Exploring doesn’t have to stop just because it’s freezing out. In fact, some places are pretty no matter the weather – particularly here in Yorkshire. Boasting a landscape that evolves as the seasons change, God’s Own Country has it all: from sleepy villages and bustling market towns to rolling hills and orange-tinted forests.
Ready to grab your boots and wrap up for a wander? Here’s our guide to the most beautiful towns to visit in Yorkshire this season.
1. Grassington, North Yorkshire
As well as a bustling cobbled market square fringed by shops offering local foods, speciality gifts, and arts and crafts, the Yorkshire town of Grassington has some beautiful natural beauty to admire, such as the stunning Linton Falls.
It’s just a stone’s throw from some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most famous things to see, including Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, and more, and also just so happens to be home to an array of traditional pubs serving up local ales and great home-cooked food – including The Devonshire Arms, which plays the exterior of The Drovers in Channel 5’s hit remake of All Creatures Great and Small.
2. Skipton, North Yorkshire
Otherwise known as the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, Skipton is a beautiful market town that has tonnes to offer its visitors.
As well as being a busy Yorkshire town where you can enjoy a range of restaurants, pubs and bars, Skipton is also full of historical importance, including its Thanet Canal, which is a short branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Whether visiting Skipton Castle for a history lesson, taking in the local markets on market days, or experiencing a lovely boat trip along the idyllic canal, you’ll never be short of things to do.
3. Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Set in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Beverley is a beautiful historic city, with numerous 15th-century landmarks to admire. You can enjoy a walk and an ice cream on the Westwood, before heading into town to enjoy some upmarket dining and a few drinks from one of the many fantastic restaurants, bars, or traditional pubs.
If that wasn’t all, the town also holds a beloved market twice weekly, where visitors can enjoy street food, baked goods, handmade items, and more on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s a bustling place, and one encircled by gorgeous buildings for a quaint vibe.
4. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
This historical spa town in North Yorkshire is popular with tourists, and for good reason. As well as its heritage as a Victorian spa town and its old-fashioned vibes, the town is famed as the home of Betty’s tea room – which often attracts queues outside.
It is one of the most beautiful towns in North Yorkshire to wander around and take in – especially the beautiful Stray, which is a public parkland in the centre of Harrogate lined with cherry blossom in the spring. It also has some fantastic bars and restaurants to try once you’ve finished a tour, including renowned Three’s A Crowd, Pranzo and The Fat Badger.
Read More: These Are The Best Hotels To Stay At In Harrogate For The Perfect Weekend
5. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
If you missed out on a trip to Italy like us this summer, then Knaresborough is the next best option (well, some might say). With its labyrinth of medieval cobbled streets and deep history dating back to the 5th century, it’s one of Yorkshire’s prettiest market towns.
Due to its unique location perched above the River Nidd, visitors flock to its riverside, where you can row out in a boat beneath the beautiful viaduct, before popping for an ice cream or a glass of vino at a cafe next to the river. Stunning all year round.
6. Malton, North Yorkshire
The town of Malton in North Yorkshire is seen as Yorkshire’s Food Capital, thanks to its lovely range of independent restaurants, pubs, and bars.
Artisan grocers, producers, and independent shops thrive here, all thanks to the regular Food Festival‘s great reputation and perfect positioning by the North York Moors.
The pretty town is a lovely place for a market day potter, and we’d recommend visiting with an empty tum! Oh, and don’t miss the huge Yorkshire pudding recipe mural while you’re there.
7. Settle, North Yorkshire
The gateway to the Three Peaks, Settle is a beautiful Yorkshire town to visit in the Craven district of the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by glorious countryside, the characterful town has plenty on offer, including an array of fantastic gastropubs and quaint, independent shops to potter around.
Explore the history of the Settle-Carlisle railway, before enjoying some great food from one of its independent eateries, and a pint in a nice traditional pub. The perfect place to retreat after tackling one, or all three Peaks.
8. Ilkley, West Yorkshire
On Ilkla Moor Baht’at! Ilkley is a spectacular West Yorkshire town overlooked by the stunning Ilkley Moor – which you may know as the home to the famous Cow and Calf – a superb rock formation that overlooks the town.
Ilkley is often described as a mini Harrogate, with plenty of quaint cafes, fantastic restaurants and cosy pubs to frequent – alongside a number of great shops that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s an upmarket feel to the place, so you can guarantee you won’t be short of cafe culture.
9. Pickering, North Yorkshire
Found on the edge of the beautiful North York Moors, Pickering, much like its fellow towns also featured on this list, is full of independent shops and cafes – alongside fantastic antique shops and a handful of great restaurants.
Additionally, it’s also home to a lovely weekly market, where visitors can peruse local produce, gifts and more in an idyllic setting, boasting not only the surrounding countryside, but a picturesque castle, too.
The castle has stood over the town since the 13th century, and there is also the amazing North York Moors Railway to visit – a glorious heritage railway that is not to be missed. Pickering marks the end of the line, however, you can catch the famous train to destinations such as Levisham, Grosmont, Goathland and Whitby.
[See also: The North Yorkshire Chocolatiers That Invented ‘Yorkshire Pudding Chocolate’]
10. Richmond, North Yorkshire
Set beside the River Swale, the market town of Richmond is a wonderfully romantic place to visit – thanks to its beautiful 12th-century castle looming over the town, like something out of a fairytale.
Richmond is also known for holding one of England’s largest cobbled market squares – which still hosts two market days per week for locals and guests to enjoy.
Full of quaint cafes and traditional pubs, the pretty town is fantastic for a weekend away, and boasts plenty of nearby walks for visitors to enjoy – including the castle, waterfalls, and magical woodlands, alongside the beautiful Yorkshire Dales just a short drive away.
11. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Home of Dracula, 199 steps, Whitby Abbey, and the best fish and chips you’ll ever try (we’re looking at you, Magpie Cafe) the Yorkshire town of Whitby is the quintessential seaside town.
With breathtaking views, historical importance, and a range of fantastic events – including the Whitby Goth Festival – Whitby is undoubtedly one of Yorkshire’s biggest tourist spots; but don’t let that put you off.
There are plenty of stunning sights to see when visiting, including the Abbey, the whalebone, the pier, and more, alongside tons of jewellery shops specialising in Whitby jet, proper seaside amusements, and plenty of places to eat.
12. Hawes, North Yorkshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © G Laird – geograph.org.uk/p/5569622
Hawes is an idyllic market town in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, unique for the beautiful waterfall that can be found not only running through the centre of town – but between the houses, too.
Naturally, the beauty of Gayle Beck sets the tone as you enter the town, greeting you with its tranquillity before you stumble upon antique shops, cosy pubs, old-fashioned grocery shops and other independents.
If you love cheese, Hawes is also home to the famous Wensleydale cheese, which is made nearby at the Wensleydale Creamery.
13. Hebden Bridge
‘Lesbian capital’ of the UK, ‘greatest town in Europe’, ‘fourth funkiest town in the world’ – Hebden Bridge has been named it all. But to us, it’s the perfect place to visit.
Located west of Halifax, at the confluence of the River Calder and the Hebden Water, the market town combines an industrial past with beautiful natural surroundings, and somehow manages to boast a real cool factor all at the same time.
There’s a real artsy vibe throughout, which is reflected in its strong array of independent bars, cafes, restaurants and shops – which will have you pottering for the better part of an afternoon.
Among Hebden Bridge’s star attractions are the nearby Hardcastle Crags and the many Happy Valley filming locations.
14. Thirsk
Another of the Herriot towns, Thirsk is a charming Yorkshire market town that offers a wonderful base for exploring the North Yorkshire countryside.
It’s the home of and the literary inspiration of James Herriot’s novel series (including All Creatures Great & Small) which was inspired by his veterinary work in the area – honoured by a museum in the town where guests can wander around the original Skeldale House.
The town is also home to plenty of shops to potter around, alongside, of course, pubs and restaurants where you can fill up after a wander around and a beautiful art deco cinema – one of the oldest in the UK.
Read More: 14 Of The Best Places To Visit For A Day Trip In Yorkshire
Feature Image Credit: Paul – stock.adobe.com/ Bettys
