attraction

The picturesque medieval village in North Yorkshire has stunning historic landmarks and beautiful vistas – perfect for a peaceful weekend escape.

A charming village in Yorkshire is home to a hidden treasure that visitors simply can’t resist – it could be the ideal location for a quick escape. This tranquil village, tucked away in North Yorkshire’s stunning countryside, is being praised as the perfect place for a recharge, and it’s easy to see why.

The medieval village provides a unique window into England’s rich history, all while offering gorgeous attractions and breathtaking views. Appleton-le-Moors, a village and civil parish in the North York Moors National Park, is situated roughly two and a half miles north east of Kirkbymoorside. It’s also conveniently close to Pickering and seamlessly extends into the villages of Spaunton and Lastingham, located on the edge of the open moorland.

With a modest population of just 161 according to the 2021 census, Appleton-le-Moors’ name originates from an Old English term meaning ‘apple orchard’. It’s often cited as a near-perfect example of a planned village in the UK, boasting a lively community spirit. Perched on a hillside above a bend in the River Seven, Appleton-le-Moors is surrounded by fertile farmland crisscrossed by footpaths – making it the dream destination for walkers seeking picturesque landscapes.

Mentioned in the renowned Domesday Book, this ancient village has preserved its traditional medieval layout and remains a point of archaeological interest to this day. Appleton-le-Moors is a treasure trove of historical finds, with discoveries including a medieval oven, flint tools and Roman coins, reports Yorkshire Live.

Hidden gem church

The village is renowned for its historic building, Christ Church, often dubbed ‘the little gem of moorland churches’. This Grade I listed 19th-century church showcases exquisite craftsmanship and was designed by architect JL Pearson, the mastermind behind Britain’s famed Truro Cathedral. Christ Church exhibits Pearson’s signature French Gothic style, adorned with intricate decoration. Perhaps the church’s most celebrated feature is its Rose Window, echoing the design of the White Rose of York. The Rose Window’s stained-glass panels portray Christian virtues such as Hope, Faith, and Charity, and the church also boasts a tower crowned with a spire.

The Village Hall

Another notable landmark in Appleton-le-Moors is the Village Hall, also a creation of Pearson. The Victorian Gothic architect designed the Grade II listed building – formerly a school – and it was constructed in 1867 according to records. Major refurbishment works were carried out in the hall in 1999 and today, it stands as a focal point of the village, truly embodying rural life and serving as the heartbeat of the community. Visitors should not miss the village’s most famous spot, The Moors Inn, which has been operating as an inn since the 17th century.

The Reading Room

Another key structure in the historically rich village of Appleton-le-Moors is the Reading Room, erected in 1911 at the handsome cost of £75. The creation of the Reading Room is attributed to Joseph Page, a local butler living at Appleton Hall, who financed the construction. Its aim was to offer a place for villagers to mingle without succumbing to inebriation.

Village in Northumberland is a haven for those who love the great outdoors, with its stunning coastline, soft sandy beach and a stand-out harbour

Tucked away on Northumberland’s stunning coastline lies a village brimming with attractions and boasting spectacular views throughout the year.

Boasting pristine sandy beaches and a tranquil shoreline teeming with wildlife, it’s little surprise that Beadnell continues to draw visitors. It’s the perfect spot for anyone wanting to embrace the outdoors during a peaceful weekend break.

The beloved Beadnell Bay serves as a paradise for coastal rambles and watersports enthusiasts, appealing to walkers and thrill-seekers in equal measure. Yet its most distinctive characteristic remains the west-facing harbour.

Standing as the sole west-facing harbour along England’s eastern seaboard, it continues to function as a working fishing port. Whilst fishermen haul in wild salmon and sea trout, which are subsequently served to diners in the village’s eateries, crowds gather to witness some of the area’s most breathtaking sunsets.

The “fantastic” location attracts countless sunset chasers, with one visitor documenting their experience on TripAdvisor. They revealed: “Stumbled upon this beach whilst searching for a place to watch the sunset, and so pleased we did. A large car park is available just the other side of the dunes, and a stroll along the beach saw us reach the Lime Kilns.”

“Information boards are up here and well worth reading up on. Followed on with a little stroll around the village. So peaceful. Walked back along the beach just as the sun was setting, with the boats silhouetted. Such a peaceful spot and well worth stopping off at.”

Another visitor wrote: “Before travelling to Beadnell, we were not aware that Beadnell Harbour is the only west-facing harbour on the East Coast. We were very interested to learn the history of the few remaining lime kilns that are located adjacent to the harbour. From here, visitors have a good view of Beadnell Bay and Beach. Definitely worth a visit!”.

The beach offers a wealth of watersports opportunities, from surfing to windsurfing and kitesurfing, with the bay’s reliable winds and manageable waves making it ideal for both novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking prove particularly favoured amongst locals and tourists. During periods of calmer conditions, wakeboarding and waterskiing become popular pastimes, whilst the village’s sailing club, which has been a cornerstone of the community for more than four decades, continues to thrive.

A review on TripAdvisor states: “The best beach in Northumberland! The car park is right next to the beach entrance and is free for the first hour. The dog-friendly beach is absolutely stunning and goes on for miles. It’s golden sand with no pebbles, has a small harbour at one end, and plenty of little nooks to shield from the wind.”

The charming village offers visitors the perfect blend of culinary delights, scenic walking trails and historic attractions

Undoubtedly the most cherished village in the Peak District – and justifiably so – this gem offers everything from local delicacies to spectacular walks and grand manor houses.

Nestled within the Peak District National Park, Bakewell draws crowds of tourists keen to discover its attractions and taste the mouth-watering treats that have made it famous. These are, of course, the iconic duo of Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart, sold across countless bakeries in the area, with many claiming to hold the original recipe.

Establishments where you can visit and try these local treasures include The Bakewell Tart Shop and Coffee House, Fountain View Bakery, Cornish Bakery and even The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. A customer, who tried the famous puddings at the original shop, said: “This establishment was a high-priority visit for us whilst we were staying in the Peak District, as my partner loves Bakewell tarts.

“We were so excited to find it and were impressed by how many items were in the store available to buy.” Beyond these delicious treats, the village proves popular as it’s perfectly positioned near countless historic buildings and walking trails. Most significantly, the spectacular Monsal Trail offers breathtaking views of a disused railway viaduct.

It’s actually the top-rated attraction in the area, based on TripAdvisor feedback. One walker who tackled the route said: “The views are just incredible with a lovely mix of scenery. You can start off at the pub and enjoy the views of the viaduct. Walk down the trail and capture the scenery of the valley from the top of the viaduct. Then follow down into the valley and wander across the trail down towards the weir.”

Additionally, visitors are drawn to explore Chatsworth House’s grounds and, of course, peek inside the splendid buildings, packed with history. The stately home features 25 rooms to explore, from striking galleries to state rooms and a beautiful ornate hall, as you uncover the history of the famous family who once lived there.

As one of Derbyshire’s finest stately homes, Chatsworth offers numerous events and activities year-round that are worth keeping an eye on, including the Chatsworth Christmas Market. One recent satisfied guest wrote: “We visited Chatsworth House to see the Christmas experience and were delighted with how magnificent this place is.”

They added: “The house is spectacular, and the Christmas decorations just added to the magic of this beautiful place. The grounds are also incredible. I wish that I had allowed more time and seen more of the garden during the day.” Bakewell, a peaceful market town situated beside the River Wye roughly 15 miles from Sheffield, stands as the biggest settlement in the National Park. Thought to have originated in Anglo-Saxon times, it’s now home to approximately 3,695 people, according to 2019 figures.