tranquil

This village in the Yorkshire Dales is a hidden gem with stunning waterfalls and green landscapes that inspired a famous artist hundreds of years ago

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, this quaint village provides the perfect getaway for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s splendour – and a renowned artist did just that.

West Burton, tucked away in a side valley of Lower Wensleydale, has a deep-rooted connection with the celebrated painter J. M.W. Turner, who is acclaimed for his evocative depictions of expansive landscapes. The village itself, particularly its breathtaking waterfall, served as inspiration for Turner. A sketch of the Cauldron Falls, drawn by the artist during his tour of Yorkshire in 1816, still exists. It’s thought that he spent a significant amount of time by the water, studying its flow and observing how it cascaded over the falls.

His plan was to create a larger, more detailed piece in his signature watercolour style; however, it famously remained unfinished. Despite this, the artwork can be viewed alongside his other masterpieces at the Tate in London. Remarkably, the falls remain unchanged even after 200 years, allowing visitors to appreciate their full colour and beauty firsthand. A brief stroll from the charming West Burton village will lead you there, where you can marvel at the stunning plunge pool, filled with naturally tumbling water.

A recent holidaymaker left their review on TripAdvisor, stating: “Wow, what a hidden gem this is, tucked away in the quaint village of West Burton. Really easy to access the falls, a very short walk from the village itself. Stunning waterfall and peaceful away from the crowds. Simply magical.”

Beyond this attraction, the village centre boasts a verdant green space, surrounded by numerous period buildings and charming cottages that perfectly capture authentic Yorkshire countryside living. The settlement serves as a favoured stopping point for those keen to discover the dales and surrounding regions.

Standing proudly on the green is the impressive West Burton Obelisk, a stone monument built in 1820. While such features are typical of many market settlements, this particular structure is thought to have originally been a preaching cross, now serving as a significant historical marker for the locality.

The village’s heritage stretches back much further, with connections to an Iron Age community, evidenced by the Burton Moor hut circles, which eventually evolved into a mediaeval estate. During the 18th century, it flourished as a bustling settlement centred on lead extraction, stone quarrying, traditional crafts, and naturally, farming.

Traditional crafts remain a local speciality, most notably the distinctive Cat Pottery. This charming establishment has been creating adorable Moorside cats since 1982, with every piece lovingly handmade within the village itself – preserving the region’s rich tradition of skilled craftsmanship.

One visitor hailed the spot as a “hidden gem”, adding: “Perfect for cat lovers. Bought two ceramic cats and had a lovely conversation with the gentleman who was working there at the time. It was hard to pick which we wanted because all of the pot cats are adorable. Will be ordering more online!”.

This little village sits within the stunning North York Moors National Park and is the real-life set for a number of popular TV and film productions – but there’s more than meets the eye

Nestled within the stunning landscape of the North York Moors National Park, this charming village brims with character and boasts surprising connections to the entertainment world.

Goathland sits amid the Yorkshire Moors, crafted as a perfectly English settlement with abundant discoveries awaiting visitors. Most will instantly recognise it from its starring role in the beloved television series Heartbeat, where it’s known as Aidensfield. Debuting in 1992, Heartbeat was a British police drama set in this Yorkshire village during the 1960s. The show proved enormously popular with audiences and enjoyed an impressive television run until its concluding episode in 2010. Yet Heartbeat’s finale wasn’t Goathland’s last moment in the spotlight, as it became a key filming location for the Harry Potter movie series.

Indeed, the picturesque railway station served as Hogsmeade Station throughout the films and boasts a fascinating heritage of its own. It stands as a treasured piece of history along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) heritage route, celebrated for its authentic Victorian architecture from the 1800s, drawing countless visitors eager to witness these features.

The location serves as a paradise for train enthusiasts, with the railway operator providing various steam journeys featuring breathtaking trips across the moorland. A recent visitor to the station shared on TripAdvisor: “We enjoyed travelling on the steam trains and made some very special memories. We found all the staff (many of which are volunteers) to be very friendly and more than willing to chat and share stories of the railway. We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting and would recommend.”

Beyond the station, this charming village boasts an enviable location, nestled near Whitby whilst bordering tranquil countryside. This makes it the perfect retreat for those eager to discover the great outdoors, particularly within Dalby Forest. The park encompasses a staggering 8,500 acres of terrain that provides breathtaking vistas, countless hiking paths and cycling routes for those wanting to explore the region. Part of this includes the Dalby Activity Centre, which boasts an array of adrenaline-fuelled pursuits and several Go Ape courses to challenge your adventurous spirit.

Other delightful features of this concealed village treasure include its nearness to Thomason Foss, a charming small waterfall providing a peaceful stroll and spot for a wild dip during summer.Afterwards, when keen ramblers seek somewhere to pause for a swift drink, they’ll frequently end up at The Goathland Hotel Bar.

Alternatively, guests can unwind with a brew at the traditional village tea rooms, which one recent guest described as a “great find”. They commented: “Excellent food and service, Would thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting Goathland. Plenty of tables to accommodate all sized parties and allowing well behaved dogs is a bonus.”