Five of the prettiest market towns and villages in Yorkshire

Hebden Bridge 

Hebden Bridge is a laid-back, bohemian gem with a creative soul and bags of charm. Stroll along the Rochdale Canal, explore Victorian terraces, browse independent shops and stop for tea and homemade cake at a cosy café. A magnet for artists, outdoor lovers and music fans, the town is home to the Trades Club, a revered live music venue, and the Hebden Bridge Picture House, a quaint single-screen cinema. 

Stay at Hey Farm Barn, an exceptional barn renovation for couples, with charming Marsden a stroll downhill and the glorious National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags nearby.

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Staithes 

A picture-perfect fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast, Staithes is all winding lanes, cliffside cottages and sea views. Once a bustling port, today this sweet higgledy-piggledy fishing village is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, walkers and seafood fans. Wander down to the beach for crab sandwiches or hop aboard a wildlife-spotting boat trip. With the dramatic North York Moors rising behind the village, it’s ideal for windswept walks followed by tea and chips in a cosy café. 

Stay at Manor Cottage at Egton Estate, a pretty 1911 stone cottage in the grounds of an elegant manor house.

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Malton

Often crowned Yorkshire’s food capital, Malton is a buzzing Georgian market town with a strong farm-to-fork ethos. The monthly food market is a feast of award-winning local produce, street food, and live music. Explore traditional butchers, bakers and fishmongers, or try your hand at gin-making at Rare Bird Distillery. The town is full of surprises, from indie shops and gelato stalls to riverside walks and great pubs. 

Stay at Garden Cottage at Ganthorpe Hall, the sweetest stone cottage for two in a peaceful hamlet; come for long walks and lazy evenings, country houses and a thriving foodie scene. 

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Ilkley 

With its spa town roots and leafy Victorian avenues, Ilkley is elegant, relaxed and just the right side of fancy. Imagine a miniature Harrogate and you’ve pretty much hit the nail on the head. Set on the edge of the Dales, it’s known for the Ilkley Literature Festival, its heated open-air lido, and the iconic Betty’s Tea Rooms. Stroll the riverside gardens, browse independent shops or hike Ilkley Moor before finishing with a proper brew and a big slice of cake. 

Stay at Lodge Cottages, two perfect cottages for couples: one is chocolate-box-heaven, the other fresh and modern, both are sweetly romantic and there’s a pub next door.

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Helmsley 

This honey-stoned market town ticks all the boxes – historic, scenic and full of life. Visit Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, and the award-winning Helmsley Walled Garden, then refuel at a tea shop or bakery with something sweet. Friday is market day, a tradition going back over 600 years. You’ll find fresh produce, gifts, flowers and street food. Don’t miss a dip in the heated open-air pool. They even host midnight swims on the solstice. 

Stay at The Owl at Hawnby, a refurbished pub in a village high in the hills of the North York Moors, with stylish rooms and unpretentious food using quality ingredients.

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