Yorkshire

Sitting in a glacial valley surrounded by vast farmland is an area that offers tranquillity and a true sense of England’s countryside with historic villages and walking trails

For those seeking a sense of peace and tranquillity, this glacial valley, encircled by expansive farmland, delivers precisely that – an authentic taste of England’s rural heartland.

Littondale is a small and peaceful dale in Yorkshire, nestled in a classic u-shape, with deep historical roots and a flavour of country living from a bygone era.

Visitors to the dale experience a feeling that time has stood still, as its hamlets and way of life remain quintessentially English in every respect.

Indeed, archaeologists have discovered numerous prehistoric and later settlements that once inhabited the length of the valley. Their extensive findings also showed that throughout the mediaeval period the dale was predominantly managed by several monastic houses.

The dale now consists of several settlements, including Hawkswick, Arncliffe and Litton. Each is characterised by farmhouses dating back to the 17th century.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

Contributing to its peaceful atmosphere is the stunning river which famously winds through the valley before eventually merging with the larger River Wharfe.

Shallow yet flowing with remarkably clear waters, the River Skirfare meanders through the farmlands and valley floor, vanishing for portions of the year.

As seasonal conditions shift, the stream trickles away and disappears beneath the ground, near Litton, revealing an unusual limestone landscape below.

Arncliffe

Arncliffe stands as one of the principal villages in the region, and despite its compact size, it boasts considerable fame. Recognised by countless households across Britain, it served as the original backdrop and filming location for the much-loved soap Emmerdale Farm.

The village pub, called the Falcon, was even featured as the Woolpack Inn. The traditional inn, according to visitor feedback, has seen better days.

However, one guest commented on TripAdvisor: “We had read about this tiny pub. It had been featured on the TV soap Emmerdale many moons ago, and it did not disappoint! The landlord was straight out of central casting.”

The area still comprises the most enchanting stone cottages, alongside a delightful church, the Church of St Oswald. Constructed sometime between the 16th and 18th centuries, the building remains a listed structure, believed to have been developed from an original Saxon place of worship.

Positioned at the centre of the village, the church continues to attract curious visitors and was once a location regularly visited by the renowned poet and novelist Charles Kingsley.

His time there during the Victorian period was believed to have influenced his celebrated children’s story, The Water Babies, penned in 1873.

Walking

Many people choose to treat the area as a base for rambling, parking in one of its villages and tackling the Yorkshire Dales terrain. Most of these trails are circular, returning you directly to your starting point, whilst exploring the valleys and peaks en route.

The Littondale to Kettlewell walk is a well-loved route, starting in the village of Arncliffe, leading you across the shoulder of Birks in Kettlewell, where you can pause for refreshments, before returning into Littondale.

Alternatively, some choose the slightly over five-mile walk that takes you from Arncliffe to Litton and loops back round.

The two-hour ramble provides a leisurely countryside stroll as you soak up the picturesque beauty of Yorkshire, with the chance to make a stop, or two, at the charming village pubs.

One UK village is known for its strict preservation rules managed by the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust, which dictate everything from the colour of front doors to banning takeaways

For those who enjoy putting their personal stamp on their home decor, England’s ‘strictest’ village might not be the ideal place to settle down. In this locale, creativity takes a backseat as virtually everything is painted in a uniform shade of green. Fast food lovers and supermarket shoppers might also want to give the Yorkshire village of Wentworth a wide berth, as both takeaways and supermarkets are strictly off-limits.

The historic estate village is renowned for its stringent conservation rules, overseen by the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust. Takeaways, supermarkets, and ‘flashing neon signs’ are all prohibited in an effort to maintain the village’s traditional charm.

Instead, dining options are confined to a handful of classic establishments such as the Rockingham Arms, the George and Dragon pub, and the Village Tearooms.

Every front door in the village must adhere to a specific hue known as “Wentworth Green” (alternatively referred to as Hollybush Green or BS 14C39). Drainpipes and gates typically need to match this colour, whilst window frames should be painted off-white.

The majority of the village’s buildings boast external walls constructed from local sandstone, and any alterations must receive the trust’s approval.

Influencer Robbie Thompson, who boasts a following of 87,500 on Instagram, recently posted a reel about the village, dubbing it the “strictest village in England”.

In his video, he revealed that the village’s pubs, shops, and restaurants exclusively serve British cuisine and that a traffic and tourism steering group keeps a close eye on parking and traffic levels.

Robbie, who bills himself as a ‘champion of British food’, also revealed the village shop – fittingly called The Village Shop – stocks English jams, chutneys, teacakes, black pudding pork pies and what he describes as an “incredibly good” steak and ale pie served with mushy peas, mint sauce and gravy.

Over at the tea room (simplu named The Village Tea Room), Robbie insists proprietor Jane whips up the “lightest lemon sponge you’ll ever eat”.

As for the local pubs, you’ll discover more British staples including Scotch Eggs and Sticky Toffee puddings, the influencer reports.

He further notes you’ll come across honesty boxes scattered throughout the village flogging locally-sourced honey and eggs.

The post proved a massive hit, clocking up over 53,000 likes, with one person gushing: “Love this.”

Someone else commented: “That steak pie with mushy peas looked real legit though.”

A third person weighed in: “I’m Filipino and I love visiting villages like this. I always say British people should be proud their culture.”

Though one viewer couldn’t resist joking: “Looks like they could do with a kebab shop.”

At the outset, Richard Baines says: “You don’t need binoculars.” This is not what I expect to hear on a walk where the main focus is birds. The sun has yet to rise, but we can see our way across muddy ground crunchy with ice. That is the next surprise in a day that will be full of them: we are still in February but Richard points out that ornithological spring is well under way. “Birds are starting to sing,” he says. “Some, like the crossbill, might already have laid eggs.”

We follow a path up to an open ridge, but bird sounds are conspicuously absent. Richard turns back and heads down into a sheltered wooded valley. We have driven up from Pickering to the North York Moors, an area he has been exploring for more than 40 years, his experiences charted in recent memoir The Rarity Garden. As a 14-year-old budding ornithologist he decided to learn bird songs and calls. “I had spent too many woodland walks being disappointed by not seeing any birds, but I could hear a great deal,” he says. “When I started to prioritise sound above sight, the trees came alive and I have never had a bad woodland walk since.” Our walk today aims to land that message for me.

As we drop down into a wooded glade, a large bird flits out of the trees, turns and is gone. “Great start!” says Richard. “Male goshawk.”

Now we stop in front of a small stand of alder and hazel. A bird is singing, so I get out my phone and load Merlin, the app that has revolutionised my ability to identify birds. “Yes, let’s see what you get,” says Richard with a twinkle in his eye. I glance down and see three bird names quickly ping on to the screen. Song thrush, chaffinch and blackbird. I look up. Something is not quite right: all the sounds are emanating from the same place. And then it happens: an unmistakable mewling cry, coming from the top of the alder, where all the other sounds have originated. Merlin duly obliges: “Buzzard.”

Richard is chuckling. “Any thoughts?”

“That thrush just did something incredible.”

We listen a little longer, then Richard explains how a lifetime of learning bird sounds took an unexpected turn in 2014 when Cornell University brought out its gamechanging app, Merlin, a bird-sound identifier that now has more than 10 million users worldwide.

“It’s a brilliant tool for learning birdsong, but it’s also revealing lots of unexpected information,” he says.

One such moment came on a walk in May 2025. Richard was leading a group looking for nightjars in clear-felled areas of plantation woodland near where we are walking. A participant who had lagged behind suddenly came running back to the group with the news that Merlin had picked up a nightingale’s song. Richard immediately turned the group around and went back. “Nightingales are rarely sighted north of Cambridgeshire, never in the North York Moors,” he says. “It would have been momentous.”

Instead, they found a song thrush.

“It may have learned the song on its spring migration, maybe even in the Mediterranean. Merlin is teaching a lot, but it’s also revealing gaps in our knowledge.”

The song thrush is not the only bird playing tricks. As the bottom of the valley flattens out, I spot a great tit landing in the willows by the stream, then singing like no great tit I’ve heard before.

“It’s mimicking a marsh tit,” says Richard. By the time I get Merlin going, a song thrush has started singing. This time, with the sun risen, we can see it clearly, and Richard whispers: “It’s doing a nuthatch.”

Merlin pops up with: “Coot.”

We both stare at the screen, then replay the recording. Sure enough, there is a snippet of low quacks. This time, even Richard is staggered. “That is a first. There definitely isn’t a coot within 10 miles of here.”

Standing in a puddle of icy water, I am suddenly aware that I may have just witnessed a small addition to human knowledge. Significantly, I have not once thought about taking a picture.

For Richard, these reactions are what make the walks special. “Being thrilled by bird sound really frees people up, especially if you’ve got used to the idea that success is a good photograph.”

He has brought people with sight loss on the walks. “They are often much more sensitive to sound and so it’s fascinating to get their skills involved.”

We carry on and, with Richard’s guidance, a whole new sonic world opens up for me, including, far away, the honking of pink-footed geese arriving from Iceland. They are so high I can’t see them, but Richard thinks he knows where they might land, so we quickly transfer to the nearby flooded fields of Ryedale. Extreme cold in eastern Europe has sent thousands of geese towards the UK, and now we see hundreds of pink-footed geese coming down to land and, among them, the black barred chests of Russian white-fronted geese (“white-fronted” refers to the bird’s forehead, not chest). In a normal year, Yorkshire might welcome a couple of dozen of these, but now we are witnessing several hundred in one place. “A once in a 25-year event,” says Richard.

Having already flown about 3,000 miles from their Siberian breeding grounds to the Dutch coast, these birds have decided that an extra few hundred miles across the North Sea is a good idea. That seems like magic, but there is more. Next day, Richard phones. “I’ve been looking at the photos of those geese and there was something even more unusual among them: another Siberian visitor, a single tundra bean goose.”

I like that. Despite my new interest in sound, I’ll hang on to my camera.

Yorkshire Coast Nature offers various nature walks, including Bird Sound Safaris, from £40

The National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 has crowned the best fish and chip restaurants and takeaways in the UK, with a pair based in the same area taking top honours

What’s been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the seafood sector has now unveiled precisely where Brits should be purchasing their fish and chips, and the answer lies in Yorkshire.

The National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 spotlighted the finest establishments within the fish and chip trade, crowning champions in both the Restaurant and Takeaway of the Year categories.

Claiming victory in both sections were two Yorkshire-based venues, alongside their runners-up, cementing the county’s reputation as the authentic birthplace of fish and chips.

For those fortunate enough to sample a chippy meal from Yorkshire, it comes as little shock that the region boasts the nation’s finest offerings.

With coastal destinations such as Scarborough and Whitby leading the sector, serving thousands of portions each day, some of the finest establishments are surprisingly those tucked away inland, where travellers stop off along their journey through the county.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

The Scrap Box, York

Among these hidden gems is The Scrap Box in York, crowned 2026 Takeaway of the Year. The venture was established by two local brothers with ambitions of creating a chippy catering to all the villages scattered between York and Pocklington, whilst serving those travelling towards the coast.

Situated at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, the takeaway does precisely that. The two siblings running the establishment, Aman and Gavin Dhesi, discovered the site, which was formerly a considerably less appealing toilet block next to a layby, and imagined something remarkable for their business venture.

The roadside takeaway has accumulated an outstanding 200+ ‘excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews, with countless patrons raving about their experience.

One reviewer said: “I’m always wary of places that say ‘award-winning’ and never say what award they won!” However at this venue, the honours are clearly showcased for everyone to view.

Following their Takeaway of the Year triumph, Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

The Trenchers of Whitby, Whitby

The Restaurant of the Year champion at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards was a local Whitby restaurant, known as the Trenchers of Whitby.

Just a short stroll from the tourist hotspot of Whitby Beach, the eatery has firmly positioned itself at the centre of the coastal town, naturally attracting visitors throughout the year.

Whilst the enviable location certainly plays its part, they secured first place thanks to their self-described “traditional method of beef dripping”, enabling them to deliver the “best possible product”.

It’s these deliberate approaches to preparing their mouth-watering dishes that have allowed the establishment to distinguish itself from rivals. Popular choices on their menu feature seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish alongside homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, and numerous vegetarian alternatives.

One delighted diner praised the “gravy is out of this world”. They shared: “We travelled to Whitby for a weekend away. We popped into Trenchers Friday night, we were seated in a booth, and the drinks arrived promptly once ordered… The butcher’s gravy was absolutely delicious, and we would return just for the gravy.”

Runners Up

The Yorkshire chip shops aren’t the only ones celebrating success, outperforming other venues across their respective regions. Shaw’s Fish and Chips of Dodworth, located in Barnsley, Yorkshire, secured second place in the Takeaways category, making it the nation’s second-best fish and chip takeaway.

Additionally, the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 named Whitby’s Restaurant and Take Away in Rotherham, Yorkshire, as the third-best restaurant of the year.

The Fry Awards

Further cementing Yorkshire’s reputation as the go-to destination for fish and chips, the esteemed Fry Awards unveiled their definitive list of the UK’s best chippies in January this year. A staggering number of establishments from the top 50 hailed from the county, with Trenchers of Whitby earning another commendable nod in their top 10 restaurants list.

Here are all the Yorkshire fish and chip shops that made it to the Fry Awards:.

• Auckley Friery, Auckley, Doncaster
• Hird’s Family Fisheries, Halifax, West Yorkshire
• Kirbys of Horsforth, Horsforth, Leeds
• Kirbys of Meanwood, Meanwood, Leeds
• Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough, Flamborough, East Yorkshire
• Portside Fish & Chips, Starbeck, North Yorkshire
• Portside Fish & Chips, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
• The Codfather, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
• The Fish Bank, Sherburn in Elemet, North Yorkshire
• Your Plaice or Mine Mobile Van, Thorne, South Yorkshire

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

This seaside spot has been crowned the best fish and chip restaurant in the UK at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards, beating over 10,500 chippy operators nationwide

Fish and chips remain a beloved staple in British homes as the ultimate dining-out indulgence, and Yorkshire has now been confirmed as home to the finest establishment serving this classic dish across the entire nation.

This highly-rated Whitby restaurant has just been crowned the best fish and chip restaurant in the UK at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards, and based on customer feedback, the accolade is thoroughly deserved.

Competing against more than 10,500 chippy operators eligible for the competition, Trenchers of Whitby’s triumph in the ‘restaurant of the year’ category represents a remarkable accomplishment.

Shortlisted establishments must demonstrate ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ alongside exceptional skill in preparing the most delicious fish and chips.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

The Trenchers on New Quay Road uses the “traditional method of beef dripping” for frying to guarantee they’re delivering the “best possible product”, according to its website.

These deliberate cooking techniques have propelled the establishment above its fierce rivals. Yet the offerings for genuine food enthusiasts extend far beyond your standard fish and chips, though that naturally remains the restaurant’s cornerstone.

Menu choices feature seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish alongside homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, plus numerous vegetarian alternatives.

A recent guest shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, stating: “Friendly service, nice atmosphere, incredible food and prices. Eaten here many times over the past few visits to Whitby and have never been disappointed. Absolutely recommend.”

Another diner described the “gravy is out of this world”. They added: “We travelled to Whitby for a weekend away. We popped into Trenchers Friday night, we were seated in a booth, and the drinks arrived promptly once ordered… The butcher’s gravy was absolutely delicious, and we would return just for the gravy.”

Located within walking distance of Whitby Beach, merely a 12-minute walk away, the eatery is positioned in the town centre, attracting visitors throughout the year. However, this doesn’t diminish their dedication to the art of preparing fish, as they continue to expand their modest empire.

Trenchers has established a sister venue, Tide by Trenchers, on Bridge Street in Whitby, which is scheduled to reopen in March 2026. It promises to “bring over four decades of award-winning tradition to Bridge Street”, offering seafood and additional meat options.

A somewhat newer and more upmarket alternative to the traditional fish and chip shop, one patron described Tide’s cuisine as “heaven on a plate”.

They added: “Wonderful. We had the special lobster dinner last Thursday of the month – would highly recommend, absolutely lush! Great wine selection, loved the Sauvignon Blanc.”

Claiming the top spot at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 was The Scrap Box in York, which scooped the coveted first place prize.

The shop’s two co-owners and brothers, Aman and Gavin Dhesi, are absolutely thrilled with their remarkable achievement. Following their victory, Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi’s fish and chip shop has been crowned the UK’s best takeaway at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, beating hundreds of chippies across the country

When the two brothers first opened their fish and chip shop, their ambition was to become ‘everyone’s local’ — and now they’re celebrated not just in their hometown, but across the entire country as the very best.

In what the industry hails as the ‘Oscars’ of the seafood world, this modest chip shop in York claimed top honours at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026. The Scrap Box was crowned the best fish and chip takeaway in the UK — a title the owners are taking in their stride.

To even be considered for the prestigious awards, those shortlisted must demonstrate ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ and, naturally, an exceptional talent for cooking mouth-watering fish and chips.

What’s impossible to overlook is that both winners, including The Scrap Box, along with four out of six commended establishments, are all rooted in Yorkshire — cementing the county’s status as the undisputed home of the great British chippy.

The takeaway’s owners, brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi, stumbled upon the site — formerly a toilet block beside a layby — and immediately saw its potential.

Their vision was to create a chippy that would serve the villages surrounding York and Pocklington, as well as hungry travellers passing through on their way to the seaside.

The two co-owners of the establishment, who are also siblings, are absolutely thrilled with their accomplishment. Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

The chippy, located at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, maintains a strong commitment to sustainability regarding the fish they serve.

Their website reveals the brothers made the business Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified back in 2024, enabling them to trace every piece of cod and haddock they serve right back to where it came from.

The roadside eatery has accumulated more than 200 glowing TripAdvisor reviews, with numerous satisfied customers sharing their experiences.

One recent visitor said: “I’m always wary of places that say ‘award-winning’ and never say what award they won!” However, here the accolades are prominently showcased for everyone to see.

“Attracted by the great exterior mural as we passed by, we promised ourselves to come back later. A lovely, fresh-looking interior, clean. The young chap who served us was extremely pleasant. Top-notch haddock and chips – freshly cooked and not greasy at all. We eat loads of fish and chips and could tell these were excellent.”

Their eye-catching mural is impossible to miss for people driving past, featuring a striking image of a fish gliding through water, set against the city’s distinctive skyline. While it certainly entices people through the door, it’s the delicious food that ensures customers return again and again.

Other contenders in the category included The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland, which secured second spot. Rounding out the top three was another Yorkshire chippy, Shaw’s Fish & Chips of Dodworth, situated in Barnsley.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 has announced the best places to buy fish and chips in the UK – and four out of the six commended are based in the same region

The ‘Oscars’ of the seafood industry have arrived, revealing precisely where Brits should be heading for their fish and chips.

The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 celebrated the leading names within the food sector, crowning the champions for both Restaurant and Takeaway of the Year.

The ceremony also recognised the runners-up, exceptional establishments in their own right, having battled against the 10,500+ chippy operators eligible to enter the competition.

Shortlisted candidates, to be considered credible contenders, must demonstrate ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ and, naturally, mastery in preparing mouth-watering fish and chips.

What’s particularly striking is that both winners, plus four of the six total commended establishments, are all in Yorkshire – arguably cementing its status as the true home of the British chippy.

Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year

Claiming the top spot for the nation’s finest takeaway for traditional fish and chips was The Scrap Box in York.

The business was established with ambitions to serve all the villages scattered between York and Pocklington, whilst also catering to visitors heading towards the campsites and coastal areas along the route.

The two co-owners of the establishment, brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi, are delighted with their accomplishment.

Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level.

“To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year

Taking the top spot for 2026 as the nation’s finest fish and chip restaurant was Trenchers of Whitby in Whitby, Yorkshire.

Originally opened in 1980, this eatery is far from being a newcomer and has firmly established itself within the industry over the years, perfecting the art of delicious seafood.

Their website explains: “At Trenchers New Quay Road, we fry using the traditional method of beef dripping to ensure the best possible product for our customers.

“With options including seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish, homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, vegetarian options and a dedicated children’s menu, there truly is something for everyone.”

Among the runners-up are several exceptional chippies and eateries also carving out reputations within the sector, and remarkably, many of the winners hail from Yorkshire.

Taking second spot for the finest fish and chip takeaway was The Fish Works, located in Largs, Scotland, with Shaws Fish & Chips of Dodworth in Barnsley, Yorkshire, claiming third position.

Meanwhile, in the battle for restaurant of the year honours, second place went to the highly-regarded Noah’s in Bristol. Third place was secured by Whitby’s Restaurant & Take Away in – you’ve guessed it – Yorkshire, more precisely in Rotherham.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, who sat on this year’s judging panel, said: “It’s been clear from the start that those competing came with serious agendas to elevate industry best practice like never before, and we are so proud to say these are the winners!”.

He added: “Fish and chip businesses are the backbone of the takeaway space; the heritage is like no other, and our winners represent tradition and the future to the highest degree.”

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

This walk near Bridlington boasts a stunning 3km woodland trail leading to a secluded pebble beach with towering white cliffs, creating a tranquil bay perfect for peaceful coastal walks

Stretching across 184 acres, this woodland trail guides you to a stunning beach whilst offering abundant wildlife sightings throughout your journey.

Danes Dyke nature reserve in Bridlington boasts the Headland’s most extensive woodland area, with a pathway leading directly to the coastline.

This distinctive sea and cliff habitat has earned protection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, whilst the woodland itself gained official Nature Reserve designation in 2002.

Nature Reserve Walk

Visitors can start by using the spacious Pay and Display car park, which accommodates up to 80 vehicles. Located off Flamborough Road in Bridlington, simply follow the brown tourist signs pointing towards Danes Dyke.

Keen ramblers often favour the 3km circular route starting from the car park, though numerous alternative paths and distances are available to suit your preferences.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

After meandering through approximately 1km of woodland, you’ll emerge at the beach, where sweeping vistas of the bay unfold before you.

One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “You must visit Danes Dyke if you are visiting the area. Even the drive to it is eerie but magical, and the huge dyke itself is spectacular and steeped in history.”

They added: “You can just imagine how the Vikings tried to etch out the area to make it a land of their own. The beach is great too.”

Nestled within the woodland reserve lies a remarkable prehistoric earthwork, comprising a substantial bank and ditch that cuts through the landscape.

While unconfirmed, it’s thought to date back to the Iron Age, serving as a defensive structure that severed the Flamborough Headland.

Beach

Yet the true highlight of this excursion is undoubtedly the final stop, Danes Dyke Beach. The sand is reached via a tarmacked path that’s rather steep and has suffered damage from water and debris, requiring extra care when navigating.

The undisputed showstopper here is the towering white cliffs that dominate the predominantly shingle beach. They enclose the shoreline, confining it to its own sheltered bay, which explains its popularity amongst adventurers seeking solitude and peace.

Its secluded bay is reminiscent of the type of area once used for smuggling contraband, ferried in by vessels from the ocean. The surrounding Flamborough Head area does indeed boast a smuggling heritage, with its famous ‘smuggler’s caves’ situated at neighbouring Thornwick Bay.

One rambler said: “The day that my wife and I visited Danes Dyke, there was not another person in sight, just the two of us, with the waves crashing in and the sea salt from the spray in the air – pure magic.”

Another commented: “Lovely clean beach with a picturesque cliff line and white pebbles. A short walk from the car park. Great place for the dog to run. Hardly anyone about.”

Place to rest

The closest village to Danes Dyke is picturesque Sewerby, which boasts several traditional and welcoming pubs. Following a peaceful and leisurely stroll, you can tuck into hearty pub fare or pause for refreshments at The Ship Inn or The Old Forge, or even treat yourself to highly-rated fish and chips from Blu Savannah along the seafront.

The Ship Inn features a spacious beer garden perfect for summer months, which stretches towards the cliff edges. It’s built quite a name for itself with its range of cask ales and is renowned locally for staging various live music performances and beer festivals, making it an ideal spot to visit following a weekend ramble.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

The Hoffman Kiln near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a moss-covered derelict kiln hidden in woodlands, though the site is currently undergoing development with limited access

For those looking for an extraordinary walking adventure, this trail delivers something truly unique and proves ideal for youngsters who relish uncovering secret treasures along the way.

Nestled within the forests on the outskirts of Settle in Yorkshire lies Hoffman Kiln, an abandoned kiln that once served as an insulated furnace for burning raw materials.

Today, it resembles an subterranean grotto constructed from brickwork and blanketed in moss, lending the location an unsettling verdant atmosphere.

Its past remains somewhat enigmatic to locals, though additional points of interest dot the vicinity, designated as part of the ‘Craven Limeworks trail’.

The kiln formed part of what was previously an industrial complex, where Yorkshire workers toiled in appalling conditions before nature eventually reclaimed the site, leaving it abandoned.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

Historical background

The nineteenth century witnessed the establishment of the railway route connecting Settle to Carlisle, which subsequently generated fresh industrial prospects for the region.

The railway regularly transported coal inbound to process the limestone extracted from the scar, then carried away the completed product.

Enormous quantities of stone were once processed here, yet now it lies concealed. The kiln was previously operated by labourers whose responsibility involved shovelling burnt lime onto wagons positioned mere feet away in the sidings.

Describing the harsh working conditions, Senior Historic Environment Officer Miles Johnson explained: “It’s quite pleasant space to be in now but whilst it was in use it was probably absolutely grim. Lime is really nasty, caustic stuff to work with.

“The lime burners who worked in here had to cover every inch of their body with rags and clothing to try to keep the lime dust out. When lime dust meets moisture or water it reacts and generates a lot of heat.

“So if you’ve got lime dust on your body, and you’re shovelling and starting to sweat, then you’d start to blister and burn quite quickly.”

Exploration today

Proposals to develop the land housing the kiln have been under consideration for some time. Back in 2021, it emerged that Craven District Council’s planning application had received approval, with the site now earmarked for commercial development.

Prior to construction commencing, one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Really loved my visit. I was amazed by how big the site is, considering it isn’t promoted very well. There is lots to explore, and the information boards are very helpful.

“The car park for the site is also quite large, so there is plenty of room. It felt quite exciting to be exploring the vast Hoffmann kiln by torchlight, and I was very pleased to see that it hadn’t been littered or abused.”

Yet more recently, visitors have suggested that the feeling of discovering a secret, unspoilt location has vanished, with construction work now progressing at full pace. A later review states: “These unusual kilns are well worth a visit.

“However, as other reviewers have mentioned, at the moment the area is a building site. There is access to the Hoffman kiln, but you need to cross the building site and walk along beside the railway.”

To find the kiln, you can use the postcode BD24 9NU, where you’ll find it just off the main road between Langcliffe and Stainforth.

This little town in Yorkshire is ideal for fans of Emily Bronte’s gothic story thanks to its wild and rugged surroundings, and nearby attractions that might just be haunted…

Sometimes, when a storm hits the UK, rain batters the pavements and wind whips the trees, it’s easy to feel swept up in the kind of awe-inspiring conditions that helped Emily Brontë to write her classic novel, Wuthering Heights.

There is a little town in Yorkshire, 100miles from Cathy and Heathcliff’s home, but steeped in as much Gothic drama, where every day feels like you’ve tumbled into such dark Victorian melodrama.

As I stepped aboard my coach bound for Whitby, I imagined a sleepy seaside town, much like those down south that slowly emerge as you drive along the road towards the sea. What I got was very different.

Just getting to Whitby was a beautiful journey. The town is nestled between the rugged expanse of the moors and the wild thrashing of the North Sea. In days gone by, travellers would only be able to access it if they hiked for miles along the hills and valleys of the North York Moors or braved the violent waves of the sea. Now, we have cars and trains, but both still take you over the moors.

READ MORE: Stunning Welsh beach named best in in UK and will stop you in your tracksREAD MORE: I travel the world because of my divorce – now I always pack the same 2 items

As my coach sped through the twists and turns of the roads across the moors, I was like a child, with my face pressed against the window. There wasn’t a soul for miles, just acres and acres of heather. Once in Whitby, when you hear the waves crash against the sea defences and feel the wind whistle past your ears, it’s easy to see how someone might think a faint voice calling for Heathcliff was coming over their shoulder.

The town itself is split into two halves. The newer section was built following the Second World War, but much of the town is older and filled with Georgian terraces. Even older is Whitby Abbey, whose ruins stand proudly at the top of a cliff and have inspired many a tale, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

If you walk along the coast from the nearby villages of Saltmoore and Sandsend, the gothic ruins stay within your sightline. Lucky hikers will get to see the sea fog – which locals used to believe was the fiery breath of a dragon – come in to cover the abbey. You’ll feel like you’re trekking the same paths Heathcliff did as he searched for Catherine’s ghost, not least because Emerald Fennell’s new film was shot about two hours away, in the Yorkshire Dales.

The most remarkable sight comes when you walk back towards Whitby, as when the fog clears, the Abbey can be seen looming through a gap between the cliffs. It’s terrifying and awe-inspiring all at once. I felt drawn towards the ruins, much as Cathy is drawn to Heathcliff or as an entranced Lucy is drawn to Dracula. How could anyone resist such a terrible sight?

Indeed, not Whitby residents of years gone by. Whitby Storyteller, Rose Rylands, who tells of the myths of the moors. When Rose spoke about the ghostly figures said to appear on the hilltops, goosebumps pebbled my skin, as if I was walking with them myself.

The tale of Bram’s inspiration in Whitby was similarly haunting. During a holiday, the author stayed on the West Cliff, offering views of the Abbey, which he felt suited the Gothic atmosphere of his story. One day, he turned to the local library to research a shipwreck, only to discover the name ‘Dracula’ in the records. Its meaning in the Wallachian language, Bram learned, is ‘devil’.

When Rose told us these tales, the winter’s night pressing against the hostel windows, my heart started to beat faster. I began to wonder if I, too, would soon be hallucinating the ghost of lost love calling to me.

Of course, Heathcliff’s hallucinations of Cathy’s ghost all happen at night, and there really is nowhere better to see the stars than the North York Moors. The national park is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 25 in the world, protected from light pollution and able to provide clear horizons, clouds permitting. As someone who grew up in London and finds it hard to sleep without the orange glow of streetlights coming in through the curtains, just standing in complete darkness is a wonder. When the stars are visible, there are no words.

We went to Castle Howard, a stately home that has served as a filming location for Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton, to see the stars. Except for the enormous house, there is nothing around for miles, leaving the sky unpolluted by light. Inside, the house is equally beautiful.

The entrance hall is a vast space whose domed ceiling has been painted with the most gorgeous fresco of cherubs – it’s similar to Michelangelo’s painting The Creation of Adam, which decorates the Sistine Chapel. The whole place feels like an art gallery, really. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that people actually live there, but they do. The family is very involved in ensuring the house and its heritage remain standing strong.

Flouncing around the house, through the rooms, and then eventually into the cold and dark night definitely made me feel like I was Cathy after she had married Edgar Linton. Castle Howard has all the opulence of Thrushcross Grange, and it was easy to slip into the role of the new wife enjoying her surroundings. Heading out to see the stars, with the house behind me, had my heart racing, as though I could really see Heathcliff across the moors at Wuthering Heights.

If you want to really live in the kind of luxury that the Earnshaws did (without the madness and rooms where the wallpaper is modelled after Margot Robbie’s skin), the Saltmoore Hotel and Spa is the place to go. Just slightly removed from the touristy bustle of Whitby, the hotel is extremely peaceful. My room was a huge and managed to fit in a double bed, a giant shower (with underfloor heating) and two incredibly comfortable armchairs where you can sit and you listen out for ghosts at the window.

Additionally, the staff couldn’t be more helpful. They even lend you wellies for a walk along the beach. Fingers crossed the next time I go, I’ll be better prepared. And best believe, I will be back. For costume drama fans, there really is nowhere better to be.

Book it

Rose can be booked for walking tours of Whitby via her website.

You can find out more on visitengland.com and visitnorthyorkshire.com. Rooms at the Saltmoore Hotel and Spa start from £311 a night, based on two adults sharing.

Rooms at Saltmoore Hotel and Spa start at £236.

Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

A historic village in Yorkshire has been used to film Happy Valley and other BBC productions, and visitors say it’s like stepping back in time.

Perched atop a hill in the British countryside just beyond Hebden Bridge, with a population barely exceeding 1,500 souls, Heptonstall demonstrates that when it comes to allure, size is irrelevant. This “beautiful little village” ranks amongst Yorkshire’s most historic settlements, “beguiling the visitor with its quiet charm,” according to Visit Calderdale.

Those who’ve visited recently describe it as an enchanting spot, comparable to “stepping back in time”. They’ve also praised its cobblestone lanes, handful of pubs, a tea room, and a pair of churches – one featuring the remains of St Thomas à Becket.

Visit Calderdale stated: “Surrounded by breathtaking countryside, Hebden Bridge has been voted as the ‘fourth funkiest town in the world’, best small market town in the UK and ‘the greatest town in Europe’. Heptonstall is one of the most historic villages in Yorkshire, beguiling the visitor with its quiet charm.”

Heptonstall has built a following thanks to its appearances in the BAFTA-winning BBC thriller series Happy Valley, The Gallows Pole on the BBC, and Peterloo.

Key filming locations within the village featured The White Lion, Heptonstall Museum, the Church of St Thomas à Becket, and St Thomas the Apostle, reports the Express.

Heptonstall is also recognised as the final resting place of celebrated American poet Sylvia Plath. She lies buried in the newer St Thomas à Becket churchyard.

Famous for her novel The Bell Jar, Sylvia died on 11 February 1963, aged just 30. Visitors to Heptonstall have been left captivated by the charming village, insisting it’s a destination that won’t disappoint.

Howlo shared: “A truly quaint and beautiful village, it’s like going back in time, and I am told it’s used for many period television series. I can see why. I loved it and would certainly visit again.”

Ted S concurred: “Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall are both lovely places to visit. Heptonstall is like stepping back in time.”

Hazwel R said: “There are not enough stars to rate this place. It is so much more than excellent. The most beautiful, tranquil village. Amazing scenery, the locals are so friendly and welcoming, Heptonstall is truly an amazing place to visit. Come just for the views alone, you will never be disappointed.”

Julian140 commented: “Nice bracing walk up there whichever way you go [to the village]. Rewarded with a virtually unspoilt old-world village.”

Joetravels2014 noted: “A village that is often overlooked by tourists. It’s a place to see if you have time, lovely and charming.”

Lynne M added: “The historic village is like turning back time. It is situated high up on a hill overlooking the old industrial town of Hebden Bridge. We parked on the outskirts and wandered around the very quiet streets, marvelling at the historic buildings and the narrow cobbled streets. We came across historic church ruins and old graveyards with masses of stone headstones embedded in the ground. It was fascinating.”

Susan Olivia L penned: “This place is amazing! Feels like you’re on the set of a Harry Potter movie – spectacular old ruin, really worth the hike up the (very steep and long) hill!”

User Gypfin said: “The best village in Yorkshire due to the fact it’s still quiet and unspoilt. It’s a tranquil, hidden gem with two good pubs, fantastic views, architecture and people. I highly recommend you visit; there is always a warm welcome.”

The hall in Halifax has been a stunning events venue since 1779 and remains the only 18th-century northern cloth hall of its kind, now hosting music concerts, independent shops and restaurants

Nestled in the centre of Halifax in West Yorkshire sits an architectural gem that now serves as a premier events destination for the region.

Since 1779, The Piece Hall has been an integral part of the town, functioning as an expansive open-air courtyard that’s currently encircled by a vibrant town centre brimming with shops, bars and restaurants.

Originally designed to accommodate large exhibitions, this magnificent space has evolved into a breathtaking venue hosting an extensive array of events.

One recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Great trip, lovely environment and good shops! The Piece hall is an absolutely brilliant tourist attraction and has done wonders for Halifax!”.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

History

The Piece Hall ceremoniously welcomed its first visitors on New Year’s Day in 1779, operating as a public marketplace for trading woven cloth and fabric.

The construction costs totalled just over £9,000 at the time, equivalent to approximately half a million pounds in today’s money.

It represented a masterpiece of architectural undertaking for its era and stands as the sole surviving example of 18th-century northern cloth halls.

This landmark building held a pivotal position in the textiles industry, contributing significantly not only to Yorkshire’s economy but to the nation’s prosperity for generations.

The opening is believed to have featured an elaborate grand ceremony, complete with a musical procession and spectacular fireworks display. Trading commenced the very next day, with business conducted every Saturday for merely two hours weekly.

Events

The Piece Hall has established itself as a vibrant entertainment destination, serving as Yorkshire’s premier venue for live music, theatrical productions and cultural exhibitions.

Its stunning and spacious courtyard provides an ideal setting for broadcast productions, including hosting the BBC’s beloved Antiques Roadshow.

The venue has welcomed circus acts, dramatic performances and musical concerts, whilst also functioning as an open-air cinema location. Most music events operate on a standing basis to maximise the area’s capacity, with minimal seating available.

The Piece Hall’s forthcoming calendar features Madness performing across two consecutive evenings from June 11, alongside a Paul Weller performance during that same week.

Renowned British acts including the Kooks and McFly are scheduled to perform at the historic location later this year.

One guest urged visitors to “not miss this Yorkshire jewel”, describing it as a “total delight” that’s “soaked in historic interest”, whilst praising the on-site retail offerings as making it “so worth a visit”.

Refurbishment

After a comprehensive refurbishment programme costing approximately £19 million, the Piece Hall celebrated its spectacular reopening during summer 2017.

To facilitate such substantial renovations, the location remained shuttered for three and a half years, commencing in January 2014.

The restoration works included re-levelling the central courtyard, transforming it into a vast 66,000-square-foot piazza capable of hosting events for up to 7,500 people.

Additionally, the project saw the careful restoration of the original stonework, preserving its historical integrity.

However, the most significant aspect of the restoration was the creation of spaces within the arcades to accommodate independent shops, cafés and bars.

The site also gained a new extension on its eastern side, which now contains a learning centre where visitors can discover the heritage of the location and its role in Yorkshire’s industrial development.

Shops

Behind the stone walls of the Piece Hall sits an array of independent retailers offering everything from handicrafts to books, clothing, homeware and beyond. Among its most popular shops are Loafers, a local record shop, The Book Corner, Antiques by Rachel and Waterfall Games store.

Following a day of browsing, one visitor claimed: “Amazing architecture, historically fascinating lots of small shops, bars and restaurants. The town is small but has enough charm to keep you entertained. The local indoor market has great food and atmospheric designs. Definitely worth a visit!”.

WUTHERING Heights star Margot Robbie would soak up views of the Yorkshire Dales from a bath while there for filming, a hotel owner has revealed.

Staff said the 35-year-old Aussie became a real “Yorkshire lass”, wearing wellies and a wax jacket — and pulling pints.

Margot, who plays Cathy Earnshaw in the tragedy, spent three weeks at 17th-century Simonstone Hall Hotel in Hawes, North Yorks, last year.

Other cast members also stayed including Jacob Elordi, 28, who plays brooding Heathcliff.

Barbie actress Margot was given the hotel’s best room, the luxury £300-a-night Langtry Suite.

Staff said she was obsessed with having a daily bath in its free-standing tub by a large window so she could enjoy the view.

Read more on Margot Robbie

OH MAMA!

From getting ‘whipped’ to being racy on jet ski, Margot Robbie’s sex confessions

BIG SCREEN

The northern England beauty spot used to film Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights

Meanwhile, Australian Jacob requested a “dog-friendly” room for his golden retriever Layla.

Margot is effortlessly beautiful and even looked good in wellies and a wax jacket.

Hotel owner Jake Dinsdale on Margot

Hotel owner Jake Dinsdale told The Sun on Sunday: “Margot was absolutely lovely.

“She was very down-to-earth — a real Yorkshire lass at heart.

“Margot is effortlessly beautiful and even looked good in wellies and a wax jacket.”

He added: “I’ve got an old school Land Rover and she asked me to drive her to the set in it a couple of times.”

Jake said Margot had a go at pulling a pint of Simonstone Ale.

He added: “There were a few wild nights, drinking negronis and martinis, or hanging out in the hot tub or by the fire.

“But on weekends it was always very relaxed.

“Margot had a Sunday roast in the restaurant and enjoyed our afternoon tea.”

Filming took place in the Yorkshire Dales National Park 30 miles from Haworth, West Yorks, where Wuthering Heights author Emily Bronte grew up.

Margot returned in the summer for a break with producer husband Tom Ackerley and their baby son.

They visited Hardraw Force, England’s highest single drop waterfall — where Tom, 35, had a dip to recreate a scene in 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Custodian of the falls Mark Thompson said: “I remember Margot saying how much she enjoyed Yorkshire and they bought a photo of the falls from the gift shop.”

Wuthering Heights was released in cinemas on Friday.

The 120-acre National Trust site near Masham features 18th-century grottos, waterfalls and ruins hidden within ancient woodland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

In North Yorkshire, near the market town of Masham, lies an expansive woodland haven brimming with hidden gems that stretch back to the 18th century.

Hackfall Woods stands as a magnificent 120-acre expanse of ancient forest, attracting visitors with its enchanting atmosphere and stunning views. The Woodland Trust-owned site holds grade 1 listed status, owing to its 18th-century remnants and historic garden features.

Perched on the fringe of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Hackfall nestles within a dramatic and rugged gorge carved by the River Ure.

Following years of neglect and deterioration, the woodland has been carefully restored to its original splendour, now welcoming keen walkers and explorers across Yorkshire.

History

Whilst today Hackfall appears as an untouched wilderness, it was actually carefully crafted to achieve this wild aesthetic by a renowned landscaper in 1731.

John Aislabie bought the estate and, working with his son, reimagined it as a seemingly natural landscape dotted with decorative features for visitors to admire.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

The design was cleverly conceived to showcase the pre-existing panoramas and natural characteristics, amplifying the area’s inherent beauty.

Yet following their considerable efforts, Hackfall endured decades of abandonment and disrepair, before being purchased in 1932 by an owner who stripped the site of its trees. The structures had fallen into disrepair, and flooding had worn away the once-stunning water features.

In 1989, the Woodland Trust stepped in to save the site, securing it on a lease of nearly 1,000 years, with support from organisations including the Hackfall Trust and English Heritage.

Since that time, this magnificent woodland has been formally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, alongside recognition as ancient semi-natural woodland.

It continues to attract visitors from throughout the country, eager to witness the waterfalls, sculptures and historic ruins.

One visitor recounted their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “Hackfall is a beautiful and peaceful woodland brimming with nature, trees, plants, birds, wildlife, streams, ponds, castle ruins, great views on a hillside alongside the River Ure. It’s a super place for peace and quiet, for individuals, for families, suitable for all ages to explore and get away from it all.”

Wildlife

Nature enthusiasts are guaranteed a memorable experience at Hackfall, renowned for the remarkable diversity of species that inhabit the area.

From bird life to flora and insects, the woodland is bursting with biodiversity, and countless sightings have been documented here, particularly by dedicated birdwatchers.

The website showcases an extensive array of creatures visitors might encounter, from kingfishers to dippers, grey wagtails and woodpeckers. Guests can also anticipate spotting stoats, foxes, badgers, butterflies and little lemon slugs.

Access

Given the challenging landscape, featuring numerous steep footpaths, Hackfall is only suitable for those confident navigating steps and inclines, as wheelchair access isn’t available.

The woodland offers up to four entry points, with the two most frequented located at the top of the site and featuring the steepest routes.

To access these, you’ll need to start from the minor road linking Grewelthorpe to Masham. The entrance has no barriers, and as you follow the trail, you’ll quickly discover it’s a gentle gradient with a handful of steps.

Free parking is available nearby at the Woodland Trust car park, situated roughly half a mile before Grewelthorpe Village. Some walkers alternatively opt to park in the village of Masham.

Bear in mind there are no toilet facilities within the woodlands themselves, with the closest public toilets located back in Masham. While this is typical for most woodland rambles, visitors will be delighted to learn that not only are they welcome, but their dogs are too.

A small village in the Yorkshire Dales is just as picturesque as it is welcoming, especially when it comes to good food and drink.

Tucked away amidst the breathtaking greenery of the Yorkshire Dales lies a charming grey stone village that serves as an excellent launching pad for countryside expeditions.

Boasting numerous campsites, Kettlewell provides the perfect pit stop for keen ramblers and explorers seeking somewhere to put their feet up and enjoy quality food and refreshments.

The village features three historic inns – a testament to its previous role as a key transport centre – which continue to operate as pubs today.

One visitor described it as having “views beyond compare” in a TripAdvisor review. They said: “Driving around the dales was an absolute delight; we had to keep stopping to take piccies of stunning scenery. Any town or village is worth visiting.”

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

Another shared: “Beautiful village with 3 amazing pub restaurants and two tea rooms. The properties and scenery are amazing. We have stayed on 4 occasions over the years and plan on another visit soon.”

Dining Options

What secures Kettlewell’s special place in walkers’ affections is its array of dining and drinking establishments. The Blue Bell stands as the oldest, positioned at the village centre beside the water.

Complete with crackling log fires and exposed timber beams, this traditional pub offers travellers a perfectly pulled pint year-round. Their menu features classic pub fare including fish and chips and humble pies – ideal for recharging following an extensive day’s hiking.

Sitting alongside them are the village’s two other beloved watering holes, The Kings Head and Racehorses Hotel, an 18th-century establishment that has retained its character throughout the decades.

However, it’s actually the Kings Head that claims the top spot for dining on TripAdvisor, with patrons describing it as a “proper Dales pub”.

One review said: “We’ve been to this pub several times over the last few years. It’s compact and very cosy; it can get crowded with only 20 or 30 visitors, but that’s one of the things we love about it. The locals are friendly; they love this place and are very welcoming to everybody who supports it.”

The culinary delights don’t end there, as this peaceful village boasts two charming cafes as well, with the more traditional option being The Cottage Tea Room. A few streets away sits And Then – Tasting Deli, praised by guests for its “outrageously good coffee” and warm hospitality.

One customer said: “We visited a couple of times during our stay in Kettlewell and were impressed with the quality of the food and drink, and we found the service very friendly from the owner and all the staff.”

They added: “Prices were reasonable given how good everything was, and we enjoyed our visits sat in by the cosy log burner. Our takeout Wensleydale sandwiches were top-notch too!”.

Summit

Right on its doorstep lies an extensive selection of rambles through the stunning Dales, yet the most popular route from Kettlewell remains the trek to Great Whernside. This peak’s highest point looms majestically over the village and attracts keen walkers from across the nation.

It wasn’t until 1997 that public access to the summit was officially established, leading to the construction of two footpaths reaching the top. One route starts directly from Kettlewell, whilst the other follows along the summit ridge.

The challenging walk can take up to four hours, though the route is clearly marked with well-defined footpaths and signage throughout the ascent. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll find yourself at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet.

Part of Yorkshire’s tourist attractions is the ‘Dales 30’ – a collection of 30 mountains with some exceeding 2,000 feet in height, and this happens to be amongst them. Though the climb shouldn’t be mistaken for Whernside, which forms one of Yorkshire’s three highest peaks, located on the Cumbrian border.

TODAY is the day that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights is out in cinemas.

The adaptation of Emily Brontë‘s novel is set to wow movie fans – and viewers will be stunned by the beautiful backdrop which was filmed across the sprawling Yorkshire Dales.

It was reported that the two Hollywood stars were filming in the Yorkshire Dales National Park early in 2025.

Cast and crew took over spots across the moors like Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

Both valleys are known for their wild moorland scenery.

For those visiting, Swaledale is a great spot for hiking the Pennine Way, or take a drive to explore the Buttertubs Pass.

BEACHY KEEN

Sun readers’ favourite family attractions in Lincolnshire’s seaside resorts

COAST IT

White sand beaches, pirate pubs & Gibraltar Point – Sun readers Lincolnshire faves

It’s essentially a mountain road with steep climbs that crosses the moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale.

It’s popular with cyclists and motorcyclists, one visitor called it “one of the best driving routes in the whole country.”

The village of Low Row in Swaledale which has traditional stone cottages also featured in the film.

Anybody wanting to stay nearby can pop into The Punch Bowl Inn.

They serve up ‘Yorkshire food with a modern twist’ – in the evenings you can munch on the likes of fish and chips, burgers and Cajun salmon salad.

Rooms are available there too with a one night stay priced at £160.

Arkengarthdale is quiet hiking spot and is known for being home to the highest pub in the country called the Tan Hill Inn.

The historic pub is 1,732 feet above sea level, and it dates back to the 17th century it has exposed beams, stone-flagged floor, and a cosy fire.

Dig into some hearty Yorkshire meals, or book a room from £119 per night.

Another backdrop from the film is Surrender Bridge – it’s a Grade II listed, 19th-century stone bridge just outside of Swaledale.

It first became famous for appearing in the opening scenes of the 1980s All Creatures Great and Small TV series.

Another spot that wasn’t actually used for filming, but could see more visitors, is Haworth.

It’s heavily tied with the Brontës, sisters Emily, Charlotte and Anne – as their family lived there.

The village is still described by visitors as like ‘stepping back in time’ thanks to its cobbled streets and old English pubs.

It pays tribute to the sisters with its Brontë Parsonage Museum.

These spots are set to see a boom of tourists this year – along with a hotel that housed the actors whilst on their shoot.

Jake Dinsdale, from Simonstone Hall Hotel, near Hawes, told the BBC that the “set-jetting” concept is a reality.

He added: “We are getting visitors coming in from Canada, Germany and the States.”

The Simonstone Hall Hotel is in heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – rooms have boasting four-poster beds, soaking tubs and stunning views.

Room rates start from £118 per night.

For more on Yorkshire, this town has been dubbed the ‘Italy of England’ with historic viaduct and river boats.

Plus, one Sun Writer reveals the prettiest town in Yorkshire – it’s a real northern gem but most southerners have never heard of it.

This village in North Yorkshire is dominated by the impressive ruins of a Grade I listed Norman castle, alongside stunning countryside views and a Michelin Guide-recognised pub

This tranquil hilltop village nestled in North Yorkshire offers the perfect combination of peaceful countryside, scenic walks and stunning views, alongside a fascinating mediaeval heritage.

Crayke is a charming yet compact village boasting numerous historic buildings that history enthusiasts will relish discovering. Dominating the village skyline stands the magnificent Crayke Castle, which holds Grade I listed status.

What remains today are the ruins of what was once a grand and formidable 15th-century palace, now in private ownership and safeguarded due to its rich historical significance.

The four-storey structure contains countless tales within its ancient walls, with origins stretching back to the period following the Norman Conquest.

Whilst the present-day castle was erected by the distinguished Bishop of Durham, substantial evidence indicates it was built upon land that had belonged to the See of Durham since Saxon times.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

Perched at 379 feet above sea level, it ranks among the most striking structures across the Yorkshire countryside, though it can only be appreciated from the exterior and at a distance, as public access is not permitted.

When exploring the village, many visitors choose to soak up the panoramas from the Crayke Viewpoint Park Bench.

It’s a favoured destination for tourists, as it involves an easy walking route with minimal difficulty, whilst delivering equally spectacular views. In fact, people can even drive right up and park beside the bench, meaning absolutely no walking is necessary.

On crystal-clear days, the vantage point reveals sweeping panoramas across countless miles of farmland, forests and York city centre, making it an ideal location for a spontaneous picnic.

Adding further charm to the locale is St Cuthbert’s Church, which boasts more than 1,300 years of history with connections to the saint himself.

Historians believe St Cuthbert established a monastery on this very spot as early as 685 AD, whilst the present building predominantly dates from 1490.

The impressive structure showcases Victorian oak panelling that mirrors some of its former mediaeval features and stands atop a hill offering sweeping countryside views.

Today, it functions as an active place of worship within the Easingwold deanery and hosts a club for residents. As with any traditional village, Crayke boasts a welcoming pub at its centre, called the Durham Ox.

The establishment has been operated by the same family for more than 25 years, and continues to flourish whilst serving award-winning food in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Championing locally sourced ingredients, The Durham Ox attracts numerous patrons from within the village and beyond, earning recognition in the Michelin Guide.

One visitor recently praised their meal on TripAdvisor as deserving “five stars”. They wrote: “In our opinion, all the staff went above and beyond…The food was out of this world, and the accommodation was beautiful and comfy, and there was no need to leave, as it had everything you would need.”