Beautiful market town in the North of England with good links to the capital

27 January 2024 , 07:22

1104     0

With a population of around 5,000 people, this peaceful yet charismatic town is home to bustling market square (Image: VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

A quaint market town in the north has been "one of the best places to live" in England - and it boats great transport links to London, too.

Popular areas such as London, Edinburgh and Lake District often populate the top spots on travel lists but many lesser-known places also make for a charismatic getaway. And with a local population of just 5,000 people, the peaceful town of Thirsk in North Yorkshire - with it's thriving market square and chocolate box architecture - has been "the perfect place to experience the beauty and charm of Yorkshire".

The picturesque town boasts all the charm of a village but with the convenience of a small town, thanks to its weekly market - held every Monday - offering everything from local produce to handmade arts and crafts. And if shopping isn't quite your bag, Thirsk's charming streets, historic buildings and stunning scenery will surely give you all the feels.

Thirsk is the perfect place to experience the beauty and charm of Yorkshire (Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The fans of the book series All Creatures Great and Small can pay a visit to the original surgery of the fictional vet, James Herriot, real name James Alfred Wight, which has been turned into the World of James Herriot Museum. The town was, of course, home of the book's "Herriot Country" with the town called Darrowby in the much lauded book series.

Speaking of the idyllic location, Welcome to Yorkshire writes: “Boasting the spectacular backdrops of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, it’s no wonder this much-loved author was so inspired living and working here." And if a flutter is your bag, another popular venue - the Thirsk Racecourse - hosts several events throughout the year.

You can now vote for your favourite Tourism Superstar for 2023

And due to Thirsk's location in "God's Country", there are plenty of other places in the area to explore. From Thirsk, you can drive to the North York Moors National Park, which offers stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Another nearby attraction is the historic city of York, which is packed with museums, galleries, and historic landmarks. Furthermore, Thirsk is also easy to get to visit from London as it has a railway station on the East Coast Main Line, with direct connection to the capital.

Joseph Gamp