Explore the prettiest villages and market towns in Yorkshire
Wander through chocolate-box towns in Yorkshire – all close to Stump Cross Caverns
See what's hidden underground in North Yorkshire
From glow-in-the-dark fossils to postcard-perfect views…
If you're starting your Yorkshire day out at Stump Cross Caverns, you're already on the right track. Our ancient cave system near Pateley Bridge concealed its secrets for centuries – and now it's your turn to uncover them.
From twisting tunnels to curious rock formations, our caverns hold a special sort of magic and mystery that you won't forget in a hurry.
And it doesn't stop there. Just beyond the caverns, the surrounding towns and villages offer their own quiet magic – all within half an hour's drive. You'll find stone bridges, family-run cafes, riverside paths and cosy corners where time seems to slow down.
Once you've gone underground, there's still a lot of North Yorkshire waiting to be explored above. Let's discover it together.
The best Yorkshire villages and towns near Stump Cross Caverns
Grassington
(15 minutes from Stump Cross)
One of the best-known Yorkshire villages (and for good reason), Grassington mixes storybook scenery with a strong sense of community. The cobbled square buzzes with independent shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries, making it the perfect place for a potter. Local artists often display their work, and the village feels alive with creativity.
Tucked away on a side street, the Grassington Folk Museum adds extra depth to your visit. It's small but packed with local character. Discover old mining tools, domestic curiosities, World War II memorabilia and personal stories that paint a vivid picture of Yorkshire Dales life through the centuries.
Time your visit with the annual
Grassington Festival and you'll find live music, street theatre and open gardens at every turn. Or head over during the first two weeks of December when the Dickensian-themed weekends bring Victorian charm to every shop window.
Pateley Bridge
(10 minutes from Stump Cross)
Pateley Bridge is a classic Dales market town with character around every corner. It proudly hosts the oldest sweet shop in England, founded in 1827 and officially recognised by Guinness World Records. Its High Street is wonderfully independent – think bakers, cheese shops, a historic butcher and enough tearooms and pubs to make it feel alive without being crowded.
The Nidderdale Museum, housed in a former Victorian workhouse, is run entirely by volunteers
and brings local heritage to life through 11 themed rooms. Here, you can explore a recreated Victorian schoolroom, an original cobbler's shop and more.
Why not wander down to riverside picnic spots or onto the Nidderdale Way for views across the valley? Or, if you fancy a longer walk, take a short drive to Brimham Rocks or one of the nearby woodlands, such as Fishpond Wood. No ticket needed – just your boots and sense of adventure.
Appletreewick
(10 minutes from Stump Cross)
Nicknamed "Aptrick" by those in the know, this peaceful village is a true hidden gem in Wharfedale. With its stone cottages, gently babbling streams and views that stretch for miles, Appletreewick feels like it's come straight from a children's book.
The River Wharfe winds through the village, so it's perfect for paddling. Or why not stop for a spot of sheep watching? There are so many!
The two local pubs – the Craven Arms & Cruch Barn and New Inn Appletreewick – are well known for their hearty food and real ales. Either would make for the perfect reward after a long countryside walk.
In summer, the village is full of colour thanks to its overflowing flower baskets and gardens.
Burnsall
(15 minutes from Stump Cross)
The five-arched bridge leads to a wide green meadow beside the river, where families slow down and while away the day. Why not paddle or skim stones before setting up near the bank with sandwiches and a view? The riverside pub – The Red Lion – is the natural next stop, with real ale on tap and a fire that's usually glowing by late afternoon.
Linton
(15 minutes from Stump Cross)
Just a stone's throw from Grassington, Linton offers a more tranquil yet equally charming
alternative for your day out in the Dales. With its ancient stone bridge and weeping willows, this tiny village is picture-perfect.
The River Wharfe runs close by, and the short walk to Linton Falls is ready to bring a satisfying splash to your day. The Fountaine Inn is well worth a stop for Sunday lunch or a midweek pint.
It's a peaceful pocket of Yorkshire beauty. Birdwatchers and painters often flock here for the views and stillness, making it an ideal spot to soak up the landscape in peace.
Hebden
(10 minutes from Stump Cross)
Often skipped in favour of nearby hotspots, Hebden is a peaceful little village that's not to be missed. Its old mill buildings, pretty gardens and welcoming tearoom give it a timeless feel.
Footpaths lead straight from the village into woodland, along the river or up onto the moors. Local artists sometimes open their studios, giving a glimpse into the creative life that shapes this place.
Dacre Banks
(15 minutes from Stump Cross)
Kettlewell
(25 minutes from Stump Cross)
Framed by dramatic hills and bursting with charm, Kettlewell is one of the best villages in North Yorkshire for walkers and day-trippers alike.
Kettlewell is known for its annual scarecrow festival – a wonderfully eccentric celebration that turns the whole village into an open-air gallery. And it often features on "prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales" lists for good reason.
The surrounding landscape is irresistible for hikers, with trails leading over high fells, limestone
pavements and riverside paths. It's also got a cluster of pubs and cafes where you can compare walking routes or just admire the view. Don't forget to scour the area for fresh scones!
Threshfield
(15 minutes from Stump Cross)
Book your visit to Stump Cross Caverns and explore the best villages and market towns in Yorkshire
Start underground, finish somewhere lovely.
There's no better way to kick off your Yorkshire day out than with a trip down into Stump Cross Caverns. It's ancient, it's otherworldly and it's got fairy doors.
By the time you're finished, you'll have uncovered a few million years of geological secrets (and maybe had a brew in the Time Cafe). Now you're ready to pop your head above ground and see what else the Dales has in store.
The good news is you're spoilt for choice. Stump Cross Caverns sits close to some of the loveliest villages in North Yorkshire – full of cobbled streets, quiet pubs and proper old-fashioned charm. Some are just five minutes up the road. Others are tucked a little further away, but are worth the drive all the same.
What are you waiting for? Book your visit to Stump Cross Caverns today to start your Yorkshire day out properly.
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