Elianne
15 January 2019
There’s a reason why Nidderdale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s absolutely stunning! With plenty of walks to try including the 53-mile Nidderdale Way, there’s gorgeous scenery to view throughout this beautiful Yorkshire region from wonderful reservoirs to country parks. Discover iconic Brimham Rocks, wander the stylish streets of Harrogate or cosy up in a characterful country pub.
Take a look at some of the prettiest Nidderdale towns and villages to visit and find your next holiday destination in Yorkshire.
1. Pateley Bridge
Stone cottages sat side-by-side along narrow winding streets make up much of this beautiful countryside destination. Pateley Bridge is a hugely popular Yorkshire village and is always a hotspot for holidaymakers visiting the area.
It’s home to The Oldest Sweetshop in England, an award-winning high street and the King Street Workshops, home to artists, designers and local craftspeople.
Stay in a Pateley Bridge holiday cottage: Blue Plain Dairy | sleeps 4
2. Glasshouses
Around a mile outside Pateley Bridge is the small Nidderdale village of Glasshouses. It's home to a country pub/restaurant where you can enjoy a well-deserved meal out after a day walking the exquisite surrounding countryside and discovering the peaceful dam nearby.
The River Nidd passes close by offering a beautiful natural route to follow – perfect for picnics and paddling on a sunny day. If you bring your dog along on a dog-friendly holiday, they’ll love it as much as you do!
Stay in a Glasshouses holiday cottage: A trio of holiday cottages can be found in this quiet, peaceful Nidderdale village. There are Butterfly, Blossom and Dragonfly – each of which welcomes two guests and one dog for an unforgettable trip.
3. Masham
The market town of Masham is on the edge of Nidderdale and is well worth a visit. It’s home to two breweries, an annual sheep fair and a quartet of lovely pubs. It’s also home to a range of lovely shops and galleries, perfect for an afternoon of mooching!
There are fun events throughout the year for you to join in as well as wonderful attractions in the surrounding area. Go horse riding on the Yorkshire Dales with Masham Riding Centre or enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities over at Howe Stean Gorge. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy on a holiday to Masham.
Stay in a Masham holiday cottage: Agra Cottage | sleeps 6 and 1 dog
Masham cottages
4. Ripley
Named as one of the best places to live in North Yorkshire, Ripley is about halfway between Ripon and Harrogate. With lots of green spaces, a great country pub in the form of The Boar’s Head and attractions throughout the surrounding area, there’s plenty to see and do.
Go walking around the Ripley Lake or step foot in the grounds of the exquisite RHS Harlow Carr gardens where family events take place throughout the year. Ripley Castle and Gardens is a magnificent place to discover during your time here and if you are on holiday with a group, book in with Live For Today Adventures for an outdoor experience kayaking, zorbing or building a raft.
Stay in a Ripley holiday cottage: Scarah Cottage | sleeps 8 and 2 dogs
5. Kirkby Malzeard
Kirkby Malzeard has been home to a cheese creamery for almost 100 years and also has a handsome pub, village butchers, antique shop and plenty of pretty stone cottages. It’s between Ripon and Masham, so is ideally placed for visiting both market towns.
This pretty village is full of classic stone houses that encapsulate this beautiful area, offering up a delightful rural retreat for visitors to stay in. Enjoy peace and quiet while enjoying the opportunity to adventure out to other fun attractions including family-friendly Treetop Nets Yorkshire or the exquisite Marfield Wetlands.
Stay in a Kirby Malzeard holiday cottage: Churchby | sleeps 2
6. Summerbridge
Summerbridge is the nearest village to Brimham Rocks and has an idyllic position on the banks of the River Nidd. You’ll find a pub in the village and an array of gastro pubs and restaurants nearby.
Head out on a ramble across this especially scenic part of the Dales to discover those iconic rocks before venturing further afield to reservoirs and beautiful natural spaces offered up in this area, and retreating to your cosy holiday cottage for lazy evenings of relaxation.
Stay in a Summerbridge holiday cottage: Folly Rigg Cottage | sleeps 2 and 1 dog
7. Ramsgill
Right on the edge of Gouthwaite Reservoir, this pretty Nidderdale village enjoys wonderful waterside views as well as miles of scenic rural surroundings.
This pretty village is also the setting of renowned Yorkshire restaurant The Yorke Arms. This fabulous restaurant has held a Michelin Star since 2003, and the setting of Ramsgill is picture-perfect so make sure you visit while staying in Yorkshire.
Stay in a Ramsgill holiday cottage: Bluebell of Lofthouse | sleeps 4 and 2 dogs
8. Sawley
With a great community feel, the village hosts the annual Green Festival and a Jazz on the Green afternoon – why not plan your trip around either of these delightful events?
The village of Sawley is also just a stone’s throw from Fountain’s Abbey and from Studley Park. Go for a walk around Studley Royal Water Garden for a peaceful outdoorsy day, followed by dinner at one of the village’s excellent eateries. Sawley is home to the popular gastropub, The Sawley Arms.
Stay in a Sawley holiday cottage: Brown Hare Cottage | sleeps 2 and 1 dog
9. Hampsthwaite
The village of Hampsthwaite is just 5 miles from Harrogate and has been designated a Conservation Area and an Area of Great Landscape Value. Once a year the village plays host to the Hampsthwaite Feast and you’ll find a pub, bistro and village rooms in Hampsthwaite.
There are lots of pretty places to explore from your base in this characterful Yorkshire village including Ripley Castle, lake and deer park, all the fun attractions over at Knaresborough, and the stylish town of Harrogate itself.
Stay in a Hampsthwaite holiday cottage: The Platform | sleeps 4
Hampsthwaite cottages
10. Timble
Finally, we have the pretty Yorkshire village of Timble. Set on the slopes of the Washburn Valley, this wonderful holiday destination is close to two reservoirs (the Swinsty and the Fewston) and has an excellent gastropub in the form of The Timble Inn.
Enjoy long walks around these beautiful reservoirs, taking in breathtaking views, before returning to your cosy holiday cottage to unwind and make the most of your Yorkshire holiday.
Stay in a Timble holiday cottage: Poacher’s Den | sleeps 2
We have a great range of beautiful Yorkshire holiday cottages set in pretty villages throughout Nidderdale and the rest of Yorkshire. If you have your heart set on a retreat to this exquisite region, take a look through our collection of cottages in the Yorkshire Dales.
All Yorkshire Dales cottages
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.