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The Yorkshire town is renowned for its foodie credentials, with independent shops and eateries producing unique and acclaimed products – all sourced locally from the area

Food lovers travel from far and wide to sample the culinary delights of this market town, renowned for its locally sourced produce and skilled artisan makers.

Throughout Malton, you’ll find an abundance of independent shops and eateries crafting distinctive and sometimes award-winning products. Numerous local restaurants and pubs serve up mouth-watering dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area – including seafood from the nearby coast, meat from the moorlands and organic vegetables.

Experience it all at Malton’s Monthly Food Market, where visitors can sample everything from artisan breads to locally crafted beers. Beyond the food, the town also hosts a vibrant marketplace brimming with gifts, homeware, clothing and antiques, ideal for a leisurely browse. The market runs every Saturday from 9am until 4pm, making for a perfect day trip.

The town offers restaurants serving nearly every type of cuisine, from Italian to Indian and classic English pub fare, but topping TripAdvisor’s rankings in Malton is the welcoming pub, The Royal Oak. One recent guest described their visit, saying: “Visited on a very dark, rainy evening and found a lovely, cosy pub with great food and fantastic service.

“The friendly pub atmosphere was made by a great landlord and happy local clientele. Wish we lived closer; would definitely recommend.”

Another highly praised establishment in the town is Forty Six, offering an array of small plates and delectable cocktails. One satisfied diner raved: “This is by far the best place to eat in Malton. The food is great; the staff are first class. I have visited a few times over the last few months and will be visiting again soon.”

For those with an insatiable appetite for culinary exploration, Malton Food Tours provides guided tours allowing you to savour a variety of flavours. You’ll get the chance to meet the passionate individuals behind the food, pop into artisan shops and eateries, and sample the produce firsthand on the second Saturday of every month.

Beyond its beloved gastronomic scene, Malton serves as an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking Yorkshire coastline and the nearby North York Moors National Park. History buffs will also enjoy a trip to the Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum, a former prisoner of war camp that offers a fascinating journey back in time.

Visitors have praised it as “educational” and “interesting”, with one individual describing it as a “brilliant place full of history and knowledge of what happened in the war”. They added: “Another place we visited on our week in Yorkshire and another great place of history of the war.

“Each hut had so much insight into what happened during the war – a place I would highly recommend to visit.” Spanning 33 huts, visitors can gain a sense of life during the Second World War and appreciate its historical significance, all thanks to the family who made the decision to open this site to the public three decades ago.

Just up the road from Whitby, this village offers golden sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, traditional cottages and ‘the best seafood restaurant’ visitors claim

Nestled along Yorkshire’s captivating coastline, just a short distance from Whitby, lies this charming fishing village boasting secluded beaches – ideal for those seeking a more serene retreat.

Boasting its own stretch of golden sand, Sandsend provides a far more peaceful alternative to its lively neighbouring town. The scenery features dramatic cliffs, gentle sands and the most delightful traditional cottages, creating a picture-perfect British village. When the weather’s fine, both residents and tourists can enjoy a seaside stroll, a refreshing swim or simply unwind whilst catching some sun. A recent guest said on TripAdvisor: “A beautiful coast; would highly recommend. Lovely atmosphere and views. My children loved it here; it’s very peaceful, and if you love a quiet coastal trip, then I would advise visiting here. There are a few pubs, cafes and restaurants too.”

During the warmer months, one holidaymaker remarked: “Beautiful stretch of coastline any time of year. We often visit in the spring/autumn; this was our first time visiting during the summer, and it was great to see this beach in all its glory! Lovely calm water for swimming; it was great for beating the heat after we had walked the length of the beach.”

Originally two separate villages – Sandsend and East Row – the area boasts a lengthy heritage in fishing, operating as a local port engaged in inshore fishing that remains active today. Visitors can savour locally caught fish at the village’s diverse dining establishments, ranging from cafés to restaurants and, naturally, fish and chip shops.

Particularly noteworthy is The Fish Cottage in Sandsend, a charming whitewashed establishment serving as both a seafood restaurant and fish and chip takeaway. Located merely 20 yards from the beach, some diners have even dubbed it “the best seafood restaurant by far”.

Additionally, they operate another location in Robin Hood’s Bay, another picturesque village on the opposite side of Whitby. Following a spontaneous visit, one diner shared on TripAdvisor: “Whenever I’m in the area, I cannot help myself; be it lunch or dinner time, I have to call in, and I am never disappointed. Staff are so so nice and very accommodating. The restaurant, although small, is lovely. If you’re ever in the area, honestly, this fish restaurant is the best.”

If that’s insufficient to entice you, an enchanting castle, Mulgrave Castle, stands just beyond the village and features a fascinating ‘ancient’ tale. According to legend, the site was established by a 6th-century ruler of Hälsingland, with its ruins now serving as a testament to the area’s fascinating past.

One visitor said: “It’s a bit of a slog getting there through the beautiful woods, but it’s well worth the effort. There was only one other person up at the castle, so it felt like the place was all mine. The views are breathtaking, and the ruin itself is very romantic.”

KATIE Piper has swapped the Loose Women panel to soak up the sun on Spain’s Costa Brava.

She’s battling it out with two of her ITV co-stars to find out who can organise the best excursions from horse riding to making human towers on The Great Escapers.

Katie Piper, 42, has ditched the gloomy UK weather for a slice of Spain alongside Sunetra Sarker and Denise Welch, so how did she feel about jetting off with her colleagues?

Katie told Sun Travel: “Whether you go away with friends or family, travelling in a group is difficult.

“You want everyone to be having the food they like, doing the trips they like, and everyone has different ideas of fun.

“Then, don’t forget if you throw in a bit of competition and jeopardy as well – it starts out friendly, but everyone wants to win.”

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Katie, Sunetra and Denise headed to Spain to organise the best excursions with the help of Jet2holidays‘ Gio who helped them create the ultimate holiday experience.

Once everyone has completed the excursions, the ladies take a vote to decide whose were the best and who is ‘The Great Escaper’.

For the Loose Women, activities ranged from going horse-riding, to trekking and even spending time on a luxury boat trip.

Katie however avoided the holiday stereotypes and instead, joined in the human tower festival which is a Catalan tradition.

She said: “I wanted to show people local culture and to see what brings people together.

“It happens during some evenings for people of all ages and anyone can get involved – men, women and children. It made me laugh thinking about British culture at 7pm in the evening.”

Katie continued: “We’re watching I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! with a takeaway on the sofa. But in Costa Brava, they come out straight from work and they stand on each other’s shoulders.”

The three ladies tried everything out – but there’s one thing that they couldn’t do.

Katie confessed: “The only thing we didn’t do was fly and flop, we never got a tan. I came back the same white as a sheet colour as when I went out.”

During the trip, Katie stayed in Tossa de Mar, which is on the coast and has pretty beaches, coves and is centred around a walled medieval old town.

Katie is a mum of two, Belle, 11, and Penelope, 7, and heading to the Costa Brava has meant it’s been added to their family’s travel list.

She said: “I think I’ll go back with my girls, the kids will watch the show and go ‘it’s so unfair you got to go’. It’s affordable and accessible, you can go self-catering or stay in an Airbnb – I think we will plan a trip there.”

“I’ve been to other much more touristy Spanish places, like the Costa del Sol.

“The Costa Brava is a bit of a hidden gem, it’s touristy enough to take your kids out and walk on foot to restaurants.

“But it’s not lost its culture, like along the strip there’s lots of architecture like gorgeous churches, cliffs, castles – it’s not neon signs and karaoke. It’s a great place for families as well because it’s such a short flight.”

The fact that the trip to Costa Brava was not a family holiday was a strange experience for Katie.

She said: “Usually any holiday for me is putting the kids first – we go somewhere that serves chicken nuggets.

“Our next holiday will be to Tenerife where there’s a kids’ club and water slides – we’re doing five days during half-term.

“We tend to keep it cheap and stay in and around Europe where the flights are shorter.”

Katie is no stranger to a staycation though, in fact South East of England is where she spent lots of time on holiday.

She told us: “My mum and dad didn’t have a lot of money, so we didn’t really go abroad. Instead, we went Kent most years; Margate, Deal, and Broadstairs.

“We’d watch Punch and Judy on the beach, there would be donkey rides and we’d eat big sticks of rock and go to the arcades – we absolutely loved it.

“Then as I got older, we went away with family friends to Spain, Greece or Portugal. It would be like your typical package holiday and we’d go to the kids’ club all day.

“Looking back I think my mum and dad were drinking all day and then we’d go out at night. They’d let us stay up late and we’d all play card games like Snap and Happy Families.”

For her next trip, Katie and her husband Richard, are planning on keeping it Britain-based too.

She said: “We’re looking into a trip at the moment that we want to do in the Easter which is to go to Scotland.

“We’re trying to plan to do it on the sleeper train because it’s a bit of an adventure to go on a sleeper train and my kids have never done that.

“We’ve got a dog now. We got a puppy this year if we go on a sleeper train, then we can take her on the train with us.”

Watch the Loose Women on The Great Escapers on ITV, Sunday, December 14, at 6PM.

Catch up on previous episodes starring the cast of I’m A Celebrity, Coronation Street and The Chasers on ITVX.

The pretty village offers quintessentially English charm with historic pubs dating back to 1676, ancient caves, a Roman fort and scenic countryside perfect for winter walks

Nestled discreetly and untouched on the Derbyshire hillsides, Bradwell is a village waiting to be stumbled upon by unsuspecting passersby. It’s the sort of place you discover when you take a wrong turn en route to a nearby stately home or setting off for a hike in the Peak District.

Once discovered, its enchanting charm is undeniable, embodying the quintessential English village, complete with a few hidden treasures nearby. Its history as a mining village lives on through a popular local caving spot, Bagshawe Cavern.

The village flourished as a lead mining community in the early 18th century before the industry dwindled, transforming it into a quiet town for commuters and retirees. Bradwell, an original “working man’s village”, boasts an impressive array of pubs, offering more watering holes than just about anything else.

The White Hart, believed to have been established as far back as 1676, remains the oldest public house in the area. Visitors to these pubs can expect a tranquil ambiance, a cosy setting, and of course, classic pub fare. One recent patron dubbed it “the perfect village pub” on TripAdvisor, praising its roaring fires and friendly bar staff.

One review praises: “A good pub, serving farmers, looks like it is for the locals, which it is, but don’t worry, they are friendly and welcoming. Nice warm fire. Great for a pint and relaxation.”

There are other quaint and charming pubs in and around the village, such as The Shoulder of Mutton, which boasts superior views and a broader range of food and drink. Additionally, you can discover the Ye Olde Bowling Green Inn or the Traveller’s Rest Inn, nestled on the village outskirts, all receiving glowing reviews.

Not to mention, the village hosts a delightful café, bakery and scrumptious fish and chip shop – what else could a local desire? Nestled within the heart of this idyllic village flows a gentle brook, adding to its storybook charm as it meanders through Bradwell’s centre.

The area is steeped in history, with a bridge near the River Noe in Brough, close to an ancient Roman settlement. Navio Roman Fort attracts numerous history enthusiasts keen to explore the ruins and learn about the strategic guard point believed to have been in use for over 200 years.

Some visitors opt to delve into the fascinating cavern discovered by lead miners in 1806, east of the village. A descent of 100 steps reveals a treasure trove of mining artefacts explaining the site’s history, and centuries-old pick marks etched into the stone.

In its recent history, the village boasts intriguing connections to innovation, being the birthplace of Bradwell’s Ice Cream. First whipped up by Grandma Hannah in the 19th century, her former kitchen now stands as a parlour, continuing to serve ice cream to locals.

Additionally, Samuel Fox, the inventor of the modern umbrella, also hailed from Bradwell, with a plaque commemorating his revolutionary design. Plus, the local pub, the Samuel Fox Country Inn, is named in honour of the man himself.

The village was custom-built in the 1830s and is home to a range of different architectural styles, all with a wealth of history and attention to detail

Nestled in the Peak District lies a quaint village with a unique history and an array of fascinating architecture.

The village as we see it today was purpose-built in the 1830s and is renowned for its diverse mix of architectural styles, including mock Tudor and Swiss Cottage. Edensor, pronounced ‘Enza’, is situated within the more famous Chatsworth Park, presenting a scenic collection of buildings that exhibit meticulous attention to detail.

It was initially commissioned by the 6th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, who decided to entirely demolish the old estate and reconstruct it in the 19th century. The reason? He believed it marred his view of the magnificent Chatsworth House and its estate.

The responsibility of redesigning the entire village fell to Sir Joseph Paxton, the architect behind the renowned Crystal Palace. It’s said that when he presented the Duke with a variety of architectural styles, the Duke instructed him to select ‘one of each’, giving the area its distinctive character.

This rich diversity of styles is evident in Edensor’s most prominent buildings, such as St Peter’s Church, which commands the area with its elegant spire. Inside, it contains monuments dedicated to the late Cavendish family, whose graves are still located on the site.

A recent guest enthused on TripAdvisor: “If AI was asked to generate the perfect English village, it would be Edensor. It is so lovely it didn’t seem real at times. At one point a pheasant stalked in front of us, and smaller, curious birds landed on a wall close to where we were standing. It brought to mind a scene from Disney’s Snow White!”

Next door sits the charming Edensor Tea Cottage, formerly the village post office, which welcomes visitors daily throughout the year. Nowadays, the enchanting little cottage offers breakfast, coffees, lunch and afternoon tea for intrigued tourists seeking a brief refreshment break.

In a review about the church, one visitor noted: “Edensor is a lovely village with interesting architecture, so lovely to walk round. We enjoyed visiting the graves of the Devonshire family at the top of the churchyard and found peace and time for reflection inside the church.”

Perfectly positioned beside the stunning Chatsworth estate, visitors can enjoy a short stroll from the village to reach one of Britain’s most beloved stately homes. Boasting expansive gardens, an adventure playground, a farmyard, plus numerous shops and eateries, Chatsworth provides plenty of attractions right on the village’s doorstep.

For anyone wishing to explore this picturesque village, straight from a storybook, Chesterfield offers the closest accessible railway station, with several bus services connecting visitors to Chatsworth. On the flip side, Edensor is situated just under an hour’s drive from Derby, with several car parks conveniently located near the village and within a short stroll.

Nestled near Peak District National Park, this charming Derbyshire village is bursting with character and offers the perfect pit stop after a day of hiking around Mam Tor

Tucked away near the Peak District National Park, this picturesque rural village provides an ideal stopping point for ramblers exploring Derbyshire, with numerous welcoming pubs just a short stroll away.

Located next to the renowned Mam Tor, a 517-metre peak within the national park, Castleton ranks among the most spectacularly positioned villages in the region. The settlement is encircled by breathtaking vistas of limestone and gritstone escarpments, which regularly draw visitors from cities including Sheffield and Manchester.

Numerous visitors pause in the village either before or following a day’s trek up the hill, where a stone-paved footpath guides walkers along a circular route spanning roughly three miles. The moderately challenging ramble typically requires up to two hours – an expedition well worth rewarding with a refreshing beverage afterwards.

One recent rambler shared on TripAdvisor: “I finally decided to pay Mam Tor a visit to walk up to rather than just driving past it. It’s so dominating on the horizon as you drive through Castleton. Now, you can walk up to it from a variety of paths. The tourist path from the official Mam Tor car park is a popular one; however, you pay for car parking there, and it usually gets busy.”

At its core sits a thoroughly English village, packed with pubs, tearooms, bakeries and shops, ideal for leisurely browsing. Highly-rated drinking establishments in the village include The George, Ye Olde Nags Head, 1530 The Restaurant and the Bulls Head. All within a stone’s throw of each other, these pubs provide the perfect haven after a hard day and maintain a cracking atmosphere throughout the year. Ye Olde Nags Head, believed to be the oldest in the area, has been serving pints since the 17th century. One satisfied punter left a review, stating: “The pub is lovely, warm and welcoming. The staff were very friendly. The building is old and tired in places, but it’s part of the character of the place.”

In addition to the beer selection, the village boasts a high number of cafes for its size, offering passers-by a cuppa and a sweet treat. Regardless of the weather, both locals and tourists pack the rooms for a hot beverage and their locally baked cakes, biscuits and other treats – delicious and totally Instagram-worthy.

Castleton is believed to be the only place on earth that possesses the precious Blue John stone, found within several of its hidden gem caverns. There are four caves in total, open for anyone to explore, including Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Mine. The most frequented is the Peak Cavern, nestled beneath Peveril Castle and amusingly dubbed ‘the devil’s arse’. Eager explorers flock to the site for tours lasting over an hour, detailing its history and showcasing the intricacies of the underground hidden gem.