Yorkshire is home to some of the most beautiful, idyllic spots you’ll ever see, from rolling hills to chocolate-box cottages. With two national parks within its borders, North Yorkshire is an incredible place to experience untouched scenery that feels much the same as it has for generations. We’ve put together some of the best North Yorkshire villages for you to visit on your next trip to God’s Own Country.
Quaint, artistic cobbled streets will have you dreaming of a slower pace of life in no time. Picture the prettiest villages lit up at night by the warm glow of cottage windows, or scattered with fallen leaves during the day, — the perfect escape after a long month spent indoors with the kids and your other half.
1. Grassington
This beautiful village is bursting with little treats for visitors. You can park up in the National Park car park before wandering down to the River Wharfe to take in the stunning Linton Falls. Follow the river back into the village and enjoy the charming vintage shopfronts, along with classic pubs, and cosy cafés.
There are plenty of pretty alleyways to discover, some hiding cafés where you can stop for a proper brew and a slice of cake — perfect after a good walk. Of course, the village has also grown in popularity since Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small began filming here. Fans of the show can even visit The Devonshire, which doubles as the exterior of The Drovers Arms in the series.
2. Burnsall
Another village that hugs the River Wharfe, Burnsall is known for its picturesque views, which draw thousands of visitors each year in search of the perfect postcard snap. Despite its popularity, the village is home to just around 100 residents. It’s a firm favourite with walkers and cyclists and offers two hotels and a large village pub — ideal for enjoying a well-earned pint after a day exploring the beautiful Dales.
Burnsall sits on both the Dales Way, a long-distance walking route, and the Way of the Roses, a popular cycling trail that opened in 2010. It’s also a hotspot for anglers hoping to land the perfect catch. With so much on offer, it’s easy to see why this charming village is well worth a visit.
3. Staithes
Hidden along the Yorkshire coastline, if you squint, you could mistake the beautiful fishing village of Staithes and its unique burnt orange rooftops and whitewashed houses for the famous Italian Amalfi Coast. Its 18th-century cottages and cobbled streets make it a treasure of the Yorkshire coastline.
Once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East and a thriving fishing village, the Staithes Yorkshire village is sheltered by high cliffs that are peppered with quaint fisherman cottages and B&B’s overlooking the port, making it the perfect getaway. The Cod & Lobster pub sits along the front and is the perfect spot to rest with a pint after exploring the area.
4. Goathland
Probably most famous for featuring as Aidensfield in the classic British TV series Heartbeat, this sought-after village has also enjoyed a more magical turn on screen. More recently, it was used as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films. Away from the cameras, the village is also a heritage station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the moors by steam train.
The surrounding area offers a fantastic range of walks, including Wade’s Causeway, which runs close to Wheeldale Moor, and the Rail Trail, a scenic three-and-a-half-mile route ideal for a gentle wander. Just outside the village you’ll also find the beautiful Mallyan Spout waterfall, a rewarding short walk that’s well worth the effort.
5. Thornton-le-Dale
One of the most popular villages in North Yorkshire, its thatched cottages and babbling brooks, are like something plucked straight out of a fairytale. It is a favourite with tourists for a reason, every inch of it is as picturesque as a painting. We love getting an ice cream from Balderson’s Ice Cream Parlour and enjoying them whilst pottering around the picturesque spot.
Surrounding the village, are valleys and woods and Dalby Forest is just a short drive away – a magical way to spend the day before heading back to the village for a spot of food and a few bevvies.
6. Kettlewell
Best known for its access to a range of walks, the charming village is home to cute cottages and classic stoned walls. It is over 300 years old and is a popular stopping point for people completing the 85 miles Dales Way hike. A piece of history, this little village has been inhabited since the Anglo Saxon era and is situated where Kettlewell Beck merges with the River Wharfe.
Villages in North Yorkshire are known for their quaint pubs, and their are a few pubs and cafes to enjoy a hard-earned pint or a refreshing cup of tea. It’s the perfect place to sit and while away a few hours with friends and family.
7. Robin Hood’s Bay
The picturesque fishing village holds a dark past of smugglers and gangs walking its streets hundreds of years ago. You can learn about the fascinating secrets the cove holds and more with our list of the best things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay including with enjoying the sand beach which offers fantastic opportunities for rock pool exploring and ancient fossils.
You can also wander through its narrow, twisting cobbled streets and alleyways, and visit its old-fashioned traditional pubs where smugglers would frequent and tell tales of their finds along the Yorkshire Coast. Some of our favourite spots for an ale include The Laurel Inn, The Bay Hotel and the recently reopened The Dolphin.
8. Reeth
Located in the Swaledale region of the Yorkshire Dales, Reeth has been named one of the most peaceful spots – and there’s no surprise. It’s located high up in the Dales and sits surrounded by hills on all sides. It has three quaint country pubs and some lovely cafes and restaurants including a bakery, The Two Dales, that serves delicious sweet and savoury goodies along with fantastic barista-style coffes.
The whole of Reeth is centred around the village green in the middle and is one of our Yorkshire Dales villages that we look forward to visiting. Tan Hall, the highest pub in England in is a short twenty minutes away and well worth a visit.
9. Hutton-le-Hole
The North York Moors National Park is one of the real wonders of Yorkshire. Its rugged moors, coastline and idyllic villages make it one of the most incredible places to explore. And, speaking of villages, Hutton-le-Hole, North York Moors is one of the unique places to explore where moorland sheep roam freely along the wide green.
The popular beauty spot is known for its village green that takes centre stage with the picturesque view of the footbridges across the stream that runs through the village. Although the village is tiny it has around 29 listed buildings all of which are Grade II and most date back to the 18th century.
10. Sandsend
Sandsend is a quaint seaside village between Whitby and Scarborough. The village has fantastic restaurants, a village shop and a couple of pubs to enjoy a few ales. It’s become quite the luxury hotspot with Saltmoore hotel proving a popular spot for those looking for a bit of R & R with its fantastic spa and restaurant offering.
We highly recommend the fish tacos from The Fish Cottage with views of the coast in the outdoor seating area, Mary’s Sandwich spot for delicious sarnies and burgers on an evening. Sandsend is a lot less busy compared to its busier counterparts but has a massive street of beach to enjoy. It’s also part of the Cleveland Way making for some fantastic walks.
11. Appletreewick
One of the smaller villages in the Yorkshire Dales, it’s made up of a few stone cottages with a beautiful ivy laidened pub, The Craven Arms and also The New Inn both offering great ales and pub grub after a walk in the Dales. The village’s houses date back to 17th and 18th century stone cottages. It’s even got a classic British red telephone box, giving it that classic British feel.
If you’re looking for a great base with fantastic walks on your doorstep then this quintesentail village is the one for you. And, we are very fond of this part of the Dales for sure and it’s one of the most idyllic North Yorkshire villages.
12. West Burton
Situated in Lower Wensleydale (chheese Gromit), West Burton is a beautiful village made famous by J.M.W Turner’s painting which hangs in the Tate Modern art gallery. He painted the spectacular Burton Fall back in 1816 while he was doing his tour of Yorkshire.
West Burton has all the traditional charms of a Yorkshire village. You can visit the local pub, a little village shop, and take in the sizeable village green in the centre. There is plenty of countryside to explore as well, so make sure you take your walking boots.
Read More: 15 Hidden Gems In Yorkshire To Uncover
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