27/10/2026
Great selection, The Whitby Guide!
Forget the big shopping centres! North Yorkshire’s beautiful market towns are well worth exploring! 🛍️❤️
With historic market squares, picturesque streets, independent shops, and traditional Yorkshire hospitality, North Yorkshire’s market towns offer something a little different from the modern high street.
And with so many charming towns dotted around the North York Moors, there’s no better excuse to enjoy a day out while supporting our fantastic local businesses!
From family-run bakeries and traditional butchers to independent bookshops, cosy cafés and bustling markets, these towns are packed with character and Yorkshire charm.
Here are five favourites, all within easy reach of Whitby! ❤️
🚂 Pickering – Known as the gateway to the North York Moors, with its historic castle, famous steam railway, independent shops and traditional Monday market.
🏰 Helmsley – One of Yorkshire’s prettiest market towns, featuring a beautiful market square, independent boutiques, cosy tearooms and a medieval castle. Market day is Friday!
🌿 Kirkbymoorside – A lovely little market town packed with character, independent shops, traditional pubs and welcoming cafés. Its weekly market takes place on Wednesdays.
🛍️ Stokesley – A charming town on the edge of the North York Moors, with a bustling high street, independent businesses and a traditional Friday market.
🍰 Malton – Known as Yorkshire’s Food Capital, this historic town is a paradise for food lovers, with artisan producers, specialist food shops, independent cafés and a Saturday market.
❤️ Supporting these wonderful places really matters!
Every coffee bought, gift purchased or visit to a local market helps support the independent businesses and hardworking people who keep our Yorkshire high streets alive.
So next time you’re planning a day out, why not explore one of our beautiful market towns, enjoy a little shopping, treat yourself to lunch and show some love for our fantastic local businesses?