We know that Yorkshire is home to the most quaint villages and beautiful market towns, but it’s always nice when it’s acknowledged by folk outside of God’s Own Country. And. The Telegraph has done just that. Asking experts to rank their towns on a range of factors such as the pleasantness of their shop fronts, historic architecture, low traffic/litter, viewpoints and the amount of greenery — each spot was given a total score of 50 to device the country’s prettiest towns.
Named the fifth prettiest in the UK, was Ilkley in West Yorkshire. The former spa town is known for its natural beauty, historic Victorian architecture and a great place to relax. Sitting below Ilkley Moor it’s home to pretty shop fronts and a range of quaint pubs, tearooms (including the famous Betty’s) as well as fantastic independent shops. A short drive from the town is the Yorkshire Dales National Park which has fantastic walks to enjoy.
The tenth prettiest town in the UK went to the city of Ripon, which is Britain’s third tiniest city and the smallest in Yorkshire, with a population of around 16,000. Ripon is famous for its medieval cathedral that dates back to the 7th century, as well as its architecture which is a mix of Norman and Perpendicular Gothic styles.
The beautiful city, which has grown in popularity since the pandemic has a rich cultural heritage as well as a bustling market square and award-winning museums for visitors to enjoy. It’s hard to believe that it’s a city as idyllic and quaint as it is – never mind the oldest city in Britain. You’ll find what makes Ripon unique is its small streets and snickets that house boutique shops and cafes, which it has become so loved for.
Check out the full list of the UK’s prettiest towns, according to The Telegraph below:
Lewes
Queensferry
St David’s
St Andrew’s
Ilkley
Chagford
Ludlow
Fowey
Crickhowell
Ripon
Ledbury
Woodbridge
Holt
Rye
Read More: Yorkshire Is Home To The Most Remote Spot In England
Feature Image Credit: Photo © Billy Wilson (cc-by-sa/2.0)
