Underrated gems of Yorkshire – guide for visiting some of the best villages, towns and cities in God’s Own County
Yorkshire is an incredible part of England - maybe the best part. Our guides about locations in Yorkshire are among the most popular pieces on our site, with our guides about Ripon and The Yorkshire Dales being referenced and shared in a number of places online.
But one of the magical things about God's Own County is the number of small villages and towns which you've probably never even heard of. We wanted to shine a spotlight on some of these locations to give them the attention they deserve.
This guide will be updated regularly with new locations and attractions, let's get into the guide:
Middleham, North Yorkshire
Middleham is a market town in the Richmondshire district of North Yorkshire. The castle is well known and we'll obviously mention that, but there is plenty more to see and do in and around the area. If you're a fan of charming English towns with cobbled streets and Georgian/Victorian architecture, you'll love Middleham. Let's look at some of the highlights:
Middleham Castle
If you're visiting Middleham then you absolutely need to pay a visit to Middleham Castle - this ruined castle was built in the 12th century and despite being ruinous, still remains a seriously impressive and imposing building. It even has the largest castle keep in the North of England. Once the childhood home of Richard III, the castle is grand and has an important place in English history. But even if you're not interested in the history of the castle, the amazing views of Wensleydale from the viewing platform are worth the price of admission alone.
Speaking of prices, it'll cost an adult £7.80 for entry (children £4.70), book your tickets and learn more here - english-heritage.org.uk
The Forbidden Corner
Set within a 4-acre garden in Tupgill Park, The Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies (and other surprises) is definitely not to be missed. Originally built as a private pleasure garden, the attraction opened to the public in 1997 due to demand and has been a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike ever since. Described as a "folly garden", The Forbidden Corner is really quite strange, but also loads of fun. We don't want to spoil too much of what you'll find, but let's just say watch your feet and keep an eye out for some impressive statues (it's hard to miss them really).
Learn more here - theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Middleham Horses
Middleham is often referred to as the land of the racehorse, and some of the most successful trainers in North of England work and live there. If horse racing is your thing then you've got a number of options during your time in Middleham - more than 15 racecourses could be found within a short distance of the town if you want to visit those, and you'll also spot lots of stables. It is estimated that there are more than 500 horses in Middleham, which is quite amazing given that the human population is estimated to be just over 1000!
Hillam, North Yorkshire
Hillam is a lovely little village that is well known for having 10 Grade II listed buildings. There are a few things to see and do if you visit, let's look at some of our favourites:
The Dearne Valley Line
Bert's Barrow
Hillam Square
Beverley, East Yorkshire
Beverley is a small town, there's no doubt about that. But trust us when we say there is plenty to see and do here, especially for those with kids and those who are interested in history. It was also recently listed as one of the best places to live in the UK by the Times.
Beverley Minster
It's hard to talk about Beverley without mentioning Beverley Minster because you won't miss it - this is one of the largest parish churches in the UK, and is generally considered to be a gothic masterpiece. The current building was finished in 1400, but despite the age remains incredibly impressive to look at and visit. The stained glass windows are beautiful and the staff who work there are always friendly. Plus, it's totally free to visit Learn more here - beverleyminster.org.uk
Beverley Westwood
Situated at the edge of Beverley, this area of open space is an excellent place to visit for families. If you fancy a walk or just want to sit and enjoy a picnic, this Beverley Westwood is an ideal area for both. There is a nice mix of open space and wooded areas to explore, and you've also got some livestock there you can admire. The Black Mill (pictured) still stands there, a Grade II listed building with a striking appearance. This is generally considered as one of the best areas of common land in the country, and we highly recommend you visit during your time in Beverley.
St. Mary's Church
Beverley Minster is so impressive that St. Mary's Church is often overlooked, but this is definitely worth a visit as well. This Grade I listed building attracts architecture nerds from across the country - the design of the building is the result of 400 years of almost continuous building. The real highlight of the church is the ceiling so don't forget to look up during your visit. It isn't far from Minster either so there is no reason not to visit both! Learn more here - stmarysbeverley.org
The Treasure House
We recommend visiting The Treasure House in Beverley because you've got 2 things to enjoy during your visit - firstly The Treasure House itself, a museum with lots of local information. But you've also got the art gallery upstairs, as well as a viewing platform at the very top of the building which provides 360 views across Beverley and beyond. The Treasure House is only a short walk from town and if you've got an hour to spare, we highly recommend you visit. Learn more here - eastriding.gov.uk
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Mother Shipton's Cave
If the picture we've included of this cave freaks you out a little bit, don't worry about it. Mother Shipton's Cave is a really interesting and enjoyable attraction that is much more than just a creepy cave. According to legend, Mother Shipton was born here, and the information within the cave explains her story. Learn more about the cave here - mothershipton.co.uk
The Petrifying Well
We can't mention the cave without mentioning the well - The Petrifying Well. Located right next to Mother Shipton's Cave, the well is actually considered to be the oldest tourist attraction in England, but despite how long it has been open (since 163) it still remains an excellent place to visit. There is a wishing well too which you absolutely must use.
Knaresborough Castle
Before we get you too excited about this castle, we need to get this out of the way first - there is a bit of a climb up to the castle. But trust us when we say it is worth it, not just for a visit to the castle but also for the stunning views across the river and beyond. The castle itself was built in the 12th century and has a series of fascinating and brutal history attached to it - from being the refuge of Hugh de Moreville and his followers after they killed Thomas Becket, to being taken by Parliamentarian troops in 1644, the castle has seen quite a bit. Although ruinous now, it is still excellent to visit.
River Nidd Waterside Walk
If you're looking for a walk which will take you past all the best bits of Knaresborough then you should definitely follow the River Nidd walk. This stunning route has a few different directions you can go in, but we'd recommend the 4-mile circular route which takes you along the Nidd Gorge, and is also a route you can follow to reach Mother Shipton's Cave. The paths are well maintained but it can get a little muddy, so come prepared for that.
Bebra Gardens
Most of these attractions are pretty well known, but Bebra Gardens is a bit of a hidden gem. Only a stone's throw from Knaresborough Castle, these gardens might be small but they're colourful and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the town. During the summer there is a paddling pool which can be used, and the views from the gardens are excellent. They're located on a sloping hill which can be quite tricky to navigate, but if you're a fan of gardens then this attraction is a must-visit.
Malton, North Yorkshire
A must-visit for foodies, Malton is probably best known for the market that is held there every year. However, although we love the market and we have a section about it below, there is plenty more to see and do in this lovely town which doesn't involve food. Let's take a look:
Malton Food Lovers Festival
We mentioned in the introduction that Malton is often described as the food capital of Yorkshire, and this is mostly due to the wildly popular and successful food festival which is held there. Held every summer in Malton over a 3 day period (usually at the end of August), this food festival brings thousands of people to the town where they can enjoy tasty street food, artisan stalls, cooking demos and more. Unsurprisingly, it's the biggest food festival in the North and it is always a hit with locals and visitors alike. It's also free to walk around the stalls so if you're in town you might as well get stuck in! Learn more here - visitmalton.com
Eden Camp
If you're interested in military history, particularly related to the Second World War, then a trip to Eden Camp is a great day out. This museum, located within the buildings and grounds of a former Prisoner of War camp, is a unique and genuinely fascinating place to visit. Unlike many stuffy museums, Eden Camp outlines the history of wartime Britain in a very engaging and fun way - exhibits often include recreations and Exhibits include realistic reconstructions and there are lots of hands-on experiences, such as a recreation of an air raid (with sounds!). The staff members are all dressed to fit the era and there are plenty of props you can interact with. Definitely a great day out for history enthusiasts but also for kids! The museum is currently closed during the winter period, but make sure to plan a visit for when it's open. Learn more and plan your visit here - edencamp.co.uk
Eden Camp is a couple of miles away from the centre of Malton, and our preferred way to reach the museum is on 2 wheels. The best route to follow would be the 'Over the River Rye' route, which starts from Market Place in Malton and follows the outskirts of the River Rye in a loop. It's a lovely route which takes you past some beautiful scenery, but you do still have to veer slightly off this route if you want to reach Eden Camp more directly. We've created a Google Map which gives you an idea of what route to follow if you're cycling from the centre of Malton to Eden Camp.
Scampston Hall & Walled Garden
This Grade II listed country house is actually 4 miles East of Malton, but we're including it anyway because we think it is well worth a trip. The house itself is very impressive to visit and is regarded as one of the finest regency country houses in North Yorkshire - inside you'll find an impressive collection of furniture, art and architecture. However, the real highlight of your visit will be the walled garden. Designed by Piet Oudolf, the award-winning garden is very well kept and is a joy to walk around. With a lake and a variety of rare and beautiful plantlife to admire, it is not unusual to spend a few hours here. You'll often find music festivals on here too, and there is a great cafe and shop where you can enjoy a nice coffee or take home some plants for yourself. Learn more here - scampston.co.uk
Flamingo Land
Flamingo Land does it exactly what it says on the tin and more - yes, you'll find flamingos there (hundreds, in fact), but you'll also find a host of other interesting things to see and do. These include theme park rides, other animals, and even a luxury Resort Village where you can stay. The zoo there allows you to see lots of other animals including larger animals like hippos and tigers, as well as lemurs and owls, both of which you can get up close and personal with via the Animal Experiences and the Daytime Shows. There are plenty of great rides for kids and families, but you'll also find plenty of rides which are genuinely thrilling - for example, Velocity is the UK’s first and only motorbike launch coaster. The village resort is definitely much nicer than expected, with the lodges definitely fitting the bill of 'luxury'. We recommend a trip here especially if you've got kids with you, learn more and plan your visit here - flamingoland.co.uk
Malton Priory (St Mary's)
This impressive building is the only Gilbertine church still in regular use anywhere in the UK. Built in the 12th century, the church is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture and attracts visitors from across the country who come to admire the design quality. It's surprisingly large and it's quite shocking when you realise that the original building was roughly 2/3 larger than the building you see today. When you enter the church, the feature to look out for is the series of misericords - wooden carvings, many of which date back to the 15th century (considering this, the detail is incredible). This is an excellent place to visit and well worth a look, learn more here - maltonbenefice.org.uk
Castle Howard
Often described as one of the great palaces of Europe, Castle Howard is an impressive place to visit during your time in Malton. It took more than 100 years to complete the construction of Castle Howard, and it really shows - this is a breathtaking building. You can enjoy a tour of Castle Howard which will take you around the painting and impressive furnishings, but for us the highlight is definitely exploring the estate. Set in around 1000 acres of landscaped grounds, a walk around the walled gardens and the rose beds when the sun is out is a fantastic way to spend a day. The walk from the entrance to the castle takes around 20 minutes, but there is a transport taxi for anyone who would prefer not to walk. Overall this is a great day out and we highly recommend a visit, learn more here - castlehoward.co.uk
The Animal Art Gallery
If you like the idea of seeing the animals at Flamingo Land but you're less keen on the idea of screaming children and queues, then we'd recommend a visit to The Animal Art Gallery on Finkle Street. Here you'll find a lovely collection of very impressive art, all depicting animals. The subjects of the art range from lovely household pets to slightly wilder animals such as horses and birds (you might even see some insects). We also love the mix of artists - you've got big names like Robert E Fuller (who also has a gallery in Malton), but you've also got a good mix of lesser-known artists who have original work in the gallery. Overall, it is well worth a visit. Learn more here - theanimalartgallery.co.uk
Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
Say the name 'Wensleydale' and you might think of delicious cheese, but the area of Wensleydale is actually one of the best areas in Yorkshire to explore. It's the dale of the River Ure on the east side of the Pennines, one of the Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire, and there is plenty to see and do here. Let's look at some of our favourites:
Aysgarth Falls
There are lots of waterfalls to visit in the Yorkshire Dales, but Aysgarth Falls is definitely one of the most impressive - this triple flight of waterfalls is an SSSI set in a lovely wooded area which was formed by the by the River Ure. Visiting this waterfall is enjoyable at any time of the year, but it's especially cool after heavy rain fall when the water comes crashing down the waterfall. The falls here are well known for being featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The visitor centre here is actually really good and includes interesting exhibitions as well as a nice cafe. You can't go wrong with a visit to Aysgarth Falls, learn more here - yorkshiredales.org.uk
Bolton Castle
This 14th-century castle is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which means it has protection against unauthorised change. The castle design is notable because it is listed as a Quadrangular castle due to the lack of keep and angle towers. The most notable history attached to the castle is that Mary, Queen of Scots was held prisoner here for 6 months after her defeat at the Battle of Langside, and you can actually still visit her bedroom at Bolton Castle. This is a great day out and we highly recommend a visit, learn more here - boltoncastle.co.uk
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Wensleydale Railway
If you're into trains then the Wensleydale Railway is a must-visit during your time in the area - this is an authentic Heritage Railway which runs 22 miles from Scruton to Redmire in the Yorkshire Dales. The railway was originally built in the 19th century and has been reconstructed various times since then, but despite the age of the railway it plays a really important role in the local area - it's estimated that the railway carries over 50,000 people a year and that for every £1 spent on the railway, £4 is spent at one of the towns or villages on the route. The trip to Scruton is especially impressive because it's an authentically restored stations run by volunteers dressed in period outfits - we love it! Visit their website here - wensleydale-railway.co.uk
The Forbidden Corner
Set within a 4-acre garden in Tupgill Park, The Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies (and other surprises) is definitely not to be missed. Originally built as a private pleasure garden, the attraction opened to the public in 1997 due to demand and has been a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike ever since. Described as a "folly garden", The Forbidden Corner is really quite strange, but also loads of fun. We don't want to spoil too much of what you'll find, but let's just say watch your feet and keep an eye out for some impressive statues (it's hard to miss them really).
Learn more here - theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Easingwold, North Yorkshire
20ish minutes north of York you'll find Easingwold, a town which is often overlooked but which has a surprising number of things to see and do. We think you'll be delighted by the architecture, the picturesque streets and the quaint feeling of the town. Here is a selection of the best things to see and do in and around Easingwold:
Visit the market square
This lovely area in the centre of Easingwold is very traditional and will definitely be one of the highlights during your visit. The Market Cross is a fascinating aspect of the area - this stone structure sits under a canopy, and was originally built to mark the location of where the market is held. Nowadays you'll still find markets held in this area, usually on a Friday.
See the war memorial
In Market Place you'll spot this war memorial, a cenotaph which commemorates those from Easingwold who Iost their lives in both World Wars. It sits squarely in the centre of the town and is quite powerful to look at. What you'll immediately notice about this monument is that, unlike similar monuments across the country, it is very well-kept, which is a touching tribute to the people who died in those wars.
Visit St John the Baptist & All Saints church
Visiting a church isn't always at the top of the list for people when visiting a town, but we think that St. John the Baptist & All Saints in Easingwold is definitely worth a look. It sits at the highest point of the town and is a great site to overlook Easingwold from. A walk around the churchyard and graveyard is quite peaceful, but the real highlight of the building is the stained glass windows, which are stunning.
York Bird of Prey Centre
Just 5 miles away in Huby you'll find York Bird of Prey Centre, an excellent centre which you should definitely visit if you have the time (and you're not afraid to get up close and personal with some large birds of prey!). With a collection of more than 70 birds including eagles and owls, you'll be blown away by the variety of species here. Many of the staff members here are volunteers, but that doesn't stop them from being very helpful and knowledgeable. This is especially great for kids, learn more here - yorkbirdofprey.co.uk
Shandy Hall
Another 5 miles away in Coxwold is Shandy Hall, a fascinating museum dedicated to the life and works of the novelist Laurence Sterne. Even if you're not familiar with the work of Sterne, this building is still very interesting to visit - it's a grade I listed building which dates back to the 15th century, and it's a fascinating insight into the lives of the families who stayed here. However, if you're a fan of Sterne then this is a totally unmissable place to visit - The Study room, where is where Sterne wrote most of his novels, houses the world’s largest collection of editions of Sterne’s works. We think this a great place to visit, learn more here - laurencesternetrust.org.uk
Easingwold Maize Maze
Although this is closed at the moment, you should absolutely keep an eye on the website and the social media profiles of the Easingwold Maize Maze because it is a real highlight and an excellent place to visit. It's exactly what it says on the tin - a maze made of maize, and it's an absolute blast. Once you've (hopefully) found your way out of the maze, there are plenty of other things to get stuck into - ice cream, sandpits, and even a section with animals. It's a great day out and we highly recommend you visit when you can, learn more here - easingwoldmaize.co.uk
Dent
Dent is a small but lovely little village in the Yorkshire Dales which is well-placed to explore the surrounding area. But there are also a few things to see and do within the village which are well worth your time, here are some of the highlights:
Climb Whernside
Yorkshire is full of epic mountains (as we mentioned in our guide to the Yorkshire 3 Peaks), and Whernside is the highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Dentdale is the perfect starting point for those of you who fancy climbing this mountain, as you can follow the Craven Way from the village, which is an ancient packhorse route. At 736m high, it's definitely not for the faint of heart, but the views you can enjoy as you climb up the mountain are quite incredible. Most people will generally climb up the Ribblehead side, so it's nice to have a more peaceful ascent up the side from Dentdale. As with all climbs, pre-planning is essential and walking as part of a group is recommended.
Visit England’s highest railway station
At 1,150 feet above sea level, Dent Station is the highest mainline railway station in England. It's located on the famous Settle-Carlisle Line and is a very pretty little station, plus for railway enthusiasts, it's quite a fascinating station to visit and to tick off your bucket list. If you're really excited about visiting this station then you can actually stay there- self-catering accommodation has been setup at the station for up to 6 guests. Learn more and plan your visit here - dentstation.co.uk
Dent Music & Beer Festival
The Dentdale Music and Beer Festival is a free-entry, community-led, festival which is a great day out for the whole family - it's been paused for the moment, but it is absolutely worth keeping an eye on the website for updates as there is every chance it could be held next year (2024). Keep an eye on the website here - dentmusicandbeer.com
Visit Dent Village Heritage Centre & Museum
If you're looking to learn more about the local history, then a visit to Dent Village Heritage Centre & Museum is highly recommended. Here you'll find some really interesting information about the people who lived in the Dales and how Dent has evolved throughout the years. The exhibits are packed with interesting items from history and the staff here are very helpful and knowledgable. But the real surprise is how good the food is from here - you can enjoy some lovely tea and cakes or something more substantial, all for a very reasonable price. Learn more here - museumsintheyorkshiredales.co.uk
Grab a bite to eat and a drink
Despite being a small place, you've actually got some great options for food and drink. The Stone Close Tea Room is a wonderful place for any time of the day, with hearty breakfasts and a delicious lunch and dinner menu. The tea room here is based within a 17th century building which is also a joy to visit. You could also grab a pint at the Sun Inn, which is a traditional Yorkshire inn with a great range of local beers.
Stay overnight
You've also got a number of accommodation options in Dent depending on what you're looking for - the aforementioned Stone Close Tea Room has a lovely B&B section, or if you have a campervan you can also stay at the excellent Mill Beck Caravan and Camping Site.
Thornton le Dale
An incredibly picturesque village which is well worth a visit, there is a surprising amount to see in and around Thornton Le Dale. Here are some of the highlights to check out for 2023:
Walk to St Hilda's Church
Thornton Le Dale is a fantastic village for walking, and it's probably the best thing to do during your time here. There are 4 signposted walks you can follow in the village, all of which start from the car park in the middle of the village and range from 20 minutes to 90 minutes to complete. The so-called 'Green Walk' is probably the most popular route to take - this shouldn't take you much more than an hour and is circular so will take you right back to where you started. From the car park, you head over the footbridge and walk along Priestman’s Lane, passing Victoria Mill. You'll soon see the views of Ellerburn Valley and after you've enjoyed that, you walk down to St Hilda's Church, where you can look for the remains of Saxon carved stones in the outside walls. Parts of this church date back to 850AD and it's very special and peaceful to visit.
Learn more about this walk here - gps-routes.co.uk
All Saints Church
This church is small but absolutely gorgeous to visit - built in the 14th century, much of the original building still stands but as you'd imagine, there are parts of the church that were rebuilt in the 19th century. It's a Grade 2 listed building and its position on a small hill is very picturesque. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this church as it has a distinctive style known as "decorated", which was the second phase of Gothic architecture in England and was a popular style of architecture between the 13th and 14th centuries.
Wandering around the interior and exterior of the building is very enjoyable, but for us, the real standout feature of the church is the stained glass windows. Learn more about the church here - achurchnearyou.com
Thornton le Dale Motor Museum & Mathewsons
Even if you're not a car enthusiast, we think you'll really enjoy a visit to the Thornton le Dale Motor Museum. Here you'll find a really interesting mix of vehicles from all eras, with everything from sports cars to large buses. And for those of you who enjoy the tv series Bangers & Cash, you can also visit the Mathewsons Auctions business where the show is filmed from. The museum is notorious for closing at quite random times, so calling ahead to ensure that the museum is actually open is a must. Learn more here - mathewsons.co.uk
Dalby Forest
Just to the North of Thornton le Dale, you'll find Dalby Forest, a wonderful forest for walking, stargazing, and mountain biking. You've got 13 walking trails and 6 cycling trails to explore, as well as 2 play areas and a Go Ape, so something for everyone. It's 8,500 acres in size and you could easily spend hours here enjoying the views and fresh air. If you've got the time to follow the walk to the Bridestones, we'd highly recommend visiting these unusual rock formations. And if you're looking to enjoy the stargazing here optimally, you can book a guided tour with a local company called Astro Dog, who will ensure that you visit all the best spots for seeing the stars.
Beck Isle Cottage
Sat alongside Thornton Beck, there is a remarkable little building known as the Beck Isle Cottage. This thatched cottage is one of the most photographed buildings in the whole of Yorkshire and really looks like something out of a fairytale. Built in the 17th century, it's still being used as a home and is valued at well over £1 million. The thatched roof is really the standout feature, and it's a Grade II listed building. Obviously we think it's well worth a look, but please be respectful when visiting and don't trespass. You'll find this cottage just off Church Hill.
Lady Lumley’s Almshouses
Viscountess Lumley gifted a series of Alms Houses to the village of Thornton le Dale in her will, which were built in the late 17th century. The buildings themselves are quite interesting to look at given their age and the plaque which marks the gifting of the houses, but the more interesting aspect of this story is learning about Lady Lumley. She was definitely a character, being friends with one of the leaders of the Gunpowder Plot and leaving all of her fortunes to good causes when she died. You'll find these buildings and the school near Chestnut Avenue.
Before you visit Thornton le Dale
As we've mentioned a few times, walking around this lovely village really is the best way to see it, so make sure you bring a good pair of walking boots with you! We also hear that as of 2023, the motor museum is more often closed than it is open, so as we mentioned in that section, please call ahead so you're not disappointed when you arrive.
Finn H
Finn is the editor of You Well and has been writing about travel, health, and more for over 10 years.