Ryedale's Market Towns

Visit the stunning chain of Ryedale’s unique market towns surrounding the village of Snainton.

Visit the stunning chain of Ryedale’s unique market towns surrounding the village of Snainton. Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering, Malton, Goathland and Norton neighbour each other along an extraordinary twenty mile high street of award-winning tearooms, independent stalls and shops, restaurants and and world-class attractions. They feature some of the North’s best antiques, arts and crafts. Home to Yorkshire’s Food Capital Malton, Castle Howard and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Rydale’s market towns are also surrounded by some of England’s most spectacular countryside, with walking, cycling, wildlife spotting and beautiful views perfect for gentle escapism.


Pickering – Home of the world famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where you can embark on a magical heritage steam train ride through some of the UK’s most spectacular moorland scenery, including a stop at Harry Potter’s train station in Goathland. Pickering hosts a yearly Wartime Weekend and within the town you can experience nostalgic tearooms, vintage shops and the north’s largest antique centre. Visit the reconstructed Victorian pubs or Beck Isle Museum or wander the battlements of Pickering Castle, or marvel at the medieval treasure that is St Paul’s Church.


Kirkbymoorside – A treasure trove for art and antique hunters, attracting collectors from across the world to its galleries, workshops and showrooms. The town’s biggest attraction is Ryedale Folk Museum, with its historic village of homes, gardens and stores providing a unique glimpse into our rural past from the Iron Age to the 1960s. Kirkbymoorside is Ryedale’s smallest market town but its weekly market is the liveliest. It’s been held in the cobbled market square for over 750 years. The town’s market square also boasts independent shops and a chocolate factory.


Malton – Yorkshire’s Food Capital, famous for its year-round food festivals celebrating local produce. 2019 boats new shops, new restaurants, new bars and new nightlife. It’s also known for its trailblazing town centre of independent food stores and award-winning artisans where you can find anything your taste buds desire.


Helmsley – Has everything you’d expect in a quintessentially English market town; a vibrant market square, independent specialist shops, excellent places to eat and drink, an imposing castle, friendly locals and beautiful surrounding countryside. Visit the walled garden, bird of prey centre, micro-brewery, open air swimming pool or one of the more than 50 listed buildings in the town.


On the road between the market towns enjoy a foodie road trip with first class farm sops temping you with produce fresh from the field. Look out for Beadlam Grange, The Whole Hogg, Cederbarn and Castle Howard farm shops. Read more about Ryedale’s market towns here.

Book Now