More or less surrounded by water on three sides, the landscape of East Yorkshire varies from the dramatic chalk cliffs at Flamborough Head to the windswept marshlands of the wide Humber estuary. Although less well-known than other parts of England’s largest county in recent years it has come to prominence through David Hockney’s much-acclaimed paintings of the Yorkshire Wolds, and the granting of City of Culture status to the maritime city of Hull, with its splendid museums and galleries. The larger settlements explored here include Bridlington, a popular resort, the delightful historic town of Beverley, with its famous Minster, and the inland port of Goole. Architectural highlights include the magnificent 14th-century church at Patrington church, the lovely Elizabethan manor house at Burton Agnes, and Sledmere Hall with its 18th-century parkland and picturesque estate village. Among the many nature reserves are Bempton cliffs, famous for its sea-bird colonies and Spurn Point, "Yorkshire's very own Land's End - an iconic and constantly moving peninsula which curves between the North Sea and the Humber Estuary".
 
This volume also provides an in-depth guide to York and its hinterland. Surrounded by walls (stretches of which date back to the Roman period) entered through medieval gates or bars, York is the best-preserved historic city in the country. Dominated by the Gothic Minster, one of Europe's most important medieval Cathedrals, it also boasts two rivers, a Norman castle, medieval guildhalls, and quaint narrow streets with a wealth of timber-famed buildings. Visitor attractions include the renowned Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum.
 
The book has 250 illustrations, including three colour paintings of East Riding scenes by David Hockney, a picture specially drawn by Mark Hearld, and many charming pen and ink illustrations by the late Eugene Fisk.