On the hunt for a bitta new scenery? Yorkshire’s market towns are where it’s at. Packed full of independent shops instead of your boring, high street giants, these lovely destinations have a lot to offer, particularly for those on the hunt for something different.
Whether it’s special antiques, local produce or a proper Yorkshire meal you’re after, here’s our guide to the most marvellous market towns to explore in Yorkshire.
1. Pocklington
A truly underrated gem in East Yorkshire, Pocklington has a lot to offer when it comes to a day of exploration.
From traditional pubs and quaint homeware stores to antique shops and plenty of fantastic charity shops, visitors won’t be stuck for which shop to have a mooch around next. Our personal favourite stop-offs? The Market Tap for bao buns, Allsorts Antique shop, Dilly Dally for homewares and No. 6 The Pavement for fantastic Yorkshire wines.
2. Pickering
One of Yorkshire’s busiest market towns, Pickering is fantastic – particularly on a summery day (even if it is at its busiest then!).
Have a gander through one of the many little antique shops, eat your way through the lovely local cafes (which are stocked up with fantastic local produce, including pies, of course!), before finishing off at Birdgate Chocolatiers for a bit of Yorkshire pudding chocolate.
3. Beverley
Beverley is one of Yorkshire’s bigger market towns, nestled right in the middle of East Yorkshire as its crowning jewel (if you ask us, at least).
There, visitors will find tons of familiar high street shops including H&M, Dunelm and more, alongside great charity shops, independent shops (My Doggy Deli being our pooch’s favourite), and fantastic restaurants.
Our top picks include Vine & Grain for local wines and beers, The Monk’s Walk for proper traditional pub vibes and Estabulo for all the beef.
4. Malton
Malton is particularly busy during market days, but the shops that are there every single day are worth a browse, too. From art shops, artisan liquor stores, homeware shops and more, it’s likely you won’t be leaving Malton empty-handed.
The market town is also home to plenty of lovely cafes and bars, too, including our personal favourite speakeasy, The Library, and 18th-century pub and restaurant, The New Malton.
5. Skipton
Skipton is a market town like no other – sitting canalside on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Packed full of wonderful independents, guests can enjoy cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants, alongside one of the region’s best butchers (with the best pork pies!), and even a cafe pretty much dedicated to our four-legged friends.
Our favourite pub here is the quaint Woolley Sheep Inn (which has a fantastic beer garden), alongside the incredibly posh Alexander’s.
6. Hebden Bridge
Another of Yorkshire’s quaint canalside market towns, Hebden Bridge is beautiful whatever the weather (we weirdly love it when it’s raining!). Peaceful with a little hint of buzziness, Hebden Bridge is not only home to a market, but tons of quirky little shops selling wines, baked goods, clothing, homewares and so much more.
The cafe culture there is fantastic, too, with tons of beautifully local restaurants serving delicious pizza and global cuisine.
[Featured image: Photo © Paul Anderson (cc-by-sa/2.0)]
Read more: The Idyllic Yorkshire Dales Market Town With Cobbled Streets, Stone Cottages & A Waterfall
