Vale of York

An expanse of flat fields and open farmland, the Valey of York is a pretty corner of Yorkshire stretching from the River Tees to the Humber Estuary. Surrounding the city of York, the area is mostly made up of pretty ridges, historic heathlands and woodland, although the Romans cleared many trees for farming.

The Romans had a big influence on the Vale of York: they built their legionary fortress of Eboracum here, as well as various villas, forts, roads and signal stations. After the end of Roman rule, the vale suffered under King William I when he punished them for resisting his conquest. The Battle of Marston Moor also took place here during the English Civil War. A lot of history for a pretty stretch of countryside!