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Visitors come from close by and further afield to enjoy the best of Yorkshire life in our bustling, vibrant and historic market towns. Indeed, we are lucky that our holiday lodges are located nearby some of the most picturesque destinations in the North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales.

So, we have picked out the top 10 best market towns in North Yorkshire, all located in easy reach of our holiday parks. Enjoy!

Thirsk

Right on our doorstep, this charming old, traditional market town has many independent shops, speciality stores and cafes. We love exploring the cobbled alleyways, streets and all the nooks and crannies. The medieval market square is still the centre of everything, dominated by the clock tower built in 1896. It’s filled on busy market days with a variety of stalls and traders selling the best in local Yorkshire produce, clothes and households goods. Thirsk certainly has a rich heritage dating back to the Domesday Book and there has been a weekly market since 1145! And it’s famous, of course, for being James Herriot country, the home of the renowned vet and author of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.

Market days: Every Monday and Saturday.

Helmsley

A past winner of the Great British High Street awards, Helmsley is a much-loved market town steeped in history with the impressive castle dating back to medieval times. The town is packed with independent stores, galleries and boutiques and there is a great selection of places to eat featuring only the best Yorkshire food on the menu. Set against the backdrop of the North York Moors, it’s a picturesque setting that’s hard to beat.

Market day: Friday

Northallerton

Situated in Herriot country between the Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors, this thriving and bustling market town has a multitude of indie shops, cafes and pubs. For a traditional Yorkshire afternoon tea, why not stop off at Bettys tearoom? On market days, both sides of the High Street are packed with stalls selling everything from Yorkshire local produce and food to clothes, hardware and more.

Market days: Wednesday and Saturday

Leyburn

With stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this lovely market town is a hub of activity with its unusual shops, independent retailers, cafes and traditional pubs. Home to the annual Dales Festival of Food and Drink, the Market Square is packed with stalls during this annual event. Leyburn’s weekly market features the best of traditional, local produce. Just down the road at Middleham, the magnificent medieval castle is an excellent visit too.

Market day: Friday. Special food market on the 3rd Saturday of the month

Easingwold

Another little gem and popular with foodies, Easingwold in the centre of North Yorkshire is an attractive Georgian market town packed with local farm shops and award-winning delis. The ‘Tea Hee’ Tearooms were listed by The Times as one of the best in England and remain ever popular with visitors and locals alike.

Market day: Friday. Special farmer’s market on the 3rd Wednesday of the month

Malton

Known as ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital,’ Malton, located on the north of the River Derwent, is certainly a top foodie destination. With its famous food festival, a renowned monthly food market and a fantastic selection of eateries including The Talbot, it’s easy to see why this pretty Georgian market town is so popular. It also has a great selection of independent shops and a cookery school. Exploring Malton is a real treat and why not enjoy a few treats to eat along the way?

Market Day: Saturday. Special food market on the 2nd Saturday of the month

Masham

If you fancy a traditional Yorkshire pint on market day, look no further than Masham. Home to the family-run Black Sheep Brewery, this pretty town boasts a lovely Georgian market square. Masham market is packed with delicious Yorkshire food and drink including local cheeses and meats plus local arts and craft. Enjoy the vibrant local shops and galleries or simply have some fun exploring the market or surrounding countryside.

Market Day: Wednesday and Saturday

Ripon

Known for its historic buildings and magnificent cathedral, Ripon is a delightful small city to explore with a thriving market place and award-winning museums. There is a real buzz on market day with traders selling a multitude of goods including fruit and veg, cheeses, confectionary, fresh fish, clothing, flowers and plants. With the Yorkshire Dales and Fountains Abbey a stone’s throw away, why not combine your visit and make a day of it?

Market Day: Thursday

Knaresborough

There has been a weekly market in Knaresborough since 1310 and a lovely visit awaits you there, with its impressive viaduct, riverside walks and ancient castle. On market day, you will find locally grown, fresh seasonal produce, Yorkshire meat, fish and pork pies, local cheeses, beers and breads. And don’t miss the Town Crier in the market square at 11am and 1pm bringing you up to date with all the local events.

Market Day: Wednesday

Boroughbridge

An attractive and historic market town, Boroughbridge has many independent cafes, shops, pubs and restaurants; Yorkshire produce and food features prominently once again. Take a stroll to The Butter Market located in the pretty, cobbled Hall Square. Built to give shelter to farmers’ wives on market days, the site is now used to display local artefacts showing the history of the town’s people. It may not have a regular market day, but with charming local shops and special events through the year, Borougbridge is well worth a visit.

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