The Top 5 Towns in Yorkshire You Must Visit: Uncovering England’s Gems

Yorkshire, a captivating corner in the north of England, holds a special place in my heart, and this blog uncovers its hidden countryside gems, presenting the top 5 Yorkshire towns to add to your UK bucket list.

Howarth’s village centre is set on a hill overlooking the Pennines in West Yorkshire

After living in Yorkshire for 3 years, this little corner of England completely has my heart. There are many hidden gems to discover. Although there are amazing big cities in Yorkshire to explore such as Leeds, York, and Sheffield, much of Yorkshire’s charm resides in the small countryside towns and villages scattered across the four counties.

This guide presents the top five Yorkshire towns that you must visit if you are looking for the perfect English countryside getaway. All of these destinations are easily accessible through public transport and make for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

1. Howarth

As we stop at the top of the hill to catch our breath, we turn around and are stunned by the gorgeous view before us. Overlooking the village high street and into the distance, you can see the rolling green hills that make up the Pennines. These hills surround the village of Haworth like a lush blanket. The street is lined with village shops and boutiques. A little boy sits on a picnic table outside of the pub, “The Black Bull,” playing with a puppy. Decorative bunting is hanging along the street. Today, the gorgeous Yorkshire village of Haworth is full of life; people are out for a walk, exploring the village, getting errands done, and enjoying a lovely summer day. You almost feel like you have fell into a fairytale book.

Starting off with this little pocket of charm only seems fit. Haworth is a hillside village settled in West Yorkshire ’s Pennines. If you’re a literature lover, you will definitely want to add this destination to your UK travel list. It was in this village where the Bronte sisters penned some of the most iconic novels in British literature such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey. Their house (the clergy house) has now been transformed into a museum, telling their remarkable story. The Bronte Parsonage Museum is open to the public Wednesday- Sunday from 10am - 5pm. Admission prices are £12.50 but if you are a student or 65+, make sure to bring your ID to get a discount! 

Enjoy the remainder of your day with a stroll through the picturesque countryside enveloping the village—the very landscapes that sparked inspiration for the Bronte sisters. You can also explore the many shops, pubs, cafes, and ice cream parlours that line the hillside highstreet. 

Don't forget to check out Mrs. Beighton’s Sweet Shop before you go! I don’t know if anyone else watched the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (with Gene Wilder) as a kid and dreamed of absolutely going ham in a sweet shop like the one in the opening scene. If anyone else had that same childhood fantasy, this place would fulfil all of your inner child’s dreams and wishes. 

2. Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge, another West Yorkshire treasure, is a market town tucked away in Upper Calder Valley. Known for its artistic vibes and friendly, down-to-earth people, this is the Yorkshire spot I will forever keep coming back to. With a train station just a short distance from town centre, it is easily accessible from popular cities, such as Leeds or Manchester.

Whether you are visiting Hebden Bridge Markets, catching a show at the Little Theatre, taking a trip up to writer Sylvia Plath’s (The Bell Jar) home and resting place in Heptonstall, or finding yourself on a hike through Hardcastle Crags, this area is full of things to do and experience. 

3. Harrogate

Harrogate, a Victorian spa town steeped with history and vibrant atmosphere, lies in North Yorkshire in between Leeds and York. Similar to the other destinations in this list, Harrogate is very accessible by train and the layout of the town makes it an easy place to explore on foot. 

If you're looking for a delightful afternoon tea, I can’t think of a better place to enjoy this experience. Nestled in the heart of Harrogate since 1919, Betty’s Tea Room is a charming spot that has been a retreat for the rich and famous for decades. Indulge in a lovely spread of refreshments and some of the best tea around, making for a truly pleasant afternoon.

Valley Gardens provides acres of park-land and themed gardens to explore making it a great spot to spend a relaxing afternoon taking in the beauty of nature. Like many parks in England, you will find a small cafe where you can get ice cream on a hot day or a warm drink for a winter stroll. There are also a number of historic buildings including The Sun Pavillion that acts as a popular venue spot for weddings and other intimate gatherings.

The Sun Pavilion is a picture perfect backdrop for a picnic in the park

4. Knaresborough

Close to Harrogate, you will find another small Yorkshire town of Knaresborough. This town is a whimsical destination settled on the River Nidd. The tall viaduct leading to the train station acts as a picturesque focal point for this spa town.

On a day out to Knaresborough, take a stroll alongside River Nidd and visit the cafes that seem to add to the fairytale-like character of the town. You can even rent row boats and enjoy a day touring the river.

Looking over the river, the Knaresborough Castle ruins are a beautiful place to stop and absorb the history of the area. Just across the street lies the town square which is home to shops, cafes, and one of my favourite bakeries in England, Thomas the Baker.

Side note: My Uni flatmate is from Knaresborough and for some reason, this was one of the hardest Yorkshire names to pronounce in my American accent. This little happenstance provided lots of laughter in my Uni flat every time I attempted to pronounce “neuhz·buh·ruh.”

5. Saltaire

Just a short train ride from Leeds lies Saltaire, Yorkshire’s own UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1851 and 1871, this Victorian village is so well-preserved you feel like you are stepping into what life was like for the textile mill workers here in the late 1800’s. 

While the town and the facade remains the same, the inside of Salts Mill has been reimagined as a vibrant artistic hub, featuring multiple shops, bookstores, restaurants, and cafes. You can lose yourself in a day of endless exploration through this captivating maze of artistic wonders.

As you take yourself on a walking tour around the town, you can find many points of interest marked with signs telling the story of the village and the characters who have lived here over the years.

Roberts Park acts as a lovely place of respite after you explore the town. You can sit and have a picnic next to the river or even take a short boat ride.

As we end this journey through Yorkshire's hidden treasures, I hope these five towns linger in your memory. From the literary allure of Haworth to the artistic vibrancy of Hebden Bridge, the historic charm of Harrogate, the whimsical beauty of Knaresborough, and the captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, each destination offers a unique slice of Yorkshire's rich tapestry. 

These five towns only lightly graze the surface of what Yorkshire offers its residents and visitors. Check out these other articles about Yorkshire and the many things to see and do in this part of the world.

Yorkshire awaits, ready to enchant and delight those who seek its timeless allure.