I visited chocolate box village will make you forget about going home

The UK is home to a plethora of picturesque villages and charming destinations. One such place, nestled away in North Yorkshire, consistently ranks among the top spots to visit.

Thornton-le-Dale, perched on the fringes of the North York Moors National Park, is a quintessential English village that has garnered accolades for being Britain's most beautiful village, according to writer Emma Gill. And on a recent Easter trip with her family, she immediately understood the appeal. Charm and beauty combined to provide her with an unforgettable trip.

She said: "Located a few miles east of Pickering, Thornton-le-Dale is renowned for its idyllic charm, complete with enchanting thatched cottages and a gently flowing beck.

"On Easter Monday, the village hosted its annual duck race, releasing 1,000 rubber ducks into the water to raise funds for its Christmas lights.

"The 17th century Beck Isle Cottage, tucked away from the bustling main street and adjacent to the beck, is one of Yorkshire's most photographed landmarks, frequently gracing postcards, posters and calendars."

After parking at the central Maltongate car park, a short walk to the main street, passing by the verdant duck pond, is a delight in itself.

If time permits, according to Emma, there's also a nature trail encircling the pond, reports the Manchester Evening News.

She said: "Whether you prefer walking or cycling, routes can be accessed directly from the village, with Dalby Forest just a stone's throw away. However, our visit was dedicated to leisurely exploring the shops and indulging in some local cuisine.

"The area is predominantly populated by independent vendors, lending it a unique charm, and even boasts its own chocolate factory in the village square where handmade delights await."

With the sweet treats out of way, Emma took a scenic route to lunch, sampling the best art and antiques Thornton-le-Dale had to offer.

She said: "Following a leisurely perusal of Selbys Antiques and Fine Art showroom and a stroll along the beck – much to our dog's delight – we stumbled upon an idyllic spot for lunch.

"Baldersons, a bakery-cum-tearoom and gift shop, houses a charming tea garden at the back, which, to our relief, welcomes dogs too.

"This family-owned establishment traces its roots back to 1895 as a bakery in Ampleforth and has since been passed down generations, with traditional family recipes for cakes, breads, and pastries still in full swing.

"With a diverse menu on offer, we had no trouble selecting our meal – opting for a variety of paninis, chicken and salad, accompanied by fresh milkshakes and the invigorating Fentimans Victorian Lemonade."

Though the dessert menu looked appetising, Emma and her family decided to skip the sweet treats on offer for something cooler and more apt for the recent warm weather. To their delight, they were incredibly spoilt for choice.

Emma said: "We bypassed desserts at the cafe, instead heading to the adjacent Baldersons Ice Cream Parlour, offering a plethora of flavours ranging from coconut and lemon cheesecake to bubblegum and Turkish delight.

"While the locale isn't teeming with shops – not that we wanted it to be – there's ample to keep the entire family entertained for several hours, particularly if you're blessed with good weather for a splash in the stream.

"Our visit was part of a stay in the area, rather than a day trip, and it's approximately two hours from Manchester. However, its beauty is so captivating, we really didn't want to leave."