THORNTON LE DALE | The most beautiful village in Yorkshire

THORNTON LE DALE | The most beautiful village in Yorkshire! When we tell you that this place is a chocolate box village, we’re really not joking!
Aside from having won a ridiculous number of awards for being Britain’s Prettiest Village, Thornton Le Dale has featured on countless calendars and sweet selection boxes over the years. Quite right, too, we say - it’s gorgeous.
Located in North Yorkshire, about 12 miles from Scarborough, it’s awash with thatched cottages, idyllic gardens and a stream that runs alongside the street. And if it does get you thinking about milk truffles, vanilla creams and other goodies, then you’re in luck; wander along to the Square and you’ll find a shop called the Chocolate Factory, which stocks enough handmade treats to make Willy Wonka jealous.
Don’t worry if you end up over-indulging, though. You’re within the North York Moors National Park, so you could always walk off a few calories with a scenic stroll. The views are pretty spectacular…
Thornton-le-Dale is often regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire. The village lies on the A170 road from Thirsk to Scarborough within the National Park.
The thatched cottage by the babbling beck in Thornton le Dale is one of the best-loved sights in the whole of the National Park. It's a highly picturesque village, centred on a tiny triangular green with its old market cross and stocks. A woodland footpath runs from the car park to the village and there are lots more local walks that show you the best of the surrounding valleys and woods.
Thornton Dale is a beautiful and traditional place to live and with something for everyone, it offers an array of independently owned local shops and services, along with a huge range of amenities, activities and events. Thornton Dale is located in the North York Moors National Park, two miles east of Pickering.
Thornton-le-Dale is a village and civil parish in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England, about 3 miles east of Pickering on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The area of Thornton Dale encompasses 39.2 square kilometres
This picturesque village is centred on the village green with its traditional market cross and old stocks, once used for pelting miscreants with rotten fruit.
The thatched cottage Beck Isle Cottage in Thornton-le-Dale frequently features on calendars and chocolate boxes, surely making this village officially "chocolate-box pretty"!
When ever Thornton-le-Dale , a village of 2,000 people on the edge of the North York Moors National Park is mentioned, you think 'picturesque'. It is in fact one of the most picturesque villages in the UK
The 'le' in the village’s name first appeared in the 1920s. Before that it was known as Thornton. The village was renamed Thornton Dale in the late 1800s, when railways came to the area, to distinguish the village from other Thorntons. Thornton Dale was voted prettiest village in Yorkshire in the 1920s and 30s and le was added to give the name a bit more, 'marketability'.
The village is the next along the road from Pickering on the Scarborough road. Thornton-le-Dale is visited by tourists in the summer, but has lot's to offer all year round.
One of the most picturesque features of the village is the beck that runs through the heart of Thornton-le-Dale, and the Christmas lights are some of the best in the region.
The village is well served by shops and local businesses. The butcher’s has a fine reputation and locals travel to the village on Sunday afternoons to sample the famous Ice Cream.
The photo at the top of the page shows a cottage that stands on the side of the beck and is admired by thousands of tourists every year.
The road to the north heads of to the Fox & Rabbit where it meats the main Whitby road from Pickering. To the south is Malton with Pickering to the west and Scarborough to the east.
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#thornton-le-dale #pickering #yorkshire

[@jimstewart8122]

My wife and I recently moved just a few miles away from Thornton le Dale. I can honestly say, the whole area is wonderful. Helmsley, Appleton le Moors, Hutton le Hole, even Pickering (to name but a few), are all lovely. We feel very privileged to be living here. Very nice people too. 👍👍

[@stepheng8779]

I was waiting for all the cars at Mathewson's, that's a day out in itself 😂 Spend a lot of time in Thornton Le Dale, it's a nice place, the smell of wild garlic is amazing in spring (where you started). Dalby Forest nearby a great part of the country. Main road spoils it, gets very busy these days but that's like most places, can't put a by-pass round everywhere 🤷

[@Turnbull50]

I have visited here several times but you missed the classic garage on the main road where you can view a lot of classic cars they even have their own TV show. If you go back it’s certainly worth a look.

[@arthurstoyles7077]

Certainly a lovely village.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Definitely

[@TheKatstreet]

I have lived in Thornton Le Dale for years now, and it is lovely..... I will be emigrating shortly and will treasure this video to show my wife and family.... Thank you for doing a great job..... By the way near the East window of the church in the graveyard lies the grave of one of our sons.... Mr. Grimes, he was the British Soldier who was Napoleon Boneparte's guard while 'Bony' was imprisoned on the island of Elba.... And we appear in the 'Doomsday Book' there is much more to our 'Little Village than meets the eye' ah'l sithy.....

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Wow that’s amazing - thank you for the info! I love little nuggets of info like that!

[@billygraham5971]

Another brilliant video, Just Had A 4 day short Break In a Little Village Nearby.

[@midnightstar8378]

One of the most beautiful villages in the area. I have travelled through Thornton Dale many times over the years & never tire from going there. Thank you for sharing.

[@roringusanda2837]

I'm disabled, but used to be a great Walker, love the countryside! So nice to be able to see this as my rambling days are probably over🐙💕

[@kennybrydges9084]

new subscriber.. great videos.. yes I would live there in a breath.. Gods country.. keep up the good work.. ATB From Canada.. 🙏

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you so much Such a lovely place that!

[@michaelwoodford3990]

Mathewsons has done wonders for the visitors and the economy of this beautiful village

[@GimbalWalkTV]

I can imagine!

[@sjeFDCC]

Stayed for a week here lovely part of the world and very friendly people!.

[@kerryburns6041]

Ex Yorkshire blacksmith here -- I was expecting narrow cobbled streets and ancient cottages like there are in Dent, for instance. Thornton looks like a pleasant enough town, but not what I think of as a village. Nice to see Yorkshire getting some sun though, here in Andalucia we are desperately needing rain.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

It used to be said that the thatched cottage was the most photographed house in the north of England - so peaceful down by the stream.

[@dianerobinson9361]

I've only been once, but it is so pretty there, along the beck. I painted the famous cottage, in watercolour. Still love it ❤

[@dehewitt341]

Sadly I never had the opportunity to visit this lovely little village. It reminds me a lot of Castleton which I've been numerous times and always thought of my favourite place to visit. Now seeing Thornton Le Dale it probably would knock Castleton down to second place. If I ever get a chance to visit England again, This village would be on the top of my list! So peaceful, love the flowing, clean stream and the unique shops. Gotta try to get there! Thanks for another top notch walk Neil! :)

[@ununun]

I nearly collapsed in Castleton in February 2016. Was a nice dry day and I wish I'd felt better to walk about the hillside.

[@ianstewartorr8455]

We drive through this wonderful village on our way to Scarborough on our 5 hour drive from Scotland 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 we have visited too

[@gardeningdianne]

How many communities are littered with fast food wrappers and containers. It is refreshing to see that whilst you walked around the village, there was no litter on the ground at all. The village is beautiful. Thank you for showing to us. Oh! Greetings from Australia.😊

[@GimbalWalkTV]

You're welcome Dave! I've never been to Australia but hope to do so!

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

picturesque and beautiful!! thank for taking us with you!! enjoyed your video.

[@maggiemitchell4359]

Stunning place another one for the bucket list. Oh I miss primroses great time of year when all the spring flowers start popping up .Thanks for showing us : )

[@cardiffst]

Absolutely stunning!

[@gordonjackson513]

Bangers and cash. It sure is a beautiful little village I could certainly stay there.

[@theresacurran4012]

Thankyou for this beautiful walk around this beautiful village . Yes I could live in that house by the stream ,so peaceful

[@charliegardner6804]

Lovely video as always thanks for sharing 👍.

[@sheiladrury3144]

Beautiful village I will add it to our list to visit on our road trip visiting villages round Yorkshire also after Googling I found it had a caravan touring site another one to stay it thank you for showing us this gorgeous village ❤️

[@annetteh222]

What lovely pretty village. I must visit one day.

[@fluffybunnies3917]

The wife and I, visit about once a year, and usually go for a walk in the surrounding area. Don't forget Bangers and cash is also filmed there. Never tire of going.

[@irenelucas5240]

Yes indeed - this is a beautiful village. I would not mind living in the Beck Isle Cottage with that quiet stream. Also the Baldersens must do good business. Thanks for this great walk tour. 👌

[@lornamackenzie2525]

It's such a pretty village. No wonder it features on calanders. It has lovely original shops especially The Chocolate Factory and the Ice Cream Parlour. 💙

[@GimbalWalkTV]

So true!

[@bexhil7]

Another great & fantastic video of THORNTON LE DALE | The most beautiful village in Yorkshire!.💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@mickbutler9407]

One of my favorite place in Yorkshire I just love walking around there looking forward to getting back there this year can't beat the ice cream 🍦 there thanks neil

[@paullangdale5200]

Been there lovely place well worth a visit 😊 ice cream 🍦 perfect.

[@susanwarner2127]

It looks beautiful, we are calling in there on our way to Staiths next week. Excellent video.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you - it's such a stunning place!

[@dianerobinson9361]

Oooh, hope you enjoyed Staithes, cos that's pretty too. I went in the mid 60s.

[@johnmcmahon4364]

Great video of thornton le dale, we will be sure to give this place a visit

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Lovely little place - really surprised me!

[@donnatoner9196]

What an absolute delight.....loved it.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thanks Donna!

[@duckofearl]

It's a very, very nice village. We stayed in the next hamlet along, for a week. The vintage car auction, in the opposite direction, is worth a window look. The drive to Whitby is unreal. Taking you past the unusual radar station of RAF Fylingdales. The little cottage is made more special in summer, with the flowers in bloom. Wow.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Beautiful, I’m not sure words do it justice.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

True!

[@dlittlester]

Water running, birds chirping - definitely my kind of place!

[@christopherland4240]

My wife and I will be visiting Thornton Le Dale in July as we will be camping near Pickering. I want to visit Mathewsons, my wife is not too keen though. However, I see there are some nice looking places to eat and drink so my wife will be happy with that.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Oh yes plenty to choose from!

[@corinnalaughton5128]

It is such a pretty village. I wonder if the people who live in the chocolate box cottage ever get fed up of their home being photographed 😆. Tge water in the brook looks so crystal clear . It's years since I visited Thornton Le Dale, another visit must be on the cards.

[@reetpateet8656]

My wife and I will be visiting in May! She’ll love that chocolate factory! Absolutely love Yorkshire 🙂

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Great stuff - enjoy!! ❤️

[@andywright3450]

Hey Neil wonderful walk and vlog looks so nice there thanku 💯😊

[@jamesgale9073]

I lived there until 4 years ago. My kids still do. Pretty yes, but it has its faults

[@jacquimarshall9882]

Happy memories, i had lunch in that cottage in 1980 , Richard Henderson wherever you are, you were so lucky to live there, im from scarborough, but now live in Blackpool, miss my home town, hope i return before i get too old, thanks for the memories

[@emmawalker6355]

Hi I've been here no end off times and driven through it going to Pickering where we use to have a cottage. It's a lovely village Thornton le dale

[@bridgetteparker5149]

Such a beautiful village - we love the Whitby area so next time we visit we will add this to our list. Thanks Gimbal😊

[@GimbalWalkTV]

It really is!

[@paulinefearnley9379]

What a lovely village my idea of the perfect retirement place thanks for showing us 😃 keep on walking 👍🚶🏻

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you, I will

[@donaldhoult7713]

@ Pauline Fearnley. Retirement place? THAT is what has killed the countryside! Holiday lets, second homes, and ridiculous shops charging sky high prices. House prices completely impossible to buy unless one is close on to being a millionaire.

[@sheilam4525]

Wow! Stunning😍

[@GimbalWalkTV]

It really is!

[@happyhandbag1344]

We really enjoy your videos and also love Thornton-le-dale, it would be lovely if you could do a walk around Bakewell in the Peak Disrict, it's a beautiful town and one of our favourite places. Best wishes Angela, Andrew and Teddy our Golden Retriever 🐶

[@GimbalWalkTV]

OH most definitely will do that for you - I love Bakewell!

[@davidbaines9467]

Great photography, Beautiful village . You are an Awesome photographer. Wow. Well done 👍

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@lauraharrison3623]

It's a beautiful village

[@allaapina8888]

It's a lovely place and a lovely video too. Is it time of daffodils in UK now? There is an another very picturesque place not far from this place. It's called Helmsley. Really now the time to visit it. Daffodils alongside the Castlegate are stunning!

[@paulelletson99]

Been visiting Thornton le Dale since the 1950s one of my favourite places. Nearly bought a house there but too far to travel to Leeds to work

[@beavasqz4465]

Thank you for the video ..

[@67dab]

Well you did not show the famous classic car auction showrooms,- Mathewson’s- that would be my main reason for a visit to this village and the reason I watched this video.

[@diskellyheron7382]

Loved this video...only subscribed to your channel a month ago and am well and truly hooked👏👏👏

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you so much!

[@irenejones775]

I used to live here in Lumley Cottage in Brook Lane. 1967. I now live in Western Australia.

[@paulclay3310]

Been multiple times you missed the water Fall after you went passed the cottage and over the little bridge if you had turned left and carried on down that Rd you come to a pathway to the right follow that and it brings you to the fall worth a visit

[@dorjon6121]

Lovely video of such a beautiful place. Been on my ‘to visit’ list for some years. Would love to know your kit set-up. Such a steady gimbal going on there !👏👏

[@sionnachog894]

It's a lovely idea to go round with your gimbal cam for people who might never make it there but who would love to see it. You didn't mention Matthewson's the classic car auctioneers based there and on which a series is based (Yesterday TV). Thanks again.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

👍👍👍

[@dottydot8058]

good to see these places ive never been too

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you for watching ❤️❤️

[@henrysmith5604]

Interesting video I didn’t see Mathewsons from bangers and cash I’m having a coach holiday there in June

[@nysavant]

Nice little video. I always make a point of visiting when I am down in Scarborough. Usually to see Mathiesons cars and pick up some delicious cakes from Baldersons. Next time I will need to try the breakfast and then take a wander around the village. Thank you :) One thing though, I've always wondered if the village is prone to flooding?

[@stepheng8779]

No it isn't, all drains and runs away nicely. They keep the streams/waterways clear of weed which I'm sure helps.

[@ddunn3489]

Very Lovely Village..!! Thanks again. .....But everyone keeps driving on the wrong side of the road ! 🤪🤣🤣🤣

[@GimbalWalkTV]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@alecjefferson6993]

Very nice place seat on the bench by the bus stop had many a ice cream 🍦 the new inn pub do lovely meals and the chippy grate chips 🇬🇧

[@elizajobes812]

It is beautiful. The traffic noise was very intrusive though. I wonder if it bothers the residents

[@Alw337]

have you walked through holmfirth? beautiful countryside. it makes me wish my ancestors never left yorkshire.

[@LynneUK1]

Stunning town. Have you ever been to Goathland near Whitby., it is where Heartbeat was filmed. We went and it was lovely.

[@subinalai1954]

Wow! Nice scene! Especially, the cottage of the little village , Fantastic! How can get there? Take bus is ok ? Any train station? Thanks for your sharing!

[@treborekcohcs40]

lovely. please do more. sutton valence in kent

[@annies8075]

Many thanks for the tour around the village. Personally, I do think that there are other villages in Yorkshire that are more beautiful than this one. However, we all have a different view, so each to their own.

[@maire1889]

Annie's . Yes I agree with you Haworth springs to mind

[@djhillfinger]

Went there in 1997 when i was 14 for a family holiday, would get up early and catch trout in the stream with a simple hand lined maggot flowing under a bridge, and remember the smell of wild garlic everywhere, Bliss

[@barrieking5939]

Does that Beck ever suffer from flooding.? A beautiful village. Cheers 👍

[@catastrophic009]

A Great Vlog

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thanks Chris!

[@GHExploration]

You could visit Rosedale Abbey one day, you will love it.

[@motowmsongs4662]

I would love to live here

[@Turnbull50]

I have been here quite a few times but you missed the Classic. Ar garage on the main road

[@GB-uk6dr]

Lovely village. Why don’t you visit Tealby in Lincolnshire? Nice village to visit.

[@jessica.2673]

this place is like a fairy tale. love your uk walkes, they warm my heart

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@maddyhumphrey6081]

I would like to live in Thornton The Dale.

[@JamieMacgregor-9390]

Hi Neal could you try and film the village Great Langdale in the lakes district

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Definitely yes!

[@tanagerbirder]

Lovely village and a great video, however wasn't Sir Richard Cholmley the Black Knight of the North, rather than the Black Night?

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Good question - not sure!

[@user-bb4yy4mz2t]

Enjoyed the visit but there did seem to be a lot of noisy traffic on the road.

[@tonypettigrew4124]

Is this easy to get to for the Non Drivers among us? I would imagine it would be during a stay in either Whitby or Scarborough. I would love to see a walk around Stamford in Lincs as its a beautiful place....

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Think it would be the bus to Pickering

[@joline2730]

Nice to visit Nice to see But would I live there ? Oh no, not me 🙂 As per some comments here, would love to have seen some classic cars - my fave ... I love these villages, but I am defo a Townie !! Nice trip Mr Walk, keep em coming 👍❗✔💯

[@thepansthisthatandtheother7766]

Walton-on the-Hill Surrey or Tadworth, Surrey. Would be nice to see if they have changed.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Thank you so much - have just added to my list!

[@juliebrooke6099]

I think you might be overselling this village, pretty as it is. The main road spoils it a bit in my opinion. Some other pretty places would be Hutton le Hole, Hovingham, Coxwold, Goathland. Numerous places really and all very different.

[@ellesee7079]

The houses next to the beck look beautiful. I'd love to live next to water, but as I like to sleep with the window open, and being a woman of a certain age, I'm sure I'd be up and down all night to the bathroom!!

[@charlesstanmore]

Looks idyllic home of Mathewsons car auctions brilliant tv show

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Oh not seen that one! Will have a look now!

[@charlesstanmore]

@@GimbalWalkTV The show is called Bangers & cash on the Yesterday channel

[@hulmedav]

Park the camper in that car park walk round the village then fish and chips from there lovely day out.

[@joannemaher8061]

My husband and I are looking to visit Yorkshire for the first time around Christmas time, csn anyone recommend the best village/town to stay? We will be hiring a car from the airport, don’t mind being out in the countryside but ideally would like somewhere close by to some nice restaurants/pubs and some little shops 😊 thanks in advance for any help.

[@carolvarner1725]

I would really like to see some places in Ireland.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

I’m heading there soon as I can for sure

[@carolvarner1725]

@@GimbalWalkTV That would be wonderful! By the way, Thornton Le Dale is a very beautiful village. I really enjoyed the video of Holmfirth also.

[@MrDaiseymay]

Whats the speed limmit --50 ?

[@burtwallace5909]

You didn't show us the location of " Bangers for Cash " , why? , after all , it put Thornton on the map for visitors and Fans of the Show .

[@GimbalWalkTV]

I have no idea what it is I don’t ever watch TV

[@visionvalue100]

Looks lovely but still miss your music

[@russellnewton6660]

I would say Gigglewick, where I am now on holiday, is a prettier village. And definitely no heavy traffic.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Gigglewick looks fantastic - thanks for the tip I'm going to head there to film!

[@katiedales582]

You should have gone further up Pickering Road to Mathewsons garage.

[@GimbalWalkTV]

I have no idea what Mathewsons garage is

[@katiedales582]

@@GimbalWalkTV its a family run car auction that now features on Yesterday channel. Bangers and Cash.

[@brianpreval5602]

it's like roys of wroxham

[@joepineapples7774]

Friendly village?, I don't think I heard one person say 'good morning' to you. Could have been some intimidation felt by your camera of course :)

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Don’t forget I’m six foot three and built like a tank with a shaved head and a huge camera 🤣🤣

[@stephenbrady885]

Are you following me first Bridlington now this

[@GimbalWalkTV]

🤣🤣

[@ukknightrider]

Just a thought though…. You don’t want to live in the most beautiful house in the uk….. you want to live opposite the most beautiful house in the uk

[@GimbalWalkTV]

Now that.. my friend.. is the most bang on comment I’ve ever had on this channel! I’d never thought of that but you’re so right!

[@stephengreen6338]

Sorry to be the one, but I think there are more attractive places in the dales, its problem is most of the shops are on the main rd, there s that one most photographed house, and the beck. If you go to Wrexham in Norfolk, everything there is Roys, there is Roys cafe, Roys Department store, Roys toys, well you get the idea, had many a tea, and scorn from the shop cafe, keep doing what your doing Gimbel...