Walking holidays

North Yorkshire village is known as the ‘jewel of the moors’ and features the iconic Beck Isle Cottage – one of the most pictured buildings in Yorkshire

Nestled in a tranquil corner of Yorkshire, this village has earned quite the name for its famously charming cottages, lush greenery and unique food and shopping outlets.

Perched on the brink of the North York Moors lies Thornton-le-Dale, a picturesque spot often hailed as the ‘jewel of the moors’. Its historical allure continues to enchant visitors, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to discover North Yorkshire.

The village attracts many with its stunning thatched cottages, contributing to the quintessential English countryside ambiance, but one cottage stands out from the rest. Renowned for its charming thatched roof and storybook appeal, the iconic Beck Isle Cottage is a sight you won’t want to miss in the area.

As a grade II listed building, the cottage is not only a visual delight but also serves as a tangible piece of history, reflecting a bygone lifestyle in the moors. It remains one of the most photographed buildings in all of Yorkshire, as visitors fantasise about the twirling florals climbing up the brickwork and its impeccably manicured hedges.

Encircling the village is a wide variety of shops, cafes and pubs, making it the perfect place to wander around on a peaceful weekend. From quintessentially British pubs serving hearty meals and pints to cosy cafes offering baked treats, there’s something to suit every mood.

According to TripAdvisor reviews, the top-rated dining destination is the acclaimed Brandysnap Bistro in Thornton-le-Dale. A recent review described the restaurant as an “absolute gem” in the village.

They wrote: “Ate here last night… I can’t believe this absolute gem is only 2 miles from my house. Full house staff needs an award. Adam is a pure gentleman; his assistant Emma is of the highest praise. Claire, who does the cooking, is up there with the best. An absolute ‘Yorkshire feast’ of a mind-blowing establishment, recommended to everybody.”

Meanwhile, the beloved Cafe Bouchere keeps delighting guests, with one visitor commenting: “What a lovely place to eat. The owners were very welcoming and friendly. The food was delicious. The cafe was spotless, as were the toilets. I’d be more than happy to return on our next visit.”

Flowing through the village is the Thornton Beck, a winding waterway that brings serenity to those enjoying a peaceful walk along the curving lanes. For visitors seeking more challenging terrain, Thornton-le-Dale serves as an excellent gateway to the nearby North York Moors National Park.

The Thornton le Dale and Ellerburn Walk proves particularly popular, offering a two-mile circular journey that follows riverside field paths. The route leads to Ellerburn, where walkers can admire its historic church, before heading back via the road to this charming village.

The whole walk can take roughly an hour, but there are numerous opportunities to delve deeper into the countryside after a leisurely stroll around the village. Alternatively, some might opt for the Dalby Beck Yellow Trail or even embark on the Dalby Forest and Bridestones loop for a solid four-hour hike through the North York Moors National Park.

This lesser-known village features in All Creatures Great and Small, which is set in the 1930s Yorkshire Dales, and offers a ‘true taste of rural England’ with cobbled market squares and beautiful walks

All Creatures Great and Small captivated viewers when it debuted on our screens in 2020, with its delightful period Northern England backdrop – and it transpires the historic town is nearer than you might imagine.

Envision cobblestone market squares, quaint cottage-style shops, and panoramic vistas of the Yorkshire Dales. This perfectly describes Grassington, both in reality and on television. The village provides a charming shopping experience featuring handicrafts, art exhibitions and regional products all curated by independent artisans, plus welcoming establishments for refreshments. Among these establishments is The Hutch Handmade Gift Shop, adored by residents and highly rated amongst Grassington’s attractions.

A visitor described the shop as a “gorgeous spot”, noting on TripAdvisor: “A treasure trove of handmade gifts. Lots of colourful, unique, one-off gifts made by small independent artists, designers and crafters…mostly from Yorkshire.” Another popular attraction that attracts numerous visitors is Grassington Folk Museum. It showcases a fascinating collection of historical artefacts unearthed locally, transporting visitors through time via medical equipment, vintage garments, household objects, geological samples and agricultural keepsakes.

Many regard it as a “lovely museum”, with one recent visitor saying: “We stopped by on a whim and were so glad we did! Lovely collection of items, and the delightful volunteer in the museum was so friendly and knowledgeable! I wish I had gotten her name. Well worth a visit.”

The settlement provides a “true taste of rural England”, which is precisely why it served as the perfect backdrop for a popular television programme. The plot centres around three veterinarians operating in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s and draws inspiration from novels penned by writer Alf Wight.

The village serves as an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts eager to discover the surrounding countryside. Numerous walking and cycling trails await exploration, including a brief circular route connecting Grassington with neighbouring Dales settlement Hebden. Another pathway offers a seven-mile return journey from Kettewell to Grassington.

Home to approximately 1,000 residents, this peaceful location provides genuine serenity. Nowhere captures this tranquil atmosphere better than the town’s Linton Falls, where the River Wharfe tumbles dramatically over spectacular limestone formations. The area’s natural splendour attracts countless visitors. One recent reviewer said: “This place is magnificent! Standing on the bridge as the water thunders beneath is breathtaking. We were even able to have a little paddle upstream.” For those yearning for more natural beauty, Widdop Reservoir is equally stunning and provides a tranquil atmosphere throughout the year. The secluded moorland presents a delightful walk that spans approximately three miles around the reservoir.