Think of Yorkshire and a pint of real ale, flat caps and picturesque villages come to mind. From market towns to quiet corners of the dales, this part of England is full to the brim with places worth visiting. Here are some of the top destinations where you can experience a real slice of life up north.
Surrounded by the sweeping North York Moors, Hutton-le-Hole is the perfect destination for a weekend away. The village is filled with delightful family-run shops and even has a local crafts workshop that produces its own ceramics, furnishings and even chocolates. The village also has many walking trails to explore.
For those of you looking for a quiet escape, the tranquil village of Appletreewick, known locally as Aptick, is ideal. Walking down the main road here, you could be forgiven for thinking you have gone back in time a few hundred years. Mountain bikes are available to hire from the village livery, offering an ideal way of exploring the picturesque landscape.
Home of world-famous Wensleydale cheese, the small market town of Hawes is one of the most popular destinations in the Yorkshire Dales. Dating back to the early 14th century, it has plenty o activities and events for the discerning day tripper, not least the still functioning creamery, which is open for tours. Come on a Tuesday for the popular market.
This historic fishing village, on the coastline of the North York Moors, features some magnificent views. Rich with local history, Robin Hood’s Bay has been home to everyone from sailors to smugglers. Inside the village, there is a host of things to see and do, including visiting the Old Coastguard Station, horse riding and sailing tours.
Just within the city limits of Bradford, and selected as a Unesco World Heritage site in the early 2000s, Saltaire is a well preserved industrial village. Built in 1851, it gets its name from Sir Titus Salt, a local entrepreneur. Take a stroll through the pretty streets and enjoy the Victorian architecture on display. The Salts Mill has been converted into an art gallery that houses a large collection of works by local boy David Hockney.