Stepping

Nestled in the heart of a green valley, surrounded by lush rolling hills, this small Yorkshire village has been dubbed the perfect place to escape to – and it even has a river flowing through it

A charming village in North Yorkshire, home to a mere 400 residents, is rapidly becoming a ‘must-see’ destination for travellers.

Nestled at the base of a steep ravine known as Crunkly Ghyll, this idyllic village is celebrated for its quintessential English allure, stunning landscapes, and a gently flowing river adorned with quaint stepping stones for visitors to traverse. Situated within the civil parish of Glaisdale, this picture-perfect hamlet in the North York Moors is characterised by its enchanting stone cottages, lush green surroundings, and the tranquil River Esk meandering through it. Renowned for its natural splendour and timeless charm, the village perfectly embodies the spirit of rural England. Visitors can indulge in leisurely riverside walks, exhilarating cycling paths, challenging hikes across the moors, and unwind in highly recommended pubs and local shops.

The village’s name, Lealholm, translates to ‘the settlement by the willow trees’, a fitting moniker given its scenic beauty. It’s a visual treat and an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, serving as the perfect crossing point for the River Esk, reports Yorkshire Live. Over the years, Lealholm has become a magnet for tourists, particularly during the summer months. Thanks to the Lealholm railway station on the Esk Valley railway line, it’s an easily accessible getaway.

The Lealholm Stepping Stones are a renowned feature of the village, providing both locals and tourists with an enjoyable way to explore the surrounding areas and have a bit of fun in the river. A significant portion of the local community is engaged in farming, thanks to the fertile Eskdale slopes.

Adding to the allure of the village is a popular tea-room and bakery, a traditional 16th-century pub known as The Board Inn, and charming cottage stays, making it a top choice for those wanting to discover the UK’s natural beauty. Its location within the North York Moors National Park only enhances its stunning appeal. Lealholm also boasts the 17th-century Lealholm Bridge that stretches over the River Esk, making it a favourite spot for fishing – with salmon and sea trout aplenty – and picnicking.

Other historical attractions include the 12th-century St James’ Church and the medieval stone cross standing tall in the village square, known as the Lealholm Cross. The vibrant local community of Lealholm hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Lealholm Village Show and a Sports Day.

Getting there

Situated roughly 10 miles from the famous coastal town of Whitby – made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula – visitors can reach Lealholm by car or public transport, with regular bus and train services operating to and from the village. Holidaymakers also have the option to continue on to Whitby or venture into the nearby North York Moors National Park.

This gorgeous market town has Tudor buildings, and royal polo heritage.

If you’re dreaming of a getaway to a quintessentially British market town, complete with cobbled streets and Tudor architecture, then Midhurst in West Sussex is the place for you. Often hailed as a gem in West Sussex’s crown, it’s no wonder Midhurst has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK.

This charming, friendly town centres around a market square and boasts an abundance of historic architecture, giving it a traditional feel. It’s a magnet for the rich, famous, and even royalty, thanks to its status as the home of British polo – making it the perfect spot to try your hand at a new skill.

Notable figures such as King Charles, Prince Harry, and Prince William have all competed here, with Lady Diana Spencer making an appearance in July 1981, just days before her wedding to the then Prince of Wales.

Just a mile away from the town centre is the world-famous Cowdray Park Polo Club, host of the Gold Cup, considered one of the most significant events on the British social calendar, reports the Express.

Situated within the South Downs National Park, life in Midhurst unfolds against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, offering a tranquil atmosphere.

No visit would be complete without exploring the national park, which boasts beautiful walking trails, making it the ideal base to take in more of Midhurst’s picturesque surroundings.

Located on the River Rother, Midhurst is 20 miles inland from the English Channel and 12 miles north of Chichester.

Why not pop into The Spread Eagle? It’s one of England’s oldest coaching inns, dating back to 1430, and it’s brimming with character and charm at every turn.

A “wealth” of independent shops awaits you on West Street, Red Lion Street, Church Hill, Knockhundred Row and North Street.

Midhurst truly embodies the enchantment of Christmas, as the town is transformed into a festive wonderland adorned with twinkling lights.

Each year, the season begins with a Christmas street party, where the town’s tree and stunning lights are ceremoniously switched on. To celebrate the occasion, its numerous boutiques extend their opening hours, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts.

A quintessential town has long been named one of the prettiest towns in the UK, and it’s easy to see why with its cobbled lanes and independent shops filling the quaint streets

During this time of year, there’s nothing better than wandering around a charming UK town before stopping off at a cosy pub. There’s one location that’s well worth a visit.

The unspoilt English town of Petworth in Sussex is like stepping back in time, featuring quaint cobbled lanes lined with antique emporiums. There are independent shops tucked among the streets, along with cafes, delis and inviting pubs that make for an idyllic day out.

Petworth Antiques Market itself is home to more than 40 dealers, where you can discover everything from stunning furniture pieces to ornaments and various home accessories. When peckish, pop into The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before venturing out to explore the sprawling 700-acre Petworth Park, which lies beneath the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.

Inside, visitors can explore the 17th-century stately home and uncover a treasure trove featuring an internationally significant collection of art and sculpture. You may even recognise it from films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as its appearance on Netflix’s Bridgerton.

One Tripadvisor reviewer commented: “Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner – the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.

“The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns.”

Another shared: “Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn’t particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.

“I’m not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit.”

Petworth sits just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and approximately 50 minutes from Portsmouth. If you’re a fan of nature and wildlife, be sure to look out for the hundreds of deer that freely wander around the park.

The park is one of the best-preserved examples of an English landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the South Downs, with the park offering the perfect vantage point.

It’s also the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy a refreshing walk. Not to mention that Petworth has been so highly praised, it was hailed as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns by Condé Nast Traveller earlier this year.

So, if you’re planning a day trip in the UK, consider Petworth for a delightful and tranquil outing this winter.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

CHARLOTTE Dawson has revealed that she is “stepping away” from her podcast, Naughty Corner.

It comes after a rocky few weeks for the TV personality, 33, following a split from her fiancé Matt Sarsfield and a subsequent reunion just days later.

Charlotte began her podcast in 2024 and often shares details from her family life on it.

Taking to Instagram, Charlotte shared a statement which read: “After an incredible year and more than a million downloads, we’ve decided it’s time to pause the podcast for now.

“With life being especially busy at the moment (kids, chaos and everything in between) this feels like the right moment to take a breather.”

She continued: “Naughty corner has been a place where I’ve shared my life and parenting journey, and it’s also been a place where your stories, whether beautiful, bonkers or everything in between, have lifted me up.

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“A huge thanks to my partner in crime Janine for being by my side every step of the way and to all the fab guests that have joined me this year!”

The statement ended: “Thank you for being here and for supporting the pod my darlings. CD x”

Earlier this month, The Sun revealed that Charlotte and her partner Matt had split after a blazing row on a night out, but reunited days later.

A friend of Charlotte told The Sun: “Charlotte is extremely apprehensive about marrying Matt.

“They’ve been engaged for five years but their relationship has been far from smooth sailing. Their latest explosive argument has planted further doubts in Charlotte’s mind.

“When they’re good, they’re good – but problems often arise when either one or both of them are out.

“They have blazing rows that, in the moment, make it seem impossible that they’ll make it down the aisle, but then they’ll kiss and make up.”

It’s the second time they’ve ended their nine-year relationship, having previously split in August last year after Charlotte found messages to other women on Matt’s phone.

The couple share three children; Noah, Jude and Gigi.

The Sun previously revealed how Charlotte’s family and friends have begged her to bin the shamed rugby star in the past.

Lacock village in Wiltshire is steeped in history and has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Wolf Hall, making visitors feel like they’re living in a period drama

A key filming spot for the BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice adaptation, Lacock’s charming cottages and stunning countryside make visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into a period drama.

Its Wiltshire timber-framed buildings and magnificent cloisters have drawn numerous productions beyond Austen’s tale to its grounds. Lacock’s famous medieval Cloister, dating back to around 1450, also houses a verdant Cloister Garth. This striking architectural feature appeared in countless Downton Abbey scenes, and doubled as sections of the castle in the original Harry Potter films. It also featured in the BBC’s Wolf Hall adaptation. One TripAdvisor reviewer awarded the destination five stars, saying: “An absolute must if you are in the area! A beautiful village, which you can visit by parking just across the road in the National Trust car park.

“The village is a pleasure to walk around, totally untouched throughout history and is quintessentially English! From the rows of tiny cottages, the church, the tiny bakery, the village pub and a hotel, it has everything and all these are open and running. We stayed for a couple of hours and then had a wander around the Abbey which is also impressive.”, reports Gloucestershire Live. Another reviewer described the village as “frozen in time”, with Explore the Cotswolds concurring that the location “looks a lot like it would have done 200 years ago.”

Lacock’s magnificent abbey began life as an Augustinian nunnery, shuttered during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Subsequently, John Ivory Talbot constructed the mock-Gothic hall – both are now in the care of the National Trust and available for afternoon exploration. A stone’s throw away stands St Cyriac’s Church. Initially believed to be a Saxon worship site, it later became Norman-controlled. The Church was erected near the close of the 11th century by Edward of Salisbury and William of Eu. The dedication to St Cyriac honours a beloved Norman saint.

The church houses numerous later memorials to the Baynards, Bonhams, Crokes, Sharingtons, Talbots and Awdreys. Yet for Harry Potter enthusiasts, the cloisters steal the show. For one devotee, exploring the cloisters topped her agenda upon arriving in Britain. She wrote: “Harry Potter fans NEED to do this! We’re from Canada. As soon as we landed in London, this was the very first thing we did. We did the Harry Potter Tour of London for Private Groups by Black Taxi. “Our guide was Richard and we can’t say enough good things about him! He was absolutely incredible! Ask him how he knows so much about this…such an interesting person, so knowledgeable and passionate about it all.”