Part of what makes God’s Own County so brilliant is the abundance of glorious market towns there are to explore, each with their own unique charm.
What’s more wholesome than wandering around a Yorkshire market town, discovering artisanal goods and locally-made produce, lunching in independent cafés and eateries and quenching your thirst in traditional country pubs? With historic monuments to marvel at and scenery that looks straight off a postcard, the beauty of Yorkshire’s market towns has to be seen to be believed. So we’ve put together this handy list of the most stunning amongst them, to help you choose which to visit first.
Malton
Credit: Richard Ponter
Known as “a town of markets and makers”, Malton is a foodie’s dream. It’s located between York and Scarborough, at the foothills of the North Yorkshire Moors and though it’s surrounded by quiet countryside, the town itself is far from sleepy. There’s always something going on, including a traditional Saturday market that’s not to be missed.
The town is brimming with independent shops, family-run cafés and boutique restaurants. It’s also steeped in history with streets and architecture dating as far back as the Roman era. When you visit, be sure to check out Talbot Yard, where many of Malton’s top artisan producers are based. The Shambles is also a highlight with its eclectic mix of independent shops, specialising in everything from antiques to crafts.
Best time to visit: Visit in August for the Malton Beer & Gin Festival.
How to get there: You can get to Malton using Coastliner buses from York and Leeds or on TransPennine and Northern train routes.
Knaresborough
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Perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd, there’s no doubt that Knaresborough is one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque towns. It’s incredibly popular with tourists all year round, who come to see Mother Shipton’s Cave, the delightful promenade, medieval streets and the majestic railway viaduct that offers breathtaking views as the train rolls into the station – photo-ops aplenty!
The town’s marketplace is perfect for lounging with a cup of tea or delicious homebaked treat in the daytime and on Wednesdays, it’s full of stalls where you can grab everything from healthy wholefoods to fresh flowers. There are boats for hire, allowing you to explore the river Nidd in leisurely style, and traffic-free cycle routes that connect the town to Harrogate, Bilton and Ripley, via idyllic fields and countryside pubs.
Best time to visit: Visit during the summer and take a sunny boat trip along the river Nidd.
How to get there: You can get to Knaresborough on TransPennine and Northern train routes.
Helmsley
Credit: Visit North Yorkshire/ROAM
If you love the great outdoors and historic, listed buildings, Helmsley is the place for you. You can amble around the Discovery Trail and take in the majority of the town’s key attractions, including the scenic beck, bustling market place and the striking castle, or venture further afield into the heather landscapes and hidden valleys of the nearby North Yorkshire Moors.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely day out, grab some lunch from one of the town’s many delicious delis, bakeries or cafés and settle down for a picnic amongst the stunning blooms and floral arches on the castle’s walled gardens. With an array of welcoming pubs and restaurants, luxury spa hotels and cosy cottages, wet weather shouldn’t put you off either.
Best time to visit: Visit during late spring or early autumn to see the heather in full bloom.
How to get there: You can get to Helmsley using TransPennine and Northern trains to York or Malton then get a local bus that will take you directly to Helmsley market place.
Bedale
Bedale is a small, stunning market town in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, known for its quality agriculture, storied history and Bedale Beck that flows from Wensleydale right through the town. Its web of cobbled streets are home to two renowned butchers and a variety of independent shops selling jewellery, antiques, gifts and more.
Market day is on Tuesday, a tradition dating back to 1251, and visitors can enjoy the museum at Bedale Hall, the striking Georgian architecture and obscure history of Leech House, and the family-friendly, farm fun at the Big Sheep and Little Cow. Nature enthusiasts can also check out one of the finest collections of trees in the country at Thorp Perrow Arboretum on the outskirts of the town and for food, we recommend a stop at The Fox and Hound.
Best time to visit: Visit in late spring or autumn to see the blossoming trees or spectacular red acer leaves at Thorp Perrow Arboretum.
How to get there: You can get to Bedale using TransPennine or LNER trains to Northallerton where you can then get a local bus 73 into Bedale that takes roughly 30 minutes.
Richmond
Outstanding historic buildings, a quaint cobbled market square and leafy riverside scenery make Richmond one of the most alluring and spirited market towns in the whole country. The town sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, making it a perfect base for anyone wanting to explore the dramatic landscapes of the national park. For a real rural retreat, we recommend a stay at a Hewn cabin, where you can unwind in the hot tub or sauna before taking on Richmond’s sights.
There’s Yorkshire heritage at every turn, with a great variety of museums and ancient attractions and landmarks including Easby Abbey and of course, Richmond Castle. The food however, is as contemporary as it comes, with a choice of international cuisine and modern British fare for you to fill up on. There’s plenty of culture to enjoy too, with offerings from the Georgian Theatre Royale (Britain’s oldest working theatre), indie shops stocked with unique artisan wares and several art galleries to peruse.
Best time to visit: Visit over the Christmas period when the town is transformed into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights and cosy country pubs.
How to get there: You can get to Richmond using TransPennine or LNER trains to Darlington where you can then get the local X27 bus into Richmond that takes roughly 30 minutes.
Stokesley
A northern gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors, Stokesley is an elegant, peaceful market town adorned with impressive Victorian and Georgian buildings. It sits just south of Middlesbrough and has a historic market square that’s been in use since the 13th century. The banks of the River Leven, which runs through the town, are great for leisurely strolls and picnics.
Amongst Stokesley’s more remarkable sights is the impressive St Peter and St Paul’s Church with enchanting stained glass windows and architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. The absolute gem of the town, however, has to be the views of Roseberry Topping. The iconic hill is visible from the east end of the town along with an ancient mill and a horizon of the moors’ green peaks. In late summer through autumn, Roseberry Topping is blanketed with heather, making it all the more stunning and prime for a climb. Ramblers can also enjoy the famous Wainstone’s walking route which is nearby.
Best time to visit: Visit in late summer and early autumn to see Roseberry Topping turn violet with heather.
How to get there: You can get to Stokesley using TransPennine, Northern or Grand Central trains to Middlesbrough or Great Ayton where you can then get local buses to Stokesley that take 55 minutes from Middlesbrough and less than 10 minutes from Great Ayton.
Leyburn
Located in the famous cheese-producing valley of Wensleydale, Leyburn is ‘a town for all seasons’. With incredible panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, niche local shops and cafés, a smattering of traditional pubs and a weekly Friday market, it’s perfect for all kinds of breaks, whether you want to walk the Dales, take in the sights or simply enjoy the serenity.
It’s a great base to explore some pretty spectacular natural landmarks. Aysgarth Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring areas of natural beauty in the North, is just a stone’s throw from Leyburn. Wildlife-lovers should look out for squirrels and deer on the falls’ edge and salmon leaping out the water in the autumn. If culture and history’s more your thing, check out Bolton Castle, home to frequent events like plays and historical workshops such as Medieval archery.
Best time to visit: Visit in mid-October for the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival.
How to get there: You can get to Leyburn using TransPennine, LNER, CrossCountry or Grand Central trains to Darlington where you can then get local X27 and 159 buses to Leyburn that take roughly 1 hour.
Penistone
Credit: Barnsley Council
On the other side of the county lies Penistone. The market town sits at the highest altitude of any in the region and is widely considered one of South Yorkshire’s best kept secrets. It’s the ideal stay for anyone looking to explore the Pennines, with a range of walking routes of varying intensities. There are also several reservoirs, rivers and woodland areas where you can enjoy marvelous views and rural tranquility.
Many heritage sites and museums are also easily accessed from the town, including Cannon Hall Museum & Park, Wortley Hall and Wortley Top Forge. The town itself can be dated back to the beginning of the Norman Conquest in 1066 and it has several historic buildings, including the White Heart Hotel (formerly the White Hart pub) which was built all the way back in 1377.
Best time to visit: Visit on Thursday or Saturday mornings for the Penistone Barn Market.
How to get there: You can get to Penistone using Northern trains from Huddersfield or Sheffield that take between 30 and 45 minutes depending on your departure station.
Masham
Credit: Visit North Yorkshire/Wendy McDonnell
Masham is a North Yorkshire market town that’s absolutely brimming with character. The local community is tight-knit and warm, and there are plenty of curious cultural wonders to uncover as you take in the beautiful views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s wild swimming available in the lily-fringed lake on the Swinton Estate, or you can simply enjoy exploring the 200 acres of heritage parkland instead, with its dedicated deer park and luscious floral gardens. Hobbyists will have lots to get on with too, with glassblowing, gin-making, clay shooting and falconry all at your disposal, as well as independent craft shops stocked with one-of-a-kind finds.
Best time to visit: Visit during fawning season between April and July for a peek at the baby deer on Swinton Estate.
How to get there: You can get to Masham using TransPennine, LNER or Grand Central trains to Northallerton where you can then get local buses 73 and 144 to Masham that take roughly 45 minutes.
Hebden Bridge
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Tucked away in the Upper Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a creative countryside haven, popular with art enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike. Despite being one of the smallest towns in West Yorkshire, it’s known for its vibrant culture scene and all-round bohemian vibe, with galleries and performance spaces set beside historic buildings and natural beauty spots.
Artists and collectors flock to the town each year for the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival and the Hebden Bridge Vintage weekend. Whenever you choose to visit, you’re sure to discover gems in the many independent shops that sell everything from books to antiques and crafts. The food and drink scene is also worth checking out, with cosy cafés, pubs, restaurants and delicious delis on every corner. We recommend Mooch or The Hermit for a rustic retrat but the town has officially been a Fair Trade Zone for over 10 years, so there’s no shortage of sustainably sourced, fresh fare.
Best time to visit: Visit in mid-July for the Happy Valley Pride & Queer Arts Festival.
How to get there: You can get to Hebden Bridge using Northern trains from Manchester or Leeds that take between 30 to 50 minutes depending on your departure station.
Todmorden
Just down the road from Hebden Bridge, you’ll find Todmorden, a small market town with a big heart and expansive industrial history. It’s surrounded by the beautiful vistas of The Pennine hills and is a brilliant base for walking, cycling and bird watching in the nearby valleys.
History buffs can roam the ancient packhorse trails and marvel at the classical architecture of buildings like the Town Hall and Dobroyd Castle. The Stoodley Pike Monument also towers over the town and is worth the long ramble to see it up close. The walk takes you along the Rochdale Canal and past Gaddings Dam so you can get your fill of stunning natural views. If you work up an appetite on the way, don’t worry, there’s plenty of great food on offer, whether it’s locally sourced produce or a slap-up meal from a great restaurant.
Best time to visit: Visit in spring to catch the return of migrant bird breeds like swifts and warblers.
How to get there: You can get to Todmorden using Northern trains from Manchester or Leeds that take between 25 minutes to 1 hour depending on your departure station.
Baildon
Sandwiched between Saltaire and Ilkley, Baildon is the perfect place to stay for a West Yorkshire adventure. It sits on the edge of sprawling moorland, borders the Yorkshire Dales and Brontë County, and is part of the new Bradford Pennine Gateway Nature reserve. There’s lots to do for visitors of all ages and tastes.
Rombalds Moor, stretching from Baildon to Ilkley, is great for long hikes and cycling. Alternatively, you can take in the scenery and rest your legs on the Shipley Glen Tramway which runs between Baildon and the historic Saltaire – when the weather’s nice, it’s worth stopping off in the Glen itself to enjoy a picturesque picnic amongst the heather. The area is rich in different wildlife to look out for and the Al Treka alpaca farm always puts a smile on the faces of animal lovers. Foodies aren’t left out either, with tasty grub available at the many restaurants (we recommend a curry from Rupali) and a monthly farmers market where you can buy locally-grown produce.
Best time to visit: Visit in July for Baildon Carnival or in the Autumn months for scenic walks through Shipley Glen.
How to get there: Get to Baildon using Northern trains from Bradford that take roughly 20 minutes.
Pocklington
Credit: Rod Smith
Just 15 miles outside of York, Pocklington is a scenic, serene market town on the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. Its rich history can be seen in the 17th-century red pantile roofs and winding cobbled snickets surrounding the market place. The market itself comes alive every Tuesday, with vendors hawking everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and artisan furniture. You’ll also find a good few independent shops throughout the town including fashion boutiques and sustainable shops.
The standout heritage sights include the Pocklington Arts Centre, a charming 18th-century building that still hosts arts and culture events throughout the year. The All Saints Church is also well worth checking out for its stunning architecture, ornate stained glass windows and prominent bell tower. The greatest gem of the town is Burnby Hall Gardens, home to Europe’s largest collection of lilies, and eight acres of differently landscaped gardens – it’s perfect for peaceful walks and picnics.
Best time to visit: Visit during spring for the Tulip Festival at Burnby Hall or in October for the annual Burnby Hall Barn Dance fundraiser.
How to get there: You can get to Pocklington using the local X46 bus from York.
Grassington
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Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Grassington is a den of natural and historical wonder. The quaint market town is set against a plush backdrop of rolling hills and woodland and there’s an abundance of footpaths, lanes and tracks for walkers and cyclists of varying abilities.
It’s one of the world’s International Dark Sky Reserves, so you won’t have to camp out of town for spectacular stargazing. During the day, you can explore the rich historical heritage (including archeological sites dating as far back as 2000BC), or eat your way through the many country pubs and cute cafés. We recommend the afternoon teas at The Stripey Badger Coffee and Bookshop if you want a quintessential Yorkshire day out.
Best time to visit: Visit in June for the Grassington Festival of music, comedy & arts.
How to get there: You can get to Grassington using Northern or LNER trains to Skipton where you can then get the local bus 72 to Grassington that takes roughly 25 minutes.
