Neighbourhood know-how, places and people
Location location
This is such a lovely North Yorkshire market town centred round a lively and buzzing green and the historic Market Place with a market cross standing proudly. If you like Malton and Helmsley then give Easingwold a try - it punches above its weight when it comes to independent stores and lovely eating places, many of which have seating outside to enjoy the views and friendly atmosphere. The town is lovely - but it still has its swanky areas such as Uppleby with sought after characterful properties. Easingwold isn't too far from the hooves of the famous White Horse on the edge of the Howardian Hills near Kilburn.
Not so bad. Just off the A1 between Thirsk and York - so you're handy for trains from both with access everywhere. Stop off at the park and ride points outside of York if you're in a car. If you've got a bike then this is the perfect starting point to head out to the hills - lovely quiet rural roads and plenty of challenging routes. Your local airport, Leeds Bradford is around an hour away.
Bag a property
Definite property envy here. Yes, the place of dreams. The well-kept village has standout Georgian homes, many of those for sale have been beautifully renovated and decorated - this is a stylish kind of town. Its proximity to Thirsk and York makes it commuter-friendly so there are some mighty new builds on exec estates. Having said that, you can snap up a period three-bed townhouse for the £230k mark or discover doer-uppers of all styles, from Victorian terraces to workers' cottages.
Around £200k will get you a smart-looking terraced house with beams and period features in need of some tlc.
Explore
A couple of miles in any direction and there are sights to see. The aforementioned White Horse at Kilburn - where you can also find the HQ and visitor centre of woodcraftsman Robert 'Mousey' Thompson, a fascinating place to explore the history of furniture and carving and see today's craftspeople at work.
Coxwold village is nearby and check out Shandy Hall, home of Laurence Sterne, the author of Tristram Shandy. Late summer and autumn a visit to the Maize Maze at Easingworld is a must - it will keep kids and grown ups happy for hours just wandering, getting lost and competing to be king of the castle - easy, no-frills fun!
Café & Cocktails
Easingwold raises the bar on eating - they know good food in these parts. It's the 'local town' to Tommy Banks' Black Swan at Oldstead but notable pubs nearby are the Durham Ox at Crayke and Byland Abbey Inn (where you can stay in a Robert 'Mousey' Thompson bedroom). Lots of eating places centred round Market Place with outside seating and a welcome for cyclists.
The Olive Branch is a lively-looking place serving up pizzas and bistro food as well as cocktails and beers. Curious Table is a feast of a place, a great deli with inventive food. We ate at newish Fika Room with seats outside. A Scandi vibe with bright, calming décor and a wall inviting you to 'have a coffee and cake with a friend. Slow down and appreciate the luxuries in life.' Easily done - lovely cheese scones served with cream cheese and chutney. Rolo milkshakes on the menu too. Try a pint at the family-owned good-looking George on the square. Stock up on drinks to-go at Tipsy Fox Drinks Co then treats at Ee By Yum and Clark's, Stark Farm Bakery and pie-maker Thornton's.
Retail therapy
A great place for a mooch. Friendly independents offer a great welcome. At Hearts boutique - a massive emporium of really well-chosen clothes, accessories and home stuff, you might be offered a glass of fizz as you shop - can't get that on the internet! One of those shops where you'd always find the right thing for any occasion clothes-wise. Elsewhere, the lovely Leaping Hare Gallery is a must-visit for works by local artists and designers as well as cards and gifts in a bright, airy space. They do regular craft sessions too.
The town is home to 'The Yorkshire Jigsaw Store' with an adjoining toyshop the like of which it's rare to see. Find smart gear for chaps at Charles Hobson - home to labels such as Barbour International and plenty of countrywear. Discover nice things at the pretty Georgia Lilly boutique with fashion and accessories as well as home fragrance and bath and body collections. The pretty Flower Shop is bursting with seasonal blooms which spill on to the street. This place is definitely the epitome of market town where you can find everything.
