VILLAGE CRAWL
What’s it like to live in one of Yorkshire’s picture-postcard villages? We whet your appetite for a summer tour - or even a relocation
BURNSALL
The charm factor: The Grade-II listed Burnsall Bridge across the River Wharfe is just one of the many breathtaking sights in this delightful Dales village.
During the summer it’s the perfect spot for a picnic by the river and a paddle along the cobbles under the bridge.
Stroll & see: Follow the Dales Way up to Grassington or down to Strid Wood, on the beautiful Bolton Abbey estate. Or stay in the village and explore St Wilfrid’s church, someofwhichdatesbacktothe12thcentury.
Best address: In a little village like this, there are no bad addresses, but the row of little cottages beside the school are the very definition of picture-postcard.
Top tradition: Summer days mean a game of cricket on a picturesque pitch – or, The Burnsall Classic is one of the oldest fell races in the world. At just 1.5 miles, it’s a race to the top of Burnsall Fell and back. Easy, right?
GRASSINGTON
The charm factor: With a bustling and beautiful cobbled market square at its heart, Grassington is a must-stop for everyone from walkers and cyclists to families seeking an ice-cream spot. Spotting the sights from Channel 5’s popular All Creatures Great and Small is a fun new pastime for visitors.
Best address: James Herriot’s home and surgery at Skeldale House was created from a private house just off the square, and the location is hard to beat, though the views of the River Wharfe between Threshfield and Grassington come close.
Stroll & see: In such a beautiful countryside setting, there are walks galore to explore. Down by the river to Linton Falls and the Lead Mining Trail are particular highlights.
I live here and love it… Julia Metcalfe, Grassington 1940s Weekend organiser, says: ‘Grassington is a wonderful place to live. Everyone is friendly, the shops are all independently owned and we all like to keep it looking lovely. Not to mention the beautiful countryside we live in. I wouldn’t live anywhere else. In September, the Grassington 1940s Weekend is returning. These weekends started in 2012. We have 1940s singers all around the village and people come from all over the country and dress in their 1940s clothes and join in the singing and dancing in the streets. Grassington is the perfect location for this because of its narrow streets and the cobbles.’ grassington1940sweekend.co.uk
SANDSEND
The charm factor: Village-meetsbeach Sandsend is where the moors meet the sea and every building fits into the landscape seamlessly.
Best address: Frances Bowling
