The Sunday Times has released a list of the top 50 villages in the UK and it features five of Yorkshire’s most idyllic spots. Surrounded by lush rolling countryside with beautiful walks it’s no surprise these quaint villages made the list. Yorkshire folk have known for far too long how beautiful our villages are.
The list features villages from North, South, East and West Yorkshire showing that each has its own merit and that the whole of God’s Own Country is worth a visit. The list consists of places that people have loved to visit or move during the pandemic
Walkington, East Yorkshire

First on the list is the picturesque village of Walkington in East Yorkshire that sits just outside of the historic town of Beverley. The Sunday Times commented on: “the canopy of magnificent old trees lining the historic main street of Walkington has a secret feel, which is appropriate enough in a corner of the country that remains under the radar.
Check out our list of idyllic East Yorkshire villages here.
Cawthorne, South Yorkshire

Found on the outskirts of Barnsley, Cawthorne used to be a centre of the iron and coal mining industry but is now part of the affluent commuter belt of Barnsley. The Sunday Times commented on “Cawthorne’s striking Victorian drinking fountain may have dried up, along with its promise of everlasting life, but this is still a place we’d happily spend eternity, surrounded by birdsong and cottages with front gardens bursting with colour.
Hampsthwaite, North Yorkshire

Found in the Nidderdale region of the Yorkshire Dales, Hampsthwaite is a large village with beautiful stoned houses surrounded by a hilly landscape. Sunday Times said, “With the rugged Yorkshire Dales in one direction and swanky Harrogate in the other, this is the ideal location for anyone seeking country living.”
Check out our list of must-visit North Yorkshire villages here.
Hovingham, North Yorkshire

The Howardian Hills featured as the top spot in the North to live last year so it’s no surprise that Hovingham has featured in this year’s list of top villages. Sunday Times wrote that “The Howardian Hills are the hottest property market in the north, with countless homes attracting multiple bids. This prime cut of English countryside – all lush fields, tree-lined hills and dramatic views – has York and its impeccable connections on the doorstep.”
Check out our list of must-visit North Yorkshire villages here.
Thorner, West Yorkshire

Found on the outskirts of Leeds near Wetherby, The Sunday Times said that “This properly old-fashioned village may look rural, but it’s so close to Leeds that you can almost touch the ring road.
“Happily you can’t hear the traffic – or smell it – the aromas are all woodsmoke in winter, freshly mown grass in summer and sheep all year round.”
Check out our list of must-visit West Yorkshire villages here.
Read More: The 11 Most Beautiful, Quaint Villages To Visit In Yorkshire