North Yorkshire is England’s largest county, a vast and varied landscape spanning approximately 3,341 square miles (8,654 square kilometres).
To put this into context, North Yorkshire is more than three times bigger than Luxembourg (998 square miles) and only marginally smaller than the Mediterranean island of Cyprus (3,572 square miles).
Steeped in history and rich in natural beauty, North Yorkshire is home to the stunning Yorkshire Dales, the brooding North York Moors, and a rugged coastline dotted with charming fishing villages.
Gorgeous market towns, such as Harrogate, Richmond and Skipton, can be found throughout the county, as well as impressive castles, including Richmond Castle, one of England’s finest Norman fortresses, and Bolton Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was once imprisoned.
North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire together make up the historical county of Yorkshire (no longer used for administration).
The next largest counties by area include Lincolnshire, a rural county known for its rolling Wolds and fertile fenlands.
Cumbria follows, home to the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Devon, with its sweeping moors and picturesque coastline, is the fourth largest. Northumberland, a county of wild, unspoiled landscapes and ancient castles, comes next, followed by Norfolk, a region defined by its tranquil Broads and vast sandy beaches.
Rutland is England’s smallest county, covering just 147.5 square miles (382 square kilometres). Despite its size, it is known for its idyllic countryside, market towns and the stunning Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
Main image: scenic view of green hills and villages in North Yorkshire/Getty
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