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A UK town is so picturesque, with its cobbled high street, cosy pubs and charming cottages, that it’s been used as the film set for a Christmas movie starring Rebel Wilson

There aren’t many places that feel as though you’ve stepped straight into a scene from a Christmas movie, but for one charming UK town, it’s exactly that. There are idyllic cottages set against rolling countryside and cobbled lanes along its flourishing high street, brimming with independent gems and cosy retreats that resemble movie meet-cutes.

Just last year, the pretty market town of Knaresborough, nestled along the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, drew in film productions. Knaresborough became the primary filming location for the Sky Original Christmas film, Tinsel Town, starring Hollywood A-listers Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson, alongside EastEnders star Danny Dyer.

While the town is beautifully decorated during the festive months, with Christmas trees and dazzling fairy lights, the production meant that residents could savor the merry setting that much longer. Knitting Pretty shopkeeper Di Watson said at the time: “The town is buzzing with excitement. Knaresborough is a unique, beautiful, friendly town and we’re delighted to be part of this.”

Yet, it’s not the first time Knaresborough has drawn in Christmas film productions, thanks to its postcard-worthy landscapes. The Yorkshire town was also featured in the movie A Very British Christmas, with its narrow streets, castle ruins, pubs, and cafés used to set the festive scene.

While production crews have taken advantage of Knaresborough’s setting, visitors have been equally impressed. Many admire the town for its ‘fairy-tale atmosphere’, thanks to its charming stone cottages, chequered facades, and buildings boasting exposed beams and uneven floors, and it’s also been named one of the most beautiful towns in the UK.

Knaresborough certainly warrants a visit during the festive season, with its town centre, sitting atop the cliffs overlooking the river, packed with independent shops for unique Christmas gift ideas, alongside cosy cafés for that sought-after gingerbread-spiced latte and traditional pubs to escape the winter chill. It also hosts a weekly market, bringing the local community together every Wednesday, and on Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 December, they will hold their annual Christmas market around the town’s historic Market Place.

With Knaresborough spotlighted as a Christmas movie scene, there’s plenty more to discover for that extra touch of festive merriment, with a wintry stroll along its steep streets and quirky architecture. Elsewhere, it’s celebrated for its fascinating railway viaduct, featuring four magnificent arches that span the Harrogate line across the River Nidd.

Knaresborough Castle is another highlight in the vicinity, with the ruined fortress perched above the river offering beautiful vistas. Guests can explore the medieval castle and its grounds, and visit the Courtroom Museum to discover more about its fascinating history spanning over 900 years.

The tiny medieval Chapel of Our Lady is another notable landmark in Knaresborough, alongside its peaceful Bebra Gardens, ideal for another winter wander. Further along the river, there’s the welcoming World’s End pub that looks out over the River Nidd with a terrace, as well as the delightful Marigold Cafe & Boating for that caffeine fix.

The town is also home to ‘England’s oldest tourist attraction’, Mother Shipton’s Cave, having welcomed guests since 1630. It’s also the birthplace of England’s most renowned prophetess, with the compact cave recounting “the story of life and legacy”, where guests can discover the small cave before making a wish in the famous Petrifying Well.

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Former Northern Ireland Open champions Kyren Wilson and Mark Williams remain on course for a potential meeting in the final of this year’s tournament in Belfast after winning their respective quarter-finals on Friday.

World number nine Wilson ran out a convincing 6-1 winner over Anthony McGill in the afternoon session at the Waterfront Hall, while Williams, who sits one place higher in the rankings, defeated David Gilbert 6-4 during the evening’s play.

Wilson, who claimed both the world title and the NI Open crown in 2024, established a 4-0 lead over his Scottish opponent with the help of breaks of 77, 75 and 122.

McGill took the next with a run of 66 but the Englishman eased home to progress and secure a first semi-final appearance at a ranking event since March 2025, with compatriot Sam Craigie his next opponent.

Craigie advanced to only his second-ever ranking event semi-final by beating Elliot Slessor 6-2.

Slessor took an early lead after compiling an 82 but Craigie reeled off five frames in a row and ultimately clinched a comfortable passage to the last four.

Gilbert built a 3-1 lead over Williams with the help of breaks of 62, 95 and 60, but after they shared the next two, Williams scored three centuries in consecutive frames as he took the next four to seal victory.

The 51-year-old three-time world champion and 2017 NI Open winner will take on fellow Welshman Jak Jones in Saturday’s second semi-final.

Jones, who has already collected the British Open and Championship League titles this season, edged out Scott Donaldson 6-5 in a late-night thriller, a break of 84 in the decider proving decisive in booking his berth in the last four.