Who said you have to travel far and wide to find great places to see when they’re right on our doorstep?
Yorkshire is packed with lovely little hubs of delight, whether you love independent shops or exploring former film sets.
This county has lots to offer in every one of its lush green corners.
But navigating an area so large would be tricky to do solo, which is why we’re here to highlight 10 of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire that are a must-see.
Home to great literature, cosy little shops and some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful scenery, Haworth has got to go on your bucket list.
Get lost along the cobbles of Main Street and take your time in the vintage-themed sweet shop or find that thing you never knew you needed in the old-timey gift and bath soap shop which are right across from each other.
Whether it's the warmth of the Yorkshire sun or the warmth of the locals, this neat village is a treat for the soul.
After some healing food and conversation, the picturesque Church and Churchyard of St Thomas the Apostle even find yourself walking past American novelist Sylvia Plath who is buried in this very site.
Unlike its name, Swanland actually has no resident swans living there, you can however find your own wings and soar the heights of Yorkshire, being a nine minute drive from the Humber Bridge.
There’s walks, golf and gift shops. You can also glide along the (frozen) waters just like a... swan? This gem of a village is only a 14 minute drive away from Hull Ice Arena, there’s just so much to do!
Ever fancied accomplishing your childhood dream to be on TV? The name of the pub situated in the heart of this village might ring a bell, The Woolpack.
Not too far away from Bradford, Esholt is home to the TV soap Emmerdale and was the original filming site of the classic tea-time programme. Treat yourself to some pub grub while soaking up some British pop culture.
There’s something so eye-catching about grass and greenery, something which Hutton-le-Hole has lots of.
Besides admiring its natural beauty, visitors can nourish their sweet tooth with a trip to The Chocolate Factory then tour the landscape with a long-list of hiking trails to complete. This village doubles as a free farm as well with sheep walking alongside you as you drive around.
As much as the bright blue skies of Yorkshire are the ideal backdrop for any landscape, in this rural village, there’s lots to offer beneath the surface too being a 12 minute drive from Stump Cross Caverns.
There’s plenty of activities and things to see, from Linton Falls and Grass Wood nature reserve, so you’ll never have a dull day at this destination.
Our final village has its own very impressive mansion, Wentworth Woodhouse. Here you can explore the gardens or live the regal lifestyle by tucking into an afternoon tea in this 18th century stately home.
Wentworth even has a garden centre with its own family farm. You can spot pigs, llamas and goats when you visit but they’re constantly changing which adorable animals they have, this means you have the perfect excuse to visit again!
It’s impossible to list every single hidden beauty of Yorkshire but we hope this guide made planning your next day-out or staycation that little bit easier!
It's been a very busy start to 2026 so far this year in Leeds, and we're definitely not complaining.
It's safe to say our city is thriving, we've welcomed everything from shops and Italian cafes to tequila bars in just two months.
In case you've missed any of them, allow us to give you the lowdown of what's new in the city.
So, without further ado...
Salon Madre
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds welcomed its newest late-night destination last Friday, and it’s going down as smoothly as its tequila. Salon Madre is a Mexican-inspired bar with a dedicated margarita menu, fabulous food, and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to get up dancing almost immediately. And if you fancy unleashing your competitive side, then there’s plenty of pool tables ready and waiting to be played.
A slice of Puglia has landed over in Pudsey with this fabulous Italian cafe. Nodding to his hometown of Puglia, Fabio has created the Italian experience right here in Leeds, inviting people to swing by for Italian coffee, homemade pizza slices, as well as gelato by the cone (or tub) full.
Topshop
John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One for the girlies… because Topshop is officially BACK in Leeds. The iconic high-street favourite has returned, taking over a dedicated space inside John Lewis inside Victoria Gate and yes, we’re already planning the outfit rotations. After Topshop and Topman disappeared from the high street back in 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the gap in our wardrobes. And of course… Joni jeans, we’ve missed you dearly.
Pollini's Pizza
Lands Lane, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are known for dishing out huge New York-style pizza slices for less than £4 in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 2022. And now with a second site in Leeds, the big boy slices are making their way across the city, from classic margaritas to meat feasts.
And you best believe we were the first people down to grab it, because we can’t resist a slice from Pollini's.
Pop Mart
Briggate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pop Mart officially opened on Briggate in January, and Leeds turned out in full force with queues stretching all the way down Thornton’s Arcade. With endless blind boxes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a Labubu girlie or obsessed with the Crybaby series, you can now get your favourites right here in Leeds.
Inside Kerala Canteen – the world’s first Kerala tapas restaurant in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Thomas Melia -
27th September 2024 
