While the hills and valleys and trails of North Yorkshire are undoubtedly part of its appeal, the county’s many wonderful towns also contribute to the charm of God’s Own Country. And guests at The Timble Inn are spoilt for choice.
Within a short drive, you’ve got two of Britain’s six happiest towns, a town famous for its number of pubs, and a village that’s the setting of one of Britain’s most beloved TV shows.
You’ve got medieval castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the landscapes that inspired some of Britain’s classic literature, along with a host of unique and quirky attractions and events.
Every town has tranquil green spaces, fantastic pubs and cafes that offer refreshment while you explore, and of course, plenty of that Yorkshire character and charm.
Here are some of the great towns where you can enjoy a grand day out…
Harrogate
It’s easy to see why Harrogate was ranked the 5th happiest town in Britain in 2024. It exudes elegance and refinement, with a rich spa heritage, manicured gardens, and upscale shopping. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication with their leisure.
The centre is full of boutique shops offering top quality fashion, jewellery, homeware and more. The flagship Bettys Tea Room offers a memorable afternoon tea experience, while The Little Ale House provides a cosy retreat.
The Royal Pump Room tells the story of Harrogate’s origins as a spa town – a little gem of a museum that’s well worth setting aside an hour for. And over the road are Valley Gardens, ideal for a tranquil stroll. The Turkish Baths offer a fascinating glimpse into the past as you cleanse your body in the heating and cooling chambers, and you can add a spa treatment for the ultimate relaxation.
The green spaces of Harrogate are ablaze with flowers in spring and summer, and the Harrogate Spring Flower Show at nearby RHS Harlow Carr is an annual highlight. Also, the Great Yorkshire Show in July is perhaps the greatest celebration of rural Yorkshire.
Skipton
The ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ is one place behind Harrogate in Britain’s happiest towns. Again, it’s easy to see why. It’s the perfect mix of heritage, charm, and scenic beauty. It’s a haven for history buffs and those who appreciate authentic Yorkshire character.
Skipton Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, while the Craven Museum & Gallery showcases local history and cultural heritage. It’s also one of the only places Shakespeare’s original First Folio is on permanent display.
The High Street, overlooked by the castle, is full of great little shops and coffee houses. The Woolly Sheep Inn, at the bottom end, is a traditional Yorkshire pub with a fine selection of ales.
The part of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal that runs through Skipton is arguably the prettiest stretch on the whole route, and makes for a lovely stroll. You can also enjoy a boat ride with refreshments if you feel like resting the legs.
Knaresborough
Perched high above the River Nidd, Knaresborough’s cobbled streets and riverside charm make it a picturesque setting with a deep sense of history.
Knaresborough Castle offers panoramic views of the river and town, while Mother Shipton’s Cave, steeped in folklore, is the oldest (and perhaps one of the quirkiest) visitor attractions in England.
Plenty of bars and cafes line the riverside, so you’ll find plenty of refreshment as you stroll along. And in warmer months, hiring a rowing boat and coasting along the river is a lovely way to spend an hour. You’ll also find plenty more shops, bars and cafes as you head up into the town centre.
In June, people flock to the town as it hosts the truly bizarre Great Knaresborough Bed Race, a quirky and competitive event where teams navigate the town’s streets and river while hoisting a bed. On warm weekend days, it can get extremely busy and there is not much parking, so bear this in mind when deciding where to go for the day.
Ilkley
Ilkley also claims to be the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. It blends refined living with outdoor pursuits, with a selection of boutique shops but also the nearby Ilkley Moor and the River Wharfe offering pleasant walks.
The Cow and Calf rocks, an iconic local landmark, overlooks the town and offers stunning views across the valley.
Ilkley holds regular markets and in October, the celebrated Ilkley Literature Festival brings famous authors and thinkers for two weeks of talks and events.
Otley
The closest town to The Timble Inn on our list, Otley is just a fifteen-minute drive over the moor. With 24 pubs, including 16 within a stone’s throw in the town centre, it’s the perfectplace to whet your whistle. The abundance of watering holes gives Otley a traditional, community-driven feel. But in amongst it all you’ll find plenty of lively shops and arts venues.
If you’re up for a challenging hike, you can walk from the town centre up through the Chevin Forest Park to the top of the Chevin, and enjoy spectacular views across the valley. Of course, you can drive there if the walk feels like too much hard work.
The Otley Show in May is one of the oldest agricultural shows in England, and its celebration of rural life provides a thoroughly entertaining way to spend a day.
Saltaire
One of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Yorkshire (along with Fountains Abbey, also close to The Timble Inn), Saltaire is a marvellous display of Victorian grandeur and ingenuity.
The vast and imposing Salts Mill commands attention. Formerly the largest industrial building in the world by floor space, it now houses a thriving gallery devoted to David Hockney, as well as shops, smaller arts venues and a cafe.
Roberts Park sits in the shadow of the mill, and makes for a relaxing riverside stroll. Youcan enjoy a drink overlooking the river in The Boathouse, or head up into the village where you’ll find independent fashion shops and eateries.
The old workers’ houses built by Sir Titus Salt, are beautifully preserved and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Haworth
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, delve into the setting of some of Britain’s most famous literary works. Haworth is the home of the Brontë sisters, and their literary legacy is alive in the village. The famous cobbled high street has plenty of rare bookshops as well as quirkier stores offering vintage fashion, handmade soaps and more.
Lovers of history andliterature will want to have a look around the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where you can get a real feel for the lives of the sisters. The surrounding moorland offers scenic strolls. Strike out and see Top Withens, the ruined farmhouse on a windswept moor believed to have inspired Wuthering Heights, and take in Brontë Waterfalls along the way.
The village hosts regular festivals and events, with the nostalgic 1940s weekend in May an annual highlight.
The vintage vibes of Haworth are complemented by the sound of chugging steam trains from the station at the bottom of the hill. The Keighley and Worth Valley heritage railway is an unforgettable way to soak up the countryside.
Grassington
This lively and picturesque village offers a charming mix of history, culture, and access to the stunning Yorkshire Dales. It’s recently gained fame as the home of the hit TV show, All Creatures Great and Small. Grassington serves as the fictional village of Darrowby from James Herriot’s beloved novels.
The town really does embody the warmth and charm of Yorkshire, and you can explore it all in a few hours. For a scenic diversion, the dramatic Linton Falls are a short walk from the town.
Pateley Bridge
The heart of Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge is the quintessential Dales village. The Nidderdale Museum is a cracking place to delve into Dales life over the last 200 years, and a visit to The Oldest Sweetshop In The World is a must.
Just a few minutes away, landmarks both above and below ground offer a scenic diversion. Coldstones Cut is Yorkshire’s highest and largest public art installation, rewarding you for a short but steep walk with spectacular views over the quarry. And Stump Cross Caverns offers a fascinating (and physically demanding) underground adventure, complete with phosphorescent rocks.
If you’d prefer to take things a little easier, Pateley Bridge has plenty of places offering top-notch refreshment, with The Old Granary Tea Rooms up there with the best.
Ripon
Ripon is one of the UK’s smallest cities, and home to one of its oldest rituals. Every night at nine, a horn is blown in all four corners of the market square, signalling to the townsfolk that the watch is set and they can sleep soundly. The tradition began after Alfred the Great gifted Ripon a ceremonial horn as a symbol of protection at a time when Viking raids gave them sleepless nights. Not a single night has been missed in over 1,100 years since.
The tradition reflects Ripon’s historic charm. With its stunning cathedral, elegant streets, and no fewer than three museums, there’s a real old-world feel.
Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of great shopping to be had, with a good mix of independent lifestyle and fashion boutiques. You’ll find plenty of fabulous tea rooms, and The Water Rat is a lovely spot for a riverside drink.
Where will your grand day out take you?
You really are spoilt for choice at The Timble Inn. In every direction awaits a gorgeous town full of delights, offering a memorable day out at all times of year. And what finer way to round off a day exploring one of them than dinner in our cosy restaurant, and a relaxing night in our nine unique rooms?