly diverse, it really does offer something for everyone, from couples to families alike.

But today, I want to focus on neither of those but ourselves! Women such as you and I, who rarely get time to spend as we wish and are always juggling a million and one things. Time to ourselves is rare, which is why when we get it, we need to make the most of it. It would be foolish not to.

So, stop. Please. Down your tools (for just a few minutes) and let me entice you with a few options, of things you can do in Yorkshire, when you manage to have a few hours or days to yourself. Unwind, treat yourself or simply pause for breath.

Spa Breaks

I’m going with one of my favourite things to do first, because I know – from experience – what a treat it is to go on a spa break. Whether you can only squeeze in an afternoon for a visit or can go full out on a weekend break, there really is nothing quite like a spa break to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to face the world again.

If you’re looking for spa breaks in Yorkshire, you really will be spoiled for choice. In Huddersfield, the multi award winning Titanic Spa, is hugely popular with my friends due to it’s impressive location and modern state of the art facilities, but there’s tons to choose from across the county. Finding one that appeals to you never be a problem.

Walking

Need to blow some cobwebs away? Then why not get outside, breath in some fresh countryside air and stretch those legs a little. Yorkshire is renowned for it’s breathtaking scenery and charming country walks, the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

You can find all sorts of walking recommendations online but a very good place to start is here at Discovering Britain. 

Shopping

When the urge to splurge hits you, there’s nothing quite like a bit of retail therapy, particularly if you’re anything like me and just love style and the prettiest of things. My one word of advice? Avoid the dreaded Saturday crowds if you can, particularly if you’re hitting a city or large shopping centre such as Meadowhall.  Sheffield and Leeds have some wonderful independent shops and boutiques which are well worth exploring besides or instead of the high street, whilst York and Harrogate offer old world charm and a touch of elegance, if that’s more your kind of thing.

Dining Out

Wherever you go in Yorkshire, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat and drink, but if I can, may I suggest my very own town of Barnsley for it’s fabulous new market kitchen? From traditional food like pie and peas to more exotic choices like Thai food as well as a stunning high end cocktail bar, Barnsley’s new Market Kitchen has rejuvenated the town and people’s perceptions of it, with it’s tasty but inexpensive street food options. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Hit The Beach

Perhaps more of an option for the warmer months, but for me, it’s still one of my most favourite things to do ever. I am one of those people who dream of retiring by the sea!

Yorkshire has magnificent coastline. Whitby is a great place to visit if you fancy a weekend break with the girls whilst it’s neighbour Robin Hood’s Bay offers tranquility and a slower pace of life, if you need to get away from it all. Staithes Beach is often considered the prettiest on the east coast and Scarbrough is a classic British seaside town that offers everything you would hope and expect from one.

Whatever time you have to spend by yourself – away from work or family or just the demands of modern life – you’ll find all manner of wonderful options in beautiful Yorkshire. Take that from a Lancashire girl who knows.