In the latest in our series of ‘best ofs’ – and they can lead to some passionate debate! – we’re taking a look at Yorkshire’s villages.
For many, a lovely and thriving village represents all that is best about England. Although much-changed in recent decades, such villages do still exist, and Yorkshire in particular has many picture-perfect villages which are a joy to visit. Selecting six of the very best is very difficult but, as always, these are not necessarily the best, just ones well worthy to be in the mix.
Best Yorkshire villages
Moreover, as always, this is one man’s opinion, and I haven’t been to every Yorkshire village, far from it; I doubt anyone has. So, please treat what follows as a gentle wander through some of our most delightful villages and perhaps as a spur to visit these and many others. Mike Harding, himself a sometime village dweller in beautiful Dentdale, wrote that, for a village to be thriving it needs three things – a pub, a shop and a school: lose any of these and it’s in trouble. In addition to this ideal, I’d add the need for decent public transport, and a sense of history.
So, here are my six from across the Broad Acres:
- Bishop Burton
- Robin Hood’s Bay
- Arncliffe
- Saltaire
- Clapham
- Coxwold
Bishop Burton – a star choice since 1939
On the eve of war in 1939, a national newspaper chose Bishop Burton, just west of Beverley, as one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Almost a century on, few would disagree.
It features two village greens, each with a pond, a lovely old pub serving high-class food and drink, and a fabulous set of period buildings with striking pantile roofs. The village has even kept its shop-cum-post-office, aided by custom from the famous agricultural college. Its village hall offers an incredible range of events and activities. The village is embowered by mature trees. Particular praise is due to a recent venture: the creation of a wildflower meadow in the heart of this most sublime of villages. There are regular buses to York, Beverley and Hull.
Robin Hood’s Bay – a coastal gem
Few places in Yorkshire have been so transformed by tourism as ‘Baytown’ on the northern edge of our stunning coast. Very few local people now live in the old streets and alleys of the fishing village. That said, it’s still such an atmospheric place to explore. Endless nooks and crannies, lots of cafes, takeaways, independent shops and pubs. And always the sights, sounds and smells of the sea, with spectacular views just begging to be photographed. For the past 20 years my family has holidayed here: it never disappoints.
Arncliffe – woven into the Dales landscape
Arncliffe is by far the smallest of my chosen six, but it is in the most beautiful countryside. Aside from its tremendous pub, it has few other attractions beyond its huddle of stone cottages and farm buildings: sadly, even its diminutive school closed a few years ago. Arncliffe seems woven into the Dales landscape, with the sylvan river Skirfaire tumbling through on its way to the Wharfe. To sit on Arncliffe’s village green in midsummer, knee high in grass and flowers, is the stuff of dreams.
Saltaire – one man’s vision
Whereas my other five villages evolved over many centuries, what we see at Saltaire is almost entirely down to one man’s vision. Between 1851-1871, Titus Salt, a prosperous mill owner and philanthropist, developed a model village for his workers. The huge mill closed 40 years ago, but has been beautifully converted into galleries and cafes. It displays art works by Bradford’s own David Hockney. A visit is invariably a visual treat. Other attractions include the magnificent Roberts Park, one of the loveliest to be found anywhere.
Saltaire has a rail station right in its heart, with fast trains to Leeds and Bradford. It remains a place apart, a manifestation of how industrial England could have developed, but so often did not.
Clapham – Alan Bennett’s rural paradise
If you say you are going by train to Clapham, few people’s first thought would be this beautiful village way over in the north-western corner of Yorkshire. It’s a mile or so from the station to the village, but the glorious views of Ingleborough along the way make it the best way to travel here. The village itself is breathtakingly lovely, set on the banks of a sparkling beck. It has an especially well-stocked shop (where I can vouch for the locally-made pies), a cafe and a fine pub. Clapham is also surrounded by wonderful rambling country. No wonder Yorkshire’s national treasure, Alan Bennett, has kept a home for many years in this rural paradise.
Coxwold – fancy a Shandy?
Our final village is in lovely country between the moors and wolds. It has a beautiful sloping main street, with many fine stone buildings. The church with its rare, octagonal tower, is full of interest. Across the road is the former home (now a museum) of the novelist and author of Tristram Shandy, Laurence Sterne. In Coxwold, you can ‘fancy a shandy’ at both the smashing pub and at Shandy Hall, with its magnificent garden. When visiting, maybe combine it with a stroll or drive to nearby Byland Abbey, one of the best monastic ruins in England. Ah, that’s a thought for another ‘Best of’ article!
Six become 14!
Finally, a word about the many great villages to visit that I haven’t included. Some of my favourites include: in the east, North Newbald and Hunmanby; in the south, Fishlake and Tickhill; in the west, Kettlewell and Marsden, and in the north, Muker and Staithes. So that’s 14 of our loveliest villages name-checked – and a mere fraction of all the ones that are well worth visiting.
