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!
The Japanese green tea is having its moment, and we're absolutely here for it.
So, we've taken it upon ourselves to venture out and explore the city for the best matcha spots and trust us, we've found some good ones.
From your classic matcha latte to blue banana matcha, there's a tea-riffic matcha beverage to suit everyone (sorry).
So keep reading and pick out your next spot which you're keen to try.
RAW Coffee
10 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a bit of a matcha snob then this is the place to go as owners Anya and James pride themselves on serving up only real, authentic matcha.
And they're constantly coming up with unique specials too including the beautiful banana blue matcha which is the perfect gateway matcha for those of you who find the green stuff a bit too 'grassy'.
It's such a lovely spot and the staff are super friendly and will be happy to help you decide which matcha you're going to go for, to drink-in or takeaway.
Federal
Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Not only does this Aussie-style brunch spot make fantastic food but their matcha is flipping fantastic too. Coming in a range of flavours and perfect for on the go as they come in these adorable cans that look almost too good to crack open.
MADE
165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
New to Lower Briggate, this lovely new opening is home to super fresh acai bowls, hand-whisked matcha, Erewhon smoothie dupes, split cups, tuna-cado sarnies and wonderful staff to help you decide on your order.
Tsujiri
Leeds Kirkgate Market, Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now it wouldn't be a guide to matcha without Tsujiri, would it? These guys are committed to giving the people of Leeds some of the highest-grade Japanese green tea you can get your hands on.
It's the most authentic you'll find in the city, and you can even get it in the form of soft serve ice cream and decadent crepe cakes. Yum.
Cup + Lid
29 The Headrow, LS1 6PU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Four words - White Chocolate Matcha Latte. Yep, that's what these hot chocolate specialists on The Headrow make and they're absolutely delicious.
You can also get your hands on loads of other matcha lattes, both hot and cold, including strawberry matcha, matcha milkshakes and vanilla matcha.
The Savvy Baker
27 Albion Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Famed for their epic bakes, The Savvy Baker on Albion Street also has a dedicated matcha bar inside it serving up some of the most creative flavours in the city. I mean they even do a cereal milk flavoured matcha, need we say more?
Pole Pole
60 North Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This calming little spot is serving up beautiful homemade cakes alongside fresh matcha; nestled just outside the city centre, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Sonder
27-28, Grand Arcade, 20 Merrion St, LS1 6PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For the most aesthetic matcha in Leeds, head to Sonder. The interior here will get you feeling like you've been transported to Ibiza as you relax on their beautiful boucle sofa and drink out of trendy glasses.
But it's not just all for show, the matcha is expertly made and you can even treat yourself to a matcha croisssant whilst you're at it.
Hii Grind
King Edward St, LS1 6BR
Matcha is known for its multiple health benefits, but if you want to multiply that then head to Hii. GRIND. This new spot inside Flannels specialise in bright, colourful and most of all healthy dishes that make you glow from within.
We're talking matcha lattes, vibrant acai bowls, juice and smoothies.
Beloved Leeds bistro ‘over the moon’ after being named one of the best restaurants in the UK
Clementine Hall
It's just another accolade for Bavette as the neighbourhood bistro is crowned one of the best in the UK.
And they're just as excited as we are.
Voted for by the industry's best, the National Restaurant Awards include a list of the country's top 100 restaurants every single year.
Although the official awards ceremony and numbered list will take place in June, last week the restaurants that will be included received an adorable box of confetti through the post.
And one of our very own, unsurprisingly, received just that.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
And now, they've earned themselves a coveted spot in the top 100 restaurants in the UK.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here's what Bavette had to say after discovering the news: "Over the moon to get the news we’ve made it into @nationalrestaurantawards top 100 for this year.
"A list we’ve long since hugely admired and such a massive honour to make it this year. Voted for by industry grandees, the full list will be announced at their awards ceremony in June which we’ll be there for. Allez."
Congratulations Sandy, Clement and the wonderful team - this is absolutely so well deserved and we'll be cheering you on in June from the sidelines.
Thomas Melia -
27th September 2024 
