Feature

10 of the prettiest villages to visit in Yorkshire

Let me get a picture.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 27th September 2024

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.

Let us know on our Instagram page if we've missed one.

  1. Haworth

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.

  1. Heptonstall
Credit: Instagram, @christxanjaemes

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.

  1. Thornton-le-Dale 

With a taste of old and new, Thornton-le-Dale is the perfect people pleaser, attracting visitors from all over the country and even abroad. 

Take it easy by appreciating the architecture of the past with thatched houses or if you’re more of a thrill seeker Flamingo Land isn’t too far away.

What’s even more enticing is the wide variety of beautiful staycation spots around the village.

  1. Robin Hood’s Bay
Credit: Instagram, @joel.paul.94

Six miles south from some of the best fish and chips, Whitby, this next village is already guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

Featured as the terminating point of the Coast to Coast walk, this photogenic fishing village has some grand views looking out towards the North Sea.

  1. Runswick Bay
Runswick Bay is one of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire. Credit: www.jamesalroca.com
Runswick Bay is one of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire. Credit: www.jamesalroca.com

Also not too far from the land of fish and chips, this coastal village boasts cliffside views and sandy beaches.

There’s two natural springs at this location, meaning guests can sample the waters of this Yorkshire village straight from the source.

There’s also a chance for people watching as you can take in the scenery while seeing some of the boats on the bay setting sail. 

  1. Swanland

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!

  1. Esholt 

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.

  1. Hutton-le-Hole
Credit: Instagram @adve_nturesinyorkshire

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.

  1. Grassington
Credit: Instagram, @christani14

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.

  1. Wentworth
Credit: Instagram, @yorkshire_pudding

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! 

Read more: Rick Stein shouts out Leeds’ very own Bundobust on BBC Breakfast

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!

Featured Image: Instagram, @duffers102

Feature

The charming French bistro that’s been a Leeds favourite for over 30 years

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991. 

You've probably walked past Sous Le Nez hundreds of times and not popped in.

But if we can convince you to do anything, it's to head down those unassuming stairs on Quebec Street and ask for a table.

Set in a cavernous basement, the space is full of nooks and crannies, and in a flash, you’ll be whisked away to the South of France with stellar service and white tablecloths to match.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Their food is classic French cuisine done to an excellent standard.

We're talking indulgent French onion soup, rich pan-seared duck breast, juicy rump steak with silky peppercorn sauce and moule-frites served in a sauce good enough for drinking.

And if the food isn't enough to get you excited, then wait until you hear about the wine list.

Featuring over 300 wines, you'll find a tipple to suit every taste and every flavour on the menu.

As well as its a la carte menu, they offers it's menu du soir which is available until 6:45pm on weekdays and on a Saturday lunch time.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

It includes three courses including half a bottle of excellent wine per person. I mean, you really can't get better value then that, can you?

More recently, renowned food critic Jay Rayner praised Sous Le Nez for its fabulous food and we couldn't agree more. And if it's good enough for Jay, then it's certainly good enough for us.

This is the sort of spot that is full of regulars no matter the time of day, whether they’re stopping by for a quick lunch or indulging in their evening menu - it’s no surprise they’ve been a firm Leeds favourite for over 30 years. 

You can find out more about Sous Le Nez and book your table here.

Read more: Leeds bistro earns praise from renowned food critic Jay Rayner

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Feature

How to spend a day in Hillsborough, one of Sheffield’s best-loved neighbourhoods

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Venture out of the city centre to Hillsborough and allow us to plan your day.

We all know Hillsborough for its stadium, as well as its park which holds Sheffield's own Tramline festival and other events across the year.

But there's more to the neighbourhood then that, with its own bustling high street that's bursting with independents waiting to welcome you in.

So - you've just got to S6, here's what you're going to do...

Grab a coffee from Depot Bakery

Coach House, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD

Images: The Sheff

You can't start a day of exploring without getting a healthy dose of caffeine in your system, and Depot Bakery is the best spot for it.

Established in 2014, this artisan bakery serves up beautiful bakes and fabulous coffee, all on the doorstep of Hillsborough Park which, coincidentally, brings us onto our next activity...

Have a wander around Hillsborough Park

Images: The Sheff

Okay, I know we said that the suburb had more to it than its park, but you can't go without having a gander through the greenery, right?

Grab your coffee to-go, have a mooch and breathe in that fresh Yorkshire air. There's also a play area if you're bringing the little ones too.

Grab some lunch at Frenzy

94 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA

Images: The Sheff

After all that walking and mooching you'll have most definitely worked up an appetite, and Frenzy is a great spot for a light bite.

This Mediterranean-inspired cafe serve everything from toasted focaccia sandwiches and salads to topped yoghurt bowls loaded with fresh fruit.

Explore Middlewood Road

Images: The Sheff

Time for some shopping, and Middlewood Road is Hillsborough's own little high street full of independent shops that are perfect for perusing.

A highlight is the gorgeous Hillsborough Bookshop that is proudly indie and bringing a specially curate collection of colourful, inclusive and representative books to S6.

Enjoy dinner at The Orange Bird

 78 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA

Images: The Sheff

This is not only one of our favourite restaurants in Hillsborough, but it's one of our top spots in the whole of Sheffield.

Known for serving irresistible South African flavours, this place is just that little bit special and everything you order will be a big hitter amongst the table. Their lamb served on a bed of hummus is quite literally one of our death row dishes.

Read more: The Hillsborough restaurant redefining bold South African flavours in Sheffield

Featured images - The Sheff

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