The Top 6 Prettiest Villages in Yorkshire to Visit
Haworth, England
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This guide presents 5 of the prettiest villages that you must visit in Yorkshire if you are looking for the perfect English countryside getaway. All of these destinations are easily accessible through public transport and make for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
Where are the best places to visit in Yorkshire?
The Bronte Parsonage Museum, Haworth, Yorkshire
1. Howarth
Haworth is a hillside village settled in the Yorkshire Pennines. If you’re a literature lover, you will definitely want to add this destination to your UK bucket list as this is where the Bronte sisters penned some of the most iconic novels in British literature such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey.
Their house has now been transformed into a museum, telling their remarkable story. The Bronte Parsonage Museum is open to the public Wednesday- Sunday from 10am - 5pm. Admission prices are £12.50 but if you are a student or 65+, make sure to bring your ID to get a discount!
You can take a stroll through the picturesque countryside that envelops the village—the very landscapes that sparked inspiration for the Bronte sisters.
Haworth’s highstreet is lined with many shops, boutiques, pubs, cafes, and ice cream parlours that are fun to explore and indulge.
And before you leave, don’t miss a visit to Mrs. Beighton’s Sweet Shop, where you can indulge in a nostalgic treat, reminiscent of the candy shops of your childhood dreams
2. Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is a market town tucked away in Upper Calder Valley. Known for its artistic vibes and friendly, down-to-earth people, this is the Yorkshire spot I will forever keep coming back to. With a train station just a short distance from town centre, it is easily accessible from popular cities, such as Leeds or Manchester.
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
Whether you are visiting Hebden Bridge Markets, catching a show at the Little Theatre, or finding yourself on a hike through Hardcastle Crags, this area is full of things to do and experience.
Hebden Bridge Markets, West Yorkshire
3. Harrogate
Harrogate, a Victorian spa town steeped with history, is located in North Yorkshire in between Leeds and York. Similar to the other destinations in this list, Harrogate is very accessible by train and the layout of the town makes it an easy place to explore on foot.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
This destination has been a retreat for the rich and famous since the 17th century when it was discovered that the spa water contained iron which was a popular treatment for the unwell.
If you're looking for a delightful afternoon tea experience, I can’t think of a better place to enjoy on than here in Harrogate. Betty’s Tea Room has been nestled in the heart of the town since 1919. Indulge in a lovely spread of refreshments and some of the best tea around, making for a truly pleasant afternoon.
Valley Gardens, Harrogate, England
Valley Gardens provides acres of park-land and themed gardens to explore making it a great spot to spend a relaxing afternoon taking in the beauty of nature. Like many parks in England, you will find a small cafe where you can get ice cream on a hot day or a warm drink for a winter stroll. There are also a number of historic buildings including The Sun Pavillion that acts as a popular venue spot for weddings and other intimate gatherings.
4. Knaresborough
Close to Harrogate, you will find the small Yorkshire town of Knaresborough. This whimsical destination is settled on the River Nidd with the tall viaduct acting as a picturesque focal point for this town.
Knaresborough, Yorkshire
On a day out to Knaresborough, take a stroll alongside River Nidd and visit riverside cafes that seem to add to the fairytale-like character of the town. You can even rent row boats and enjoy a day touring the river.
With a stunning view over the river, the historic Knaresborough Castle ruins are a beautiful place to stop and absorb the sights, sounds, and history of the area.
Just around the corner from castle lies the town square which is home to shops, cafes, and one of my favorite bakeries in England, Thomas the Baker.
Side note: I have a friend from Knaresborough and for some reason, this is one of the hardest Yorkshire names to pronounce in an American accent (lol!). This little happenstance provided lots of laughter in my Uni flat every time I attempted to pronounce “neuhz·buh·ruh.”
5. Saltaire
Just a short train ride from Leeds, you will find Saltaire, Yorkshire’s own UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1851 and 1871, this Victorian village is so well-preserved you feel like you are stepping into what life was like for the textile mill workers here in the late 1800’s.
While the town and the facade remains the same, the inside of Salts Mill has been reimagined as a vibrant artistic hub, featuring multiple shops, bookstores, restaurants, and cafes. You can lose yourself in a day of endless exploration through this captivating maze of artistic wonders.
As you take yourself on a walking tour around the town, you can find many points of interest marked with signs telling the story of the village and the characters who have lived here over the years.
Roberts Park acts as a lovely place of respite after you explore the town. You can sit and have a picnic next to the river or even take a short boat ride.
6. Grassington
Fans of All Creatures Great and Small will recognize this charming village as it served as the filming location for many scenes in this Channel 5 series.
Whether you are exploring the Grassington Folk Museum or hiking the nearby Linton Falls, this sweet town is a slice of heaven nestled in hills of the Yorkshire Dales.
If you happen to be a fan of James Herriot and All Creatures Great and Small, I highly recommend checking out this day-long guided tour that takes you through James Herriot’s life and adventures. Discover why he spent his life capturing the beauty of Yorkshire and the love he had for the Dales.
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