Yorkshire..where good to stay for base as well as visting surrounding area?

[futurity]

Thinking of going to Yorkshire in May half term and wondered where would be the best place to stay as a base for the holiday but which would also be central for visiting such places as Harrogate/Whitby/York/Castle Howard/Lightwater Valley.

Also, any self catering cottage recommendations would be helpful! (me, DH and energetic 5 and 2 year old DS's!)

Ah Gizmo, but Harrogate is bang in the middle - access to all.

just been looking at websites for some of the places suggested...really looking forward to going away now The boys in particular will explode with excitment at the trains at the national train museum!

i think alot of things have been covered...any more seaside outings/suggestions?

York looks like it will take a couple of days! How best to see it all properly? eg how long in Rail Museum /Yorvik/Minster?

We've stayed here in the Cabins at the Keldy site twice. It's really peaceful and in the middle of nowhere, but only a couple of miles from Pickering.

Fantastic museum in Pickering. Day trip to forest north east of Pickering where you can hire bikes and there are loads of summer activities for children. Trip over to Whitby for fish and chips. North York Moors Railway generally appeals to the men.

futurity - a couple of hours minimum for the Railway Museum - thre is soo much to do there that I have probably been about 30 times in the last 9 years to try and cover it all eg miniature railway to ride on, hands on learning section adjacent to railway. Also you can sometimes take rides on big engines. Inside there is a model railway, some of the most famous engines in the world with a demo of the turntable, a brilliant "works" section upstairs and numerous other stuff. Have fun!