The dramatic landscapes of the North York Moors, bustling market towns, chocolate box villages, some of the best visitor attractions in the country, a food and drink scene to make you think you were international, boutique shopping to rival major cities and creative and independent businesses mingling with high street brand names.
If this is your lifestyle check list, then look no further than Rydedale.
Ryedale is home to some 55,000 people, welcomes around seven million visitors a year and you don’t have to look too far to see the attraction.
Ryedale, getting its name from the River Rye, is dominated by the market towns of Malton, Pickering, Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside.
They are bustling and vibrant places, which still hold weekly markets as they did hundreds of years ago, and enjoy a range of eateries, trendy bars, traditional pubs and independent shops and boutiques.
However, the region also has some hidden hamlets which wouldn’t look out of place on a Christmas card.
Thornton-le-Dale is one. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, now said to be one of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire and home to one of the most photographed houses in the region. Beck Isle Cottage was built in the 17th century and boasts the most incredible thatched roof.
There are also some famous faces to be spotted in and around Ryedale.
The popular television show Bangers and Cash is filmed at Thornton-le-Dale and follows the Matthews family business of car restoration and auction.
At Kirkbymoorside you will see film crews at Ryedale Auctioneers following celebrity auctioneer Angus Ashworth and his treasure trove of antique and collectible finds for The Yorkshire Auction House. The Yorkshire Vet is also filmed in Ryedale.
Away from the world of screen and celebrity, Ryedale is still very much agricultural with a proud history of farming and food production.
It is also well-placed for road links to the A64 and beyond. Trains from Malton will take you to York and Leeds as well as Scarborough. Further afield you can reach London and Liverpool from here.
Back in Ryedale, there are a wealth of properties to suit all budgets and lifestyle needs from starter homes and auction opportunities to £25m country estates.
Malton based estate agent, Willowgreen, says they have enquiries from people all over the country wanting to move to Ryedale and, despite recent high interest rates influencing the property market, demand here is still strong.
They say: 'People are realising you can have the perfect balance. We are really well connected, there is a good mix of everything with the shops and the place has so much history.
'As an agent, we can give you any type of house. If you are looking for a new house, an ancient cottage or one which is completely powered by solar, we can provide you with that. The most properties we have for sale are in Malton but places becoming popular are Thornton-le-Dale, Westow and Wintringham.'
Places to Shop
Ryedale has a long history of trading and selling going back to its towns being prominent market locations, so it should be no surprise they all have vibrant and varied offerings today. Department stores to eclectic boutiques and good old-fashioned hardware stores - you can get everything you need across Ryedale without having to venture further afield.
Helmsley in particular has clothing from country attire to dinner party dresses with Fairfax and Favour and the Browns department store in the market square.
Malton might have its history in Yorkshire farming but when it comes to retail, there are a lot of European influences. Bias brings Scandinavian cool vibes while Little Fox makes sure the children are followers of fashion too. A peruse at some of the interiors and homewares stores will make you instantly want to redecorate.
Hare & Wild is like the outdoors, indoors. Think earthy deep greens and soothing light beige colour themes and, if you ever imagine a French country kitchen, you’ll find it in this most tranquil shop. Further up Market Street is Interiors at Nine to Eleven with pops of colour and bold prints on its product ranges featuring glasses, candles, cushions and ceramics.
Pop over to Pickering for a hidden gem that will be worth the trip. Birdgate Chocolatiers hand makes luxury chocolates and cakes which are so good King Charles III popped in when he visited Pickering in 2023.
Things to Do
From medieval history to tranquil wellness - across Ryedale you will find plenty to soothe the soul or inspire imagination and learning.
A little gem is Wharram Percy, a deserted medieval village south of Malton. It was occupied for 600 years but was deserted in the 1500s as a result of abandonment and eviction. Just the ruined church stands now and you can’t help but be captivated by its air of mysteriousness. Ryedale Folk Museum, in Hutton le Hole, is a fascinating insight into the industrial heritage of the region, while Eden Camp, at Malton, transports you back to the sights and sounds of wartime.
One of the most popular walking trails in the country, the Cleveland Way, starts its 109 mile route in Helmsley and takes you through the North York Moors and along coastal cliff tops to Filey. There are some incredible beauty spots to walk and blow away the cobwebs, or sit and take in the views and wildlife. Also on the activity front, padel, one of the fastest growing sports in the UK is now being played on newly opened courts in Malton.
For total relaxation, there is the Yorkshire Spa Retreat in the hamlet of Bedale. Tucked away in the countryside you can enjoy a spa day with Himalayan saunas, wild swimming pond, outdoor jacuzzi and beauty treatments.
Festive goings
With its historic market squares, cobbled streets, cosy pubs and wealth of independent boutique shops, Ryedale is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. It may look like a Dickensian Christmas card scene, but there are no Scrooges in these parts.
The communities of Ryedale do Christmas well with plenty of festive fair so there is no excuse for leaving it to the last minute.
The first market in Hovingham took place in 1256 and still today holds a monthly market where local crafters and producers sell their wares. A Christmas market will be held on December 6 and a Special Christmas Market is planned for December 20.
A Christmas Tree Festival once again will light up All Saints Church in Helmsley. Pop in and see trees which have been decorated by individuals, businesses or charities and are on display from November 29 to December 13.
Scampston Hall at Malton will once again host its annual charity Christmas Fair over the weekend November 29 and 30. Stalls will be selling produce, gifts and crafts and, no it’s not too early - what better excuse than to tuck into the first mulled wine and mince pie of the festive season?
TOWN LIFE
Ted Kellock
Not even the offer of a university course to study music was enough to tempt Ted Kellock from Malton, where he grew up, went to school and now works in an estate agents office.
'It is the charm of Malton', which keeps him here he says, as well as loving his job in the property industry.
'We have all these different places on offer but I meet a lot of people every day'.
He is a big advocate of Malton being the food capital of Yorkshire and can often be found enjoying a breakfast at Lockton Tea Rooms or after work drinks at The Talbot on a Friday evening.
Malton’s transport connections by rail and road give the perfect balance of city culture and rural tranquility, says Ted, who also shares his idea of a perfect Sunday in Ryedale.
He adds, 'Ryedale is perfect for a lazy Sunday and you can get the most out of it. I love to go walking with my family and the dog, there are some beautiful spots. Then I would go for a Sunday lunch and bake cinnamon rolls at home. It is a wholesome Sunday and Ryedale elevates it.'
3 PLACES TO EAT
The Talbot, Malton
A private mansion before being a social hub for Malton’s race-horse fraternity, The Talbot is now a staple in the town’s dining scene. Brunch and lunch to the pie pub classic and decadent desserts.
The Star at Harome
Thatched roof, Michelin star, a Hollywood guest list? The Star at Harome is the ultimate in dining indulgence. The menus are as mouthwatering as the food which is locally sourced and seasonal.
Pignut and The Hare
A new venture which has seen modern restaurant, Pignut relocate to 12th century The Hare at Scawton. Masterminded by chef Tom Heywood and wife Laurissa, find a menu inspired by the sea, land and seasons guided by local farmers and producers.
