Thornton Le Dale is located in the fringe in North York Moors National Park (Image: Manchester Family/Male)
The UK has many picturesque villages and fascinating destinations. One such place surrounded by North Yorkshire is consistently ranked as the top spot to visit.
According to author Emma Gill, Thornton Le Dale, perched on the edge of North York Moores National Park, is a typical British village that has won acclaim for being the most beautiful village in the UK. And on a recent Easter trip with her family, she quickly realised the appeal. Combining charm and beauty, she offers her an unforgettable trip.
Read more: A hidden gem of quartz village in the UK “best” shop “better than the Cotswolds”
Visitors cannot get enough of Beck Isle Cottage (Image: Manchester Family/Male)
She said: “Situated a few miles east of Pickering, Thornton Le Dale is renowned for its idyllic charm.
“On Easter Monday, the village held its annual duck race, releasing 1,000 rubber ducks into the water, raising funds for Christmas lights.
“Away from the bustling Main Street, the 17th-century Beck Isle Cottage is one of Yorkshire's most photogenic landmarks and often decorated with postcards, posters and calendars.”
Independent vendors dominate the local food scene (Image: Manchester Family/Male)
After parking in the central malt parking lot, it is a joy in itself to walk past the lush duck pond just a short walk to Main Street.
If time allows, there will also be natural trails surrounding the pond, Manchester Evening News reports.
She said: “Whether you prefer walking or cycling, the route is directly accessible from the village. Dalby Forest tends to throw away stones. However, our visit was dedicated to leisurely exploring the shops and enjoying local cuisine.
“The area is primarily home to independent vendors, renting it out to a unique charm and boasting its own chocolate factory in the village square where the joy of handmade items awaits.”
Even the dogs have a good time in this part of North Yorkshire (Image: Manchester Family/Male)
With the sweet treats out of the way, Emma took a scenic route to lunch and sampled the best art and antiques Thornton Ledale had to offer.
She said:
“The Bakery Camcheer Room and Gift Shop, the Baldersons houses an attractive tea plantation in the back.
“The family-owned facility dates back to its roots as Ampleforth's bakery in 1895, and has since been deprived of generations, with traditional family recipes of cakes, breads and pastries still in full swing.
It's difficult to hit an ice cream parlor (Image: Manchester Family/Male)
“With a diverse menu, we had no problem choosing our meals. Choosing a variety of panini, chicken and salads with fresh milkshakes and refreshing fentiman Victorian lemonade.”
The dessert menu looked appetizing, but Emma and her family decided to skip the sweet treats to serve something cooler and more appropriate due to the warmer climate these days. For their joy, they were incredibly spoiled for choice.
Emma said: “We bypass desserts at the cafe and instead head to the adjacent Balderson's Ice Cream Parlor, offering plenty of flavors ranging from coconut and lemon cheesecakes to bubble gum and Turkish delights.
Food Galore at Baldersons Cafe (Image: Manchester Family/Male)
“The locale isn't full of shops, but it's not what we wanted, but it can be enough to keep the whole family entertained for a few hours.
“Our visit is not a day trip, but a part of our stay in the area, about two hours from Manchester. But the beauty is so appealing, we really didn't want to leave.”
