Towns and Villages

Bedale is a picturesque, historic market town located in North Yorkshire. With it's charming cobbled streets, hidden gems and a Market Place centrepiece full of a variety of unusual shops all perfect for visiting tourists, Bedale is well worth a visit!

Bedale is home to a host of unique shops offering everything from jewellery and antiques to custom-made furniture, women's fashion, china and gifts. Foodies, in particular, are well catered for. Wensleydale cheese is, of course, a local speciality, as is real dairy ice cream from dales herds and Yorkshire beers. The town's butcher is locally renowned and there is a delicatessen, bakery and greengrocer and a chocolate shop for those with a sweet tooth.

The weekly market on Tuesdays continues the food theme with the fishmonger, locally grown vegetables and plant stalls amongst the most popular. Shoppers of all ages also enjoy the Saturday morning car boot sale which brings visitors from far and wide to Bedale Hall between Easter and October.

Beverley provides quite an upmarket shopping experience in a beautiful and historic setting. It in lined with cobbled streets and charming courtyards, all contributing to a sense of charm and affluence. The hustle and bustle of this market down strikes a perfect harmony between past and present, offering an array of things to do. The town centre has many high street names including Monsoon, Jaeger, Burtons, Lakeland, Laura Ashley and M&S.

Away from the household brands though, Beverley is famous for its market. The Saturday Market provides a vibrant and friendly atmosphere, each week proving to be as lively and colourful as the one before. As well as the market there's also many smaller, independent shops. Antique shops and craft arcades are tucked away down the narrow streets, amongst a pub on every corner brimming over with history and atmosphere.

Bridlington's Old Town, with its quaint shops, restaurants and cafés, is a charming destination. Guided walks are said to be the best way to really explore this part of the town. Or you can simply meander through the ancient narrow streets and alleyways whilst soaking up the atmosphere; ideal if you're looking to pick up an antique or curio to provide a memory of your trip to Bridlington. On top of this, the Georgian Antiques Centre in the Old Town has a huge stock of greetings cards, jewellery, antiques, furniture and is ideal for an hour or so of happy browsing! The Old Town Gallery can also be found on the upper floor displaying the works of local artists including Trish Watson.

Whether you're a High Street enthusiast, a bargain hunter or a specialist collector, shopping in Doncaster offers up the perfect blend of old and new. Add to that the fact that it's the only South Yorkshire town to be awarded the 'Safer Shopping Award', then you really do have all the ingredients for a day of retail therapy. Experience the warmth and charm of Doncaster Market, whose charter dates all the way back to 1248. There are over 600 stalls that gather every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday selling the freshest meats, fish and vegetables. The Corn Exchange is great for gifts while the Wool Exchange is a haven of textiles and haberdashery, and look out for the twice monthly Farmer's Market.

Complementing the traditional market is the flagship Frenchgate development. Easily accessible in the centre of town, this modern shopping centre puts 90 of your favourite stores under one roof. So you can shop for the latest fashions, pick up a new mobile and stock up the bathroom cabinet without wearing out your shoe leather.

Shop Totally Locally at the independent shops in the iconic Piece Hall with its extensive courtyard and elegant, colonnaded galleries. Just a short walk away you can explore the airy modern architecture of Westgate Arcade and the Woolshops Shopping Centre; home to many high street names. Watch out for the surviving red and white timber framed building at Number 1 for a glimpse of Halifax's past. Be sure to visit Harveys, a long established, family-run department store which offers four floors of quality shopping and a country kitchen restaurant encapsulated by splendid architecture.

Winner of Best Market in the UK in 2008, Halifax Borough market is a huge, bustling and friendly market in an exquisite Victorian Grade II listed building. Alongside traditional family butchers, fishmongers and fruit & vegetable stalls you'll find prize-winning pies, a bounty of exotic produce from the continent, vibrant flower shops, sweet stalls, haberdashers and much more.

Harrogate offers an elegant mix of boutiques and galleries, set within stunning architecture and handsome tree lined avenues. The town centre is home to more than twenty antiques dealers and many exclusive shops, pavement cafés and award-winning restaurants, many based around the Montpellier Quarter.

Montpellier's specialist dealers trade in a variety of antiques, including furniture, porcelain, clocks and paintings. Look out for the Harrogate's antiques fairs in the springtime too - the perfect place to pick up a unique bargain. Alternatively, if it's independent shops you're after then London fashion designer Caroline Charles, Farrah's famous toffee and food emporium and hair and beauty specialists can all be found in the Montpellier quarter.

Thanks to its overwhelming population of artists, writers and other fascinating people, Hebden Bridge's vibrant streets are overflowing with independent book and craft shops and inspiring galleries - including Artsmill gallery, showing work from both international and local artists in a bright, airy gallery space. If you love contemporary jewellery and craft made by small UK based independent artists/makers, visit Heart Gallery to peruse bespoke jewellery pieces, ceramics, paintings, glass, photography, print, textiles and stationery - the perfect place to pick up a present for you or a loved one. As a shop in a town known for its thriving artistic community, Spirals continue this proud tradition by stocking lots of work by local artists, from small craft items to designer jewellery, paintings and prints.

The Old Treehouse offer a relaxed shopping experience, with exceptional customer service and two floors of enchanting goodies for those special little ones in your life. Their desire is to provide you with something fresh and fantastic. A beautiful selection of wooden toys for all occasions, ranging from small pocket money items to games, puzzles and ride-ons, not forgetting their Barefoot books, plush toys and a special collection of Christening gifts.

Other great independents in Hebden Bridge include The Snug Gallery, which is a leading contemporary craft gallery in the north of England. Showcasing contemporary craft and design by some of the most prominent designer-makers from the UK and Ireland alongside a selection of photography and lovely things and Radiance which is a glowing lighting and craft boutique.

There is also Rubyshoeday which has built a reputation for delivering a unique and inspiring footwear range and also Element Jewellery which blends the aesthetic of a contemporary jewellery gallery with the customer focus of a boutique with great personal service.

Helmsley is a small market town nestled on the edge of the North York Moors. Its abundance of high quality shops, pubs and restaurants renders Helmsley a tourist hotspot. Each shop is individual and specialist, giving a real flavour for the eclectic variety in this charming little Yorkshire town. Each of the 60+ owner managed shops have their own diverse flavour which is autonomous from typical high street produce, with the fact that you are being served by the people who own the shop a real selling point.

Frequently referred to as the gateway to the North York Moors, Helmsley's full range of services are boutiques and clothing, hair and beauty, fine arts and crafts, gift shops, books and toys, jewellery and antiques, florists and cake makers. As this suggests, whether you are seeking an award winning delicatessen, a simple but intense coffee, locally sourced farm foods, a unique toy shop or somewhere to buy that 'Mother of Bride' outfit, Helmsley has it all waiting for you now! Perhaps the most notable of online reviews alludes to the culinary excellence of Helmsley in its provision of fine foods. Particular mention goes to exotic meats, cheeses, chocolates, chutnies & spices, ice creams and fine wines.

The Vintage Emporium is the place to visit for vintage clothing and accessories for men, women and children. We stock 1940's through 1980's plus some select pre-loved designer apparel. Our shop is made up of 14 dealers all specialising in vintage fashion with staff on hand to assist with customer service & styling. The Vintage Emporium - a beautiful vintage department store!

Malton is fast becoming known for its excellent food and drink offering and is home to the renowned Food Lovers Festival as well as fantastic restaurants, an excellent selection of food shops and great food and drink producers.

Malton has always been a working market town and that has never been truer than in the present day. There is a regular livestock market, a traditional market every Saturday and a new Food Lovers Market. The town is filled with charming independent shops as well as some high street favourites and, for shopping ease parking is now free in the Market Place for two hours.

Northallerton is a busy market town with two markets a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, and once a month there is also a farmers market. Alongside the usual high street stores you would expect to see, Northallerton boasts a number of unique local stores, greengrocers and butchers. If you venture off the main high street you will stumble across the quaintly cobbled Garthway Arcade area. This features an array of independent stores such as Cover to Cover,the only independent book shop in town and Country Originals, where you will find Quality Furniture, Home interiors & Bespoke Gifts.

With rave reviews online and having won The Tea Guild's prestigious award for Top Tea Place 2012, Bettys Café Tea Rooms are a must-visit in Northallerton. With the award described as the Oscars of the tea industry, it would be a crime to visit Northallerton without enjoying a cream tea at Bettys!

There's plenty to catch the eye if looking for presents in Yorkshire. Start at Happy Days, a lovely little shop, ideal for homeware, gifts and garden supplies. After here make your way to the trendy Paper Doll, an independent clothing boutique, specialising in independent clothing and showcasing the talent of up and coming Yorkshire designers. Set over two floors, the boutique interior is designed like a small house with French-style armoires and rails filled with unusual garments and dressing tables spilling with unique accessories and gifts.

For the art lovers, head to the Art & Rose Gallery. Here you will find a beautiful, tranquil space in the heart of the town, where artists and makers can exhibit their work for sale. Set up in 2011 by Art Graduate Emma-Jane Whelan, ART&ROSE aims to showcase the best of local fine art originals, including paintings, prints, photography, illustration, jewellery & silversmithing, sculpture, ceramics, glass and textiles. A must visit.

Also definitely worth a visit is Fired Art. Here they offer a large variety of creative activities, from pottery painting, clay building and throwing a pot on a potters wheel to decopatch, art clubs and much more! They also offer a bespoke design service to create your own unique, personalised gifts for special occassions and memorable moments - always a good place to visit in the lead up to Christmas!

Those with a sweet tooth should head to Ye Little Olde Sweet Shoppe who have a wide range of weigh-out sweets, from old favourites like the ones you haven't seen since you were a child, to popular everyday treats. So whether you enjoy a good bon bon or are more of a fudge fan, they have something for everyone!

Finally, head to The Acorn Gallery which is awash with superb originals from many of the top artists. There are stunning seascapes, landscapes, fantastic figurative pieces, romance, abstract and humourous. Why not check out the originals gallery and if you are in Pocklington then why not call in and look at them in the flesh. Browsers are always welcome!

Scarborough was Britain's first seaside resort and has been welcoming visitors for over 360 years. It remains the largest of all the Yorkshire East Coast seaside towns, and unsurprisingly is a highly commercialised area which boasts a comprehensive range of high street and chain stores, as well as the usual novelty and seaside gift shops. If you can drag yourself away from high street giants such as TK MAXX and Marks and Spencers, there are a range of pretty little boutique style shops on Bar Street and Huntriss Row. Whether window shopping, browsing or buying, these boutiques possess a real air of luxury about them, whilst at affordable prices.

One of the most interesting and unique shopping areas is the emporium that is Scarborough Market. If it is the mainstream, everyday market stalls that take your fancy then the upper floor is the place to be, but if you are after something more quirky and unique then you're after the market vaults underneath the main market hall. The sort of goods you can expect to find here would be everything from records to clothing to arts & crafts to jewellery to holistic and new age stores. Other than the seafront shops where you can expect everything and anything you might need at the seaside, the other point of interest is Eastborough. Leading up from the sea front to the town centre, it may seem like a daunting uphill challenge at the end of a long day, but there are plenty of interesting throughout the ascent. Highlights include a highly renowned fudge shop, a joke shop, a rock and gem shop, a gothic store and a waffle and donut shop.

In the past, Skipton has beaten the likes of Portobello Road and Kensington High Street to win Britain's Best Street of the Year - so a big thumbs up for shopping lovers. What we really love about this Dales market town is its diversity; offering clothes, homeware, deli foods and souvenirs that attract both local people and tourists alike. Surrounding the High Street and Victorian covered arcade are a myriad of narrow side streets and alleys that are the keepers of more shopping treasures. So have your reusable shopping bag to hand as you explore beyond the beaten track and go in search of those 'interesting independents' and 'one-off boutiques' that are often the real jewel in the crown for more adventurous shoppers.

Craven Court is Skipton's Victorian themed shopping arcade. Praised by Prince Charles for its architecture, the beautiful painted ironwork and stunning clear glass roof make for a unique and enchanting shopping experience. As well as some popular High Street names, you'll also find more unusual shops selling everything from German woodcraft and silver jewellery to the locally renowned The Stamp Man.

Whilst in Skipton, make sure you find time to visit High Corn Mill, one of Skipton's best kept secrets. Fully renovated, the mill provides fabulous premises for a number of independently owned shops and businesses - and all just a stone's throw from Skipton's award winning High Street. While geared up to the 21st century, High Corn Mill also retains strong links with its medieval past: the waterwheel has been restored and a brand new water turbine generator has been commissioned.

Thirsk's medieval market square is the setting for a variety of speciality stores and cafes that cater for locals and visitors alike. Window shopping will take on a whole new meaning as you wander around, as many shops still have their original frontages. This is the place to escape those oh-so familiar High Street chains and shopping malls.

Thirsk has a wealth of smaller, more independent stores that befit an old fashioned market town of its size. Just when you think you've seen all Thirsk has to offer, think again. They may just look like small alleyways, but you might be surprised what those little side streets have to offer. So get exploring Thirsk's nooks and crannies and you'll be rewarded with another world of teashops, clothes shops and furniture sellers that you never knew were there.

With its quirky narrow streets, bustling harbour and stunning coastal backdrop, the quaint town of Whitby provides the perfect setting for a charming and unique shopping experience. Renowned for its unique blend of local craft shops and jewellers (including highly sought after Whitby Jet Jewellery), Whitby typifies many of the rural towns and villages along the Yorkshire Coast and North York Moors which possess hidden gems. The shopping in Whitby is extensive, with options both on the East and West sides of the harbour.

There are four main areas of shopping on the West Side. Baxtergate is home to the more well-known retail outlets. In addition to these household names, there are a few smaller-scale independent retailers such as florists, butchers and coblers. Flowergate, which runs parallel to the former, houses a range of different independent clothing retailers. The busy area of Skinner Street boasts a number of quality services which make for a comprehensive shopping experience; such as antiques, bookshops, lingerie and shoeshops. Pier Road, meanwhile, is where you can expect to find the hub of tourist merchandise, including sweets, fishing and unusual gifts. Perhaps the best way to describe the East Side of the town would be diverse. Church Street is made up by a combination of many of the well known establishments that dominate the West Side, but also a number of unusual shops. Any visitor walking down this cobbled street will be overcome by the variety on show. Winding round to join up with Church street is Grape Lane, one of the most ancient streets in Whitby. Arguably the focal point of the town is the renowned Sandgate area. Home to Robinson's Whitby Jet Jewellery, it is unthinkable to venture through Whitby without exploring the narrow but vibrant streets of Sandgate!

In Yarm, shopping is a pleasure. Save for the supermarkets and banks, the High Street is home to a wide range of unique shops that you won't find on any other High Street. It's easy to see why BBC Breakfast voted Yarm ‘The Best High Street for Something Old and Something New'. The butchers, which has been trading since 1830, and the privately owned electrical shop, trading since 1948, mix with designer boutiques, award-winning florists and delightful family-run antique emporiums.

Yarm's shopping experience is definitely something to boast about. The mix of designer boutiques, traditional family run business's and antique shops gives an 'Aladdin's Den' feel to the town, proving they really can offer something for every kind of shopper.