Expert: David Cross - 9/12/2005

Question
My husband and three girls are planning a move to the England and Yorkshire is an area that we are considering. My husband surfs and would like to be an hour to hour and a half from surf. We currently live in a town of 8000 people and are hoping to stay in a small village. Rural is good for us, but we would like access to a larger area. I am hoping for a town that hosts regular farmers markets or a village just a few minutes away from a farmers market. Good schools are also important. We love outdoor activities. We are looking for a clean, safe, pretty area. What villages would you recommend? Thank you for any information.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,
First, sincere apologies for the delay. I'm afraid I neglected to tell All Experts that I should be away in Peru.
I'm glad that Yorkshire is included in your list of possible places - I'm an immigrant from Devon myself and I love it here.
You probably know already that Yorkshire touches the east coast but that Lancashire lies in the way of the west coast. I'm afraid I'm not well up on surfing but you should get some help from http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/sport/adventure/surfing/index.shtml
My favourite spots on the coast are Staiths, Robin Hood's Bay and Flamborough Head - all very small. If you want something a bit bigger, I should suggest Whitby or Bridlington.
If you prefer to be located a bit inland, you have the North York Moors National Park within easy reach of the coast. http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/nym_core should be helpful.
By all means come back if I can help further but I do live on the far west side of the county - and should be singing our praises merrily, had you not asked about surfing.
Very best wishes for your move.
David