Yorkshire is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and charming villages, many of which feel untouched by time. While places like Whitby and York draw the crowds, tucked away in the rolling hills and rugged moors are villages that retain their old-world charm. Here, life moves slowly, and history whispers from every stone cottage and cobbled street.
If you're looking to experience Yorkshire as it once was—before modern life took over—here are 10 hidden villages that offer a glimpse into the past.
1. Hutton-le-Hole – The Village Where Sheep Rule
Photo Credit: instagram.com/yorkshirepostcards
Nestled within the North York Moors National Park, Hutton-le-Hole is a postcard-perfect village where sheep roam freely across the village green. With its quaint stone cottages, a trickling beck, and a setting that looks like it's been plucked from an old painting, this village is a favourite among walkers and history lovers.
📍 Must-See: The Ryedale Folk Museum, an open-air museum showcasing Yorkshire's rural heritage.
2. Thornton-le-Dale – The Prettiest Village in Yorkshire?
Thornton-le-Dale is frequently cited as one of Yorkshire's most picturesque villages. It is famed for its chocolate-box cottages, including the much-photographed thatched cottage that graces calendars and postcards. A gentle beck runs through the village, adding to its charm.
📍 Must-See: Explore Dalby Forest, just a short drive away, for stunning woodland walks.
3. Rievaulx – The Tranquil Abbey Village
Photo Credit: @her_outsideworld
Nestled beneath the ruins of the magnificent Rievaulx Abbey, this tiny village is as peaceful as it is beautiful. Once a grand monastic centre, the crumbling abbey now provides a dramatic backdrop to a place where time seems to stand still.
📍 Must-See: Rievaulx Terrace, a scenic viewpoint offering incredible panoramas over the abbey ruins.
4. Burnsall – The Riverside Gem
Photo Credit: From Yorkshire And Back
Set along a bend in the River Wharfe, Burnsall is a picture-perfect village surrounded by fells and meadows. Its ancient stone bridge, charming cottages, and stunning riverside setting make it one of the most scenic spots in the Yorkshire Dales.
📍 Must-See: Take a leisurely walk along the Dales Way, which passes through the village.
5. Wharram Percy – A Village Lost to Time
Wharram Percy is a deserted medieval village abandoned centuries ago but is remarkably well-preserved, unlike the others on this list. Located in the Yorkshire Wolds, this eerie yet fascinating site offers a rare glimpse into a lost way of life.
📍 Must-See: The ruins of St. Martin's Church, the last remaining structure from the original village.
6. Bishop Wilton – A Hidden Wolds Retreat
Tucked away in the rolling Yorkshire Wolds, Bishop Wilton is a serene village known for its beautiful St. Edith's Church, open green spaces, and shallow beck. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for scenic walks.
📍 Must-See: Walk up to Garrowby Hill, the highest point in the Wolds, for spectacular views.
7. Reeth – The Village at the Heart of Swaledale
Set against Swaledale's rolling hills, Reeth is a historic village that dates back to Saxon times. Once a hub for lead mining, today it's known for its traditional stone cottages, lively village green, and breathtaking views over the valley.
📍 Must-See: Visit the Swaledale Museum to learn about the area's mining heritage.
8. Goathland – A Step Back into Vintage England
If Goathland looks familiar, it's because it's been frozen in time as Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat. With vintage shops, period vehicles, and a heritage railway station straight out of the 1940s, this village feels like stepping into another era.
📍 Must-See: Catch a steam train at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which still operates historic locomotives.
9. Osmotherley – The Walkers' Haven
Perched on the edge of the North York Moors, Osmotherley is a charming village known for its historic pubs, cobbled streets, and walking trails. It's also the starting point for the famous Lyke Wake Walk, a gruelling challenge for serious hikers.
📍 Must-See: Hike up to the Cod Beck Reservoir, a stunning and peaceful spot outside the village.
10. Runswick Bay – The Village on the Cliff
Tumbling down the cliffs towards the North Sea, Runswick Bay is a coastal village straight out of a fairy tale. Red-roofed cottages sit huddled together on the hillside, while below, a sandy beach and dramatic coastal scenery make for an unforgettable setting.
📍 Must-See: Take a coastal walk along the Cleveland Way for breathtaking sea views.
Conclusion
Yorkshire is filled with hidden villages that retain the charm and simplicity of a bygone era. Whether exploring the cobbled streets of Thornton-le-Dale, stepping into history at Rievaulx, or soaking up the dramatic coastal beauty of Runswick Bay, these timeless villages offer a unique escape.
💬 Which of these hidden villages have you visited? Or do you know of another secret Yorkshire village worth exploring? Let us know in the comments!
Gonna visit some of those