It’s over 90 years since we were first established as a company, and at Northern Energy, we’ve been fueling homes and businesses with domestic, agricultural, and commercial oil and LPG ever since. We’re now in the safe hands of the fourth generation of the family, so it will come as no surprise that there is still a strong emphasis placed throughout the business on family values. Our values make us who we are and how we act, and we sum them up as C.A.R.E. We’re also extremely proud of our Northern roots.
We started our days in the picturesque village of Hampsthwaite, and we’re still here today. But as the company continues to grow and go from strength to strength, we’re now planning to relocate our operations to Limebar Lane, one kilometre from the lovely village of Marton-Cum-Grafton. It’s exciting to see the progress being made on the construction of our new headquarters. And fantastic that we'll still be based in the beautiful county of North Yorkshire!
Often referred to as ‘God’s Own County’ by its inhabitants, we know living and working in North Yorkshire comes with a variety of benefits, making it a very appealing place to reside. So in this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the reasons why many people consider Yorkshire to be a desirable place to live.
Nurtured by nature:
Going back around 3 years, we did some research into countryside living, and 22% of respondents said that breathtaking views were the most important factor when looking for a rural property. Plus, as we all become more environmentally aware, we are more conscious of air quality, and know that breathing in high levels of air pollution isn’t good for us, whilst breathing in fresh air helps improve lung function and capacity.
Well, in North Yorkshire, wide open spaces, scenic views, and fresh air are plentiful. From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, to the rugged North Yorkshire Moors, an area of outstanding beauty, the county offers diverse landscapes, attractive small villages, and hidden wooded glades which are ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. And then of course there’s the North Yorkshire coast too.
If you live in North Yorkshire and walking is your passion, what better place than the Yorkshire Dales! If a gentle stroll is your thing, then a picturesque walk from the historic centre of Richmond and along the River Swale is just one of many popular choices, with another well-liked route being the 3-and-a-half mile walk from the quaint village of Grassington to Burnsall, with stunning views across the dales, ducks bobbing about in the river, and the sound of birdsong.
For the more energetic and those who prefer a bigger challenge, then the ultimate walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is the Yorkshire Three Peaks. With the walk starting at Horton-In-Riddlesdale near Settle, it’s a 25-mile circular trek which can be walked in either direction, clockwise or anti-clockwise, and takes on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – all hills which form part of the Pennine range and which give a real sense of freedom as you stand at the peak and take in the timeless views which stretch on for mile after mile.
In addition, our North Yorkshire coast, one of the top destinations for a UK staycation, offers breathtaking views of unspoilt coastline and the north sea, with scenic walks along dramatic cliff-top paths away from the hustle and bustle. With a choice of quieter resorts such as sleepy Sandsend, and Staithes, with its pretty harbour and secluded beach which is ideal for rock pooling, as well as more developed and commercialised resorts such as Scarborough with it's Victorian buildings such as Scarborough Spa and the Rotunda Museum, and Whitby with its jet cliffs and literary connections to Dracula, the North Yorkshire coast offers everything you’d expect from a seaside town.
Culture and history abound!
It has to be said that North Yorkshire has a wonderfully rich history and a strong cultural heritage, with world heritage sites such as Bolton Abbey near Skipton, the magnificent 18th century Castle Howard near Malton, Harewood House and Estate, halfway between Harrogate and Leeds, and York Minster, one of the worlds largest cathedrals which took over 250 years to build, to name a few.
The city of York was founded by the ancient Romans in 71 AD and later captured by the Vikings who called it Jorvik. In fact, Yorkshire’s name is derived from York which came from the Viking Jorvik, and the white rose is the traditional symbol of Yorkshire. It’s thought that the white rose was introduced by Edmund of Langley, the first Duke of York, and to this day it still appears on the official Yorkshire flag.
There is much to see in York - the Yorvik Viking Centre is one popular attraction, another being the Shambles, one of York's most famous landmarks, a narrow medieval shopping street that was once home to butchers’ shops, and which is so narrow that the houses on either side almost touch overhead. Then there’s the National Railway Museum, and of course, when it’s time to stop for a cuppa and a bun, there’s the famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms with its mouth-watering selection of cakes.
It has to be said that North Yorkshire has a thriving and vibrant arts scene, with a range of museums, galleries, theatres, and music venues. For instance, Helmsley Arts Centre combines both art and history – it’s situated in an old Quaker meeting house and has been operating as a venue since 1993.
Then there’s The Georgian Theatre Royal in the lovely market town of Richmond, the UK’s oldest working theatre in its original form. Originally built in 1788 by the actor-manager, Samuel Butler, it was let as an auction room in 1848, then restored and reopened in 1963, restored again in 2003, and today plays an important role in the rural community.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has a heritage station in Goathland - you may recognise this as 'Hogsmeade' station from the early Harry Potter films, and also as part of Aidensfield in the 1990s drama Heartbeat.
The county has also captured the imagination of many writers; one of the very well know authors was the late James Herriot, who ran his veterinary practice from his former home in Thirsk. The World of James Herriot, a museum housed in his former home, tells the story of his life as a vet turned author.
North Yorkshire – the front runner
It’s true to say that North Yorkshire has a strong sports culture with a passion for cricket, rugby, and cycling, and indeed, the Tour de France began in Yorkshire in 2014, traveling through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing along Wharfedale, Wensleydale and Swaledale before heading to Harrogate.
And then there’s golf, and the many courses across the county, from Oakdale Golf Club in Harrogate, to Masham and Malton golf clubs, to name just a few.
You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to horseracing, synonymous with North Yorkshire. With several fabulous racecourses spread across the county, in locations such as Ripon, Catterick, and York. Whether you prefer flat racing or over jumps, The ‘Sport of Kings’ is well served throughout the county.
Friendly communities
One thing you can always be sure of; when in North Yorkshire, you’ll get a really strong sense of community. People greet and talk to each other, so whether you’re on a riverside walk or wandering round the beautiful remains of an abbey, people will stop to pass the time of day. But it might take a while to get used to the Yorkshire dialect – it’s well known for phrases such as ‘ey up’, which is often used as a greeting, meaning ‘hello’ or ‘how are you’.
With its wide open spaces that offer breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes, North Yorkshire has something for everyone – a perfect place to live whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk, a challenging hike, or simply a place to unwind.
Offering a great work/life balance, we know just how lucky we are at Northern Energy to work here too!