Yorkshire punches above its weight when it comes to gorgeous villages. We take a tour of some of the chocolate-box favourites as they bloom for summer – and chat to people who make these rural hotspots home.
Burnsall
The charm factor: The Grade-II listed Burnsall Bridge across the River Wharfe is just one of the many breathtaking sights in this delightful Dales village. During the summer it’s the perfect spot for a picnic by the river and a paddle along the cobbles under the bridge.
Stroll & see: Follow the Dales Way up to Grassington or down to Strid Wood, on the beautiful Bolton Abbey estate. Or stay in the village and explore St Wilfrid’s church, some of which dates back to the 12th century.
Best address: In a little village like this, there are no bad addresses, but the row of little cottages beside the school are the very definition of picture postcard.
Top tradition: Summer days mean a game of cricket on a very picturesque pitch - or, The Burnsall Classic is one of the oldest fell races in the world, in one of the most dramatic locations. At just 1.5 miles, it’s a race to the top of Burnsall Fell and back. Easy, right?
Cawthorne
The charm factor: Recently named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the poshest villages in the country, Cawthorne is bursting with history, linked to the Spencer-Stanhope family. It has been carefully preserved by dedicated residents, who take great pride in their village. It’s famous, too, featuring on Channel 5’s Cannon Hall: A Yorkshire Farm.
Top tradition: The Harvest Festival auction of local garden produce is always a fun evening, featuring everything from huge cabbages to megawatt flowers… and plenty of alcoholic refreshments!Stroll & see: There are a number of notable walks in the village, including the Cawthorne boundary walk for the more ambitious. A walk through Deffer Wood to the old summer house offers a magnificent view towards the Pennines.
I live here and love it… Richard Nicholson, Director of Cannon Hall Farm
'Cannon Hall Farm has been open to the public for 35 years and is a major employer in the area. It has an award-winning farm shop, three restaurants and some really amazing children’s playgrounds. Over 1,000 animals are born on the farm every year. Apart from the farm, the Cawthorne Victoria Jubilee Museum is a hidden gem, full of quirky exhibits, and interesting local history. It is run by volunteers, and only opens on weekend afternoons. Exhibits include a two headed lamb born on a local farm and the boot of a local man who survived after being struck by rare ball lightning, which came down his chimney. As a child I remember being fascinated by the weird and wonderful exhibits.'
cannonhallfarm.co.uk
Sandsend
The charm factor: In a word: the beach. Sandsend is where the moors meet the sea and every building fits into the landscape seamlessly.
Best address: Frances Bowling, Operations Director for Fine & Country, says: “You can’t beat Lythe Bank for its great position and balance between commercial and residential buildings. Meadow Field has amazing beach views, too.”
Stroll & see: If you get lucky, you might catch the dolphins putting on a display in the sea.
I live here and love it... Helen Peterson, Owner of Happy Seal Yoga
'I deliver yoga by the sea classes throughout the summer in beautiful locations along the Yorkshire Coast. There’s something pretty special about flowing outside with the sounds of the sea to accompany your practice. I’ve always loved Sandsend, so it was an obvious choice for a yoga by the sea class. It’s definitely one of my favourite locations, not just because of the backdrop of the crocodile-shaped cliffs to the north, but also because it’s one of the only locations where I can hold my class on the beach when the tide is in.'
happysealyoga.com
Thornton-le-Dale
The charm factor: The very definition of a picture-postcard village, with a meandering beck at its centre. The village was popular with Victorians who, whilst visiting Scarborough to take in the sea air, would make the short journey by horse and cart to Thornton-le-Dale for a stroll in the countryside.
Best address: Beck Isle Cottage remains one of the most photographed homes in the country. Frances Bowling, Operations Director for Fine & Country, says: “The Beck is what makes this village. South Lane, parallel to the main road, is set back but has everything on your doorstep.'
Stroll & see: The duck pond, just across the bridge from the green, is a tranquil spot with beautiful rolling hills in the distance. There is also a lovely circular walk from the village to the Grade II-listed St Hilda's Church in nearby Ellerburn.
I live here and love it… Phil Barrett, Owner of Velo Ice Cream Company
'I have lived in Thornton-le-Dale since 2016, having fallen in love with a girl from the North, who showed me the truth path to happiness was a path through God’s own country. The idea of an ice cream bicycle came on a sunny morning ride around Dalby Forest. During the summer months, the village has stalls and events, with Music on the Green creating a relaxing and entertaining ambience. My personal favourite tradition, however, occurs in the winter months with the switching on of the Christmas lights.'
veloicecream.co.uk
Hutton-le-Hole
The charm factor: Stone houses, pan-tiled rooves, the beck curving through the village, the wide-open green, the majestic walnut tree. There is much to love about Hutton-le-Hole, along with a cosy community feeling.
Best address: Frances Bowling, Operations Director for Fine & Country, says: 'It’s a historic village, with real variety in the types of property, so there’s something for everyone. Quaker Cottage, which sold recently, is a real gem.'
Stroll & see: The village's first school, a tiny little building nestled down by the beck, is an interesting find. First a school, then a reading room, it went on to host band nights, where villagers would come together to jam. You can see photos of these occasions in the nearby Folk Museum.
I live here and love it… Paul Chapman, Site Projects Officer at Ryedale Folk Museum
'The village is rich with its own history, so it makes a fantastic location for a museum that shares the stories of rural people and communities of the North York Moors. This season we have an exhibition dedicated to folk beliefs and magical thinking, and there are lots of exciting things coming up at the museum over the summer. As ever, I am looking forward to seeing our traditional cornfield bloom. Usually at its most colourful in late July, the cornfield can be a sea of colour from bright red poppies to vivid blue cornflowers and punchy purple corncockles, to name a few!'
ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk
Ripley
The charm factor: The 14th-century Ripley Castle sits at the edge of this picturesque village, just three miles from Harrogate. It is beautifully well kept, with gardens and window boxes bursting with flowers in summer. In the 1820s, the village was demolished and rebuilt by Sir William Amcotts-Ingilby in the Gothic style that remains today.
Stroll & see: There are some beautiful walks on the castle estate, such as the loop around the ornamental lake, or follow Hollybank Lane towards Clint. If you prefer to cycle, there is an excellent cycle path from Harrogate all the way to Ripley, the Nidderdale Greenway, where you will pass beautiful woodland and wildflower meadows.
I live here and love it… Sara Ingilby, Ripley Castle custodian
'My husband Jamie and I, along with our two daughters Adaline and Grace, moved from Sweden to Ripley Castle at the end of 2022. It is now our home and has been the Ingilby family home for over 700 years, so it feels very special to now live here ourselves. If the castle could speak, it would have some incredible stories to tell, from religious persecution to Oliver Cromwell being held at gunpoint in the library. In my opinion, early summer is the best time to visit the gardens here, just when the peonies (my favourite!) are in bloom. Some of the trees in the grounds are 1,000 years old; I love to imagine what they have seen in their time.'
ripleycastle.co.uk
Haworth
The charm factor: With its industrial history, Haworth is not the conventional ‘pretty village’, but it has acquired a charm all of its own, characterised by its distinctive, locally quarried stone, steep hill and proximity to the Moors.
Best address: The main street is the key area, though it can get crowded and noisy in the summer. The perfect spot would be a little cottage set back from the hubbub of the main street.
Stroll & see: About two miles from the Parsonage is a local beauty spot, the Bronte Waterfall, believed to have been a favourite spot for the literary sisters. You don’t have to walk far from Haworth to get a glimpse of the beautiful Moors countryside. Fans of the Railway Children shouldn’t miss the chance to see the steam railway, too.
I live here and love it… Ann Dinsdale, Principal Curator of the Bronte Parsonage
'I was drawn to Haworth by my interest in the Brontes. I read their novels and poetry, came here on a school trip and fell in love with the wilderness. It’s hard to pick a favourite Bronte novel, but my heart lies with Wuthering Heights. It’s such a weird and original story; many people read it and are drawn to the village. I decided to move here and have been here for 27 years. This summer, there are lots of exciting events happening at the Parsonage to celebrate the anniversary of Emily Bronte’s birth, including a graphic novel workshop, a poetry workshop, a crafting session, an illustration workshop, and a yoga and poetry morning. These are running from July 26 to 28.'
bronte.org.uk
Grassington
The charm factor: With a bustling and beautiful cobbled market square at its heart, Grassington is a must-stop for everyone from walkers and cyclists to families seeking an ice cream spot. And spotting the sights from Channel 5’s popular All Creatures Great and Small is a fun new pastime for visitors.
Best address: James Herriot's home and surgery at Skeldale House was created from a private house just off the square, and the location is hard to beat, though the views of the River Wharfe between Threshfield and Grassington come close.
Stroll & see: In such a beautiful countryside setting, there are walks galore to explore. Down by the river to Linton Falls and the Lead Mining Trail are particular highlights.
I live here and love it… Julia Metcalfe, Grassington 1940s Weekend organiser
'Grassington is a wonderful place to live. Everyone is friendly, the shops are all independently owned and we all like to keep it looking lovely. Not to mention the beautiful countryside we live in. I wouldn’t live anywhere else. In September, the Grassington 1940s Weekend is returning. These weekends started in 2012. We have 1940s singers all around the village and people come from all over the country and dress in their 1940s clothes and join in the singing and dancing in the streets. Grassington is the perfect location for this because of its narrow streets and the cobbles.'
grassington1940sweekend.co.uk
Hooton Pagnell
The charm factor: It’s only five minutes from the A1, but it feels like a TV set in the middle of nowhere, with picturesque, old-fashioned cottages and beautiful woodland with roaming deer. There are also views of the Pennines on a clear day.
Surprising fact: There is an old superstition about the sheep field at the end of the village: one of the rare-breed sheep must always be present in the field or there will be a fire in the village. Apparently, this has actually happened a couple of times when the sheep have escaped.
Stroll & see: Hooton Pagnell Hall is a sight to behold, with parts dating back to the 14th century. There are lots of beautiful walks, but if you go at the right time of year, the woods are full of flowers and wildlife.
I live here and love it… Jess Edge of 1903 Hooton Pagnell bar and kitchen
'It's incredible to wake up every day to the most beautiful views and little winding streets with cottages. You feel like you are completely in the middle of nowhere. We opened 1903 in November 2022. Prior to that there hadn't been a pub for a number of years. There is not even a shop in Hooton Pagnell, so the pub has become a lovely social addition to the village, providing the locals with a place to meet, eat and drink. Every year Hooton Pagnell hosts its famous village fete, which sees thousands of people visit. The streets are closed and lined with little stalls and there is live music throughout the day. It’s an extremely wholesome day!'
1903hootonpagnell.co.uk
Robin Hood’s Bay
The charm factor: A tiny little village, perched between sea and moor, which retains so much of its old character. Houses and independent shops nestle together down the steep hill towards the rocky but beautiful beach.
Surprising fact: The filmmaker J Arthur Rank started his company after filming Turn of the Tide, which was set in Robin Hood's Bay. He couldn’t get another studio to buy it.
Stroll & see: The view from the sea wall is spectacular and takes in most of the bay. There is also a great lookout from the top of the hill.
I live here and love it… Rose Rylands, Whitby Storyteller
'I grew up in Robin Hood’s Bay, so it holds a lot of special memories. I started leading ghost walks 15 years ago. The local folklore and history in this area are such a gift, whilst all the elements of a mythic landscape are present. Robin Hood's Bay is just soaked in stories of shipwrecks, smugglers, sailors and the supernatural. Surrounded by the moors and facing the North Sea, it’s the perfect setting for a ghost walk. It’s really a very magical and very old little village. It’s expensive - to live here and come on holiday - but is surrounded by wonderful campsites.'
whitbystoryteller.co.uk
Hovingham
The charm factor: A very green village, with the hill at the south end plus Coronation Green opposite the hotel, and two greens in the centre opposite Hovingham Hall. Houses old and new are built in local stone and the village is bustling with events, shops and community spirit.
Best address: Frances Bowling, Operations Director for Fine & Country, says: “Church Street, adjacent to the bakery, is a brilliant spot. It’s a lovely bakery in a very pretty location next to the ford over the beck.”
Stroll & see: One of the best Hovingham sights is looking over the village from the top of the hill to the south. On a clear day you can see over to the moors. For walkers, the Ebor way comes from Terrington through the village and out along the Spa Road to Cawton.
I live here and love it… Mark Wilson, tenant farmer and Vice Chairman of the Parish Council
'I think it may surprise people just how much goes on in the village. There really is a fantastic community spirit. People come together, both long-standing and newer residents, not only to socialise but with working groups to get jobs done. These include litter picks, washing the signs and helping to keep the village looking great. Having lived here all my life I would say the village is as vibrant as I can remember.'
Bishop Burton
The charm factor: Characterised by its white-painted houses, two ponds and medieval church, Bishop Burton is rooted in farming and is home to one of the leading agricultural colleges in the country. It was once described by the architect Harold Packington as “one of the fairest villages in the land”.
Stroll & see: A circular walk round the village, starting from the Mere, takes in sights and history including All Saints Church and the site of the Archbishops Palace. For the more intrepid, the Wolds Way is within striking distance.
Surprising fact: There is evidence of the village having been occupied since 1600 BC, with Bronze Age round barrows visible in the southwest of the village. Ancient Roman artefacts have also been found.
Best address: It’s a sought after village for good reason, with desirable addresses all over. The views of the pond from Church Lane are tranquil and beautiful, while Mill Lane offers seclusion combined with some wow-factor houses.
Coxwold
The charm factor: Sitting at the southwest of the North York Moors National Park, Coxwold is chocolate-box pretty, with its honey-coloured stone cottages and 15th-century church. Just down the road lies Kilburn, with its iconic White Horse.
Best address: Frances Bowling, Operations Director for Fine & Country, says: 'Coxwold is not far from York, and has a really nice variety and mix of houses. It’s a one-street, sleepy little village, with a gorgeous church. Thirsk Bank, with its view of the church, is the perfect spot.'
Stroll & see: For amazing views of the village, head in the direction of Newburgh Priory, then climb up the hill to High Leys farm. From here, on a clear day, you can see not just Coxwold, but also Byland Abbey, Ampleforth, Thirsk and Sutton Bank. The White Horse of Kilburn, cut into the south-west face of Sutton Bank, is 318 feet long, 220 feet high and covers about 1.6 acres. It was created in 1857.
Did you know?: Laurence Sterne, author of the literary sensation Tristram Shandy, lived in Shandy Hall in Coxwold from 1760 until his death in 1768. The hall is now a lived-in museum and literary house that celebrates the life and works of Sterne.
Runswick Bay
The charm factor: A bit of a hidden gem amongst the more well known coastal towns in North Yorkshire. Runswick Bay remains a charming pedestrianised village with narrow alleyways and beach views, while the beach itself is the ideal spot to make memories of rock pooling, crabbing and building sandcastles.
Stroll & see: Head up onto the Cleveland Way along to Kettleness or, if you’re feeling adventurous, keep going on to Sandsend. It’s a walk with both spectacular views and history, with the old railway line and the landscapes left behind by mining industry.
Best address: The houses are perched all the way up the cliff face, so you’re guaranteed glorious views from wherever you are (though your house might occasionally move a few inches down the cliff!). Whether you’re right on the edge of the bay or a bit higher up Runswick Lane, you can’t go wrong.
Top tradition: It’s been said that in one of the caves, or hob holes, in Runswick Bay lived a goblin that could cure villagers’ children of whooping cough!
Clapham
The charm factor: Set along either side of a trickling beck, Clapham is the quintessential sleepy Yorkshire village, unbothered by traffic and the heavy footfall of the nearby Lakes and Skipton. With traditional dry stone walls and arched bridges, there is a photo opportunity at every corner.
Stroll & see: If a meander around the village isn’t energetic enough, head up the road to Ingleton Waterfalls. Come rain or shine, the falls are spectacular, with unspoilt surroundings and an opportunity to explore nature and geological features you just don’t see every day. It’s a bit of a climb in places, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Best address: You’re never too far away from the beck, which is one of the village’s star attractions. Riverside and Church Avenue take the prime spot, but set just behind them, the likes of Cross Haw Lane offer tranquillity that is second to none.
Did you know? Yorkshire-born playwright and author Alan Bennett has a house in Clapham, so you may find yourself in distinguished company if you pay a visit.
