With its rolling hills, rocky moors, and quaint villages, Yorkshire epitomises the idyllic English countryside. When visiting this northern county, spend some time exploring the small towns and villages that exemplify Yorkshire’s beauty. Stay in a cosy cottage or cabin rental while you take in the sights of these postcard-perfect destinations. From the Bronte sisters’ hometown to a village dominated by a medieval castle, Yorkshire villages overflow with old-world charm. Here are six of the most picturesque villages to discover on your next trip to this region.
Grassington
Situated amongst the peaks and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales lies the charming village of Grassington. Cobblestone streets wind between old stone buildings, many of which now house independent shops, tearooms, and galleries. Wander down Grassington’s Main Street and stop for a Yorkshire ice cream or head off along the river for scenic views of the waterfalls nearby.
Thornton-le-Dale
In the heart of the North York Moors, you’ll find Thornton-le-Dale, often named as one of the prettiest places in the country. Whitewashed stone houses with criss-cross beams line the main street, leading visitors to thatched roof shops and friendly village pubs. Walkers adore Thornton-le-Dale for its proximity to great hiking amongst spring wildflowers and impressive moorland scenery.
Pocklington
Found on the edge of the iconic Yorkshire Wolds, Pocklington’s handsome stone buildings and homes front onto a broad market square and grand Gothic church. This East Yorkshire town has a colourful 700 years of history, evident in its Georgian architecture and 12th-century ruins. Take a stroll alongside the mellow brick buildings, stopping to poke around antique stores and chat with locals along the way. The sights of Pocklington make for an appealing base while booking log cabins Yorkshire nearby, with picturesque regional drives on offer, such as to the quaint Bronte church at Great Ouseburn.
Lindley
Lesser known than some other Dales villages, Lindley near Otley feels like a peaceful, secret spot hidden within the Yorkshire countryside. Gaze out over green, sheep-dotted fields from one of Lindley’s short walking trails before stopping for lunch made from locally sourced produce. When the sun shines overhead, unwind by the River Washburn as it flows gently through this serene rural village.
Haworth
Literature lovers from around the world flock to Haworth village to step back in time to the 1840s when the Bronte sisters called it home. Cobbled lanes and weavers’ cottages look today much as they would have during the famous sisters’ residence. Pop into the Bronte Parsonage Museum to see artefacts from their family life then refuel over local ales and hearty pub food in one of Haworth’s traditional inns, little changed over the years.
Bodiam
One of the most recognisable landmarks of East Yorkshire has to be the postcard perfect Bodiam Castle. Yet it’s the nearby village itself that steals your attention as you cross over the river by way of a humpback bridge. From the village green to the tall-towered church, Bodiam represents Yorkshire village life at its most picturesque.
This corner of northern England overflows with chocolate-box villages housing independent shops in ancient buildings, cosy tearooms and restaurants showcasing fresh regional cuisine, and plenty of countryside on the doorstep to explore.
Photo by Barnabas Davoti: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-hot-tub-with-a-view-of-a-forest-and-a-mountain-range-14436987/
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