Yorkshire Day: Experiencing the beauty of Yorkshire in the Volvo XC40

What is Yorkshire Day?

Yorkshire Day celebrated on 1st August, was established in 1975 by the Yorkshire Ridings Society to protest the 1974 local government reorganisation. It commemorates the Battle of Minden and honours Yorkshire MP William Wilberforce for abolishing the slave trade. The day features events such as civic gatherings, parades, and the raising of the Yorkshire flag to celebrate the county's heritage and culture.

The Rich Culture of Yorkshire

Yorkshire, often called "God's Own Country," boasts a rich culture shaped by Celts, Romans, Angles, Vikings, and Normans. Key aspects include:

• Historical Influence: Ancient kingdoms like Brigantes and the Viking Kingdom of Jorvik, and significant contributions during the Industrial Revolution.
• Cultural Identity: Distinctive Yorkshire dialect and accent, known for being trustworthy and friendly.
• Food and Drink: Famous for Yorkshire Pudding, Parkin, Wensleydale cheese, and Yorkshire tea.
• Sport and Recreation: Strong traditions in cricket and rugby, with outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
• Cultural Significance: Culture and sport foster community identity and well-being, attracting tourists and contributing to the local economy.

My Journey with the Volvo XC40

I had a great opportunity to capture the Volvo XC40 in the brilliant landscapes of Yorkshire, as Yorkshire day was approaching, I decided to take an adventure and experience beautiful landscapes with the XC40. Eamon set me up with a beautiful fusion red XC40, I knew it would be great for photography. I set off from Doncaster around the afternoon. My destination was to visit an iconic place in Yorkshire. Having lived in Yorkshire for a few years and visited often, I knew a few spots. One of my favourite places in Yorkshire was past Baildon. Just past there is the famous Cow and Calf rocks, perfect for hiking and even going down the pub.

I had to go through the busy roads of Bradford, and it was 28 degrees! It was hot, but the XC40 made the journey easy. Air conditioning kept me cool, and I was enjoying my music the maps guided me well. I had ample head and leg room, not being that tall myself, the XC40 adjusts to any height.

Scenic Stops with XC40's Parking Precision

I spotted an opportunity after I left Baildon and parked at a spot where you could take a long walk. Upon arriving, a gentleman had parked in a spot that would have been perfect for a scenic shot. So, I asked the kind gentleman kindly if he could move his car so I could get the shot. They did not mind, and his wife was friendly stating “hope you get good shots,” and the friendliness of Yorkshire is what makes it a great place to be.

I then set off after getting the shots, before reaching Cow and Calf, the road was blocked off! Not to worry, the navigation found me an alternative route and I followed it through. But before reaching there, I found another perfect landscape to capture the XC40, I parked up with ease but there were other people with dogs there and the XC40 has sensors to let you know if pets or people are approaching the car. The 360 cameras helped me position the XC40 by looking at the clear interior screen, parking it in the perfect place for the shot.

XC40's Engine Conquers Moor Road​

I took the shots and a couple sat down on the bench and it made the framing more beautiful, this is what Yorkshire represents! Family, safety and enjoyment, the weather was perfect to highlight the lush green landscape. I had so much fun! However, I had to go to my destination or else I would be late getting back to Volvo Doncaster.

So set off and took the bendy and narrow roads of Moor Road, if you are claustrophobic on narrow roads and worried about other cars being close then this route will give you anxiety however sitting in the XC40, I felt comfortable, the sensor would react if I were close to bushes or other cars. The engine and gear shifts respond perfectly to the road and have enough power to make this journey a breeze. I have driven this route down in a manual car and it's hard work. The XC40 makes it relaxing and comfortable to manage tight and narrow Yorkshire roads. You have clear visibility from the windscreen, rear-view mirror, and wing mirrors.

Capturing Cow and Calf Rocks with the XC40

Finally arriving at my destination at Cow and Calf Rocks, I admired the stone structure. Although visiting here a few times for a hike, I am always appreciative of the beauty. I will come back to do a hike, but for now, I need to take my shots! I framed it with the rocks, interchanging different lenses for different perspectives. I also took pictures of the sheep as they represent Yorkshire too! They were photogenic. I also spotted another photographer who was a child, and the sheep were posing for him but not me! I told his mother that he has some serious skills. She laughed and started talking about the sheep of Yorkshire and the type of breed they are. I learnt something new.

Scenic Drive and XC40's Impressive Fuel Efficiency

After enough shots, I looked at the time and I had to go! So, I left down Moor Road, then suddenly another spot caught my eye, this was on slightly unlevelled ground but the XC40 suspension adapts to the ground and parks easily in quick time. I took a few shots quickly and looked at the time estimate on the screen to return to Doncaster. Ok, this is the last time and set off for my journey! I did not want to go back through Bradford as it was rush hour time, the map found me an alternative way which would take me on the A1 (M) to eventually connect to the M62. So, I got to enjoy the scenic drive through Otley, Arthington, Harewood, and Collingham. The fuel efficiency of the car was impressive as it is a hybrid mild engine which is great for the environment and stops polluting our beautiful Yorkshire Countryside.

Proud to Celebrate Yorkshire Day

Overall, we are proud to have several of our dealerships in Yorkshire based in Doncaster, Wakefield, Hull, and Leeds. We hope you enjoyed our little adventure; we certainly did enjoy bringing you the proud landscapes of Yorkshire.

A great day out and paying homage to Yorkshire Day. Tell us what you are most proud of in Yorkshire. If you are interested in having reliable transport for your adventures, we have the XC40 new and used. Learn more here:

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